The Highland Commander

Amy Jarecki

Jun 2017 · Sold by Forever

About this ebook

"Readers craving history entwined with their romance (a la Outlander) will find everything they desire in Jarecki's latest. Scottish romance fans rejoice." --RT Book Reviews
She cannot resist the man behind the mask... As the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl, Lady Magdalen Keith is not one to partake in lavish balls or other frivolities. Yet at her father's urging, she agrees to dance with the battle-weary officers at this year's holiday masquerade. It's practically her civic duty! But when one such officer--whose dashing good looks cannot be disguised by a mere mask--sweeps her off her feet and into his arms, the innocent lass can't help herself. Her lips are his for the taking.
But will he betray his country for a kiss? Navy lieutenant Aiden Murray has spent too many months at sea to be immune to the charms of this lovely beauty. Even after he returns to his ship, she lives in his dreams. But when he discovers Maddie's true identity-and learns that her father is accused of treason-will the brawny Scot risk his life to follow his heart?
"This book hit all the right notes for me: swoon-worthy hero (oh, so, swoon-worthy); a sympathetic and capable heroine; intrigue and action scenes (fast paced); witty dialogue and banter; and sensual love scenes that grow the relationship. An excellent read." -- The Romance Dish

Ratings and reviews

Aiden and Maddie had met at a masqued ball on Hogmanay Eve a few months before, and Aiden had been immediately smitten with the lady in blue. First Lieutenant Aiden Murray had to board his ship, but he never forgot the fair maiden, neither did Lady Magdalen Keith forget the handsome Highlander, who according to her father would be a fine match. Maddie is the illegitimate, albeit acknowledged, daughter of William Keith, the Earl Marischal of Scotland and a Jacobite. Life went on uneventfully for a few months until Maddie learns that her father has been captured by the English and taken to the Tower of London for treason. Maddie’s stepmother who is with child, and who has always shunned her stepdaughter, begs her to travel to London. Maddie leaves right away with her faithful lady’s maid Agnes. No sooner are they on their way to Whitehall, that their carriage has an accident. Aiden also happened to be on his way to Whitehall, and he cannot believe his eyes! Maddie is also thrilled, but Aiden is with Her Majesty’s Navy: is Aiden friend or foe? And Amy Jarecki has done it again! I fell in love right away with Aiden and Maddie; they are so young, exuberant, and utterly irresistible! Aiden is not a rake, he’s just about as innocent as Maddie, and how refreshing to have a charismatic hero who hasn’t tupped every willing female in sight. Ms. Jarecki’s feeling for the era is astounding, as she describes the sights and smells with loving clarity. Historical facts and fiction are skilfully blended as to make the story seamless and utterly believable in every way. Ms. Jarecki’s lavish descriptions and attention to detail make THE HIGHLAND COMMANDER a spellbinding tale of love and intrigue. Aiden is dashing, and a consummate sailor as well as a gentleman, and he doesn’t care if Maddie is a bastard, which nobody lets her forget. He might be the son of a Duke, but he loves her with all his heart. It was so lovely to see two young characters behaving as such, and I think it was the most realistic depiction of a young couple in a historical romance. I hope this does not constitute a spoiler, but Aiden is a virgin – for which I give Ms. Jarecki extra marks – and his attempts at acquiring some experience in the boudoir are very entertaining and good for a few laughs. But there is even more than a splendid romance in THE HIGHLAND COMMANDER: political machinations abound, danger lurks at every corner, and the adventures of Aiden and Maddie unfold at breakneck speed. THE HIGHLAND COMMANDER has it all, in perfect dosage, and all of it superbly written. I already cannot wait for the next instalment in this series! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Author Amy Jarecki is a auto-buy author for me. Her books are packed with emotion, suspense, sometimes based loosely on history, other times follows very closely the time and events. Her books take you to a world where challenges seemingly are insurmountable, where you cheer for the success of the ‘good guys’ and ready to punch out the lights of the bad. Her stories also expose injustices, the brutality of man in the political arena and religious ones. Something, even today, man hasn’t crawled out of this chasm of human frailty. What you discover about her characters are easily identified in man to this day. Lord Aiden Murray is a second son of an earl who takes to the seas becoming his own man at a very young age. He is posted as First Lieutenant sailing aboard the Royal Mary. At 22, he is ribbed by his fellow officers, has very good rapport with them. He certainly is not a novice in the skills he’s acquired on sea, except for one small item. He doesn’t have a woman in many ports, he doesn’t have a woman in any ports, and he just hasn’t had a woman at all. Being a young man, this worries him. He’s eager to find a woman of some skill to bring him fully into manhood. ‘Tis verra’ embarrassing to him. His thoughts: quote But by the saints, he’d been aboard the Royal Mary for the past month without setting foot shore. Bloody oath, he intended to kick up his heels this eve–swill ale, swing the lassies in a reel–mayhap he’d even find a bonny lass he fancied. Damn the cold. Damn political posturing. Damn the war. And whilst I’m at it, damn the queen. This was Hogmanay–a pagan Scottish holiday–and he would enjoy the piss out of it for once in his miserable highborn life. ***** I am amused and delighted with the innocence of Aiden. While at the party, he meets a young woman, Lady Magdalen Keith, whom he’s immediately attracted to. But seeing she, too, would be chartering new waters, virginal as he is, he only sneaks a kiss. This kiss, however, stays with him and torments him with such internal conflict, he quickly becomes a hero close to the heart. Lady Magdalen Keith, has had a difficult time growing up in Stonehaven. She’s a bastard, rarely leaves her small town, but when her father gets involved in a political skirmish, finds himself in prison, she is determined to help him. Perhaps, she’ll finally mean something more to him. She happens upon Aiden in London trying to figure out how to get to her father. She is so much a fish out of water, but her character does her a great service. She is an amazing character with strengths and weaknesses, a woman of honor and a love for Aiden, you will identify with her, feeling her pain and wonder of new love. This series is a must-read for those who love settings in the Highlands and London. Jarecki brings it all to life in four-dimensional living color! That is to say, what you see is not necessarily the complete picture, hidden multi-layered nuances enrich the story. Join Jarecki’s many fans who love her stories!

'The Highland Commander' by Amy Jarecki is book Two in the "Lords of the Highlands" series. This is the story of Lady Magdalen 'Maddie 'Keith and Aiden Murray. This can easily be a standalone book.Maddie is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl. Once her father married the wife did not want her in site and so she was raised with a ladies maid. Aiden is the second son of an Earl and with that being the case he has been grated freedom that an heir wouldn't have. So Aiden had joined the Scottish Naval to go forward with his life. There on a outing from the ship he happens to meet Maddie at a Masquerade ball that he is attending with his fellow workers. Maddie is allowed to attend since it is a Masquerade ball that her father is giving and it will be a chance to see him in an open setting. But her chance meeting with Aiden has left her breathless but they both know that they won't see each other again. About a year or so later Maddie is asked by her Step Mother to help her father who has been taken in for treason. Maddie who has never been useful or wanted by her Step Mother before now needs her it seems. Maddie goes forward to be the voice for her father but things just doesn't go very easily for her. Aiden happens to come to the aid of a women who he quick realizes it is Maddie from the Masquerade ball. Aiden takes her into his family home to give her a place to stay while she is trying to sort out this business with her father. Aiden and Maddie don't have a easy time of it but with Love it always wins in the end!"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily

About the author

Award winning and Amazon All-Star author, Amy Jarecki likes to grab life, latch on, and reach for the stars. She's married to a mountain-biking pharmacist and has put four kids through college. She studies karate, ballet, yoga, and often you'll find her hiking Utah's Santa Clara Hills. Reinventing herself a number of times, Amy sang and danced with the Follies, was a ballet dancer, a plant manager, and an accountant for Arnott's Biscuits in Australia. After earning her MBA from Heroit-Watt University in Scotland, she dove into the world of Scottish historical romance and hasn't returned. Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy's books on amyjarecki.com.