What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart of a Highlander #2
Heart of Stone
Julianna Elliot derives no pleasure in wedding a man she’s never set eyes upon—save that it will take her away from her heartless stepfather. But then the plans for a wedding are naught but a ruse, as something far more sinister is intended, and Julianna knows she must do whatever she can to save the MacKinnons.
Not all of Calum’s men escape his would-be bride’s home with their lives. His rage is tremendous, and he holds Julianna responsible—and as his hostage. It’s not long before Calum begins to understand that Julianna couldn’t possibly have plotted the murder of him and his men with her stepfather. Still, someone must pay for the attack, and he’s intent on bringing her home to Caerhayes to face whatever Highland justice his uncle decides upon for the brave beauty.
Julianna is terrified of the man that would have been her husband and now only wants her dead. And Calum resists mightily the desire to take her in his arms and promise no harm will ever come to her. But then a funny thing happened on the way to Caerhayes…and the once-promised pair realize that there is something greater than vengeance and fear and deadly games, something worth fighting for.
Heart of Stone is part of the HEART OF A HIGHLANDER series. Each book is a stand-alone tale; the books can be read in any order.
Not all of Calum’s men escape his would-be bride’s home with their lives. His rage is tremendous, and he holds Julianna responsible—and as his hostage. It’s not long before Calum begins to understand that Julianna couldn’t possibly have plotted the murder of him and his men with her stepfather. Still, someone must pay for the attack, and he’s intent on bringing her home to Caerhayes to face whatever Highland justice his uncle decides upon for the brave beauty.
Julianna is terrified of the man that would have been her husband and now only wants her dead. And Calum resists mightily the desire to take her in his arms and promise no harm will ever come to her. But then a funny thing happened on the way to Caerhayes…and the once-promised pair realize that there is something greater than vengeance and fear and deadly games, something worth fighting for.
Heart of Stone is part of the HEART OF A HIGHLANDER series. Each book is a stand-alone tale; the books can be read in any order.
358 pages, ebook
Published July 9, 2021
254 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 20, 2021
This book was fantastic—one of my very favorites by Ms. Ruger. It's very different from the first book in this series. Book One primarily took place on an estate. This book takes place primarily on the road, so there's lots of adventure and we get the full gamut of emotion from these two main characters, Calum and Julianna.
It's hard to do justice to how much I love Julianna. More than once I finished one of her scenes and said to myself "This woman is awesome". Her spunk, her courage, her honor, her hair... all make her someone to be admired. And when she told them all off in Chapter Ten I wanted to stand up and cheer. No need to apologize for that in my opinion. On the other hand, she's fragile and scared with the threat of execution constantly looming over her head. When she's not being stubborn, she wears her heart on her sleeve and brought tears to my eyes a time or two as well.
Calum too is a worthy main character. He's loyal to Scotland to a fault, and that's really all he cares about until he meets Julianna. Originally he deems her guilty by association with her murderous stepfather, then he gradually warms to her, caring and giving as she may be, albeit with a fiery personality. He surprises himself when he realizes that he "canna give her up". And yet he does... for noble reasons, but unwittingly to her peril.
The many trials and tribulations that Julianna suffers through no fault of her own are cruel and harrowing, yet she rises above repeatedly, adhering to her own standards of conduct. This is the power of the story. They can deprive her of food, water, hygiene, warmth, sleep, friendship, dignity; they can kidnap her and lead her to her death; but she never stops being herself. And herself is someone amazing.
This story is the epitome of Highlander romances with its multiple adventures, nail biting situations, wonderful world-building and spectacular characters. All of that and sprinkled with humor. It doesn't get better than this.
It's hard to do justice to how much I love Julianna. More than once I finished one of her scenes and said to myself "This woman is awesome". Her spunk, her courage, her honor, her hair... all make her someone to be admired. And when she told them all off in Chapter Ten I wanted to stand up and cheer. No need to apologize for that in my opinion. On the other hand, she's fragile and scared with the threat of execution constantly looming over her head. When she's not being stubborn, she wears her heart on her sleeve and brought tears to my eyes a time or two as well.
Calum too is a worthy main character. He's loyal to Scotland to a fault, and that's really all he cares about until he meets Julianna. Originally he deems her guilty by association with her murderous stepfather, then he gradually warms to her, caring and giving as she may be, albeit with a fiery personality. He surprises himself when he realizes that he "canna give her up". And yet he does... for noble reasons, but unwittingly to her peril.
The many trials and tribulations that Julianna suffers through no fault of her own are cruel and harrowing, yet she rises above repeatedly, adhering to her own standards of conduct. This is the power of the story. They can deprive her of food, water, hygiene, warmth, sleep, friendship, dignity; they can kidnap her and lead her to her death; but she never stops being herself. And herself is someone amazing.
This story is the epitome of Highlander romances with its multiple adventures, nail biting situations, wonderful world-building and spectacular characters. All of that and sprinkled with humor. It doesn't get better than this.
August 30, 2024
This wasn't nearly as good as the first one in the series. It lacked the emotional punch of
Heart of Shadows
and was so slow in the last forty percent. I still liked things about it and enjoyed the romance, but it didn't live up to my expectations. Going to be a quick review because I honestly don't have much to say beyond what I already did.
ROSE 🌹: FMC, ROMANCE
The FMC, Julianna, was great. She was well-rounded and an empathetic character. Sometimes she let her emotions and fear get the better of her, and I loved seeing that. Her actions made sense, and she was very likable. I was rooting for her from the moment she appeared on the page.
The romance was sweet, even though I didn't love the MMC. There was a bit of insta-love going on, but overall it played out well. Again - I was rooting for these two.
THORN 🗡️: LAST HALF
The first half was shaping up to be a really good story, but it all fell of in the last portion. There was a lot of build up that went nowhere, and it was so slow. There was only so much to say about two people struggling with their feelings for each other, but Ruger managed to write lots and lots of paragraphs about it.
BUD 🌷: GOOD SERIES TO GO BACK TO
If you've read any of my reviews, you know that I love Monica McCarty's highlanders and that I've reread all of her books multiple times when I need a fix. Even though I didn't love this book, I'm still excited to revisit this series as needed instead of rereading books I've read a thousand times before.
ROSE 🌹: FMC, ROMANCE
The FMC, Julianna, was great. She was well-rounded and an empathetic character. Sometimes she let her emotions and fear get the better of her, and I loved seeing that. Her actions made sense, and she was very likable. I was rooting for her from the moment she appeared on the page.
The romance was sweet, even though I didn't love the MMC. There was a bit of insta-love going on, but overall it played out well. Again - I was rooting for these two.
THORN 🗡️: LAST HALF
The first half was shaping up to be a really good story, but it all fell of in the last portion. There was a lot of build up that went nowhere, and it was so slow. There was only so much to say about two people struggling with their feelings for each other, but Ruger managed to write lots and lots of paragraphs about it.
BUD 🌷: GOOD SERIES TO GO BACK TO
If you've read any of my reviews, you know that I love Monica McCarty's highlanders and that I've reread all of her books multiple times when I need a fix. Even though I didn't love this book, I'm still excited to revisit this series as needed instead of rereading books I've read a thousand times before.
November 8, 2023
The heroine in this story cannot catch a goddamn break! She tries to warn her betrothed of a vile murderous plot, only to end up taken captive by him and sorely mistreated as he believes she was in on the plot. (He's... not the brightest candle in the box.) A series of misadventures follows on the road back to the hero's home. While the hero starts to realize she couldn't have been in on the plot (ya think?) and develops tender feelings towards her, she suffers through an increasing number of frightening and dangerous events. Through it all she maintains almost Disney princess-levels of goodness and kindness, to the point where I wondered if she had any sense of self-preservation at all.
Overall a fairly enjoyable (if fanciful at times) medieval road-trip romance.
Overall a fairly enjoyable (if fanciful at times) medieval road-trip romance.
did-not-finish
March 24, 2024Dnf at 27% – Highland romances are my favourite books to read but this one didn't do it for me...
January 4, 2023
I’m obsessed with Callum and Julianna. Their story was perfect. I loved the whole gang actually and I really really hope to see more of them. I NEED to know what happens with Brida and Tomag. My heart might not know peace until I do.
December 2, 2021
Meh
It’s not that it wasn’t good or bad it’s just I couldn’t quite read through the ramblings without frustration. The heroine has no backbone and only mildly speaks up for herself. The hero is a not so smart. He believes that she contrived a plan to have him executed when in fact she saved him. You would think this is the makings of heroine escaping a villain when in fact it’s the start of a kidnapping meets love. My problem with this is that it wasn’t executed well enough. He merely apologizes and that’s enough. And she only tried to escape once but somehow they still fall in love. Then there is the unnecessary excessive description of decor, feelings, surroundings and more. I’ve read books in this era of Scotland revolving around William Wallace but this is not one of the great ones.
It’s not that it wasn’t good or bad it’s just I couldn’t quite read through the ramblings without frustration. The heroine has no backbone and only mildly speaks up for herself. The hero is a not so smart. He believes that she contrived a plan to have him executed when in fact she saved him. You would think this is the makings of heroine escaping a villain when in fact it’s the start of a kidnapping meets love. My problem with this is that it wasn’t executed well enough. He merely apologizes and that’s enough. And she only tried to escape once but somehow they still fall in love. Then there is the unnecessary excessive description of decor, feelings, surroundings and more. I’ve read books in this era of Scotland revolving around William Wallace but this is not one of the great ones.
November 12, 2021
Family plotting.
Callum is the nephew to Laird MacKinnen. His uncle tells him he has arranged a marriage for him and order Callum and his 6 men to go wed the lass right away. Juliana is the bride intended. He soon realizes her step father has other plans to kill unsuspecting Callum and his men hen they arrive. Juliana runs out of the keep
to warn them before they get too close and is caught up in the attack. Callum assumes she was part of the planning of the attack and takes her prisoner with the intent of taking her home
For his uncle to deal with. There are a lot of twists in this story that I won’t give away. It is a good story of friendship, love, deception and family drama. Good book.
Callum is the nephew to Laird MacKinnen. His uncle tells him he has arranged a marriage for him and order Callum and his 6 men to go wed the lass right away. Juliana is the bride intended. He soon realizes her step father has other plans to kill unsuspecting Callum and his men hen they arrive. Juliana runs out of the keep
to warn them before they get too close and is caught up in the attack. Callum assumes she was part of the planning of the attack and takes her prisoner with the intent of taking her home
For his uncle to deal with. There are a lot of twists in this story that I won’t give away. It is a good story of friendship, love, deception and family drama. Good book.
August 7, 2024
Love is like honour….. it just “is”.
One always has to be wary of hidden plans during a time of war. I really liked all the complex undertones within the story involving both Juliana and Calum‘s families. It’s interesting how initial impressions and perceptions can alter the true understanding of a situation. The journey that Juliana, Calum and his men took within this story I found very interesting – and revealing of the true personalities of all of the characters. I had to smile at the fun stories and banter that Juliana often shared – as well as the girlish discussions with the four youth from the priory. In the end, seeing that adversity sometimes is what it takes to reveal and better understand the truth in front of us made for a sweet HEA.
One always has to be wary of hidden plans during a time of war. I really liked all the complex undertones within the story involving both Juliana and Calum‘s families. It’s interesting how initial impressions and perceptions can alter the true understanding of a situation. The journey that Juliana, Calum and his men took within this story I found very interesting – and revealing of the true personalities of all of the characters. I had to smile at the fun stories and banter that Juliana often shared – as well as the girlish discussions with the four youth from the priory. In the end, seeing that adversity sometimes is what it takes to reveal and better understand the truth in front of us made for a sweet HEA.
December 6, 2021
Not the Judas betrayal
Calum was dispatched by his uncle with 6 faithful friends to claim Juliana his bride. Juliana realized the last couple of moments it was a trap risked her own life to warn them! One of Calum men died. Calum bent on revenge for several days was angry and surly to Juliana even though his men sensed with bravery, beauty and wit she was not involved! These two share so much grief and misunderstanding! There is Juliana brief stay and torture at a nunery! Then more drama as Calum realizes he trusted th wrong person!
This is a beautiful story of two people who learn and trust and Juliana sweetness melts Calum heart of stone!
Calum was dispatched by his uncle with 6 faithful friends to claim Juliana his bride. Juliana realized the last couple of moments it was a trap risked her own life to warn them! One of Calum men died. Calum bent on revenge for several days was angry and surly to Juliana even though his men sensed with bravery, beauty and wit she was not involved! These two share so much grief and misunderstanding! There is Juliana brief stay and torture at a nunery! Then more drama as Calum realizes he trusted th wrong person!
This is a beautiful story of two people who learn and trust and Juliana sweetness melts Calum heart of stone!
May 14, 2022
Great story, contains porn & cursing
Oh if only this author had left out the porn & curse words, I'd have given this book a 5 star. The plot was very good. Julianne slowly came to care for Calum as he did her. Calum's men were in the story so much that the camaderie was well written. Julianne fitting into the company & winning over these gruff soldiers was compelling, as I wanted to see what happened next. Only a few curse words & 1 or 2 porn scenes, can be fairly overlooked once. The book would have been much better without them.
Oh if only this author had left out the porn & curse words, I'd have given this book a 5 star. The plot was very good. Julianne slowly came to care for Calum as he did her. Calum's men were in the story so much that the camaderie was well written. Julianne fitting into the company & winning over these gruff soldiers was compelling, as I wanted to see what happened next. Only a few curse words & 1 or 2 porn scenes, can be fairly overlooked once. The book would have been much better without them.
April 3, 2023
I liked it!
I thought, by the premise, that I would love it but unfortunately I didn’t.
I thought that Calum didn’t warm up enough for a while. I did like him, but sometimes wanted a bit more from his actions.
I know the nunnery wasn’t his fault but I still feel like she forgave that and everything else very quickly and wanted more angst and more of him showing her his feelings.
I did like how they forged a new path for him and the whole group. The group of men that grew to be like family to her was probably my favorite part!
I thought, by the premise, that I would love it but unfortunately I didn’t.
I thought that Calum didn’t warm up enough for a while. I did like him, but sometimes wanted a bit more from his actions.
I know the nunnery wasn’t his fault but I still feel like she forgave that and everything else very quickly and wanted more angst and more of him showing her his feelings.
I did like how they forged a new path for him and the whole group. The group of men that grew to be like family to her was probably my favorite part!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2021
Wonderful book!
Like the first book, I could not put this book down without planning when I could get back to it. I'm ready for book three. I do wish authors would quit perpetuating the virgin membrane myth. It doesn't exist. It make women think something is wrong that they didn't have it the first time, and it makes men think an inexperienced woman is lying because she didn't have the pain and bleeding.
Like the first book, I could not put this book down without planning when I could get back to it. I'm ready for book three. I do wish authors would quit perpetuating the virgin membrane myth. It doesn't exist. It make women think something is wrong that they didn't have it the first time, and it makes men think an inexperienced woman is lying because she didn't have the pain and bleeding.
January 8, 2023
sweet story
Although this series has great beginnings and little more depth in the middle it seems to loose itself from time to time. It’s still a pleasant read just seems to loose itself! Really enjoy her series that connects with her other books and characters, I do enjoy the fact that her men characters have enough respect for their women characters to wait for marriage before sealing the deal. Not a fan of so many writers who exchange sex for content
Although this series has great beginnings and little more depth in the middle it seems to loose itself from time to time. It’s still a pleasant read just seems to loose itself! Really enjoy her series that connects with her other books and characters, I do enjoy the fact that her men characters have enough respect for their women characters to wait for marriage before sealing the deal. Not a fan of so many writers who exchange sex for content
December 18, 2021
Highlander Highs
I loved this book. Although I found it a little bit unbelievable as far as the love making went. Ladies of that time period were so unaware of their bodies and sexual desires. I liked the characters. I read far too long into the night, not wanting to quit at the end of the chapter. I highly recommend the book. Just the right amount of sex.
I loved this book. Although I found it a little bit unbelievable as far as the love making went. Ladies of that time period were so unaware of their bodies and sexual desires. I liked the characters. I read far too long into the night, not wanting to quit at the end of the chapter. I highly recommend the book. Just the right amount of sex.
October 2, 2022
Opposites attract And this story proves it
The characters were engaging and well written. The plot was a typical, relative once more & tries to kill nephew. I enjoyed how the story worked Up to a peak Which was at the convent. From that point forward More to honesty with The characters and themselves and others occur making this for a happy ever after story.
The characters were engaging and well written. The plot was a typical, relative once more & tries to kill nephew. I enjoyed how the story worked Up to a peak Which was at the convent. From that point forward More to honesty with The characters and themselves and others occur making this for a happy ever after story.
May 28, 2024
One of my favorite series
This book is well written and included danger, supreme romance, longing, mystery, characters with distinct personalities and grit. A great love. A love they have had to earn and be brave enough to grab. I like strong determined male leads and the same for the women with a lot of steam. All with a happy ending. This book has it all. I loved it
This book is well written and included danger, supreme romance, longing, mystery, characters with distinct personalities and grit. A great love. A love they have had to earn and be brave enough to grab. I like strong determined male leads and the same for the women with a lot of steam. All with a happy ending. This book has it all. I loved it
August 29, 2024
I gave an average of 4 stars since some parts dragged a little and there was only 1 sex scene...so this was a 3.5 stars...but the ending and epilogue were much better so this was 4.5 stars.
I liked Julianna and how strong she was. Calum was pretty much doing whatever he wanted and she had to suffer through his flip-flopping decisions. She was way more patient that I would have been.
I liked Julianna and how strong she was. Calum was pretty much doing whatever he wanted and she had to suffer through his flip-flopping decisions. She was way more patient that I would have been.
July 12, 2021
Tears, laughter and passion
I just adored this story. Julianna was such an amazing character, she had me sobbing along with her as well as laughing at her stories. Callum was your perfect taciturn Highlander with honor and a heart that was not really made of stone.
I just adored this story. Julianna was such an amazing character, she had me sobbing along with her as well as laughing at her stories. Callum was your perfect taciturn Highlander with honor and a heart that was not really made of stone.
August 2, 2021
Love these heroes- love these imperfect heroines as well!
Love these heroes- love these imperfect heroines as well. Stories are not predictable and wrap you up until you can hardly put them down.
Love these heroes- love these imperfect heroines as well. Stories are not predictable and wrap you up until you can hardly put them down.
December 7, 2021
A highland tale with a betrothal and a betrayal
He went to get married but faced a bride running from the castle under a hail of arrows. A bit of a rocky start to a relationship. There are a few ups and downs during the tale, but some delightful banter too.
He went to get married but faced a bride running from the castle under a hail of arrows. A bit of a rocky start to a relationship. There are a few ups and downs during the tale, but some delightful banter too.
May 1, 2022
Romping good read
The talks begins with the fairly usual convoluted events, emotions and misadventures but quickly draws you in. It’s fun, emotional and interesting. The characters are well developed and you can’t help but like, hope and cheer for a happy ending.
The talks begins with the fairly usual convoluted events, emotions and misadventures but quickly draws you in. It’s fun, emotional and interesting. The characters are well developed and you can’t help but like, hope and cheer for a happy ending.
July 17, 2022
An absolute joy to read
I loved this story and it will have a forever place in my section of favorites. You can’t help but fall in love with ALL of the characters. I found myself laughing, crying and delighted as the events unfolded. It’s a page turner for sure!
I loved this story and it will have a forever place in my section of favorites. You can’t help but fall in love with ALL of the characters. I found myself laughing, crying and delighted as the events unfolded. It’s a page turner for sure!
February 22, 2025
I did the audiobook and the readers were good
This book has a great storyline and characters. Its a great series! Nothing wrong with it that I can think of. Just a good ole fashion historical romance
This book has a great storyline and characters. Its a great series! Nothing wrong with it that I can think of. Just a good ole fashion historical romance
March 30, 2025
This is a really good book
Great character and story building. Became invested in all the characters! Really nicely written. Narration was better at a bit higher speed.
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 2
Great character and story building. Became invested in all the characters! Really nicely written. Narration was better at a bit higher speed.
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 2
October 6, 2025
Heart of Stone
Another great story to add to books from this author I have loved and thoroughly enjoyed reading from beginning to end, could not put it down also has a lovely epilogue looking forward to reading a book 3
Another great story to add to books from this author I have loved and thoroughly enjoyed reading from beginning to end, could not put it down also has a lovely epilogue looking forward to reading a book 3
July 9, 2021
Loved this book
Really enjoyed reading this book, I won't give the plot away but I was gripped from the beginning,really good story line, sad when I finished book
Really enjoyed reading this book, I won't give the plot away but I was gripped from the beginning,really good story line, sad when I finished book
July 14, 2021
Enjoyed the read. I liked how resilient the h was.
July 17, 2021
Fantastic
This is a wonderful story. Truly enjoyed this author. But what happened to step father? Maybe will find out next time
This is a wonderful story. Truly enjoyed this author. But what happened to step father? Maybe will find out next time
July 18, 2021
Another well written one
Loved the characters. It was such a slow burn that by the end it felt a little forced and maybe too tidy of an ending. Still a really well written story.
Loved the characters. It was such a slow burn that by the end it felt a little forced and maybe too tidy of an ending. Still a really well written story.
Read
July 30, 2021I love all of Rebecca Rugers books. I love her characters and plots. I can’t wait for her to write more books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews