Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Highlander Heroes #4

The Depths of Her Soul

Rate this book
Marianna Sinclair has lived years in England, separated from her family and regarded only as an unpaid servant to her aunt and uncle. She is overjoyed when her brother comes to collect her, returning her to Scotland. Yet, her thrill is quickly diminished when she learns she's to wed the son of a local landowner, the detestable Walter Ramsay. But even this is overshadowed as her traveling party is pursued by a fierce Highlander army. Her dismay becomes outright fear when her own brother abandons her while he makes his escape. Lachlan Maitland spent seven months as a prisoner of the English and bears the scars of their brutality, inside and out. He wants only to be at King Robert Bruce's side, winning Scotland's freedom, not chasing the bandits terrorizing the Highlands. His pursuit leads him to Mari Sinclair, and once he discovers she is betrothed to the Maitlands' longtime enemy, he eagerly kidnaps her, hoping to trade her to the Ramsays for peace in the Highlands. He quickly decides that she is the most confounding captive he has ever known. Soon, he regrets that he's made any deal with the Ramsays to trade her, for Lachlan is not sure he can ever let her go. Contains mature themes.

308 pages, ebook

Published August 13, 2020

396 people are currently reading
277 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Ruger

77 books198 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
677 (65%)
4 stars
278 (26%)
3 stars
63 (6%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,901 reviews323 followers
December 7, 2021
A wee critical thing

I truly liked this story. Lachlan was a great scarred warrior who was felled by the love of a wee little less named Mari. The journey was amazing. There is a war brewing between the Evil Ramseys and the good Maitlands. And the Ramseys were truly evil! They tortured her brother and the Father was just demonic! Actually the battle was actually anticlimactic when I was expecting more. The scene on the beach when they give in to the feelings is so beautiful! I just couldn't get over how sweet it was when they said pretend you love me and they both love each other. It was so cute. Just a great book all around. It was a little slow at times but it definitely came through at the end. The epilogue was perfect. I can't wait to read another one of her books.
Profile Image for Jas.
725 reviews14 followers
January 4, 2023
I’m obsessed. I think Lachlan and Mari might by my favorite couple in this series so far. They’re just so cute and the chemistry was perfect. I only wish I also knew what happened with Utrid and Elesbeth. This series is slower paced than other series I’ve read but each time the author sucks me into the story. Im never bored and fully invested in so many of the characters, not just the MCs. Can’t wait for the rest of this series!
Profile Image for Fran.
493 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2020
INCREDIBLE CHARACTERS, MAGNIFICENT SETTING AND WELL WRITTEN. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?

I absolutely loved this book. It's my first foray into the world of Highlander romance and admittedly a new experience always enhances a reader's first impressions. But I don't think I'm wrong when I say this book was good on every level in re. to the romance genre. At least for me it was.

I really enjoyed the descriptive writing style. It was charming and old world-y sounding. And though I confess that my knowledge on this subject is limited to the movie Braveheart, it felt realistic enough to my untrained ear, looking up words as I went along.

There were so many great scenes in this story—vivid and evoking of emotion—the river crossing, Murdock's monologue, the swimming scene, the battle scene, the scene in Mari's chambers, the Shinty scene, and of course that fantastic epilogue. The author mixes wit and history and romance seamlessly, and does an amazing job of world building.

And so if that's not enough, Ms. Ruger has written such wonderful characters. Mari's every emotion is dialed up to eleven. Having been suppressed for the last seven years in the servitude of her uncle and aunt, she now has the freedom to express her own personality, and she is spunky and brave and compassionate and of high integrity. Lachlan, the chief of the clan, shares the same high integrity but suffers from damaged self-esteem due to disfigurements suffered during his time as a prisoner of war. These two characters learn to blend their personalities to make each other even better. Lachlan's stoicism and steadiness balances Mari's restlessness and untamed emotion. Noteworthy side characters include Lady Diana and Murdock, both of whom serve to make wise observations and impart sage advice.

An HEA didn't always feel like a given to me, even though you know there will be one because... well it is a romance after all. But it's a credit to the storytelling that I was kept on edge about that. It's clear that Mari's traits will make her a wise and valuable support for her chieftain husband in the future. There's no doubt in my mind that the Maitland Clan will thrive under their co-leadership, so it's not only an HEA for the couple but for the whole community, and as this couple always knew, this was about more than just themselves.

I will definitely be reading more books in this series, although this book can totally be read as a standalone. The Depths Of Her Soul was exciting, engaging and an all around satisfying read. I didn't think period pieces were my thing before reading this book, but now I'm definitely rethinking that.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
August 31, 2020
This is funny, sweet, heartbreaking and romantic. Mari had spent the last 7 years living with her aunt and uncle in England, when her brother shows up suddenly. He was there to take her home, which made her happy, until she asked why. She was told that she was to be married to a man who was cruel to her as a child. At their first stop to rest, they hear a bunch of horses coming their way, fast. Mari's brother, and all his men, take off to escape, leaving her behind. Lachlan sees her as he's pursuing the reiver he'd been chasing. When he finds out who she is, he decides to kidnap her, and use her to get the reiver and a peace accord between his clan and her betrothed's. Mari is no wilting flower and she's not afraid to air her grievances. Lachlan is first confused by her refusing to be afraid of him, not just his presence and attitude, but because his face is so badly scarred, most people turn away from him, disgusted. Mari keeps him on his toes, and guessing at what kind of person she was. Mari is gradually taken by his belief that he's worth nothing, and all she wants to do is help him heal. There are surprises, betrayals, friendships and danger. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book125 followers
September 8, 2020
Delightful Scottish Romance with Exceptional Characters

This was a surprisingly good historical Scottish romance! While it certainly did have aspects we’ve come to expect in Highlander romance—braw men, gorgeous scenery, clan infighting, and strong women—this book had a lot more because the author created delightful characters that go beyond stereotypes and tropes. I particularly liked the heroine in this book, Mari. She appears at first to be naïve and guileless, but she uses this to her advantage. She is not easily cowed. She acts bravely even if her knees are knocking! I love that in a heroine; to me, it is the definition of courage. I also liked that she is a woman who sees beyond the surface to the content of a man's character. Far too many romances, contemporary and historical, can be so shallow, focusing only on the physical beauty of the principal characters. She knew almost immediately that the hero was more than the physical scars and bluster that he exhibited. The secondary characters were well drawn, too. There is plenty of intrigue, action, and danger to keep you turning the pages, perhaps longer than you thought you were going to; I know I kept reading longer than I should! This book covers a lot of themes that are fantastic to explore in a romance like this: betrayal, family ties and drama, trust, forgiveness, sacrifice, loyalty, acceptance, and ultimately healing. I love it when a historical romance has so much to it. It adds depth and interest, that's for sure. If you enjoy Highlander romance, you will most likely enjoy this well-written novel.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
102 reviews
June 28, 2021
A plethora of gorgeous writing

Lachlan is scarred in heart and mind after being imprisoned by the English and tortured. He survived but has lost the joy in life. He comes upon Mari in the woods when he and his men are on their way home after fighting the English with Robert the Bruce. Mari is sweet and innocent. She looks at the good in every thing but also has a way of breaking things down. She has lived years with her aunt and uncle taking care of them and their children. Her brother abandons her when Lachlan and his men appear. Lachlan finds out she was betrothed to his enemy. So, why not kidnap her and ransom her back to the Ramseys in exchange for peace. Mari, in her big hearted way, won over everyone in Lachlan's clan. He reminds her regularly that she is the worst captive he has ever kidnapped.

This is a great story. I loved the writing. The descriptions and the conversations were the best. I will look for more books by Rebecca Ruger.
4,392 reviews25 followers
September 18, 2020
This is a delightful Scottish romance. It is the fourth book in the Highlander Heroes series. I haven't read the first three, but after reading this one I will be going back and looking to pick those up, too! This was a sweet, and heartbreaking romance. Mari has been living with her aunt for the last 7 years and her brother has come to take her home. She is to be married to a man that had treated her badly in childhood. On the way, they run into some trouble and Lachlan spied Mari and decided to kidnap her. Mari certainly keeps him on his toes and the attraction that develops between them is undeniable. Danger, suspense, drama, and romance all rolled up in one to make one amazing story. I would definitely recommend you give it a try!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,168 reviews19 followers
February 3, 2021
My words can not describe how wonderful this story is.
Mature Highland Story:
Another wonderful story of a wonderful series.
Mari was fun and sassy. Lachlan strong and sexy.
Many tense moments along with many intimate scenes.
The beach interlude had Mari's belly thumping, her heart fluttering,
heat rising and so was mine. Wonderfully written that I could almost feel
the emotions sizzling between the two.
The end had terrifying battles that were thrilling along with a heart warming ending.
Favorite quote in the story "I'm So In Love With You" An Ahhhh moment for sure.
I do wish this author would write more highland stories.
Mature reader:✔
Intimacy before marriage:✔
Heat level: 2 our of 5✔
1,277 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2023
Mari, a very likable Half Scottish-half English lass, finds herself being returned by her half-brother to Scotland to marry a much dreaded Ramsey. Her brother and his gang, thieving reivers, finds himself being pursued by the Highland Army led by Lachlan Maitland. Left behind in their escape, Mari is captured by Lachlan in hopes for a favorable exchange for peace with the Ramseys. Carrying scars from being imprisoned by the English, Lachlan is at odds with quirky yet likable Mari, soon caring for her. Unfortunately, that leads to further trouble. Well-written and researched and true to the era and dialect, one can find themselves engulfed in the times and events in this recommended novel for those who enjoy this genre.
Profile Image for Holly.
891 reviews
May 29, 2022
I loved Lachlan and Mari! They were so sweet together. I liked her honesty and lack of plotting. If she tried any misguided plan to “ help” it was quickly thwarted. Lachlan, our scarred hero, was awesome. This is why I had difficulty believing that as chief of the clan, he would repulse woman. I’m sure that many warriors had nasty scars etc…but certainly it would not deter a woman from a man of value with the highest social standing. In reality he would have been pursued, but I suppose it supported the plot that he was not.
I like when things fall into place for the couple a bit earlier in the book, but few stories give me that. It did have a lovely, if not brief epilogue.
1,096 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2021
Finding love in the strangest places.

Laird Lachlan kidnaps Mari who is the betrothed of his greatest enemy. His plan is to trade her for peace for his clan. Mari soon wins the heart of all his men as Lachlan continues to fight his feelings. He is horribly scarred from 7 months of torture and does not feel worthy of love. Their story is an interesting one. I’ve loved every story in this series and it is hard to pick a favorite. This is really a good one. Loved the characters.
561 reviews
April 18, 2022
MY HEART. this was so excellently executed. A brilliant FMC, a scarred and damaged and honorable MMC. The longing. The mutual respect. The tension. The plot was well developed and intriguing. I was honestly wondering how this would work out and I was pleasantly surprised. Chekhov's training.

“And you’ll pretend, too, lass, aye? You’ll pretend that you love me as well?”

She smiled with some bittersweet heartbreak and shook her head. “I won’t have to pretend, Lachlan.”

His response was similar to hers, at once grateful and sad. “Nor I, love.”

😭❤💔🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cindy C..
1,143 reviews14 followers
September 11, 2024
One Awesome Story!

He was a fierce, brawny captor with physical and mental scares and she was the worst captive Lachlan and his men could have taken prisoner! Her job was to escape and they made it so very easy to do. Join Lachlan and Mari as they figure out how this captor and prisoner thing works. Rebecca River has written an awesome story full of suspense, kidnapping, adventure, plenty of humour, great dialogue and a deranged villain who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Profile Image for Stacy Holguin.
220 reviews
March 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this story, as it had all the things I've come to love from Rebecca Ruger's series: Beautiful prose, an interesting plot right from the start, charming characters, a brawny and brave man who falls in love with a fierce and beautiful lass, tons of longing and simmering emotions seen through his and her eyes, all narrated in a stirring Scottish brogue by Stewart Crank's yummy voice.
This story about the "worst captive ever" who turns out to be a "wee critical something" is such a fun read.
5 reviews
April 26, 2026
Brilliant

I absolutely loved this book, the banter between the characters and watching the relationship unfold between Mari and Lachlan was wonderful. Mari is not afraid to say what she thinks and is very brave and behind his standoffish exterior lachlan has a heart.
There was a mix of characters and it was nice to see how Mari built friendships everyone.

It's the first book I've read in the series and loved it. I read it in a day as it was gripping from the start and had me wanting to know what was next. There were also laugh out loud moments too!
92 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2022
a new favorite

I fell absolutely in love with Mari and Lachlan was perfect for her. I tend to be drawn to the hero vs the heroine but Mari has such a joyful, honest, curious and innocent personality that I was excited to read on to see what she would do/say next. And Lachlan and his backstory was the perfect counterbalance to her. The story was well developed and written and I will be remembering this one for some time to come.
125 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2023
The Depths of Her Soul

I haven't read a book of this kind in a long while, but Rebecca Ruger's The Depths of Her Soul was so good. It has a strong heroine-- Marianna Sinclair--paired with a strong hero--Lachlan Maitland. The two are caught between warring clans but manage to have their well-deserved HEA. This author is a new one for me, but I'm definitely looking for more books from her, especially this series. I didn't know how much I had missed Highlander novels.
Profile Image for Gina Ann.
556 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2023
The perfect highlander read

This book made me laugh more than once, because once your kidnapped you have to try and escape right? Lol. Just adored heroine but her adventure went too fast, I could see her journey through the woods as the authors descriptions played out in my mind. Loved the fact that heroine could see through hero's scars right from the start. This is on my re read list, loved it!
Profile Image for S.
1,113 reviews26 followers
January 29, 2024
This was gooooooood. It's not long but not too short either (about 270 pages or so).
I absolutely loved both MCs; they complement each other perfectly. Brooding Hero was astounded to see a beautiful, bonny lass and kidnapped her to ransom for his clan's peace. I enjoyed the banters between the two. She's such a sweet, and kind hearted heroine, while he was mean and gruff.
I liked the Hero's clan and the side characters, too.
Such a sweet story. Made me feel good. Not too heavy.
Profile Image for K.
83 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2025
It is really refreshing to have a spunky, yet innocent heroine like Mari. She’s not a hellcat that fights her feelings by spewing venom at Lachlan every chance she gets. She actually acknowledges her initial attraction and builds upon it with love and acceptance. The heroine yearning for the stubborn hero is a trope I eat up. Lachlan is scarred (emotionally and physically) but strong and kind. The supporting characters are great and full of lots of comical moments.

Great read!
Profile Image for Abi.
162 reviews
April 12, 2022
I really liked the book. It was a little funny, she being a bad prisoner and him being a bad kidnapper. She's a little naive but she powers through. He was scarred but she saw the beauty in him. I really love both of them together. Sometimes, I felt that some of the dialogue was a bit... modern but it wasn't a big problem for me. Overall the book was good.
Profile Image for Helen McCormick .
318 reviews
May 29, 2022
Like the 1st in this series but with a twist

Oh I'm loving these novels. The lairds are always angry and smouldering and giants with broad shoulders and slim and strong and smattering of hair etc... lasses always skinny and big boobed and small , petite but fiesty. But I love the stories and the scene setting and characters. Very enjoyable
129 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2022
Very good

I really irked this story. It has everything you want and the main characters keep your interest thru out the book. They are both easy to like and to feel for…they’ll have you rooting for them almost from the start. Very good story and I definitely recommend you read it
271 reviews
November 1, 2025
EVEN WITH that goat man on this cover I'd give it a 3.76. Like I do not know who that man on the cover is, but he is not the hero of our story. I looked past that and read the book anyway and it was good light fluffy read that I really ended up enjoying. There was enough depth to the characters and story to keep me going, but also enough romance and fun to keep it lighthearted.
13 reviews
April 25, 2026
Nice tale of Irish love

Like all romances this took off with a roar and an explanation of why the lass was being taken to her bethroved. A bit confusing as to the relationship of her half brother and even felt a bit ambivalent about Walter who seemed at times to show two different attitudes. Horrible treatment of the hero. Finally got the happy ending. No cliffhanger here.
1,124 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2020
This is the first story that focuses on the 3 friends. Worries all, this story is about Lachlan. Although I read this one last, I think Mari was my favourite heroine. Her humour and sass brought so much to the story, having all of Lauchlan's men falling for her quickly. Loved it!
373 reviews
July 19, 2021
Fabulous

This is the first book I have read by this author and I know I will read more of her book’s.
This story is funny, sad, romantic i just couldn’t put it down i loved Mari she is so lively and strong and Lachlan was the strong silent hero well recommended.
Profile Image for Nostalgic .
209 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2022
beautiful

An Absolutely beautiful romantic story. Love this author’s style. The characters were very
loveable, especially the strong heroine and the ending was magical. Definitely recommend.
550 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2022
A lucky captive..

On her way to Scotland and her future husband, she is taken as a prisoner. The laird and his men seem to be enemies of her betrothed and plan to use her to negotiate a peace deal. interesting characters and really good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews