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Heart of a Highlander #3
Heart of Fire
Meggie Hope thinks herself quite clever, though she’s never once stepped foot outside her home, Muirfield Hall. She is, in fact, no match for the intoxicating charms of Gabriel Jamison, her own betrothed.
She cannot ever wed him, of course. Aside from being clever, she is also afflicted with a curse that says that any man who seeks her hand will meet death before he weds her, unless there is love. When suitors begin falling prey to the curse, and Meg’s father won’t listen to reason and betroths her yet again, this time to Gabriel Jamison, she runs away rather than be held responsible for another’s demise. When Gabriel finds her, she pretends to be someone else, and he gallantly insists on returning her to her family. And her heart aches for how perfect and kind her betrothed actually is. But she cannot reveal her true identity, for Gabriel has confessed that he doesn’t believe in love and Meggie understands that he cannot be the one to break the spell. Having met him and kissed him, Meggie knows she cannot be the reason he dies.
Gabriel had no intention of ever marrying again until he decided he truly craved sons and daughters. He thinks a supposedly cursed lass should prove perfectly biddable and give him the children he desires without causing an upset to his life, without expecting any emotion from him. The lass might only be happy that anyone is still brave enough to challenge the absurd curse and take her to wife.
He hadn’t planned on Meggie Hope though, hadn’t anticipated that she would flee rather than wed him or that his heart would come to life in her presence. He knew she was lying about her identity from the start, knew within minutes of meeting her that it was going to take more than a ridiculous curse to keep him from her. First, he’ll have to convince her that the curse isn’t real. And then he’ll prove to her that he is only in danger if she leaves him.
She cannot ever wed him, of course. Aside from being clever, she is also afflicted with a curse that says that any man who seeks her hand will meet death before he weds her, unless there is love. When suitors begin falling prey to the curse, and Meg’s father won’t listen to reason and betroths her yet again, this time to Gabriel Jamison, she runs away rather than be held responsible for another’s demise. When Gabriel finds her, she pretends to be someone else, and he gallantly insists on returning her to her family. And her heart aches for how perfect and kind her betrothed actually is. But she cannot reveal her true identity, for Gabriel has confessed that he doesn’t believe in love and Meggie understands that he cannot be the one to break the spell. Having met him and kissed him, Meggie knows she cannot be the reason he dies.
Gabriel had no intention of ever marrying again until he decided he truly craved sons and daughters. He thinks a supposedly cursed lass should prove perfectly biddable and give him the children he desires without causing an upset to his life, without expecting any emotion from him. The lass might only be happy that anyone is still brave enough to challenge the absurd curse and take her to wife.
He hadn’t planned on Meggie Hope though, hadn’t anticipated that she would flee rather than wed him or that his heart would come to life in her presence. He knew she was lying about her identity from the start, knew within minutes of meeting her that it was going to take more than a ridiculous curse to keep him from her. First, he’ll have to convince her that the curse isn’t real. And then he’ll prove to her that he is only in danger if she leaves him.
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Published February 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 8, 2025
Literally took my breath away. I love curses and true love that breaks it kind of stories. I also ALWAYS love a Scottish warrior. Swoon!!
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July 10, 2022🎁 Part of Heart of a Highlander Collection Books 1,2,3 which is FREE on Amazon today (7/10/2022)! 🎁
January 4, 2023
Gabriel and Meg probably have the funniest start to their romance so far in the series. Things can get pretty comical when there’s a curse involved. I really enjoyed their story as well as the inclusion of some recurring characters from book two! Hopefully they all stick around for book four as well.
August 11, 2021
Meggie Hope thinks herself quite clever, though she’s never once stepped foot outside her home, Muirfield Hall. She is, in fact, no match for the intoxicating charms of Gabriel Jamison, her own betrothed.
She cannot ever wed him, of course. Aside from being clever, she is also afflicted with a curse that says that any man who seeks her hand will meet death before he weds her, unless there is love. When suitors begin falling prey to the curse, and Meg’s father won’t listen to reason and betroths her yet again, this time to Gabriel Jamison, she runs away rather than be held responsible for another’s demise. When Gabriel finds her, she pretends to be someone else, and he gallantly insists on returning her to her family. And her heart aches for how perfect and kind her betrothed actually is. But she cannot reveal her true identity, for Gabriel has confessed that he doesn’t believe in love and Meggie understands that he cannot be the one to break the spell. Having met him and kissed him, Meggie knows she cannot be the reason he dies.
Gabriel had no intention of ever marrying again until he decided he truly craved sons and daughters. He thinks a supposedly cursed lass should prove perfectly biddable and give him the children he desires without causing an upset to his life, without expecting any emotion from him. The lass might only be happy that anyone is still brave enough to challenge the absurd curse and take her to wife.
He hadn’t planned on Meggie Hope though, hadn’t anticipated that she would flee rather than wed him or that his heart would come to life in her presence. He knew she was lying about her identity from the start, knew within minutes of meeting her that it was going to take more than a ridiculous curse to keep him from her. First, he’ll have to convince her that the curse isn’t real. And then he’ll prove to her that he is only in danger if she leaves him.
********
This is my first book by this author. I picked it up on a whim. Usually I'm drawn to books by their covers (says much about me lol), this cover didn't do it for me but the plot sounded interesting so I gave it a chance. I'm so glad I did! Will be looking out for more of her books for sure.
She cannot ever wed him, of course. Aside from being clever, she is also afflicted with a curse that says that any man who seeks her hand will meet death before he weds her, unless there is love. When suitors begin falling prey to the curse, and Meg’s father won’t listen to reason and betroths her yet again, this time to Gabriel Jamison, she runs away rather than be held responsible for another’s demise. When Gabriel finds her, she pretends to be someone else, and he gallantly insists on returning her to her family. And her heart aches for how perfect and kind her betrothed actually is. But she cannot reveal her true identity, for Gabriel has confessed that he doesn’t believe in love and Meggie understands that he cannot be the one to break the spell. Having met him and kissed him, Meggie knows she cannot be the reason he dies.
Gabriel had no intention of ever marrying again until he decided he truly craved sons and daughters. He thinks a supposedly cursed lass should prove perfectly biddable and give him the children he desires without causing an upset to his life, without expecting any emotion from him. The lass might only be happy that anyone is still brave enough to challenge the absurd curse and take her to wife.
He hadn’t planned on Meggie Hope though, hadn’t anticipated that she would flee rather than wed him or that his heart would come to life in her presence. He knew she was lying about her identity from the start, knew within minutes of meeting her that it was going to take more than a ridiculous curse to keep him from her. First, he’ll have to convince her that the curse isn’t real. And then he’ll prove to her that he is only in danger if she leaves him.
********
This is my first book by this author. I picked it up on a whim. Usually I'm drawn to books by their covers (says much about me lol), this cover didn't do it for me but the plot sounded interesting so I gave it a chance. I'm so glad I did! Will be looking out for more of her books for sure.
August 26, 2021
I've read all of Ms. Ruger's Highlander books so far and what I love about them is the richly descriptive style, the adventurous and dangerous plots true to the time period, and the well fleshed out and endearing characters. That said, this book just didn't speak to me as much as the others.
I had to mull it over for a while and I think the reason is Meggie isn't the kind of Highlander heroine that we are accustomed to. They are usually very resilient and hard working, and if they don't know how to be useful, they learn. But Meggie is nothing like that; her head is in the clouds and her initiative has been squelched by many years of shunning and confinement to the keep. So when she leaves, Meggie is a perpetual damsel in distress. She has no street smarts or skills—and that makes her dangerous, not just to herself but to those who have to keep rescuing her. Gabriel should move on, find someone else because he wanted a wife who wouldn't be a bother and Meggie is the opposite of that. But he just can't move on. He doesn't know it but he is part of the prophesy that Meggie's been cursed and needs "the Golden Lion" to break the spell.
This story has all the elements I mentioned in the first paragraph, and one I haven't mentioned yet—Ms. Ruger can be delightfully deadpan and silly. There are two scenes in this story that I found especially funny—the wounded Harry in the prologue, and the wedding scene. If I didn't know better I'd think I was reading scenes from Spamalot. :D
Although I can't say this is my favorite book of the series, it still kept me engaged and wanting more. Julianna and Calum from book 2 were featured quite a bit, and there was a sweet epilogue. The ending of the story circled back to where it opened which gave it a nice feeling of resolution. This is sort of an atypical story with an offbeat heroine, but it works.
I had to mull it over for a while and I think the reason is Meggie isn't the kind of Highlander heroine that we are accustomed to. They are usually very resilient and hard working, and if they don't know how to be useful, they learn. But Meggie is nothing like that; her head is in the clouds and her initiative has been squelched by many years of shunning and confinement to the keep. So when she leaves, Meggie is a perpetual damsel in distress. She has no street smarts or skills—and that makes her dangerous, not just to herself but to those who have to keep rescuing her. Gabriel should move on, find someone else because he wanted a wife who wouldn't be a bother and Meggie is the opposite of that. But he just can't move on. He doesn't know it but he is part of the prophesy that Meggie's been cursed and needs "the Golden Lion" to break the spell.
This story has all the elements I mentioned in the first paragraph, and one I haven't mentioned yet—Ms. Ruger can be delightfully deadpan and silly. There are two scenes in this story that I found especially funny—the wounded Harry in the prologue, and the wedding scene. If I didn't know better I'd think I was reading scenes from Spamalot. :D
Although I can't say this is my favorite book of the series, it still kept me engaged and wanting more. Julianna and Calum from book 2 were featured quite a bit, and there was a sweet epilogue. The ending of the story circled back to where it opened which gave it a nice feeling of resolution. This is sort of an atypical story with an offbeat heroine, but it works.
September 21, 2021
1 star. Very long winded, babbling sentences that were overly worded, and often made no sense. I also thought this so called author copied other books/films. The scene of the hero telling the heroine to 'Stay alive, I will come for you', it was taken directly from the film The Last Of The Mohicans.
As was the next part where they go over the waterfalls to escape the soldiers, and the part where they go running through the wilds after the ones who took her, to fight to rescue her. There were also elements taken directly from television series Outlander. It really is unpleasant to discover such copying of other people's work.
As for the rest of my review, the writing is very repetitive, the grammar and punctuation have issues. At only 26% the Hero had already described the heroine's looks four times. Once in the village, then in the forest, then in the tavern, and again while they are sat on his horse. Boring.
Probably the biggest issue for me was the ridiculously word stuffed sentences, that are so long and overly worded that they were tedious to read and often didn't even make sense. Here's an example copied directly from the book-
'This worked in his favor as he was then allowed access to her, set so close and in the revealing light of day, that he was able to collect every bit of information about her face.'
The author clearly doesn't know the meaning of the word succinct. Even in creative writing sentences should be no more than around 14 words long. This so called author's are often over 35 words long. I zoned out and had to re-read many of the overly word stuffed and nonsensical sentences.
I immmediately cringed when she actually had her heroine thinking that the English leader using so many words in his title thinking it made him better, or more important. Hmm.... All I can say is that cramming sentences with as many words as possible also doesn't make them better. In fact, it makes for the opposite.
The sentence also shows how riffe with grammar and punctuation publems the writing is. Once again, despite it's overly long length, it is not even a complete sentence. The reference is missing, ie, that it was her staring at him that allowed him to stare at her, to take in her features in the daylight.
Two commas are missing from the sentence, and also, if you read the first and last line, cutting out the middle bit between the two commas, which is the point of the commas being there, the shortened sentence left is not grammatical pleasing to read. It all shows a very poor writing ability. The wording choices aren't even appealing. Again using the sentence above, 'he was able to collect every bit of information about her face', that's not exactly romantic, more mechanical.
The writing just told you things, it didn’t create a story to be read, and that really wasn't enjoyable. In short, this was poorly written, overly stuffed sentences that made little sense, and were tedious to read. Some of it is copied from other famous books/films, and the story and writing made for very boring, not enjoyable reading. 1 star.
As was the next part where they go over the waterfalls to escape the soldiers, and the part where they go running through the wilds after the ones who took her, to fight to rescue her. There were also elements taken directly from television series Outlander. It really is unpleasant to discover such copying of other people's work.
As for the rest of my review, the writing is very repetitive, the grammar and punctuation have issues. At only 26% the Hero had already described the heroine's looks four times. Once in the village, then in the forest, then in the tavern, and again while they are sat on his horse. Boring.
Probably the biggest issue for me was the ridiculously word stuffed sentences, that are so long and overly worded that they were tedious to read and often didn't even make sense. Here's an example copied directly from the book-
'This worked in his favor as he was then allowed access to her, set so close and in the revealing light of day, that he was able to collect every bit of information about her face.'
The author clearly doesn't know the meaning of the word succinct. Even in creative writing sentences should be no more than around 14 words long. This so called author's are often over 35 words long. I zoned out and had to re-read many of the overly word stuffed and nonsensical sentences.
I immmediately cringed when she actually had her heroine thinking that the English leader using so many words in his title thinking it made him better, or more important. Hmm.... All I can say is that cramming sentences with as many words as possible also doesn't make them better. In fact, it makes for the opposite.
The sentence also shows how riffe with grammar and punctuation publems the writing is. Once again, despite it's overly long length, it is not even a complete sentence. The reference is missing, ie, that it was her staring at him that allowed him to stare at her, to take in her features in the daylight.
Two commas are missing from the sentence, and also, if you read the first and last line, cutting out the middle bit between the two commas, which is the point of the commas being there, the shortened sentence left is not grammatical pleasing to read. It all shows a very poor writing ability. The wording choices aren't even appealing. Again using the sentence above, 'he was able to collect every bit of information about her face', that's not exactly romantic, more mechanical.
The writing just told you things, it didn’t create a story to be read, and that really wasn't enjoyable. In short, this was poorly written, overly stuffed sentences that made little sense, and were tedious to read. Some of it is copied from other famous books/films, and the story and writing made for very boring, not enjoyable reading. 1 star.
December 25, 2021
A curse or a blessing
Maggie was told at a very young age that anyone but a man that loved her would die before the wedding! Three finances died and people at the keep avoided her like the plague! She was ignorant of even the basic things a young woman should be taught!
Gabriel was married before to a warrior type of woman whom he admired but did not love! Meg was told the only way the curse could be broken was by her love! She kept running from him to save his life and ran right into trouble! A golden lion would save her and be her love!
When unusual and hilarious vows are spoken between them he gives her the family crest which shows her that he is the one! Steam to fog up my glasses came next! When Gabriel goes off to battle then suspicious people who believe the nonsense of a curse work against their clan!
Gabriel has a revelation while away but is it too late! This story is nonstop action!
Maggie was told at a very young age that anyone but a man that loved her would die before the wedding! Three finances died and people at the keep avoided her like the plague! She was ignorant of even the basic things a young woman should be taught!
Gabriel was married before to a warrior type of woman whom he admired but did not love! Meg was told the only way the curse could be broken was by her love! She kept running from him to save his life and ran right into trouble! A golden lion would save her and be her love!
When unusual and hilarious vows are spoken between them he gives her the family crest which shows her that he is the one! Steam to fog up my glasses came next! When Gabriel goes off to battle then suspicious people who believe the nonsense of a curse work against their clan!
Gabriel has a revelation while away but is it too late! This story is nonstop action!
November 13, 2021
Gabriel and Maggie.
I love the characters in this book. I found the story captivating, engaging, funny, and hopeful. Meggie is cursed, or so she and everyone believes that anyone betrothed to her will die until he finds love and the golden lion comes for her. After 3 betrothed she die, Meggie’s father contracts yet another betrothal. This on with Gabriel who doesn’t believe in curses. To avoid him Meggie runs away but he finds her in a nearby town. She does not give her real name and believes that he doesn’t know who she is. Gabriel and his men play along with her story even though they are not fooled. She tries to escape multiple times but to no avail. When Gabriel takes her to his home to be wed the curse follows her. Their relationship is up and down and there at all sorts of intubation so thAt Come to play to challenge them. I really enjoyed this story.
I love the characters in this book. I found the story captivating, engaging, funny, and hopeful. Meggie is cursed, or so she and everyone believes that anyone betrothed to her will die until he finds love and the golden lion comes for her. After 3 betrothed she die, Meggie’s father contracts yet another betrothal. This on with Gabriel who doesn’t believe in curses. To avoid him Meggie runs away but he finds her in a nearby town. She does not give her real name and believes that he doesn’t know who she is. Gabriel and his men play along with her story even though they are not fooled. She tries to escape multiple times but to no avail. When Gabriel takes her to his home to be wed the curse follows her. Their relationship is up and down and there at all sorts of intubation so thAt Come to play to challenge them. I really enjoyed this story.
October 4, 2022
Loved it gentle and funny
LOVED the humor this book was written with- the characters had a great rapport which was humorously related.
One of the things I've found to love about this author is she gives her characters room to breathe, surrounded by other players on the stage who enrich it with their interactions.
I love that we read her books and love more than the main characters, the supporting cast become beloved too.
I skipped thru a bunch of the war descriptions, I admit its a bit gloomy knowing how scotland was wartorn for so long. In that way fantasy escapist novels don't bring as much undeniable tragedy, but wcud. Love a good highland hero!
LOVED the humor this book was written with- the characters had a great rapport which was humorously related.
One of the things I've found to love about this author is she gives her characters room to breathe, surrounded by other players on the stage who enrich it with their interactions.
I love that we read her books and love more than the main characters, the supporting cast become beloved too.
I skipped thru a bunch of the war descriptions, I admit its a bit gloomy knowing how scotland was wartorn for so long. In that way fantasy escapist novels don't bring as much undeniable tragedy, but wcud. Love a good highland hero!
November 3, 2021
good grief!
Loved the story, the clean way of it. Of course, Meg and Gabriel, but also Harry and Gabriel’s father friendship. It spoke volumes about who Gabriel was or would be. I was a little put off by their manner of speech, a little too modern (good grief!). However, the characters and the story still managed to keep me wanting to read more and more. Loved it! Would definitely recommend it. 🥰
Loved the story, the clean way of it. Of course, Meg and Gabriel, but also Harry and Gabriel’s father friendship. It spoke volumes about who Gabriel was or would be. I was a little put off by their manner of speech, a little too modern (good grief!). However, the characters and the story still managed to keep me wanting to read more and more. Loved it! Would definitely recommend it. 🥰
August 18, 2024
There is nothing like a curse to cause unexpected turmoil in a story! I really liked Meg and her strong spirit to face challenges that just seemed to come at her continuously. Gabriel and his men were all interesting-each bringing added details and perspectives to the plot. I am always taken back at the power of fear to motivate people to behave so terribly. Once again, it was hard to put this book down till it was done. The small snippet 8 years lates also helped to provide some HEA closure.
October 30, 2021
Wonderful story
Truly enjoyed reading this book. The characters were explained so well, it felt like they were real. Couldn’t put it down from page 1 to the end. Wonderfully strong Scottish characters. How terrible it must have been in the days people actually believed in witchcraft and curses. How terribly the innocents suffered. Great Extended Epilogue as well.
Truly enjoyed reading this book. The characters were explained so well, it felt like they were real. Couldn’t put it down from page 1 to the end. Wonderfully strong Scottish characters. How terrible it must have been in the days people actually believed in witchcraft and curses. How terribly the innocents suffered. Great Extended Epilogue as well.
August 14, 2021
Gabriel flying through the air into the camp. He appeared between two pines, leaping over the waist-high brush. His feet had barely touched the ground before he plunged his already bloody sword into the chest of a dumbfounded English soldier.
{Goosebumps}
Gabriel❤️ Meggie
{Goosebumps}
Gabriel❤️ Meggie
March 5, 2022
Another good Scottish romance. Meggie and Gabriel's story was great. Lots of romance and a HEA. Moving on to the next book in this series. Recommend Rebecca Ruger to anyone who loves historical romance with spice
July 26, 2022
Laughter,love and battles
Looked this author had not read any of her books before but defiantly will be reading more. This book has everything,laughter love and battles.Enjoyed it to the last word!!
Looked this author had not read any of her books before but defiantly will be reading more. This book has everything,laughter love and battles.Enjoyed it to the last word!!
August 11, 2021
Must read
These three stories, so far, have been a great read. I have enjoyed reading each and every one. Wonderful plot
These three stories, so far, have been a great read. I have enjoyed reading each and every one. Wonderful plot
August 12, 2021
Heart of Fire
I loved Meggie and Gabriel's story. It was full of adventure band mischief. I laughed and cried throughout .I love this series.
I loved Meggie and Gabriel's story. It was full of adventure band mischief. I laughed and cried throughout .I love this series.
September 10, 2021
The first half or so of this was definitely 5 stars for me. I giggled and even laughed quite a bit. That said the remaining half for me was less entertaining and I ended up even skimming in parts.
September 26, 2021
Very good
I enjoyed this story so very much. I liked the characters and hope they all make an appearance in the next book.
I enjoyed this story so very much. I liked the characters and hope they all make an appearance in the next book.
September 29, 2021
Rebecca
II enjoyed this author, however the endings leave me at a loss as to what happens next. I always feel there should be a final closure to all of her books.
II enjoyed this author, however the endings leave me at a loss as to what happens next. I always feel there should be a final closure to all of her books.
October 31, 2021
Another great love story
This was a good book. I like the way your stories connect with the families in the other people in your stories.
This was a good book. I like the way your stories connect with the families in the other people in your stories.
November 26, 2021
Very boring. I think first 20-30% was very interesting and after that I just felt it dragged on. Kept waiting for the book to finish
January 12, 2022
Wonderful story, I was waiting to read about Gabriel ❤
June 11, 2022
Good
I liked this story even better than the previous book. Hoping book 4 is as good if not better. Pretty good writing!
I liked this story even better than the previous book. Hoping book 4 is as good if not better. Pretty good writing!
November 22, 2022
Great book!
Definitely a good reading. I love this series. You will too. Laughter romance and surprises in this book. Great author🙂
Definitely a good reading. I love this series. You will too. Laughter romance and surprises in this book. Great author🙂
January 9, 2023
loved it
Best book so far in this series. Looking for the next one. Enjoy this writer tidbits of history love it
Best book so far in this series. Looking for the next one. Enjoy this writer tidbits of history love it
August 17, 2024
Options
There is not a highlander who used the word options as it was not a word until 1600. But writers can't seem to do with out it. Sounds so out of place. Stopped reading.
There is not a highlander who used the word options as it was not a word until 1600. But writers can't seem to do with out it. Sounds so out of place. Stopped reading.
August 20, 2024
Curse?
Another wonderful story, this one with a curse on a girl that made her life miserable. Only one could break it! Amazing book!!
Another wonderful story, this one with a curse on a girl that made her life miserable. Only one could break it! Amazing book!!
November 30, 2024
Love this series
I like that the story is original. Will be reading the rest.of the series, starting right now. Very good read.
I like that the story is original. Will be reading the rest.of the series, starting right now. Very good read.
March 6, 2025
I did the audiobook and the reader was good. I love his accent and it makes listening nice
I love this series. I never get tired of the series. Its a great story and characters.
I love this series. I never get tired of the series. Its a great story and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews