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WORK TITLE: The Highland Duke
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://amyjarecki.com/
CITY:
STATE: UT
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
http://amyjarecki.com/bio/ * https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/amyjarecki
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married.
EDUCATION:Heriot-Watt University, M.B.A., 1996.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Ball Corporation, plant manager, 1998-2010; BWAY Corporation, plant manager, 2010-2012.
AVOCATIONS:Singing.
RELIGION: EpiscopalianWRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Amy Jarecki holds a master’s of business administration from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. She worked as a plant manager for many years before turning full time to writing in 2012. She now lives in Utah, but her novels are largely historical romances set in Scotland, mainly in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Jarecki has written standalone books and also novel in six Scottish historical series: “Roman-Pict Love Stories,” “Highland Force,” “Highland Dynasty,” “Guardian of Scotland,” “Highland Defender,”and “Lords of the Highlands.” She has also written books in a series called “ICE,” following the exploits of members of the International Clandestine Enterprise, a secret NATO group on a mission to eradicate terrorism.
The Highland Duke
The “Lords of the Highlands” series begins with The Highland Duke. In eighteenth-century Scotland in the wake of the Jacobite revolution, Akira Ayres, a Roma healer, finds a wounded highlander and stops to tend his injury. The stranger will not tell her his name. In truth, Geordie is the Duke of Gordon. He is being pursued by the English, who believe him to be a traitor to the crown. Akira joins him in his flight.
A reviewer in Publishers Weekly found that the “romance is scintillating and moving, enhanced by fast-paced suspense.” An Addicted to Romance website critic singled out the “historical elements” for praise and found the tale a “heart stopping and sensually intriguing romance that takes you on an adventure of a lifetime.” Writing on the Night Owl Romance website, L. Wynters also praised the romantic aspect, calling it “beautiful, appealing and rugged all wrapped in a truly delightful story.” Wynters termed the writing “clean and pristine.” A contributor to Romantic Historical Reviews deemed the story “rich” and the Akira and Geordie “fully developed characters who each take a very personal journey of discovery.” A critic on the Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews website applauded this “highland road trip romance,” full of “horse chases, and highlands to traverse, and redcoats to avoid” as well as “injuries to heal, storms to weather, and identities to remain hidden.”
The Highland Commander
The second novel of the series, The Highland Commander, follows the tale of Lady Magdalen “Maddie” Keith and naval officer Aiden Murray after they meet at a ball. This entry in the series also takes place in Scotland in the eighteenth century and is likewise concerned with romance and treason as well as love between a high-born man and a commoner.
A Publishers Weekly critic wrote that Jarecki “brings the novel to life with vivid historical detail.” At the Historical Novel Society website, a critic described the “dialogue” and story line as “masterfully crafted.” The reviewer concluded that it is a “memorable tale of a couple rising with dignity and honor out of fiery trials.” A contributor on the All About Romance website commented that the book “throws its protagonists deep into the rising tensions between England and Scotland during the reign of the last Stuart monarch” where “loyalties are constantly questioned and all it takes is a whispered accusation of treason for a life to be ruined.” The reviewer concluded that “readers should be prepared to lose their hearts to a brave couple who go through hell and back to secure a love that can withstand any risk.” The critic on the Addicted to Romance website characterized The Highland Commander as “brilliant and stunning.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, February 6, 2017, review of The Highland Duke, p. 52; May 22, 2017, review of The Highland Commander, p. 78.
ONLINE
Addicted to Romance, http://addictedtoromance.org/ (March 20, 2017), review of The Highland Duke; (July 3, 2017), review of The Highland Commander.
All About Romance, https://allaboutromance.com/ (October 8, 2017), review of The Highland Commander.
Historical Novel Society, https://historicalnovelsociety.org/ (October 8, 2017), review of The Highland Commander.
Night Owl Romance, https://www.nightowlreviews.com/ (February, 2017), L. Wynters, review of The Highland Duke.
Romantic Historical Reviews, http://www.romantichistoricalreviews.com/ (April 5, 2017), review of The Highland Duke.
Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews, https://straightshootinbookreviews.com/ (March 24, 2017), review of The Highland Duke; (July 19, 2017), review of The Highland Commander.
Amy Jarecki
Biography
Amy adores Scotland. Though she now resides in southwest Utah, she received her MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Winning multiple writing awards, she has focused on the genre of Scottish historical romance. Her favorite eras are the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries with a pair of Roman/Pict novels coming in late 2014.
BIO
AMY JARECKI
An Amazon Bestselling Author and an Award Winning Author.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amy holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Southwest Utah with her husband where she mostly writes historical romance. When time is available, she lectures on writing topics at conferences across the US.
Amy’s first published novel, now titled Boy Man Chief, won the League of Utah Writers award for Best Manuscript, and the St. George Spark Book Award. Since then, she has won many other writing awards, including hitting Amazon’s Top 100 Bestseller List, an Amazon All Star Author, as well as being a “crowdsourced” winning author through Amazon’s Kindle Scout Program for A Highland Knight’s Desire. In 2016 she won a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for BEST TIME TRAVEL for her novel Rise of a Legend.
In addition to historical romance novels, one of Amy’s passions is romantic suspense. Stay tuned for her action packed ICE Series (International Clandestine Enterprise) to be announced in the coming months!
Amy Jarecki
Amy Jarecki
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Author/Editor
Amy Jarecki Writes Heriot-Watt University
Saint George, Utah 500+ 500+ connections
Send InMail Send an InMail to Amy Jarecki More actions
Author, represented by Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency
See more See more of Amy’s summary
Experience
Amy Jarecki Writes
Self Employed
Company NameAmy Jarecki Writes
Dates EmployedFeb 2012 – Present Employment Duration5 yrs 9 mos
LocationSt. George, Utah
~Adventure Kissed by Romance~
BWAY Corporation
Plant Manager
Company NameBWAY Corporation
Dates EmployedJan 2010 – Feb 2012 Employment Duration2 yrs 2 mos
Ball Corporation
Plant Manager
Company NameBall Corporation
Dates EmployedAug 1998 – 2010 Employment Duration12 yrs
Ball Plastic Containers
Plant Manager
Company NameBall Plastic Containers
Dates Employed1998 – 2010 Employment Duration12 yrs
Education
Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University
Degree NameMBA Field Of StudyBusiness Administration
Dates attended or expected graduation 1993 – 1996
Volunteer Experience
Heritage Writers Guild
Past President
Company NameHeritage Writers Guild
Dates volunteeredSep 2013 – May 2015 Volunteer duration1 yr 9 mos
Cause Arts and Culture
Past president of the HWG
Grace Episcopal Church
Choir
Company NameGrace Episcopal Church
Dates volunteeredMay 2012 – Present Volunteer duration5 yrs 6 mos
Cause Arts and Culture
Choir member and director
The Highland Commander
Publishers Weekly.
264.21 (May 22, 2017): p78.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Highland Commander
Amy Jarecki. Forever, $7.99 mass market (384p) ISBN 978-1-4555-9785-7
Jarecki's second Lords of the Highlands historical (after The Highland Duke), set in early-18th-century England, sizzles
with romance and undercurrents of treason. Sparks fly between Lady Magdalen "Maddie" Keith and naval officer
Aiden Murray when they first meet at a masked ball. Their romance ignites months later, when he is home in London
on leave and she is searching for a way to free her father from prison. She's illegitimate and he's a duke's younger son,
so they both face considerable social challenges. Jarecki brings the novel to life with vivid historical detail: Maddie,
who plays the harp in Queen Anne's court, must endure backstabbing from the queen's other ladies when Aiden goes
out to sea. The pace of the novel and complexity of the characters both improve when Aiden returns and Maddie is
accused of a vicious crime against the queen. Readers who stick it out through the slower early sections will be
rewarded. Agent: Elaine Spencer, Knight Agency. (July)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"The Highland Commander." Publishers Weekly, 22 May 2017, p. 78. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA494099069&it=r&asid=7b5ae2a1952f4cdb88f974344e6bcb30.
Accessed 8 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A494099069
10/8/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1507500769501 2/2
The Highland Duke
Publishers Weekly.
264.6 (Feb. 6, 2017): p52.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Highland Duke
Amy Jarecki. Forever, $7.99 mass market
(384p) ISBN 978-1-4555-9780-2
Jarecki's first Lords of the Highlands romance takes the reader on a journey to early-18th-century Scotland following
the doomed Jacobite revolution. When Geordie, Duke of Gordon, is injured on the battlefield at Hoord Moor, Roma
healer Akira Ayres finds him and helps remove a musket ball from his leg. Geordie is being pursued by the English
redcoats, who believe that he participated in a battle to usurp the crown. Geordie is intent on returning to his home in
the Highlands, from which safe haven he may prove his innocence. Reluctantly, he takes Akira with him so that she can
continue her healing efforts and avoid questioning by the redcoats. The more time they spend together, the more their
attraction builds. However, Geordie is divorced and cannot remarry. Readers will admire plucky Akira, who, despite her
poverty, is fiercely independent and is determined to be no man's mistress. The romance is scintillating and moving,
enhanced by fast-paced suspense. Agent'. Elaine Spencer, Knight Agency. (Apr.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"The Highland Duke." Publishers Weekly, 6 Feb. 2017, p. 52. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA480593855&it=r&asid=34d3737c2b15875146bd585a3ee3d23e.
Accessed 8 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A480593855
Book Review-The Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki
POSTED MARCH 20, 2017 BY LOVEROFROMANCE IN BOOK REVIEWS / 20 COMMENTS
Book Review-The Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki
I received this book for free from Forever in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Book Review-The Highland Duke by Amy JareckiThe Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki
Also in this series: The Highland Commander
Series: Lords of the Highlands #1
Published by Forever on March 28th 2017
Genres: Historical Romance, Scottish Highlands, Georgian Era
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Forever
ISBN: 1455597805
Goodreads
AmazonKoboBarnes and NobleLibrary Thing
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
three-half-flames
She'll put her life on the line for him . . .
When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.
Yet she can never learn his true identity.
Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .
Reading Challenges:
Books N'Tunes Reading Challenge 2017
Summary
Akira Ayres, a poor healer while out searching for any wounded after a battle near her home, stumbles across a wounded Scot, that pleads for her help to not only save his life but keep his identity unknown to the “red coats” searching for any traitors. Akira, is a kind hearted woman and couldn’t resist helping this man even if it means traveling across the lands of Scotland away from her mother and sisters who need her, to keep this man safe. A man that makes her feel like the most beautiful woman inside and out. A man that awakens feelings of desire that she has never even imagined. Geordie knew that it was a mistake fighting in a war he believed in to bring back the rightful heir to the throne of Scotland once again, but by doing so he put not only himself but his children and their future in jeopardy and he must make it back home with no suspicion tied to his name. He can’t ever marry again, but for the first time in his life he wishes he could give Akira his name and protection….but there is more at risk because he might lose more if he doesn’t win over her heart for his to keep….
The Hero
Gordon, “Geordie” has always been loyal to his country but has had to tread carefully all of his life. Geordie may have power and wealth and a title that is highly respected, but he has lost favor with Queen Anne. But Geordie will do anything for his children, despite the fact that their mother demanded a divorce so she could enter the nunnery in France. There was so much to love about this hero. First off, he makes the best highlander especially when you take in account the era this story takes place. He is titled, but he does have to tread very very carefully, because it could be taken from him in a heartbeat. I loved how loyal to his cause he is, especially to those he is over. But we also see his faults too, and see some changes in him especially when he is faced with the aspect of falling in love for the first time.
The Heroine
Akira is devoted to taking care of her mother and her younger sisters. Akira comes from gypsy heritage, and even though her mother insists they let go of the old ways if they want to survive, we see some hints of it in her character. Akira learns the healing arts from her family, and her healing is what keeps the family afloat but just barely. Akira was a truly wonderful heroine. She is so kind and caring, and is concerned for others above herself and I just loved her nature comes out. And the way she does inspire and motivate others. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body but she also stands up for her values too. We see some personal growth in her character as well especially when it comes to discovering passion and true love.
The time had passed for teaching the woman about kissing a man, the time had come to show her the power she had over him–the power she could have over any man of her choosing. And, by God, Geordie wanted the object of her desire to him and only him.
Plot and Story Line
Oh man, what a story!!! I have only had the opportunity to read this author a couple of times, but each time I have picked her up I amazed by how wonderful of an author she truly is and she makes highlander romances burst alive in so many ways. The Highland Duke brings about so many emotions and feels I honestly didn’t know what I was feeling most of the time. And boy can she write some sizzling chemistry that doesn’t overshadow the actual emotional intimacy of growth this couple shares with each other.
“A man could lose himself in those eyes of yours.” Her mysterious Highland lord brushed his finger along Akira’s chin, sending gooseflesh down the length of her neck. “Let us enjoy the gathering this evening and forget our worries about things to come. For tonight you are a queen and I am a king. The world is ours”
But what really makes Amy Jarecki stand out is the historical elements. Now, this may not be an aspect for everyone. But I just love it when an author knows her history and knows the culture and take the time to do the proper research needed for a book and it shows in this one. The story sets off with our hero being shot in the thigh and our heroine a ‘healer’ coming to save his life and not just in one way. Yes, she proves the physical healing but she also helps protect him from those that hunt him. So from the very beginning, we have some levels of intensity and intrigue. The brogue used in the story is well balanced, and easy to follow along and doesn’t overwhelm the reader. I just became swept away with this story pretty quickly. Like within two paragraphs I was fully ingrained in the story and didn’t want to let go of it. The romance was simply beautiful. The chemistry builds so perfectly. From the beginning, they have a strong connection to each other. And man some of the kisses and more sensual scenes were written so well, “curl your toes” type of scenes that kept you reaching for more.
“I want to kiss you, lass.”
Her chin inched up ever so slightly.
His hand moved back and cradled her head while his mouth inclined toward her rose petal lips, then lightly brushed his mouth over the most delectable lips in all the world. Her wee moan made a fire hotter than the flames of Hades burn deep and low inside him. Every fiber of his body stirred to life. But the woman in his arms was the young maid who’d saved him. The lass who’d cast aside her doubts to help a wounded man she hardly knew flee from a mob of redcoats. Moreover, the lass cared not an iota about Government of Jacobite agendas. She cared about her family and finding the next meal. Akira wasn’t to be taken like a harlot, but to be cherished and savored.
These two have a long road ahead of them before reaching their happy ever after though. There is the issue of our hero not able to marry unless he gets permission from the Queen who would do anything to see him unhappy. Our heroine really struggles with this. Because she loves him but doesn’t want to be seen as his “mistress” even if it would mean her family not living in a hovel or barely making it by to survive. She has an inner battle she fights within herself. Because she is a poor healer who can barely find food to feed her family and the man she has fallen for is a rich and titled Duke, right below royalty. So we see the problems that come with the “opposites attract” scenario here.
“I prefer you, lass. Your parentage matter not to me. All that matters is you…and me.
But our hero….Geordie is so wonderful especially when he realizes that he will fight for her heart. I love how he is willing to prove to her he is worthy of her love, and loved the way he wins the hearts of her family too. It does get pretty dramatic and intense toward the end though, and man the ending was heart stopping and pulls at your emotions in a very meaningful way.
The Cover
What a gorgeous and breathtaking cover….I love the colors and the pretty castle in the backdrop but I love the pose of the male model here. And I love his celtic like tats, and his HAIR…. I love his hair hehe
Overall View
The Highland Duke is a heart stopping and sensually intriguing romance that takes you on an adventure of a lifetime….back to the wilds and dangers of georgian era Scotland. A tale that weaves its way through to your heart and mind and soul….A love story that tugs at your heartstrings! BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
3½ Stars
Author: Amy Jarecki
Review by: LWynters
Genre: Romance
Tags:
* Rom: Historical
#FirstInaSeries
Publisher: Forever
The Highland Duke
Lords of the Highlands, #1
In my usual style as a dedicated reader of author Amy Jarecki's work, I was excited to read her latest novel, "The Highland Duke." Ruefully, I didn’t find this story to be as interesting or perhaps I should say as absorbing as I found fellow novels written by this author. I found this disappointing, but that does mean that I didn’t like this book, because I did. In fact there was a lot to enjoy about this book, like the romance.
The romance exchanged between Geordie and Akira was excellent from the start. The romance was the true star of this book. It was beautiful, appealing and rugged all wrapped in a truly delightful story. Geordie was very careful with Akira both physically as well as emotional. It was actually nice to see a highlander that had a fighter spirit and still treated the woman he loved with respect and tenderness.
I also favored the writing. It was clean and pristine. The story was well-written with a wonderful interruption of both the characters as well as the backdrop of the plot. I just wish I could have dove into this novel and not had the urge to do other things while I was reading the material. I haven't given up hope on the series as I will continue to read the "Lords of the Highlands" and I hope that Jarecki will deliver that spark that I love so much about her stories once again.
Book Blurb for The Highland Duke
She'll put her life on the line for him . . .
When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.
Yet she can never learn his true identity.
Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .
Night Owl Reviews Feb, 2017 3.50
The Highland Duke (Lords of the Highlands #1) by Amy Jarecki
Apr
5
the highland duke
Purchase Now from Amazon
She’ll put her life on the line for him . . .
When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she’s intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.
Yet she can never learn his true identity.
Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he’s the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she’s by his side day and night. But the longer he’s with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .
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Publisher and Release Date: Forever, March 2017
Time and Setting: Scottish Highlands, 1703
Genre: Historical Romance
Heat Level: 2
Review Rating: 5 stars
Review by Sara
I was drawn to The Highland Duke for its promise of a hidden identity story. Once I began reading I discovered it was so much more and was quickly caught up in the adventure, danger and romance all set against the Jacobite uprisings of the early 1700’s.
The battle had been fierce but Akira Ayres had no concern over the political war being fought near her home in Dunkeld. All she knew was that there would be many wounded still left on the field who needed her help as a healer. Searching the grounds of Hoord Moor for survivors, Akira is drawn to a nearby clump of trees by the sound of someone in distress. Following the moaning she finds a man dressed much better than any of the dead or wounded men she’s seen on the field. Before she can question who he is, Akira sees that he’s been shot in the leg and realizes that her skills may not be enough to treat that kind of injury. Her patient seems more concerned about leaving the field of battle than his injury and he commands her to do what she can to remove the musket ball and get him mobile.
George, Duke of Gordon, came to Hoord Moor to support his cousin and the Jacobites who were rising up against the royalist Marquis of Atholl. His wounded leg is nothing compared to the death sentence he will likely face if the Marquis’ guardsmen find him on the field with the other surviving clansmen. His only chance is to retreat from Dunkeld and travel back into his own territory or at least to lands controlled by a clan allied with his own. The beautiful healer might be his only chance at escape but without knowing where her loyalties lie there is no way he can tell her who he really is. Calling himself Geordie, he sends her off to purchase a horse while he continues to hide. Upon her return, Geordie fully intends to leave her behind and make his way alone to a neighboring clan; however the Captain of the guard gets there before he can leave and his wounded leg makes riding almost impossible. Understanding in an instant that he still needs the woman’s healing touch, Geordie pulls her onto the horse and together they ride farther into the Highlands and away from danger.
Akira has never been more than a few miles away from her home but her dedication to her patient keeps her with Geordie during his flight. Their slow progress through the dense forests of the Highlands keeps the pair in close company even while Akira forces herself to remain detached from the handsome man she knows is keeping secrets from her. With Geordie’s health getting worse the longer they ride away from danger, the more important it is for Akira to remain by his side despite the jeopardy he’s put her in. Their journey reveals Geordie to be verydifferent from the overbearing man she first cared for on the battlefield. He is considerate of her comfort, he protects her even at a great cost to himself, and he seems to find her attractive despite her Gypsy heritage.
Taking a risk that his feelings for her are sincere, Akira succumbs to her own attraction to Geordie in an incredible moment of sexual release. Unfortunately, however, once she discovers the truth of his identity any future she might have hoped to have with her Highlander are dashed. His position as a duke and her own background as an uneducated “tinker” puts them leagues apart in social class and in expectations. Added to that problem is the fear that the soldiers are still chasing after Geordie to prove he was supporting the Jacobites and her presence on Gordon land is all the evidence they’d need. It is only Geordie’s constant reassurances that his feelings are true that keeps Akira by his side; however the more she tries to be comfortable in the lavish world of the Duke of Gordon the less sure Akira is that her Geordie – the man underneath it all – will remain faithful to her.
The Highland Duke is a rich, romantic story from start to finish. Both Geordie and Akira are fully developed characters who each take a very personal journey of discovery. The labels each of them carry in society mean nothing while they are on the run. Akira is used to fighting against the inherent mistrust people have for her because she is a Gypsy. While traveling with Geordie she is treated as a true Scotswoman and appreciated for her skills and kindness rather than suspected due to her heritage. For Geordie, hiding his title from Akira is initially a way to keep himself safe but an unintentional side effect is that Akira treats him as she would any other man. Her concern for him never comes from what she hopes the exalted Duke of Gordon can do for her but is a heartfelt sentiment he has never felt from a woman before. That sense that he could be himself is freeing and gives Geordie the chance to strip himself of behaviors that were more associated with his title than who he really is.
Ms. Jarecki does an incredible job of weighing everything Geordie does with the politics of the time. The danger constantly nipping at his and Akira’s heels keeps the story from ever slowing down, even when the two have to take a moment to think about their relationship. His position as Duke of Gordon is only by the grace of Her Majesty, Queen Anne, and if it’s learned he is a Jacobite sympathizer it will cost his family everything. Still, when Akira is put at risk because of her association with him, Geordie is willing to sacrifice himself to prove that his loyalty to her is stronger than towards any sitting or deposed monarch.
I loved reading The Highland Duke. The book’s pace moves quickly but I never felt the characters or their emotions were left behind just to keep the plot going. I am eager to read the next book in the Lord of the Highlands series but may find myself revisiting Geordie and Akira’s story a second time just to revel in their perfect romance.
Review: The Highland Duke By Amy Jarecki
POSTED MARCH 24, 2017 BY MANDY IN REVIEW
TAGS: AMY JARECKI, ERIN
Review: The Highland Duke by Amy JareckiThe Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki
on March 28, 2017
Genres: Historical
Series: Lords of the Highlands #1
Published by Forever
Source: Publisher
Copy for review provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
five-stars
She'll put her life on the line for him . . .
When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.
Yet she can never learn his true identity.
Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .
So once upon a time, there was a Duke who was defying the Queen and fighting (secretly) against her army. What do you know, the Duke happened to get shot in the thigh. A healer came upon him and she, with proper payment, took it upon herself to care for the nice soldier. Then all hell broke loose…
In The Highland Duke, there are horse chases, and highlands to traverse, and redcoats to avoid. Injuries to heal, storms to weather, and identities to remain hidden. And oh holy buckets, everything in this book leads up to Akira and Geordie in deep, deep love with big, big obstacles in their way. Days later I’m still recovering from the book hangover to end all book hangovers courtesy of The Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki.
I’ve been calling this the “highland road trip romance” book to all my friends due to the first 50% of the book. Even though there isn’t a car or any gas/snack food stops along the way, this book has all the very best parts of a road trip romance: forced proximity, lots and lots of dialogue and uninterrupted time for the hero and heroine’s love to grow. The second half of the book is a little bit harder to describe. At this point Akira has realized that Geordie is a Duke, Geordie has confessed that he has two young children and a hateful shrew of an ex-wife, and Geordie has, not so eloquently, asked/assumed that Akira will become his mistress. So essentially, the last half of the book is them working through these issues both together and separately.
Initially, the mistaken identity and gypsy hints in the blurb drew me to the book (along with the cover because …yummo). In the end, though, what really makes this book unique was Jarecki’s ability to keep me on my toes. Every time I thought Jarecki would zig, she zagged. Every time I thought I’d figured things out, I was wrong. This book kept me perpetually guessing for all 357 pages. Akira especially surprised me. Even when it would have been easy for her to agree to almost everything Geordie said (before and after she realized who he was), she stood her ground and remained true to herself and her values. That didn’t mean she didn’t have second thoughts, I mean, what gal wouldn’t? But the second guessing only endeared her to me even more. She was so human, so down-to-earth that my heart hurt for her every time she had to let the love of her life slip through her hands. Geordie managed to surprise me too as I got deeper and deeper into the book. Even when he made an ass of himself, his devotion to Akira and his children got the best of me. Oh and the end resolution of this book, sigh guys…big, big sigh.
Akira and Geordie’s romance comes out on March 28th and I’m so ready for this book to drop on the world. I cried when this book was over, not because it had a tragic ending, no, because there was no more. No more pages for me to pour through, no more time with Akira and Geordie, no more of this steamy, heart-pounding, larger-than-life highland romance.
I’m telling everyone I know to go out and pre-order this fantastic novel. In a genre full of kilted, muscled warriors, this book stands out for its immersive setting, character growth and surprising plot. I could rave about this book morning, noon and night. 5 stars way, way up for The Highland Duke!
FYI…The second book in the series, The Highland Commander (releasing June 27th) is already on the top of my TBR pile. You’re gonna want to pre-order this one too!
five-stars
About Amy Jarecki
An Amazon Bestselling Author and an award winning author, she holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Southwest Utah with her husband where she mostly writes historical romance. When time is available, she lectures on writing topics at conferences across the US.
Amy’s first published novel, now titled Boy Man Chief, won the League of Utah Writers award for Best Manuscript, and the St. George Spark Book Award. Since then, she has won many other writing awards, including hitting Amazon’s Top 100 Bestseller List, an Amazon All Star Author, as well as being a “crowdsourced” winning author through Amazon’s Kindle Scout Program for A Highland Knight’s Desire. In 2016 she won a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for BEST TIME TRAVEL for her novel Rise of a Legend.
In addition to historical romance novels, one of Amy’s passions is romantic suspense. Stay tuned for her action packed ICE Series (International Clandestine Enterprise) to be announced in the coming months!
The Highland Commander
BY AMY JARECKI
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Magdalen, the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl, runs a hospital for women ravaged by red-coated Dragoons infesting northern Scotland in 1707. At her father’s urging, she reluctantly attends a masquerade party to greet high society officers incognito. She meets the brash navy lieutenant Aiden Murray, who seals his love for her with an unforgettable kiss. Aiden’s loyalty to Britain and his love for Magdalen, a woman beneath his status, are tested when she is accused of trying to kill the queen. The only way he can save Magdalen is to risk his own life in a heart-wrenching escape.
Romance weaves with riveting adventure. The dialogue and narrative are masterfully crafted for the era of the Jacobite movement. Characters are well-developed, particularly Aiden, who transforms from a lusty young man to a gallant naval officer rediscovering his Scottish legacy. The couple’s first explicit sexual tryst sharply juxtaposes with their tender moments at the end. The Highland Commander is a memorable tale of a couple rising with dignity and honor out of fiery trials forging their true love. A must read for those who love a multi-layered romance with a brawny Highlander.
The Highland Commander
Amy Jarecki
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The Highland Commander finds its inspiration in real life events surrounding the Jacobite uprisings of the early 1700s. I’ll admit that my knowledge of 18th Century Scottish politics is sadly lacking; however I know enough to understand the danger behind a Scotsman discussing the cause during this period.
Lord Aiden Murray and his fellow officers of the naval ship Royal Mary arrive at the Earl Marischal’s Hogmanay ball eager for entertainment and a chance to mingle with their countrymen after months at sea. His attention is almost immediately caught by a young woman dancing with another guest. Enthralled by her graceful moves and wide smile, Aiden cannot take his eyes off of her and cuts in. As they move across the floor Aiden finds himself charmed by the lady’s quick mind. Hoping to keep her attention a little longer Aiden steals her away from the ballroom for a moment alone.
The chance to attend the celebration at her father’s castle is a rare treat for Lady Magdalen Keith. As the Earl Marischal’s illegitimate daughter, Maddie was exiled from the family lands by her stepmother and the ball is an opportunity to flirt and dance with the soldiers before returning to her life outside the castle walls. Being recognized and supported by her father gives Maddie some clout within the community and independence from the life normally outlined for the daughter of an earl. Maddie has used that freedom to run a small hospital for women and provide comfort for those in need, but it doesn’t allow for much interaction with men of any kind, let alone those willing to marry a bastard. When a handsome officer cuts into her dance, Maddie is immediately captivated by his soulful eyes and his polite manners as compared to the other men there. Caught up in the excitement of the evening Maddie exchanges first names with the young man and allows him to kiss her, sparking something deep in her heart. It’s an incredible feeling that Maddie holds onto long after the crew of the Royal Mary has sailed away.
A little more than a month after the celebration, Maddie receives an unexpected visit from her stepmother with horrible news. The Earl Marischal is accused of plotting against Queen Anne in support of the exiled James Francis Edward Stuart (the ‘Old’ Pretender) and is being held as a prisoner in London. Unable to travel because of her pregnancy, the countess begs Maddie to go to London to represent the family and plead the earl’s innocence to the Queen. It’s a task Maddie is completely unprepared for as she’s never left the small town of Stonehaven since her birth. Still, the thought of her father being punished or hanged is enough to overcome Maddie’s fears and she leaves Scotland without any idea of how to gain an audience with Her Majesty. Her situation gets worse when she arrives in England only to learn that because of his arrest all of the Earl’s property has been seized and Maddie has nowhere in London to stay and knows no one who can help her.
Aiden never expected to see the bonny lass from the Earl’s masquerade again so he’s startled by her presence at the London docks. She is clearly in distress but Aiden’s plans for his two-week leave from the Royal Mary don’t include helping a young lady out of a bind – he had hoped to fill his days pursuing more carnal delights. However once Aiden learns that Maddie is in town to try and save her father from the gallows he knows he has to assist her. Aiden puts her up at his father’s townhouse and escorts Maddie to Whitehall to lend her his support as she appeals to the Queen. Living under the same roof as Maddie causes nothing but frustration for Aiden as he’s eager to finally experience pleasure with a woman – but the object of his desire is as innocent as he is. It would be impossible to offer Maddie a future when his career in the navy will separate them for years at a time. To pursue his feelings for Maddie would be scandalous, yet she seems just as interested as he is to change the nature of their relationship.
All too soon court politics and England’s ongoing conflict with France and Spain come between Aiden and Maddie, separating them for a year. When Aiden returns to England it’s only to learn that Maddie has been accused of a plot to assassinate Queen Anne. With time running out, Aiden must choose between risking everything to save the only woman he’s ever loved or following his father’s decree to forget her forever.
The Highland Commander throws its protagonists deep into the rising tensions between England and Scotland during the reign of the last Stuart monarch. Loyalties are constantly questioned and all it takes is a whispered accusation of treason for a life to be ruined. Maddie’s sheltered life in Stonehaven insulated her from so many of the prejudices she faces in London that she’s overwhelmed by the games people play in the name of power. Even her father tries to manipulate Maddie into spying on Queen Anne when she remains in London as a court musician. Maddie has no desire to get involved in the cause and it pains her that everyone who becomes her friend seems ready to stab her in the back because of her nationality. Aiden has seen the prejudices first hand as the Scottish navy has integrated with the English, and through it he’s felt the pull towards the Jacobite cause. His political leanings fly in the face of his father’s pro-government stance, so when Aiden becomes heir-apparent to the Duke of Atholl, he has to decide if his individual beliefs are worth jeopardizing the family’s position with the Queen.
It would be easy to get mired in all of the history unfolding around Maddie and Aiden but their romance is a pleasant diversion from the ugliness of the times. After their meeting at the masquerade they are smitten with each other and their reunion in London cements their feelings, though neither one will admit just how far they’ve fallen in love. Since they are both virgins Aiden and Maddie discover the joys of sexual expression together and it binds them in a way that no prince, queen or county can tear apart. The only hiccup in their romance comes at the very end of the book when Maddie reaches an emotional breaking point and questions her impact on Aiden’s life. Her choices at that moment put everything they’ve sacrificed and fought for in jeopardy and it’s seems out of character for the strong, passionate woman she is. Aiden’s patience and love for Maddie saves her from making a terrible mistake and his final show of loyalty to her above all is a beautiful moment that caps his journey into becoming an honorable man away from the influence of his father.
With a cast of characters straight out of the history books, The Highland Commander doesn’t shy away from using the ongoing political chess game of the time to heighten the threats against Maddie and Aiden’s future together. Readers should be prepared to lose their hearts to a brave couple who go through hell and back to secure a love that can withstand any risk.
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Book Details
Reviewer : Sara Elliott
Grade : B+
Sensuality : Warm
Book Type : Historical Romance
Review Tags : The Highland Lords series
Review: The Highland Commander By Amy Jarecki
POSTED JULY 19, 2017 BY MANDY IN REVIEW
TAGS: AMY JARECKI, ERIN
Review: The Highland Commander by Amy JareckiThe Highland Commander by Amy Jarecki
on 27 June 2017
Genres: Historical
Series: Lords of the Highlands #2
Published by Forever
Source: Publisher
Copy for review provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
two-half-stars
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?
Second, in Amy Jarecki’s Lords of the Highlands series, The Highland Commander is the story of Magdalen Keith, the illegitimate daughter of a Jacobite Lord, and second son/Navy lieutenant, Aiden Murray. The two meet briefly at a party and have an instant connection, but Aiden must return to his post and there is a question if the two will ever meet again. We next see Magdalen and Aiden together months later as Magdalen, Maddie, is rushing to her Father’s aid while he is locked up in the Tower for treason. Maddie has no way to get to London so Aiden, being on leave, takes charge, gets her there safely and gives her shelter as she figures out how to free her father.
I was quite surprised that The Highland Commander really focused a lot around politics and was set primarily in London. The very end of the book took Maddie and Aiden to the Highlands, but in reality, we were stuck in dreary London, where Maddie and Aiden we both unhappy, for the bulk of this book. I was also pretty surprised at the depth that Jarecki went to in talking about politics and secondary characters. All of that detail made the first two-thirds of the book extremely slow and didn’t serve to endear Maddie and Aiden to me. As a result, I felt that Maddie and Aiden’s romance was shallow and underdeveloped.
What really drove me crazy about this book though was our virgin hero, Aiden. I like a good virgin hero, don’t get me wrong. But Aiden’s virginity was mentioned incessantly at the beginning of this book. Aiden believes he’s a virgin since the opportunity has never presented itself, so while on leave his goal is to find a sweet widow to take care of his pesky virginity. Even after meeting Maddie and finding himself dreadfully attracted to her, he continues to ogle other women and think about bedding them. Not OK Aiden, not OK! The whole thing just made me feel really, really sad for Maddie. Eventually, Aiden does give into his attraction for Maddie and put his notion of being with a widow aside, but I had to endure a lot of distasteful thoughts by Aiden to finally see our H/h together.
The one good thing that did come from Aiden’s total focus on his virginity is a pamphlet he receives from a fellow sailor depicting various sexual acts and positions. Aiden shares that pamphlet with Maddie when they first begin a physical relationship and the result is some really charming, fumbling sex scenes.
Maddie also has a huge “flaw” that’s mentioned ceaselessly in The Highland Commander. Maddie is the illegitimate daughter of a Lord. Her father married her step-mother when she was a young girl, and her step-mother is not OK with Maddie being around. So, Maddie has spent a lot of time contemplating her bastard status and feeling a bit alone. When her father is locked in the Tower, Maddie rushes to her aid instead of her stepmother since she is with child. Once in London, Maddie’s illegitimacy is outed right away and everyone at court knows about it. Even worse, when Aiden finds out that Maddie is illegitimate he looks down on her for it. Aiden eventually comes around, but that initial shunning is rough.
For as much as the first two-thirds of this book didn’t sit well with me, I did enjoy the last third of the book. The ending was well-paced, action-packed and really fun. However, a fun, albeit rushed ending, didn’t make up for the dreary start to this novel. 2.5 stars for The Highland Commander by Amy Jarecki.
two-half-stars
About Amy Jarecki
An Amazon Bestselling Author and an award winning author, she holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Southwest Utah with her husband where she mostly writes historical romance. When time is available, she lectures on writing topics at conferences across the US.
Amy’s first published novel, now titled Boy Man Chief, won the League of Utah Writers award for Best Manuscript, and the St. George Spark Book Award. Since then, she has won many other writing awards, including hitting Amazon’s Top 100 Bestseller List, an Amazon All Star Author, as well as being a “crowdsourced” winning author through Amazon’s Kindle Scout Program for A Highland Knight’s Desire. In 2016 she won a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for BEST TIME TRAVEL for her novel Rise of a Legend.
In addition to historical romance novels, one of Amy’s passions is romantic suspense. Stay tuned for her action packed ICE Series (International Clandestine Enterprise) to be announced in the coming months!
Book Review-Highland Commander by Amy Jarecki
POSTED JULY 3, 2017 BY LOVEROFROMANCE IN BOOK REVIEWS / 3 COMMENTS
Book Review-Highland Commander by Amy Jarecki
I received this book for free from Forever in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Book Review-Highland Commander by Amy JareckiThe Highland Commander by Amy Jarecki
Also in this series: The Highland Duke
Series: Lords of the Highlands #2
Published by Forever on June 27th 2017
Genres: Historical Romance, Scottish Highlands
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Forever
ISBN: 1455597856
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three-flames
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?
Lords of the Highlands series: The Highland DukeThe Highland CommanderThe Highland Guardian
Highland Commander is a brilliant and stunning work that Amy Jarecki has brought to us. In Highland Commander, we have a story of two people that meet at a masqued Scottish dance. They have a vibrant and stunning connection to each other, but Aiden–our delicious hero is a sea commander for England, even though he considers himself Scottish. Our heroine, Magdalen is the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish Earl. But later on, when Magdalen’s father is accused of commiting treason and sent to London Tower, she must find a way to free him and so she looks to Aiden’s help. But soon Madgalen’s father won’t be the only one at risk, and only with Aiden’s help and love will they find a way to be free and together…
What a stunning story and I simply had a ball of fun with this book. Of course, Amy Jarecki never ceases to amaze me and she definitely wowed me into this book. What I admire about her is the historical details she puts into a story. I love learning about various periods of history especially the conflicts between the English and the Scots during this time. And she wrote it in such a way that pulls you back in time almost. The romance that builds between Aiden and Madgalen is passion and sweet and tender. It isn’t an easy road for them however, and they really are tested here. But I loved seeing how devoted they are to each other and what they are willing to do to aid each other. Its not all roses and daises in this book. There is quite a bit of conflict in the story that tests this couple, but Amy Jarecki has the ability to pull me right into a story and I just don’t want to let go of it.
I think what I truly loved most about this book was the mix of history and romance. Some might not prefer so much historic details, mostly because many authors don’t use it like Amy Jarecki does. However, I am not one of those readers. I like the story to be realistic and true, and not sugar coated on the details. Because this time period is NOT an easy one. Its rough and hard, many injustices happened in this time especially toward the Scots. However I also felt that it wasn’t too hard either, at least for myself. I really enjoyed seeing the way the history and the romance really worked well together in this one.
Overall a stunning and brilliant romance that will leave the reader breathless, stimulated and eager for more!!!