As the wind and rain rattle John Gordon's Auld Aunt Jean's wee house in Duff Head in northeastern Scotland, Isabella listens to Jean's dire predictions about how unsafe the small village is for her. After being forced to flee from her Edinburgh home where her husband was murdered in cold blood, Isabella is fully aware of how powerful the thousand pounds sterling bounty now on her head would quickly cause people to turn her over to the English soldiers. Then, she is certain to face trial and her execution.

When news of a shipwreck reaches them, Isabella cannot resist acting and ignores Jean's stern warnings. She is a professionally trained doctor and she had seen enough death. If she could help, she would. Spotting a man near death, she is bound and determined to save him over Jean's objections. The ship had exploded and the desperate villagers are angered that they have been robbed from stealing any salvage. Even as she struggles to save the dying man, how can they escape?

HIGHLAND CROWN is the exciting first book in the Royal Highlander series by May McGoldrick (skillfully penned by the very popular and award-winning writing team of Nikoo and James McGoldrick, with more than 40 books to their credit). Set in the 1820s near Inverness, Scotland, this fast-paced, exciting story is full of almost nonstop action from shipwrecks at sea to the protest gatherings of workers determined to seek a fairer wage for their hard work. The McGoldrick team have a lovely talent for giving just enough period detail that readers will feel drawn into an authentic story; yet, it is not so overdone that it overwhelms the dramatic and intriguing happenings in HIGHLAND CROWN.

Isabella is a very intelligent and immensely likable character. Due to her unique background as a physician, she is compassionate to others while her excellent observational and other skills that enable her to interact across various the various social strata in Scotland. The shipwreck's captain is none other than Cinaed Mackintosh, a handsome man of strength and quick wits, despite his injuries. He is the quintessential hero and I could understand why Isabella falls for him when my own heart yearns for his passionate embraces as well.

A key strength of the story for me is how effectively the writers integrate the characters' thoughts with their witty dialogues, especially as Isabella and Cinaed's relationship blossoms almost as fast as their ill-fated troubles arise. The McGoldrick team also demonstrates their solid research into the times of the 1820s Radical War as the various attitudes, actions, and mannerisms of the characters ring true to their nature, be they brutal or kind.

While HIGHLAND CROWNis a terrific lead-in book to this awesome new series about the Murray women, it also reads well as a stand-alone historical romance; although I must admit it does leave the reader panting for more. I am so glad that the sequel, HIGHLAND JEWEL featuring Maisie Murray and her family's adventures, will soon be available! If you love historical romances or are already a May McGoldrick fan, I am very sure you will find great pleasure in slipping back into those turbulent times to follow the twists and turns to the very unexpected ending. Enjoy the discovery in the HIGHLAND CROWN!

Book Summary

Scottish pride, persuasion, and passion—this is Highland romance at its breathtaking best.

Inverness, 1820
Perched on the North Sea, this port town—by turns legendary and mythological—is a place where Highland rebels and English authorities clash in a mortal struggle for survival and dominance. Among the fray is a lovely young widow who possesses rare and special gifts.

WANTED: Isabella Drummond
A true beauty and trained physician, Isabella has inspired longing and mystery—and fury—in a great many men. Hunted by both the British government and Scottish rebels, she came to the Highlands in search of survival. But a dying ship’s captain will steer her fate into even stormier waters. . .and her heart into flames.

FOUND: Cinaed Mackintosh
Cast from his home as a child, Cinaed is a fierce soul whose allegiance is only to himself. . .until Isabella saved his life—and added more risk to her own. Now, the only way Cinaed can keep her safe to seek refuge at Dalmigavie Castle, the Mackintosh family seat. But when the scandalous truth of his past comes out, any chance of Cinaed having a bright future with Isabella is thrown into complete darkness. What will these two ill-fated lovers have to sacrifice to be together…for eternity?

Read an Excerpt