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rcrg's review
5.0
This was pure fabulous! I love this writing duo.
They weave words together in such a way that I am mesmerized by the story. I love historicals that blend real history entwined with fictional characters. This was perfection.
They weave words together in such a way that I am mesmerized by the story. I love historicals that blend real history entwined with fictional characters. This was perfection.
books_and_more_books_byt's review
5.0
This is the first book in the new series Royal Highlanders and it started the series off wonderfully. The prologue itself draws you into the story and you never want to put the book down! The story is full of political suspense, history, romance, and adventure. It was well written and fast paced. The authors research and knowledge of history in that time period shows in the writing of the story. The descriptions were so wonderful and full of detail. I loved all the suspense and was drawn in by the characters. Isabella and Cinaed were so courageous and brave. I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book of the series. I received a digital ARC of this novel courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
blodeuedd's review
3.0
I must say, this was not historical romance. Not quite historical fiction either, so let us say romantic historical then.
See, it was more about the struggle of the Scots, riots, talks of freedom, the run from the evil British, her being a doctor, than actual romance. When the book ended all I thought was Scotland needs to be free! So yes that says a lot.
Isabella are running from the British army (though I did think they spent WAY too much effort on finding her.) On her way to freedom she finds a cranky, but nice old lady. And then she meets Cinead.
Oh yes Cinead, the blurb makes it so that we get to know his secret, but that actually comes out at the end. Of course it was quite easy to figure out. But he was this nice guy who wanted to protect her, and that is so not easy with all those evil Brits after her. Brits are so EVIL! I know about what they did in Scotland, how they took land and destroyed villages, but ugh, they are so evil.
It was not the light read that I expected. Lots of darkness, mistrust and it does not even end with a solid hea, as the author says that their hea will continue in the next books (which are about her sister and stepdaughter.)
I did like it, but yes I do confess it was not what I expected.
Raphael Corkhill, Saskia Maarleveld
I have not listened to Corkhill before, but I did enjoy his narration, and he made it seem like the Cinead point and the quotes at the beginning was narrated by two different narrators. So that was very well done. Also Scottish accent, rawr
I have listened to Saskia before and I do enjoy her style. Isabella and a certain cranky lady sure shone through
See, it was more about the struggle of the Scots, riots, talks of freedom, the run from the evil British, her being a doctor, than actual romance. When the book ended all I thought was Scotland needs to be free! So yes that says a lot.
Isabella are running from the British army (though I did think they spent WAY too much effort on finding her.) On her way to freedom she finds a cranky, but nice old lady. And then she meets Cinead.
Oh yes Cinead, the blurb makes it so that we get to know his secret, but that actually comes out at the end. Of course it was quite easy to figure out. But he was this nice guy who wanted to protect her, and that is so not easy with all those evil Brits after her. Brits are so EVIL! I know about what they did in Scotland, how they took land and destroyed villages, but ugh, they are so evil.
It was not the light read that I expected. Lots of darkness, mistrust and it does not even end with a solid hea, as the author says that their hea will continue in the next books (which are about her sister and stepdaughter.)
I did like it, but yes I do confess it was not what I expected.
Raphael Corkhill, Saskia Maarleveld
I have not listened to Corkhill before, but I did enjoy his narration, and he made it seem like the Cinead point and the quotes at the beginning was narrated by two different narrators. So that was very well done. Also Scottish accent, rawr
I have listened to Saskia before and I do enjoy her style. Isabella and a certain cranky lady sure shone through
bookslifeandeverythingnice's review
4.0
Thank you to Goodreads, St. Martin’s Paperback, and May McGoldrick for an ARC book. I never got a notification from Goodreads that I won the book in a Goodreads Giveaway, but one day the book arrived in the mail with a note from the publisher stating I had won the book in the Goodreads Giveaway. Technical error, maybe? But I got an enjoyable book that I would not have otherwise picked up. As always, an honest review from me.
My rating is 3.5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Like:
- Main character is strong, intelligent, caring human … and she’s a physician
- Her love interest is generous, caring, strong and stubborn
- Feminist principles sprinkled throughout, despite the time period
- The romance - perfect amount of passion, respect and sexy times without being too graphic or unrealistic
Love: —
Dislike:
- The last 1/4 of the book, because I don’t really care for fighting, violence and damage to buildings
Wish that:
- There was more context about the historical aspects. I don’t know much about this time period, so was a bit lost as to the significance.
Overall, a fairly typical but well done historical romance book. I liked it, but if you’re a big fan of the genre you will probably love it.
My rating is 3.5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Like:
- Main character is strong, intelligent, caring human … and she’s a physician
- Her love interest is generous, caring, strong and stubborn
- Feminist principles sprinkled throughout, despite the time period
- The romance - perfect amount of passion, respect and sexy times without being too graphic or unrealistic
Love: —
Dislike:
- The last 1/4 of the book, because I don’t really care for fighting, violence and damage to buildings
Wish that:
- There was more context about the historical aspects. I don’t know much about this time period, so was a bit lost as to the significance.
Overall, a fairly typical but well done historical romance book. I liked it, but if you’re a big fan of the genre you will probably love it.
scoutmomskf's review
5.0
Excellent blend of history and fiction along with a fantastic romance. It is unusual to find a Regency-era novel that doesn't deal mainly with the English nobility and their high society lives. In this book, we have a female Scottish physician and surgeon with a price on her head and the independent Scottish sea captain who came to her rescue. I was sucked into this book from the first pages and didn't put it down until I read the last page.
It opened with some musings supposedly by Sir Walter Scott, who felt guilty over what he saw as his unintended influence on what has happened to the Scottish people. It was a time of social unrest throughout Great Britain. Life is especially hard in Scotland which still suffered from the consequences of the Jacobite Rebellion. In Edinburgh, Isabella Drummond is a trained doctor and surgeon who is called to treat everyone, no matter their status. Her husband, who is also a doctor, is an activist with those pushing for reform. When protests turned deadly, her husband was killed, her younger sister and stepdaughter were spirited to safety, while Isabella was taken to a small fishing village to hide. Both the British and the Scottish rebels have put a price on her head, the first wanting to find out what she knows and the second to prevent her from talking.
I liked Isabella from the beginning. She was smart, stubborn, and driven. She had no trouble speaking her mind and standing up for what she believed was right. Jean, her "hostess" is something of a curmudgeon. When they witness a shipwreck on the reef, Isabella was horrified to see the villagers shoot a man on one of the lifeboats, angry that the ship exploded before they could recover any of the cargo. The argument between Isabella and Jean over Isabella's determination to save the man was intense, and I loved seeing Isabella out-stubborn Jean. The description of Isabella's efforts was so vivid I felt as though I was there.
Cinead was a self-made man. He was cast from his family and sent to sea at the age of twelve, and has created a life where his only loyalty is to himself - or so he likes to believe. However, it was clear from his first appearance that he is protective of his crew, and of those he sees as needing help. Even as severely injured as he was, he found the strength to protect Isabella and Jean when they were threatened. He was drawn to Isabella, though he also sensed that she had secrets that were dangerous to her and any who tried to help her.
The intrigue and drama that followed Cinead, Isabella, and Jean from the seaside village to Inverness to his former home at Dalmigavie Castle had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. The price on Isabella's head brought the attention of a British soldier that would give Outlander's Black Jack Randall a run for his money. The only way that Cinead could think of to keep her safe was to take her to his Uncle Searc, a man of questionable values and morals. And the best way to protect her from Searc was to pretend that they were married. I loved seeing Cinead and Isabella grow closer. It was clear that Cinead was quite happy to have Isabella as his wife, and he would like nothing more than to make it real. Isabella was a bit warier. Because of the price on her head, she was determined to retrieve her sister and stepdaughter and emigrate to Canada, but she also could not deny her growing feelings for Cinead.
To complicate matters, the Scottish protests against British tyranny were spreading from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness. Cinead found his love for his homeland growing and was caught up in the intensifying unrest. Meanwhile, Isabella's concern for the people of the town had her taking risks in her efforts to treat their illnesses and injuries. When the peoples' peaceful protests ran up against the British army's determination to maintain their iron-fisted control, the results were predictably inflammatory. I was on the edge of my seat as Isabella came face-to-face with her nemesis. The encounter was a nail-biter, and I loved how it turned out.
Once peace was restored, it was time for Cinead and Isabella to go to Dalmigavie Castle. Cinead had to face his past, starting with a confrontation with the uncle who threw him out. There were some unexpected revelations that came out of this conversation. Cinead discovered that not everything was as black-and-white as he remembered it. He was shocked by the things he learned, which put a whole new spin on his plans. All he needed to do was convince Isabella of his love. Isabella had some eye-opening conversations herself. The sister and stepdaughter that she thought were anxious to leave Scotland had undergone some changes while they were apart. I loved seeing these two young women stand up for their futures, which in turn freed Isabella to go after what she wanted. I can't wait to read the next book to see what is in store for Cinead and Isabella, as well as Maisie and Morrigan.
It opened with some musings supposedly by Sir Walter Scott, who felt guilty over what he saw as his unintended influence on what has happened to the Scottish people. It was a time of social unrest throughout Great Britain. Life is especially hard in Scotland which still suffered from the consequences of the Jacobite Rebellion. In Edinburgh, Isabella Drummond is a trained doctor and surgeon who is called to treat everyone, no matter their status. Her husband, who is also a doctor, is an activist with those pushing for reform. When protests turned deadly, her husband was killed, her younger sister and stepdaughter were spirited to safety, while Isabella was taken to a small fishing village to hide. Both the British and the Scottish rebels have put a price on her head, the first wanting to find out what she knows and the second to prevent her from talking.
I liked Isabella from the beginning. She was smart, stubborn, and driven. She had no trouble speaking her mind and standing up for what she believed was right. Jean, her "hostess" is something of a curmudgeon. When they witness a shipwreck on the reef, Isabella was horrified to see the villagers shoot a man on one of the lifeboats, angry that the ship exploded before they could recover any of the cargo. The argument between Isabella and Jean over Isabella's determination to save the man was intense, and I loved seeing Isabella out-stubborn Jean. The description of Isabella's efforts was so vivid I felt as though I was there.
Cinead was a self-made man. He was cast from his family and sent to sea at the age of twelve, and has created a life where his only loyalty is to himself - or so he likes to believe. However, it was clear from his first appearance that he is protective of his crew, and of those he sees as needing help. Even as severely injured as he was, he found the strength to protect Isabella and Jean when they were threatened. He was drawn to Isabella, though he also sensed that she had secrets that were dangerous to her and any who tried to help her.
The intrigue and drama that followed Cinead, Isabella, and Jean from the seaside village to Inverness to his former home at Dalmigavie Castle had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. The price on Isabella's head brought the attention of a British soldier that would give Outlander's Black Jack Randall a run for his money. The only way that Cinead could think of to keep her safe was to take her to his Uncle Searc, a man of questionable values and morals. And the best way to protect her from Searc was to pretend that they were married. I loved seeing Cinead and Isabella grow closer. It was clear that Cinead was quite happy to have Isabella as his wife, and he would like nothing more than to make it real. Isabella was a bit warier. Because of the price on her head, she was determined to retrieve her sister and stepdaughter and emigrate to Canada, but she also could not deny her growing feelings for Cinead.
To complicate matters, the Scottish protests against British tyranny were spreading from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness. Cinead found his love for his homeland growing and was caught up in the intensifying unrest. Meanwhile, Isabella's concern for the people of the town had her taking risks in her efforts to treat their illnesses and injuries. When the peoples' peaceful protests ran up against the British army's determination to maintain their iron-fisted control, the results were predictably inflammatory. I was on the edge of my seat as Isabella came face-to-face with her nemesis. The encounter was a nail-biter, and I loved how it turned out.
Once peace was restored, it was time for Cinead and Isabella to go to Dalmigavie Castle. Cinead had to face his past, starting with a confrontation with the uncle who threw him out. There were some unexpected revelations that came out of this conversation. Cinead discovered that not everything was as black-and-white as he remembered it. He was shocked by the things he learned, which put a whole new spin on his plans. All he needed to do was convince Isabella of his love. Isabella had some eye-opening conversations herself. The sister and stepdaughter that she thought were anxious to leave Scotland had undergone some changes while they were apart. I loved seeing these two young women stand up for their futures, which in turn freed Isabella to go after what she wanted. I can't wait to read the next book to see what is in store for Cinead and Isabella, as well as Maisie and Morrigan.
andipants's review
1.0
Definitely disappointed in this one. I like a fair amount of action with my romance, but the romance plot here was perfunctory at best: insta-love, with no romantic conflict or emotional growth at all, and fade-to-black sex scenes at inexplicable times that do nothing at all to advance the story. The plot as a whole was all action, all the time, so much so that you almost (but not quite) miss the fact that no one's motivations make sense under even the barest scrutiny. The characters are flat archetypes, or in Jean's case, utterly nonsensical; she is by turns cranky, loving, suspicious, trusting, frail, strong, cynical, or hopeful, not due to any kind of organic growth or character development, but simply whatever is convenient for the plot at any given moment. And the big reveal of Cinaed's parentage, and really his entire backstory, just don't make sense. Such a disappointment. Pass.
joanav's review
2.0
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Thank you.
Review will be posted at Romancing Romances on the publication day.
2.25*
This was the first book I’ve read of May McGoldrick (whom is actually two people) and, sadly, it just wasn’t it for me.
I really wanted to like the characters, but I found myself annoyed by Isabella, and a bit confused by Cinaed.
The book has a great premise, and the story is interesting – I love stories that have not only the romance, but something that ties everything together, and this book had that, even if it is sometimes confusing.
I really wanted to like Isabella, but she just didn’t rise to the expectations. She was a physician, and that was the most interesting part about her.
I liked Cinaed, but sometimes he was a bit confusing – completely trusting, and then suspicious, but always ready to protect Isabella… It seemed a bit forced.
Also, I’m not a fan of insta-love. And even though this was more of an insta-attraction for Isabella, it felt like insta-love to Cinaed.
There was a lot going around and sometimes it became confusing and the actions of the characters didn’t seem completely faithful to whom they were.
Sadly, I just didn’t connect with the book. It was the first book I read in 2019, and it took me a whole month to read it. Not the best introduction to this author.
Review will be posted at Romancing Romances on the publication day.
2.25*
This was the first book I’ve read of May McGoldrick (whom is actually two people) and, sadly, it just wasn’t it for me.
I really wanted to like the characters, but I found myself annoyed by Isabella, and a bit confused by Cinaed.
The book has a great premise, and the story is interesting – I love stories that have not only the romance, but something that ties everything together, and this book had that, even if it is sometimes confusing.
I really wanted to like Isabella, but she just didn’t rise to the expectations. She was a physician, and that was the most interesting part about her.
I liked Cinaed, but sometimes he was a bit confusing – completely trusting, and then suspicious, but always ready to protect Isabella… It seemed a bit forced.
Also, I’m not a fan of insta-love. And even though this was more of an insta-attraction for Isabella, it felt like insta-love to Cinaed.
There was a lot going around and sometimes it became confusing and the actions of the characters didn’t seem completely faithful to whom they were.
Sadly, I just didn’t connect with the book. It was the first book I read in 2019, and it took me a whole month to read it. Not the best introduction to this author.
melissasfandomworld's review
4.0
3,5 Stars.
A Really enjoyable historical romance story set in Schotland. Gave me all the outlander feels. Review will follow closer to the release date.
A Really enjoyable historical romance story set in Schotland. Gave me all the outlander feels. Review will follow closer to the release date.
gothai's review
4.0
An adventurous romance book with historical factors set in the highlands. Cinead and Isabella were interesting characters. The book is fast paced and exiting. To know more about the twist revealed at the end, we have to wait for the next book in the series
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
kristy_k's review
3.0
2.5 Stars
My biggest issue with this book is that I didn’t like the romance and since it’s primarily a romance, this was an issue. Isabella and Cinaed come together so quickly and don’t really have time to get to know each other that it was hard to but the connection they supposedly had. Politics played a major role in the plot which was an rare addition to a historical romance, I thought.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
My biggest issue with this book is that I didn’t like the romance and since it’s primarily a romance, this was an issue. Isabella and Cinaed come together so quickly and don’t really have time to get to know each other that it was hard to but the connection they supposedly had. Politics played a major role in the plot which was an rare addition to a historical romance, I thought.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.