Highland Jewel (Royal Highlander #2)

The enjoyable second Royal Highlander historical (after Highland Crown) from McGoldrick (a shared pseudonym for a husband-and-wife team), set in early-19th-century Scotland, is fast-paced and filled with political unrest. Maisie Murray started the Edinburgh chapter of the Female Reform Society with her friend Fiona Johnson. When British troops become violent in response to one of the Female Reform Society’s protests, Fiona’s brother, former Royal Highland Regiment soldier Lt. Niall Campbell, rescues Maisie. Niall and Maisie’s friendship, based upon mutual understanding and respect, blossoms into romance, which culminates in a marriage proposal from Niall. But before the two can make plans to wed, Fiona is kidnapped, and Niall leaves Edinburgh determined to find his sister. Niall is also approached by an advisor to Queen Caroline and agrees to search for her son, Cinaed Mackintosh, whom she has not seen in years. When Niall finds Cinaed, he is living with Isabella, his new wife—and Maisie, who happens to be Isabella’s sister and fears that Niall has come to kill Cinaed. Fans of romances with mystery, accurate historical intrigue, and magnetic characters will thoroughly enjoy this installment. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Sept.)