What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart of a Highlander #1-3
Heart of a Highlander Collection
Three complete novels in one edition:
Heart of Shadows
Orphaned Isabel Fitzhugh is fourteen when she first comes to Wolvesley, traveling with her cousin to see her wed to the formidable Liam MacTavish. She’s unimpressed, with her current situation and her cousin’s husband. She thinks he is aloof and arrogant, well deserving of her cousin. But then Liam intercedes on her behalf against mean-spirited tormentors and everything changes. He becomes a hero to young Isabel, one to whose memory she clings when he is gone.
Liam MacTavish is happy to ride away from his new bride in the spring of 1296, thrilled to rise to the defense of his beloved Scotland. He doesn’t return for five long years, many of those spent in an English prison, renounced by his own father. He finds Wolvesley not at all as he remembered, derelict and all but abandoned, save for the redoubtable Isabel—whom he barely recalls—and an improbable cast of characters.
Both Liam and Isabel are tormented by grim shadows from Wolvesley’s past. Isabel’s fierce independence and easy smiles hide a far greater tragedy than Liam can ever imagine; Liam’s savage mien and coldness suggest he knows nothing else. Can they overcome the past, leaving behind the cruelty caused to each of them by the same person?
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 Fire
Meggie Hope is cursed. 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, 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 thus he cannot be the one to break the spell.
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 well-ordered life. 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.
Heart of Shadows
Orphaned Isabel Fitzhugh is fourteen when she first comes to Wolvesley, traveling with her cousin to see her wed to the formidable Liam MacTavish. She’s unimpressed, with her current situation and her cousin’s husband. She thinks he is aloof and arrogant, well deserving of her cousin. But then Liam intercedes on her behalf against mean-spirited tormentors and everything changes. He becomes a hero to young Isabel, one to whose memory she clings when he is gone.
Liam MacTavish is happy to ride away from his new bride in the spring of 1296, thrilled to rise to the defense of his beloved Scotland. He doesn’t return for five long years, many of those spent in an English prison, renounced by his own father. He finds Wolvesley not at all as he remembered, derelict and all but abandoned, save for the redoubtable Isabel—whom he barely recalls—and an improbable cast of characters.
Both Liam and Isabel are tormented by grim shadows from Wolvesley’s past. Isabel’s fierce independence and easy smiles hide a far greater tragedy than Liam can ever imagine; Liam’s savage mien and coldness suggest he knows nothing else. Can they overcome the past, leaving behind the cruelty caused to each of them by the same person?
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 Fire
Meggie Hope is cursed. 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, 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 thus he cannot be the one to break the spell.
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 well-ordered life. 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.
910 pages, ebook
Published November 17, 2021
220 people are currently reading
91 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
Want to read
July 10, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/10/2022)! 🎁
August 6, 2022
Good Highland historical novels are immersive, and this is something Ms. Ruger does so well. Each book in this series is set at the turn of the 14th century during the time of William Wallace and the Scottish struggle for freedom. Medieval Scotland was a harsh place to be and Ms. Ruger gives us all of it—the fierceness, brutality and cruelty. Her battle scenes are so vivid and compelling. At the same time she weaves in the tenderness and sense of family that those freedom fighters needed for balance. Otherwise what was the fighting for?
In these three books you'll read about warriors and women with all their strengths and weaknesses. Each character is different and wonderful in their own way, and admirable for their resilience and capacity for forgiveness. We temporarily exist with them in a world which is so hard for us to fathom but so well described. My full reviews for these books are on their separate book pages but here they are in a nutshell:
Book 1 Heart of Shadows ~ A subtle telling of the lingering aftereffects of brutal and traumatic events for both Liam and Isabel and their clan. An unusual beginning for a Medieval Highlander series as there are no battle scenes, but the description of life on their decimated estate is extraordinary. The rebuilding of the clan and the estate bring the H and h closer as they are dedicated to that common goal.
Book 2 Heart of Stone ~ The opposite setting of Book 1 in that this book takes place almost entirely on the road as Julianna is brought to Calum's estate for prosecution for a crime of which she is innocent. Despite the many harrowing situations she is placed in through no fault of her own, Julianna always maintains her sense of self with dignity and fortitude. Notable for this story's full range of emotion and multiple adventures, it's one of my all time favorites.
Book 3 Heart of Fire ~ A different kind heroine than we are used to in Highlander stories, she's more of a damsel in distress due to her extremely sheltered upbringing. There's a curse on Meggie that ironically works to the benefit of both herself and Gabriel, as they belong together. With its wit and atypical heroine this story provides the variety that's needed to sustain interest in a series.
These books can all be read as standalones but why would you when you can read three varied but cohesive books in this genre by a talented storyteller. She's witty, her characters are complex, the world building is amazing, the emotions are wide ranging, and the romances bring beautiful resolution. You really can't go wrong here.
In these three books you'll read about warriors and women with all their strengths and weaknesses. Each character is different and wonderful in their own way, and admirable for their resilience and capacity for forgiveness. We temporarily exist with them in a world which is so hard for us to fathom but so well described. My full reviews for these books are on their separate book pages but here they are in a nutshell:
Book 1 Heart of Shadows ~ A subtle telling of the lingering aftereffects of brutal and traumatic events for both Liam and Isabel and their clan. An unusual beginning for a Medieval Highlander series as there are no battle scenes, but the description of life on their decimated estate is extraordinary. The rebuilding of the clan and the estate bring the H and h closer as they are dedicated to that common goal.
Book 2 Heart of Stone ~ The opposite setting of Book 1 in that this book takes place almost entirely on the road as Julianna is brought to Calum's estate for prosecution for a crime of which she is innocent. Despite the many harrowing situations she is placed in through no fault of her own, Julianna always maintains her sense of self with dignity and fortitude. Notable for this story's full range of emotion and multiple adventures, it's one of my all time favorites.
Book 3 Heart of Fire ~ A different kind heroine than we are used to in Highlander stories, she's more of a damsel in distress due to her extremely sheltered upbringing. There's a curse on Meggie that ironically works to the benefit of both herself and Gabriel, as they belong together. With its wit and atypical heroine this story provides the variety that's needed to sustain interest in a series.
These books can all be read as standalones but why would you when you can read three varied but cohesive books in this genre by a talented storyteller. She's witty, her characters are complex, the world building is amazing, the emotions are wide ranging, and the romances bring beautiful resolution. You really can't go wrong here.
July 16, 2022
Having read numerous Medieval Scottish novels, it is always a pleasure to discover a trio of books with different and entertaining plots of this genre. Each one was mesmerizing in its own way, unable to put each book down. More important was that they were standalones, despite the 3rd book enhancing the main characters of the second book to some extent. As typical, there was much gore and one explicit steamy scene per book but this comes with the territory in this genre. Highly recommended for those who are seeking novel plots that will keep them entertained for hours.
May 1, 2023
books 1,2,3 Heart of a Highlander
I really enjoyed each of the books. Every one of them different and stand alone but the characters did flow through.
Heart of Shadow about Liam and Isabel was heartbreaking at the beginning but Liam showed kindness to Isabel when she was young and that is what carried her through until they met again later. Very interesting plot.
Heart of Stone about Calum and Julianna. Arranged married with sinister plot because of her stepfather. Great story.
Heart of Fire about Meg and Gabriel was so very different from the others.
I really enjoyed each of the books. Every one of them different and stand alone but the characters did flow through.
Heart of Shadow about Liam and Isabel was heartbreaking at the beginning but Liam showed kindness to Isabel when she was young and that is what carried her through until they met again later. Very interesting plot.
Heart of Stone about Calum and Julianna. Arranged married with sinister plot because of her stepfather. Great story.
Heart of Fire about Meg and Gabriel was so very different from the others.
July 10, 2022
Great
Three stories. All of them have great characters, plot and storyline. All of them have action, drama, suspense, entertainment, sex, lust, love and the Scottish highlanders.
Read it for yourself
Three stories. All of them have great characters, plot and storyline. All of them have action, drama, suspense, entertainment, sex, lust, love and the Scottish highlanders.
Read it for yourself
July 12, 2022
beautiful
This author has a way at keeping you enthralled! Loved the characters and there struggles in reaching a HEA. With a bit adventure and romance I really enjoyed this story, and could not help but smile at the ending! Great read!
This author has a way at keeping you enthralled! Loved the characters and there struggles in reaching a HEA. With a bit adventure and romance I really enjoyed this story, and could not help but smile at the ending! Great read!
July 19, 2022
In search of a husband
You just can't beat a good highlander story and this three book series did not disappoint. Kept me entertained the entire way thru the book. I especially liked the end story the most though.
You just can't beat a good highlander story and this three book series did not disappoint. Kept me entertained the entire way thru the book. I especially liked the end story the most though.
July 24, 2022
the three books in the series of 'Heart of a Highlander Collection' was a lovely read, of romance set in the 13th century.
It was, however, very disappointing to read a book set in Scotland using American spelling!! so so disappointing and off-putting.
It was, however, very disappointing to read a book set in Scotland using American spelling!! so so disappointing and off-putting.
November 11, 2022
love in the Highlands
An enjoyable collection of three stories about betrayal and love. I’m not sure which one was my favorite one, because I loved all three, especially because each story was so different. A great read.
An enjoyable collection of three stories about betrayal and love. I’m not sure which one was my favorite one, because I loved all three, especially because each story was so different. A great read.
July 8, 2022
Please see individual stories for review.
July 13, 2022
entertaining
Good characters, easy reads. Enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. Didn’t build a word count with description. Will check next
Good characters, easy reads. Enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. Didn’t build a word count with description. Will check next
August 12, 2022
A good read before bed!
A sweet read, especially just before bed! Enjoyed all 3 stories. Would recommend this collection as a sweet romance. Need to get to sleep now!
A sweet read, especially just before bed! Enjoyed all 3 stories. Would recommend this collection as a sweet romance. Need to get to sleep now!
October 29, 2022
Too slow and boring.
December 14, 2022
Intriguing read! Didn't want to put it down! I love the stories but also the humor the author managed to incorporate. Put this on your To Read list!
May 3, 2023
Good part of series
Great read. Loved it as it continued from the previous book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Great read. Loved it as it continued from the previous book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 21, 2023
Books 1-3
I loved all three books. I laughed and I cried. I hated to put them down to go to bed. I hated what Juliana and met had to go through
I loved all three books. I laughed and I cried. I hated to put them down to go to bed. I hated what Juliana and met had to go through
July 7, 2025
The writing and storylines in each book got better and better with each book. I cried all the way through the second book. All 3 are real page turners.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews