Name: The Highland Duke
ISBN: 9781455597802

Amy Jarecki

Amy Jarecki makes her print debut with a brand-new series about rugged, passionate Highland lords.

The Highland Duke

Lover of Romance 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance 
  
    
  
  
    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. In 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!!!
 
  I will always find you. You are in my soul.
 
 
  Books N Tunes Reading Challenge 
 
 Pick #8: If I Can't Love Her by Josh Groban 
 
  
 
 
  
    
  
  Click To Buy On Amazon 
 
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Chantale

Amy Jarecki is a new to me author and I am so glad I read this book because I absolutely loved it so much that I am going to purchase a paperback copy of this book as soon as I have the chance because I know I will want to read this book again in the future. 

This book is filled with action, adventure, chemistry and I just love the main characters (Akira and Geordie).

If you are a fan of Historical Romance I think you will like this book as much as I do.

Fans of Hannah Howell and Diana Gabaldon will love this Scottish romance that combines a high-stakes action and sizzling romance. Emma Grant has been sheltered and underestimated her entire life. Her blindness may set her apart, but she's just as fierce and loyal as any of her clansmen. So when she catches word that her brother's best friend is in jail, she doesn't hesitate to race to the brawny Highlander's rescue. Laird Ciar MacDougall is on a vital mission for Scotland when he witnesses a murder-and then is blamed for the death and thrown into a Redcoat prison to rot. He never thought he'd be broken out by a slip of a lass and her faithful hound. But now they're outlaws on the run. And as their enemies circle ever closer, he will have to choose between saving his country or the woman who's captured his heart.

The Highland Laird

This is my favourite book in the series . Omg !! I just loved it. 
 
I do recommend

Ranem radwan

Laura

Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Outlander in this action-packed Scottish romance where a marriage of convenience leads to secrets that could be deadly.

The Highland Earl

A courageous Highlander falls for a strong-willed lass on the treacherous high seas in this action-packed Scottish romance. After a vicious attack on his ship, Sir Kennan Cameron washes ashore on a deserted Scottish island, nearly dead. But he soon finds he's not as alone as he thought. Kennan knows he can't stay on the island, but neither can he leave the brave and bonny lass who has nursed him back to health -- even if she is from a rival clan. Abandoned by her family, Divana Campbell is both terrified and relieved when a rugged Highlander drags himself from the surf. Trusting Kennan is her only chance for survival -- and by the time they arrive at his castle, she can barely imagine life without him. But as the heir to a powerful chieftain, Kennan could never marry the likes of her. Together, they'll brave tempests, pirates, betrayal, and ruin. But soon Kennan must decide what matters most: his thirst for vengeance or the woman who's won his heart.

The Highland Rogue

Fans of Hannah Howell and Diana Gabaldon will love this Scottish romance that combines a "knockout love story with an action-packed plot" (Booklist) as a Highland laird risks his own life to rescue the daughter of his sworn enemy. Famed for his fierceness, Laird Robert Grant is above all a loyal Highland clan chief. But when redcoats capture his rival's daughter, he sets aside their feud and races to her rescue. Aye, Janet Cameron is beautiful, cunning, and so very tempting, but a Cameron lass is the last woman he should ever desire. Janet refuses to meekly surrender, not even when surrounded by foes. She takes every chance to escape, first from the English soldiers and then from the wickedly handsome Robert. Yet with each day they spend together, his unexpected gallantry chips away at her reserve little by little. As danger and treachery loom, can she trust him enough to choose love over vengeance? "Flirtatious, sensuous romance and adventure fill the pages of this mesmerizing historical, and the undercurrent of Jacobite rebellion raises the tension." --Publishers Weekly "Jarecki further enhances her reputation for crafting stellar Scottish romances by giving readers a knockout love story, with an action-packed plot richly imbued with colorful period details and a perfectly matched hero and heroine whose sensual exploits are hot enough to warm the coldest of Scottish nights." --Booklist "With passion, precision, and consummate skill, Jarecki has penned an adventurous romance that is greatly enhanced by an exquisite depiction of life in the early 18th-century Scottish Highlands. Beautifully done." --Library Journal Lords of the Highlands series:The Highland DukeThe Highland CommanderThe Highland GuardianThe Highland Chieftain

The Highland Duke

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