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Heart of a Highlander #5
Heart of Winter
The man who has been brought to Gemma’s home to recover from wounds suffered at the hands of the English is not like any man she has ever known—cold and dark, as stormy as the windswept sea. But Gemma pretends to pays him no mind, waiting on her long-lost love to return. This man will leave, and with him the strange fascination she entertains to know more of him.
Declan recovers slowly at Gemma’s home, sour and now bitter, his scars deep. Gemma is no more than an enchanting, out-of-bounds figure, coming and going, having little to do with his direct care—until her father proposes they wed. Declan refuses outright; a bride and wife can no longer be part of his future. But then he kisses her, surprising both of them, and decides he will not leave without her.
Enraged, Gemma refuses, telling him her heart belongs to another. But Declan will not listen, and her father pushes the marriage. They depart for Windshire, with Gemma declining to play any part, either as wife or as chatelaine to his stormy castle on the coast. But she is drawn to it, to life at Windshire, and the people here. And she’s beginning to imagine that the Wolf of Windshire, as her husband is known, is not quite as icy and aloof as he would have her believe—or as she would like him to be.
Declan recovers slowly at Gemma’s home, sour and now bitter, his scars deep. Gemma is no more than an enchanting, out-of-bounds figure, coming and going, having little to do with his direct care—until her father proposes they wed. Declan refuses outright; a bride and wife can no longer be part of his future. But then he kisses her, surprising both of them, and decides he will not leave without her.
Enraged, Gemma refuses, telling him her heart belongs to another. But Declan will not listen, and her father pushes the marriage. They depart for Windshire, with Gemma declining to play any part, either as wife or as chatelaine to his stormy castle on the coast. But she is drawn to it, to life at Windshire, and the people here. And she’s beginning to imagine that the Wolf of Windshire, as her husband is known, is not quite as icy and aloof as he would have her believe—or as she would like him to be.
294 pages, ebook
Published May 6, 2022
156 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 7, 2022
I don’t know what else to say regarding Rebecca Ruger’s books that I haven’t said before, but I’ll try. Her writing is so descriptive that I literally feel like I’m with the characters and all that happens. I’ve read many books where they get so descriptive that they are too wordy and I get lost and don’t know what is happening, but Rebecca’s have never done that too me. I can easily see and taste and feel any and all that is written and still enjoy the great story telling that goes along with it.
I was privileged to receive this as an ARC and stayed up way to late to read this before it’s release. Unfortunately, I’m a day or two late as I do have work and family that need my attention too.
I had pre-ordered this book after I read book four and can’t wait for book six (I pre-ordered that as well.). I will be sad to see this series end but look forward too more writings by Rebecca. Thanks for your great storytelling.
I was privileged to receive this as an ARC and stayed up way to late to read this before it’s release. Unfortunately, I’m a day or two late as I do have work and family that need my attention too.
I had pre-ordered this book after I read book four and can’t wait for book six (I pre-ordered that as well.). I will be sad to see this series end but look forward too more writings by Rebecca. Thanks for your great storytelling.
January 4, 2023
What a slow burn compared to the other books in this series! But I love Gemma and Declan. I love the way they just fit together so well as a couple. As always the secondary characters were wonderful too. Except Maud. I want to drop kick Maud in the way that I wanted to drop kick Lydia Bennet, in that I’m pretty sure I’d be doing everyone a favor.
May 26, 2022
I've read all of Rebecca Ruger's Highlander books so far and this is one of my very favorites. Her writing has never been better, and the H and h are two truly intriguing characters. The conflict is more internal than external but it never got boring. I'm not sure which I was more invested in—the romance or the personal journeys these two characters take.
If you like slow, slow, slow burning passion, then this is for you. The only intimate scene doesn't come until 86%. The H and h both struggle with their commitment to altruistic ideals vs. their attraction to each other. Ironically their ideals are part of their attraction, while at the same time their reason for resisting it.
This is a story of emotional and intellectual growth for two high-minded characters and how they learn together to transform their beliefs from being idealistic into something truly impactful at the ground level. Declan MacKay is a William Wallace type character who values Scottish freedom above all else. Unfortunately, it is to the neglect of his clan. Gemma Blair believes every life has value and will fight for it, even if it brings trouble upon herself. Gemma is the Scarlet O'Hara of medieval Scotland—blindly devoted to one man while married to another, a spunky survivor, committed but practical, able to bide her time but never lose focus, a leader when everyone else has crumbled. Together Gemma and Declan learn how to be a team and how to be Chieftains and not just rebels.
As I said before, the writing in this story is impressive. Not just the content and the prose, but the missives, dialogues and internal dialogues gave me chills. I finished chapter nine thinking "Wow, what a chapter!" and thoroughly understanding these men's complex motivations as they negotiate Gemma's future and their own futures in the process. But the most moving and eloquent is Declan's inspiring speech to his clan at his homecoming feast. Here's a sample:
"... I have fought in vain to measure my role within a war against my role here as yer laird to my satisfaction. Thus, I pray ye forgive me, for I rode to glory and honor and freedom and neglected to weigh the needs and protection of my own kin—and for what and whom do I fight if not for ye? So aye, it falls now to me, or rather to us, the living, that we honor those lost and return Windshire to all its practical glory. May she never ken hardship or sorrow again. We move forward now and never backward save with gratifying memories of days and persons gone by."
Ms. Ruger's always been a good writer, but this is extra special. Her books are ones I will read over and over, and this one especially so. It'll be hard to top this one, but I look forward to reading book 6.
If you like slow, slow, slow burning passion, then this is for you. The only intimate scene doesn't come until 86%. The H and h both struggle with their commitment to altruistic ideals vs. their attraction to each other. Ironically their ideals are part of their attraction, while at the same time their reason for resisting it.
This is a story of emotional and intellectual growth for two high-minded characters and how they learn together to transform their beliefs from being idealistic into something truly impactful at the ground level. Declan MacKay is a William Wallace type character who values Scottish freedom above all else. Unfortunately, it is to the neglect of his clan. Gemma Blair believes every life has value and will fight for it, even if it brings trouble upon herself. Gemma is the Scarlet O'Hara of medieval Scotland—blindly devoted to one man while married to another, a spunky survivor, committed but practical, able to bide her time but never lose focus, a leader when everyone else has crumbled. Together Gemma and Declan learn how to be a team and how to be Chieftains and not just rebels.
As I said before, the writing in this story is impressive. Not just the content and the prose, but the missives, dialogues and internal dialogues gave me chills. I finished chapter nine thinking "Wow, what a chapter!" and thoroughly understanding these men's complex motivations as they negotiate Gemma's future and their own futures in the process. But the most moving and eloquent is Declan's inspiring speech to his clan at his homecoming feast. Here's a sample:
"... I have fought in vain to measure my role within a war against my role here as yer laird to my satisfaction. Thus, I pray ye forgive me, for I rode to glory and honor and freedom and neglected to weigh the needs and protection of my own kin—and for what and whom do I fight if not for ye? So aye, it falls now to me, or rather to us, the living, that we honor those lost and return Windshire to all its practical glory. May she never ken hardship or sorrow again. We move forward now and never backward save with gratifying memories of days and persons gone by."
Ms. Ruger's always been a good writer, but this is extra special. Her books are ones I will read over and over, and this one especially so. It'll be hard to top this one, but I look forward to reading book 6.
May 9, 2022
Gemma and Declan.
Declan is laird McCay. He is badly wounded in a battle with the English. Gemma is English. She finds him and two of his friend in the woods and opens her home to him to get treatment and heal. Much to the dismay of her family. However, her father starts to see the benefits of having him for his daughter and plots to have them marry. Declan agrees reluctantly when he finds out his clan is suffering and in need of food and supplies that Gemma’s father can provide. The problem is that Gemma does not agree to the wedding even though she is attracted to Declan, but has no choice. Her heart, or so she says, still belongs to another her left her 2 years prior. She does everything she can to make Declan suffer and she is the reason I rated this book a 4 instead of a 5. She started out wonderful and then turned into something horrid to Declan and I almost didn’t finish it. She redeemed herself however and the story was very sweet overall. Worth reading.
Declan is laird McCay. He is badly wounded in a battle with the English. Gemma is English. She finds him and two of his friend in the woods and opens her home to him to get treatment and heal. Much to the dismay of her family. However, her father starts to see the benefits of having him for his daughter and plots to have them marry. Declan agrees reluctantly when he finds out his clan is suffering and in need of food and supplies that Gemma’s father can provide. The problem is that Gemma does not agree to the wedding even though she is attracted to Declan, but has no choice. Her heart, or so she says, still belongs to another her left her 2 years prior. She does everything she can to make Declan suffer and she is the reason I rated this book a 4 instead of a 5. She started out wonderful and then turned into something horrid to Declan and I almost didn’t finish it. She redeemed herself however and the story was very sweet overall. Worth reading.
June 11, 2022
Melting ice
Gemma is brave and sometimes reckless! Declan is cold, older having survived many battles! Gemma found Declan and his men brought them home against much opposition and nursed them him slowly but surely from deaths door!
Declan has fought and nearly died for a noble cause!
Gemma did what she felt was right yet determined to await her lost love Patrick who she feared dead! Gemma father and others knew what kind of scoundrel he was glad he was gone!
Gemma drawn to Declan but determined to wait for Patrick! Fate and her father had other plans! This is a story of a Laird who has little or no reason to smile and a woman who is brave enough to do what's right!
You are in for a slow thaw to a warm HEA!
Gemma is brave and sometimes reckless! Declan is cold, older having survived many battles! Gemma found Declan and his men brought them home against much opposition and nursed them him slowly but surely from deaths door!
Declan has fought and nearly died for a noble cause!
Gemma did what she felt was right yet determined to await her lost love Patrick who she feared dead! Gemma father and others knew what kind of scoundrel he was glad he was gone!
Gemma drawn to Declan but determined to wait for Patrick! Fate and her father had other plans! This is a story of a Laird who has little or no reason to smile and a woman who is brave enough to do what's right!
You are in for a slow thaw to a warm HEA!
May 9, 2022
The historically turbulent time between the English and Scottish opens many doors to story possibilities. Gemma is off escaping the realities of her world and she encounters Declan. I really appreciated how the story unfolded slowly, reflecting the time it took for characters to get to know each other and for other details to be revealed. I really had to respect Gemma for her very positive outlook despite every challenge thrown her way. For Declan, facing so many losses and challenges just made any personal feelings hard to acknowledge. This was a slow burn, slow reveal story where eventually HEA was achieved.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
July 4, 2022
Review of Heart of Winter
The story of Declan and Gemma was one of confusion, emotional battle, family turmoil and pain. Gemma who believes her one true love, Patrick will return for her cannot imagine life without. Declan, horribly injured in a battle with the English, angrily deals with this spitfire Gemma who brought him home to receive medical care. These two are on a collision course burns like a wildfire when Gemma's father offers her to be wed to Declan. Their life begins like a rollercoaster ride and continues on to it's conclusion. Many things change for both Declan and Gemma and is a really good story to read.
The story of Declan and Gemma was one of confusion, emotional battle, family turmoil and pain. Gemma who believes her one true love, Patrick will return for her cannot imagine life without. Declan, horribly injured in a battle with the English, angrily deals with this spitfire Gemma who brought him home to receive medical care. These two are on a collision course burns like a wildfire when Gemma's father offers her to be wed to Declan. Their life begins like a rollercoaster ride and continues on to it's conclusion. Many things change for both Declan and Gemma and is a really good story to read.
August 3, 2025
love the series
I feel that as I furnish each book in the series it would be nice if all the new families could get together and hang out together for a while. I love all the couples and their close friends and wish we could go deeper in their lives. I recommend this book and all the others in the series to any romance reader that isn’t bothered by an mis spelled word here and there. The story is still there. I love to read and get immersed in the story so if you are like me you will enjoy this book.
I feel that as I furnish each book in the series it would be nice if all the new families could get together and hang out together for a while. I love all the couples and their close friends and wish we could go deeper in their lives. I recommend this book and all the others in the series to any romance reader that isn’t bothered by an mis spelled word here and there. The story is still there. I love to read and get immersed in the story so if you are like me you will enjoy this book.
July 22, 2022
another winner from Rebecca
I love Rebecca’s Highland stories. The characterization is always wonderful, great attention to detail (especially secondary characters) that the world building sweeps you away. This novel is gentler than some other plots, a real slow burn that bursts into 🔥 most satisfyingly! Gemma and Declan are great and their journey to happiness is ace. Highly recommended!!
I love Rebecca’s Highland stories. The characterization is always wonderful, great attention to detail (especially secondary characters) that the world building sweeps you away. This novel is gentler than some other plots, a real slow burn that bursts into 🔥 most satisfyingly! Gemma and Declan are great and their journey to happiness is ace. Highly recommended!!
October 3, 2022
delightful tale of highland love... no time travel !
I really enjoyed this book
the story is simple and not beleaguered by contrived misunderstandings or grand obstacles and is all the better for it.
with enough situational drama by the ancient highland setting, the characters slowly develop over the course of the story and it feels right.
A simple but moving story of good worthy people who fall in love.
I really enjoyed this book
the story is simple and not beleaguered by contrived misunderstandings or grand obstacles and is all the better for it.
with enough situational drama by the ancient highland setting, the characters slowly develop over the course of the story and it feels right.
A simple but moving story of good worthy people who fall in love.
May 9, 2022
Outstanding
I have loved this series and Heart of Winter was an outstanding addition. It can be read alone. The characters were full of depth and emotions poured off the page at times. I have read this series and Highland Heroes and I must say, in my opinion they have all been five stars. I look forward to future books by Rebecca Ruger.
I have loved this series and Heart of Winter was an outstanding addition. It can be read alone. The characters were full of depth and emotions poured off the page at times. I have read this series and Highland Heroes and I must say, in my opinion they have all been five stars. I look forward to future books by Rebecca Ruger.
July 3, 2022
Beautiful Love Story, from war to peace
I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the depth of feelings between different characters. This was a Heart warming tale about a special Lady, Gemma, who takes in a wounded Scottish soldier, Declan, into her English home to tend his wounds.
I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the depth of feelings between different characters. This was a Heart warming tale about a special Lady, Gemma, who takes in a wounded Scottish soldier, Declan, into her English home to tend his wounds.
January 14, 2023
sweet
This author always starts the series with a chapter that demands you must read the rest of the book as did this one. However soon found myself skipping pages as it seemed to just repeat the same conversations over and over. The ending was bittersweet however will continue on to the last
This author always starts the series with a chapter that demands you must read the rest of the book as did this one. However soon found myself skipping pages as it seemed to just repeat the same conversations over and over. The ending was bittersweet however will continue on to the last
February 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this!
My only change would’ve been for the beginning with him injured to be shorter, and for their marriage and end events to be longer!
To me, it really picked up halfway when they got married, and I would’ve rather seen more of her life and new home and them realizing their love.
But it was cute overall and I love a good slow burn!
My only change would’ve been for the beginning with him injured to be shorter, and for their marriage and end events to be longer!
To me, it really picked up halfway when they got married, and I would’ve rather seen more of her life and new home and them realizing their love.
But it was cute overall and I love a good slow burn!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2022
Loved it!
This was another great book from Rebecca. She has such a unique writing style...I can’t even describe it. I loved the story, especially the smiles from Declan at the end. Definitely a good read.
This was another great book from Rebecca. She has such a unique writing style...I can’t even describe it. I loved the story, especially the smiles from Declan at the end. Definitely a good read.
May 10, 2022
Great love story
I enjoyed this book. I have read the other books in this series and they were really good too. Gemma had to find her way after marriage to DeCaln and finding Patrick was married. It would be nice to have the story telling what the child was.
I enjoyed this book. I have read the other books in this series and they were really good too. Gemma had to find her way after marriage to DeCaln and finding Patrick was married. It would be nice to have the story telling what the child was.
May 14, 2022
excellent read
Great story of Declan and Gemma and their journey from Gemma finding him injured and taking him back to her home even though he is Scottish to them finding love. As always an excellent book by a great author Rebecca Ruger
Great story of Declan and Gemma and their journey from Gemma finding him injured and taking him back to her home even though he is Scottish to them finding love. As always an excellent book by a great author Rebecca Ruger
June 9, 2022
I've enjoyed Ms. Ruger's stories and this was was also enjoyable. I'll give it a 3.5 to 4 stars. It was good but I did feel that it was missing something. I didn't expect the character's to change the direction of their relationship quite to quickly.
June 18, 2022
I liked this one very much
I liked the story, the characters, the plot and how it all unfolded. I enjoyed the flow of it, and could picture it all as this author so well describes the scenes.
I liked the story, the characters, the plot and how it all unfolded. I enjoyed the flow of it, and could picture it all as this author so well describes the scenes.
May 9, 2022
Read this
This is a wonderful story. Truly enjoyed reading about the fight for Scotland.It Was very funny in some spots..funny funny
This is a wonderful story. Truly enjoyed reading about the fight for Scotland.It Was very funny in some spots..funny funny
July 1, 2022
Great read
I loved this story. Great characters and the love story made me not want to put the book down. This author has another hit, I love her books
I loved this story. Great characters and the love story made me not want to put the book down. This author has another hit, I love her books
July 17, 2022
A Read Not To Be Missed
The book starts with a battle and continues to a wonderful ending. I am sure the events will keep you turning pages.
The book starts with a battle and continues to a wonderful ending. I am sure the events will keep you turning pages.
November 5, 2022
it wasn’t bad
It was good. I actually really liked it. My issue is we get like a page of their happy ending. All this dragging… book done.
It was good. I actually really liked it. My issue is we get like a page of their happy ending. All this dragging… book done.
November 20, 2022
Very Good!!
This makes the second time I’ve read this book and I’m ashamed to say that the first time I gave it only a 3 but this time I changed my mind and absolutely loved it.
This makes the second time I’ve read this book and I’m ashamed to say that the first time I gave it only a 3 but this time I changed my mind and absolutely loved it.
February 1, 2023
so good
Literally just finished and was stunned… I would have sworn I was only 25% in lol the story swept me away!
Literally just finished and was stunned… I would have sworn I was only 25% in lol the story swept me away!
August 27, 2024
So much conflict
He did not want to love her. She felt responsible for an old love. He had so much responsibility. She had a soft heart, but a hard head.
He did not want to love her. She felt responsible for an old love. He had so much responsibility. She had a soft heart, but a hard head.
April 5, 2025
Loved it
It was so hard to put down. Loved all the characters. Realistic and happy ever after. It was a page turner. Character growth.
It was so hard to put down. Loved all the characters. Realistic and happy ever after. It was a page turner. Character growth.
May 14, 2025
I did the audiobook and I LOVE the reader of this series! So awesome1
This book goes along the same as all the other ones but there is always a good story and characters.
This book goes along the same as all the other ones but there is always a good story and characters.
March 30, 2024
Another enjoyable book
June 3, 2022
slow to start
It was slow to start but when I got past that I really enjoyed it. Another great book by Rebecca Ruger. Thanks Bec’s.
It was slow to start but when I got past that I really enjoyed it. Another great book by Rebecca Ruger. Thanks Bec’s.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews