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Heart of a Highlander #4
Heart of Iron
Scotland at the beginning of the 14th century is not a peaceful place. Ross Kildare and his depleted army are headed home after months away, fighting the English, gaining no ground. In their travels, they come upon a scene of unspeakable horror, which pierces the hearts of even these hardened and battle-weary warriors.
The lone survivor, Caitrin Lorne, is beyond grief, and Ross vows to do whatever is necessary to see her brought to safety. They move on, traveling to his home, only to discover that his castle was only days ago seized by the English, who have either killed or imprisoned the people of Westcairn and are now using the castle as their own garrison.
Ross is determined to deliver Caitrin to a better place where there is no war and bloodshed, but she begs to stay with him, the only person she trusts right now. Together with his small army, they flee into the forest and make war on the enemy at Westcairn, determined to reclaim his home.
War has taken everyone and everything Ross and Caitrin have ever known. Can they find love with each other while the whole world seems to be burning down around them?
The lone survivor, Caitrin Lorne, is beyond grief, and Ross vows to do whatever is necessary to see her brought to safety. They move on, traveling to his home, only to discover that his castle was only days ago seized by the English, who have either killed or imprisoned the people of Westcairn and are now using the castle as their own garrison.
Ross is determined to deliver Caitrin to a better place where there is no war and bloodshed, but she begs to stay with him, the only person she trusts right now. Together with his small army, they flee into the forest and make war on the enemy at Westcairn, determined to reclaim his home.
War has taken everyone and everything Ross and Caitrin have ever known. Can they find love with each other while the whole world seems to be burning down around them?
302 pages, ebook
Published October 25, 2021
156 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 5, 2022
loving this series
January 4, 2023
A lovely story about love and grief and how joy and sorrow can come hand in hand. At first I didn’t think Ross and Caitlin’s story would be my favorite but then by the epilogue I was tearing up! Hope to see the members of Westcairn again in the following books in the series!
October 28, 2021
"DINNA FEAR TO BE RULED BY THE HEART. THE HEART IS IRON MY SON."
It seems to me that writing in this genre must require extensive research or many years of cumulative knowledge of the time period to write effectively and believably. This book in particular impresses me in regard to that. The detail in the description of the battles, the strategy, the laying of traps and making of weapons—all of it is so rich it puts me right there within that world of upheaval and struggle and determination.
Caitrin and Ross are classic and wonderful Scottish Medieval characters, never losing their desire to survive and thrive in the proud noble ways of a Highlander. Caitrin literally rises from the ashes into a fearless heroine. She was unwanted since childhood and made to feel that her existence was without merit. ("I'm not sure there was ever much point to my life.") This is a profoundly sad way to see yourself. But over the course of the story she finds meaning in being a valued and worthy partner to a strong leader and a warrior. Ross is a driven pursuer of justice but as Caitrin enters his life he is reminded of his mother's advice that his strength lies in trusting and being guided by his unfailing, reliable, steady heart. It's satisfying to see how these two characters bolster and empower each other, and evolve into who they are in the epilogue.
Highlander romances may not be for everyone because, yes, there is violence—necessary violence if the story is to be properly told. But there is also heroism, bravery, grit, loyalty, honor, integrity, drama, adventure, and history, and this story incorporates all of those in a bold and exciting way.
It seems to me that writing in this genre must require extensive research or many years of cumulative knowledge of the time period to write effectively and believably. This book in particular impresses me in regard to that. The detail in the description of the battles, the strategy, the laying of traps and making of weapons—all of it is so rich it puts me right there within that world of upheaval and struggle and determination.
Caitrin and Ross are classic and wonderful Scottish Medieval characters, never losing their desire to survive and thrive in the proud noble ways of a Highlander. Caitrin literally rises from the ashes into a fearless heroine. She was unwanted since childhood and made to feel that her existence was without merit. ("I'm not sure there was ever much point to my life.") This is a profoundly sad way to see yourself. But over the course of the story she finds meaning in being a valued and worthy partner to a strong leader and a warrior. Ross is a driven pursuer of justice but as Caitrin enters his life he is reminded of his mother's advice that his strength lies in trusting and being guided by his unfailing, reliable, steady heart. It's satisfying to see how these two characters bolster and empower each other, and evolve into who they are in the epilogue.
Highlander romances may not be for everyone because, yes, there is violence—necessary violence if the story is to be properly told. But there is also heroism, bravery, grit, loyalty, honor, integrity, drama, adventure, and history, and this story incorporates all of those in a bold and exciting way.
January 17, 2022
Love for a lifetime
Ross was returning to his keep he was Laird over when he encountered a strange and disturbing sight even for a battle hardened soldier as he! Caitrin (her name unknown to him at the time) was frantically digging what appeared to be graves for the slaughtered family around her! She was bone thin and her beautiful green eyes were immersed in grief! She kept saying the evil that busted them in broad daylight were dressed as Scottish men but were English! No-one really believed her they thought her crazed with grief! They were going to realize that she spoke the truth!
Caitrin was an orphan and the only family she knew was slaughtered nay butchered by the English! When they attempted to put her somewhere safe not only did they not want her devastation followed them there!
Ross was drawn to the beauty but he was facing the unknown with stories of his keep being overtaken! After Ross and his men save Caitrin a second time it is clear to everyone that this is fate!
This is a tender story in the midst of blood, guts and fighting! Family members are lost and life is very uncertain! Caitrin is afraid to feel she has seen so much death! When Ross c!an members that have escaped to the woods try to draw Caitrin I think she is still in shock afraid to get close to anyone!
When she finally comes alive again it is under Ross protective gaze and they find love to last several lifetimes!!
Ross was returning to his keep he was Laird over when he encountered a strange and disturbing sight even for a battle hardened soldier as he! Caitrin (her name unknown to him at the time) was frantically digging what appeared to be graves for the slaughtered family around her! She was bone thin and her beautiful green eyes were immersed in grief! She kept saying the evil that busted them in broad daylight were dressed as Scottish men but were English! No-one really believed her they thought her crazed with grief! They were going to realize that she spoke the truth!
Caitrin was an orphan and the only family she knew was slaughtered nay butchered by the English! When they attempted to put her somewhere safe not only did they not want her devastation followed them there!
Ross was drawn to the beauty but he was facing the unknown with stories of his keep being overtaken! After Ross and his men save Caitrin a second time it is clear to everyone that this is fate!
This is a tender story in the midst of blood, guts and fighting! Family members are lost and life is very uncertain! Caitrin is afraid to feel she has seen so much death! When Ross c!an members that have escaped to the woods try to draw Caitrin I think she is still in shock afraid to get close to anyone!
When she finally comes alive again it is under Ross protective gaze and they find love to last several lifetimes!!
November 14, 2021
Ross and Caitrin.
I loved both characters from the very beginning. Caitrin witnesses the death of her family and is the sole survivor. Ross and his men find her trying to bury her family by hand and agree to take her to another family member. Unfortunately they do not want her so she returns to Ross in the night. He refuses to take her with them and sends her back, where there is another attack and he saves her again. This time he won’t let her go. When he finally returns home he discovers his castle has been taken over by the English. He and his mean and the survivors of the English attack camp in the forest while they plan and prepare for attack to regain control of the castle. He and Caitrin become closer. He is protective but she falls to another attack and he rescues her again. This is a story of a protector and his love. Very well done. Great characters and story line.
I loved both characters from the very beginning. Caitrin witnesses the death of her family and is the sole survivor. Ross and his men find her trying to bury her family by hand and agree to take her to another family member. Unfortunately they do not want her so she returns to Ross in the night. He refuses to take her with them and sends her back, where there is another attack and he saves her again. This time he won’t let her go. When he finally returns home he discovers his castle has been taken over by the English. He and his mean and the survivors of the English attack camp in the forest while they plan and prepare for attack to regain control of the castle. He and Caitrin become closer. He is protective but she falls to another attack and he rescues her again. This is a story of a protector and his love. Very well done. Great characters and story line.
July 22, 2023
This book was waiting so long in my TBR list because I was afraid It'll be too heavy, what with book starting with pretty tragic circumstances.
I'm so happy I got around to reading it, I'm now angry at myself for taking so long...
I RARELY give books 5 stars, but this one was just perfect. It read like a movie, I got so invested in it. H and h were perfect, their relationship built so beautifully. I felt all the feels during the proposal scene, it was so touching and gave me Braveheart vibes.
Epilogue was absolutely beautiful.
I think this author should have much more reviews. This book is outstanding.
I'm so happy I got around to reading it, I'm now angry at myself for taking so long...
I RARELY give books 5 stars, but this one was just perfect. It read like a movie, I got so invested in it. H and h were perfect, their relationship built so beautifully. I felt all the feels during the proposal scene, it was so touching and gave me Braveheart vibes.
Epilogue was absolutely beautiful.
I think this author should have much more reviews. This book is outstanding.
October 30, 2021
Enjoyed this book, however
I enjoyed the story, even though it could have been set in the wild west, I find it ridiculous that in medieval Scotland the writer states vultures were flying and that there were possums and raccoons. A particular trait of America writers. If you are writing about a particular country at less research the fauna. There are plenty of native birds and wild life to use.
I enjoyed the story, even though it could have been set in the wild west, I find it ridiculous that in medieval Scotland the writer states vultures were flying and that there were possums and raccoons. A particular trait of America writers. If you are writing about a particular country at less research the fauna. There are plenty of native birds and wild life to use.
October 6, 2022
delightfully romantic
hardy hero helps hapless heroine in highlands
loved this book - the hero who is practical, self-assured & knows his own mind.
perfectly paired with a direct and solemn heroine who acts similarly sensibly.
it could have been boring i guess, but instead two such reasonable people were arranged with enough situational drama to not need need ludicrous mental gymnastics to make for an interesting story.
fresh, timeless, loved it.
heroine
hardy hero helps hapless heroine in highlands
loved this book - the hero who is practical, self-assured & knows his own mind.
perfectly paired with a direct and solemn heroine who acts similarly sensibly.
it could have been boring i guess, but instead two such reasonable people were arranged with enough situational drama to not need need ludicrous mental gymnastics to make for an interesting story.
fresh, timeless, loved it.
heroine
November 7, 2021
Very good
This was a good book. A little slow at times, but overall a very good stiry. I liked the characters and hope the make an appearance in the next book of the series. Once again, the emotion poured off the page and grabbed hold of my heart. Especially the epilogue.
This was a good book. A little slow at times, but overall a very good stiry. I liked the characters and hope the make an appearance in the next book of the series. Once again, the emotion poured off the page and grabbed hold of my heart. Especially the epilogue.
January 17, 2024
Excellent reading
First one of this author but a really well done. characters developed solidly. Story line smooth and never waning. Ross follows through with his strength and kindness . Definitely will follow this writer.
First one of this author but a really well done. characters developed solidly. Story line smooth and never waning. Ross follows through with his strength and kindness . Definitely will follow this writer.
August 24, 2024
This one different
This story was very different from the previous ones from the series. I like how the characters interact. Also, we were taken farther into their future. Great read!
This story was very different from the previous ones from the series. I like how the characters interact. Also, we were taken farther into their future. Great read!
October 27, 2021
If you like intrege.
Well written and interesting. Could read it fast enough. Certainly was an enjoyable way to spend a rainy day and evening.
Well written and interesting. Could read it fast enough. Certainly was an enjoyable way to spend a rainy day and evening.
October 28, 2021
The characters were strong and courageous. I really liked this book.
October 29, 2021
I enjoyed it very much, it was realistic to some extent regarding Caitrin’s experiences & the wars between Scotland & England..
October 31, 2021
Heart of Iron
I love this series. There was so much war. I felt such heartbreak for Caution for everything she had to endure.
I love this series. There was so much war. I felt such heartbreak for Caution for everything she had to endure.
November 2, 2021
Great historical romance
This was a good book. I have read the 4 books and enjoyed all of them. Ross and Caitrin found each other and has life of love.
This was a good book. I have read the 4 books and enjoyed all of them. Ross and Caitrin found each other and has life of love.
November 2, 2021
Excellent
This is a truly beautiful story. I enjoyed reading from the beginning to the ending. Absolutely a wonderful love story
This is a truly beautiful story. I enjoyed reading from the beginning to the ending. Absolutely a wonderful love story
November 17, 2021
Awesome
Awesome story! It was well written and I followed it to the end. Love, struggled, conquest and gratitude..what a love story indeed.
Awesome story! It was well written and I followed it to the end. Love, struggled, conquest and gratitude..what a love story indeed.
December 26, 2021
they both have a heart of iron!
What a wonderful story. From a very sad start, to skirmishes and battle. Love conquers all. Ross and Caitlin share a everlasting love.
What a wonderful story. From a very sad start, to skirmishes and battle. Love conquers all. Ross and Caitlin share a everlasting love.
January 2, 2022
3.5 stars.
March 28, 2023
rich love story
This is the best one yet that Rebecca Ruger has written. Full of emotion shows do you love it its best. The ending is priceless.
This is the best one yet that Rebecca Ruger has written. Full of emotion shows do you love it its best. The ending is priceless.
September 4, 2024
The fmc was either catatonic or being rescued the entire time and you know what??? I ATE THIS SHIT UP
November 22, 2024
Such an enjoyable read!
I liked the entire story ! Exciting, made me nearly cry in parts of the story! Was certainly a page turner! Good to the end;
I liked the entire story ! Exciting, made me nearly cry in parts of the story! Was certainly a page turner! Good to the end;
March 23, 2025
I did the audiobook and LOVE the readers accent and voice. He is one of my favorite readers Its Stewart Crank.
I love this series. They are sweet and brutal but such good stories.
I love this series. They are sweet and brutal but such good stories.
April 5, 2025
Great read
Ut was a page turner, and I was unable to put down the book once I started reading. Great chemistry and growth of characters.
Ut was a page turner, and I was unable to put down the book once I started reading. Great chemistry and growth of characters.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews