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Highlander Heroes #5
The Truth of Her Heart
On the run from the horrid man to whom her father has betrothed her, Maggie Bryce is caught in a wild winter storm, forced to take refuge in a highland cave.
Iain McEwen and his men are chasing the scourge of the Highlands known only as Alpin, infamous for the horrific crimes he’s visited upon Caithness, when they stumble upon a near frozen body in a cave on the side of a hill. He’s shocked to discover it’s a woman, and a bonny one at that.
It’s only a few days trapped in the caves, but Iain and Maggie are swiftly and eagerly drawn to each other. But her betrothed finds her when the storm clears, and Iain has no choice but to let her go.
The months that pass until Iain sees Maggie again are not kind to either of them. When he does finds her, she is so very different from the cheery enchantress he’d met in the caves during that fateful storm. Iain vows never to fail Maggie again and is determined to convince her that she can trust both him and his love.
Iain McEwen and his men are chasing the scourge of the Highlands known only as Alpin, infamous for the horrific crimes he’s visited upon Caithness, when they stumble upon a near frozen body in a cave on the side of a hill. He’s shocked to discover it’s a woman, and a bonny one at that.
It’s only a few days trapped in the caves, but Iain and Maggie are swiftly and eagerly drawn to each other. But her betrothed finds her when the storm clears, and Iain has no choice but to let her go.
The months that pass until Iain sees Maggie again are not kind to either of them. When he does finds her, she is so very different from the cheery enchantress he’d met in the caves during that fateful storm. Iain vows never to fail Maggie again and is determined to convince her that she can trust both him and his love.
294 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2020
260 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 9, 2021
One part almost ruined the book for me Spoilers Below
I really liked this book. They found her almost dead in a cave and the H fell in love as did she. Her brutal fiancee came and took her away and that was where in almost dnf'd it. Because he took her and married her and abused her. It was awful. I hated that the hero did not fight for her, even though I understood his reasoning. And months later he went back to save her and he found her locked in a dungeon and almost dead. He rescued her but her evil husband was still out there. She is healing at his home but everything has changed. I don't want to give everything away of course, but there were several unfortunate deaths and ears and grief. I just was devastated by some of it. But I do like this author very much. She doesn't sugarcoat anything and there is violence and abuse and bad people everywhere. I just wish the book would have gone in a different direction. It was still very good but just not what I like. The sugar coating, unlike it. I want unicorns and rainbows and the disney happily ever after vibes. The epilogue was good though and I really did like The story. Not loved it but liked it.
I really liked this book. They found her almost dead in a cave and the H fell in love as did she. Her brutal fiancee came and took her away and that was where in almost dnf'd it. Because he took her and married her and abused her. It was awful. I hated that the hero did not fight for her, even though I understood his reasoning. And months later he went back to save her and he found her locked in a dungeon and almost dead. He rescued her but her evil husband was still out there. She is healing at his home but everything has changed. I don't want to give everything away of course, but there were several unfortunate deaths and ears and grief. I just was devastated by some of it. But I do like this author very much. She doesn't sugarcoat anything and there is violence and abuse and bad people everywhere. I just wish the book would have gone in a different direction. It was still very good but just not what I like. The sugar coating, unlike it. I want unicorns and rainbows and the disney happily ever after vibes. The epilogue was good though and I really did like The story. Not loved it but liked it.
January 4, 2023
This series keeps getting better! I adore Maggie and Iain. And all supporting characters honestly. This might be one of my favorite highland series, and I’m sad I’m almost done with it.
October 24, 2020
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
THIS STARTED OUT GREAT, BUT THEN THE AUTHOR HAD TO RUIN IT BY MARRYING THE HEROINE TO ANOTHER MAN BEFORE THE MCs LOVE STORY COULD BEGIN. EVEN AFTER THEY REUNITED, THE FEELING THE AUTHOR BUILT BETWEEN THE TWO, JUST WEREN'T THE SAME NO MORE.
IAIN is the laird of his clan, and he's quite a reliable man who has been through a lot. Growing up as a rambunctious child, learning his responsibilities and being forced to mature when he was held captive of the Englishmen for a time. Needless to say, he's also a gentleman. In the first arc, he and his men were returning home when they were caught in an snowstorm and had to shelter in a cave, when they stumbled upon our half dead heroine. Warming her back to life, the men and Maggie formed a camaraderie within the few days they were stuck together, even stirring feelings of attraction between Maggie and Iain. Unfortunately, everything got cut short when Maggie's betrothed comes looking for her and Voila, she had to marry the odious man. I have the say, one thing the author did differently than other HR novels? She was very real. She didn't sugercoat or put flowers on her plot. She wrote about the heroine marrying and fucking and eventually getting pregnant while she never had the chance to pursue a romantic relationship with Iain, until she was rescued. I liked Iain. There was nothing he could have done to prevent her marriage, because they had no ties to each other, merely strangers. And it would have caused the death of many good men had he fought to keep her first.
MAGGIE...had me tied up in all kinds of ways. I liked her in the beginning. She was open, naiive and learning the attractions of the opposite sex with Iain before she got married, and became a victim of abuse. Abuse changes people, as we all know. No longer bright and sparkling, Maggie became a different woman after Iain found her again. Of course, we can't expect her to be the same Maggie, BUT it's not like I HAVE to like the circumstances. Though, this shows that Maggie's not a very strong and rebellious character. Strong as in, she doesn't truly fight back but just meekly lets her husband step all over her. If the man's going to hit you, you might as well have a reason for him to hit you, right?!
OVERALL this historical romance had gave me a different feels compared to AVON or maybe authors you know from the same genre. It had a hint of non-fiction to it, the romance was there but nothing passionate, and even the sex scene, yes there was only ONE was on a satisfactory level.
THIS STARTED OUT GREAT, BUT THEN THE AUTHOR HAD TO RUIN IT BY MARRYING THE HEROINE TO ANOTHER MAN BEFORE THE MCs LOVE STORY COULD BEGIN. EVEN AFTER THEY REUNITED, THE FEELING THE AUTHOR BUILT BETWEEN THE TWO, JUST WEREN'T THE SAME NO MORE.
IAIN is the laird of his clan, and he's quite a reliable man who has been through a lot. Growing up as a rambunctious child, learning his responsibilities and being forced to mature when he was held captive of the Englishmen for a time. Needless to say, he's also a gentleman. In the first arc, he and his men were returning home when they were caught in an snowstorm and had to shelter in a cave, when they stumbled upon our half dead heroine. Warming her back to life, the men and Maggie formed a camaraderie within the few days they were stuck together, even stirring feelings of attraction between Maggie and Iain. Unfortunately, everything got cut short when Maggie's betrothed comes looking for her and Voila, she had to marry the odious man. I have the say, one thing the author did differently than other HR novels? She was very real. She didn't sugercoat or put flowers on her plot. She wrote about the heroine marrying and fucking and eventually getting pregnant while she never had the chance to pursue a romantic relationship with Iain, until she was rescued. I liked Iain. There was nothing he could have done to prevent her marriage, because they had no ties to each other, merely strangers. And it would have caused the death of many good men had he fought to keep her first.
MAGGIE...had me tied up in all kinds of ways. I liked her in the beginning. She was open, naiive and learning the attractions of the opposite sex with Iain before she got married, and became a victim of abuse. Abuse changes people, as we all know. No longer bright and sparkling, Maggie became a different woman after Iain found her again. Of course, we can't expect her to be the same Maggie, BUT it's not like I HAVE to like the circumstances. Though, this shows that Maggie's not a very strong and rebellious character. Strong as in, she doesn't truly fight back but just meekly lets her husband step all over her. If the man's going to hit you, you might as well have a reason for him to hit you, right?!
OVERALL this historical romance had gave me a different feels compared to AVON or maybe authors you know from the same genre. It had a hint of non-fiction to it, the romance was there but nothing passionate, and even the sex scene, yes there was only ONE was on a satisfactory level.
October 7, 2020
WONDERFUL AUTHOR WRITING IN A CHALLENGING GENRE
I am Rebecca Ruger's newest and biggest fan, and I'm not connected with her in any way. I'm just a reader who knows a good writer when I read one. It goes a long way to helping the reader feel the tone and emotions intended in the story when a writer is as descriptive as she is. This is the second book I've read in this series, having read book 4 first and now this one. But even if I had read these books in order I still don't think I could have enjoyed them any more than I already did.
This story is the slowest of slow burns. The connection between Iain and Maggie is established early on, but after considerable trauma Maggie needs time and patience to rediscover the joyful, sweet, witty and trusting person she used to be. Iain gives her all the time and patience she needs while gently and steadfastly wooing her.
There are some expertly crafted scenes in this story that are so richly described the reader is totally immersed in everything about it—the physical and emotional environment, and the feelings and actions of the characters. The opening scenes in the cave, the market, the battle, and the wonderful epilogue are some. There are some even more important ones but I wouldn't want to give spoilers. Ms. Ruger makes me feel so much tenderness between her characters (there was some mighty powerful and poignant pillow talk at one point), but I also felt tender affection between the H and h and their family and friends as well. And all that mixed with the sorrow and pain of living in such a harsh place and time.
If you're looking for a well written, well edited, charming story set in an intriguing era, and with wonderful characters who honestly love each other, you've found it here.
I am Rebecca Ruger's newest and biggest fan, and I'm not connected with her in any way. I'm just a reader who knows a good writer when I read one. It goes a long way to helping the reader feel the tone and emotions intended in the story when a writer is as descriptive as she is. This is the second book I've read in this series, having read book 4 first and now this one. But even if I had read these books in order I still don't think I could have enjoyed them any more than I already did.
This story is the slowest of slow burns. The connection between Iain and Maggie is established early on, but after considerable trauma Maggie needs time and patience to rediscover the joyful, sweet, witty and trusting person she used to be. Iain gives her all the time and patience she needs while gently and steadfastly wooing her.
There are some expertly crafted scenes in this story that are so richly described the reader is totally immersed in everything about it—the physical and emotional environment, and the feelings and actions of the characters. The opening scenes in the cave, the market, the battle, and the wonderful epilogue are some. There are some even more important ones but I wouldn't want to give spoilers. Ms. Ruger makes me feel so much tenderness between her characters (there was some mighty powerful and poignant pillow talk at one point), but I also felt tender affection between the H and h and their family and friends as well. And all that mixed with the sorrow and pain of living in such a harsh place and time.
If you're looking for a well written, well edited, charming story set in an intriguing era, and with wonderful characters who honestly love each other, you've found it here.
October 28, 2021
Good vs evil.
Laird Ian MacEwan and a group of his men are returning home when a snow storm sends them for cover in a cave. There they find a half frozen Maggie and set about getting her warm. In the 3 days they are together Maggie keeps the secret that she is running from her father and her betrothed. When the snow clears and they are able to travel to Ian’s home, they are met along the way by Maggie’s father and her betrothed and have no choice but to turn her over. Yet Maggie and Ian can’t stop thinking about each other. He finally rescues her from the dungeon while her husband is away and swears to see him pay. Maggie’s recovery is slow as they get to know each other again. I enjoyed this book but not as much as the other 4 in the series so far. It took a while to get into it. I felt we knew all about Maggie but I wanted to know more about Ian.
Laird Ian MacEwan and a group of his men are returning home when a snow storm sends them for cover in a cave. There they find a half frozen Maggie and set about getting her warm. In the 3 days they are together Maggie keeps the secret that she is running from her father and her betrothed. When the snow clears and they are able to travel to Ian’s home, they are met along the way by Maggie’s father and her betrothed and have no choice but to turn her over. Yet Maggie and Ian can’t stop thinking about each other. He finally rescues her from the dungeon while her husband is away and swears to see him pay. Maggie’s recovery is slow as they get to know each other again. I enjoyed this book but not as much as the other 4 in the series so far. It took a while to get into it. I felt we knew all about Maggie but I wanted to know more about Ian.
August 3, 2025
Good but could have been great. I liked Maggie and Iain. He and a few of his soldiers find her half dead in a cave after they all seek shelter in a blizzard. She’s fleeing an unwanted betrothal to an abusive man. On the way home, the fiancé shows up with his army and takes her away. Iain lets her go because they are way outnumbered and won’t meet again until a year later. By this time she’s been married and regularly abused. Iain rescues her and brings her home to his keep where he offers her a life free of torment.
The gist of the story is fine but where it veered wrong was the unnecessary deaths of several great supporting characters (maybe one in particular I could understand) and an unwanted pregnancy from the evil husband.
Hero stays true and honorable throughout though.
The gist of the story is fine but where it veered wrong was the unnecessary deaths of several great supporting characters (maybe one in particular I could understand) and an unwanted pregnancy from the evil husband.
Hero stays true and honorable throughout though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
exciting, romantic and a thriller in one
Maggie was running away from home after meeting the man her father had insisted she marry. His first visit proved he was a violent man, so she ran in hopes of making it to another castle., but got caught in a horrible snowstorm and sought relief in a cave. A group of soldiers found the same cave with Maggie barely alive.
The story progresses where Maggie is found by her bethroved and forced to marry the brute.
The stories have battles, history and is a great read.
Maggie was running away from home after meeting the man her father had insisted she marry. His first visit proved he was a violent man, so she ran in hopes of making it to another castle., but got caught in a horrible snowstorm and sought relief in a cave. A group of soldiers found the same cave with Maggie barely alive.
The story progresses where Maggie is found by her bethroved and forced to marry the brute.
The stories have battles, history and is a great read.
January 1, 2023
always an emotional roller coaster
Since I discovered this author only recently can say I have not been disappointed by any of her books. Always a beginning that demands you must read on, sometimes the middle becomes a little but last few chapters are tense, emotional, and beautiful ending. This book seemed more emotional than the others and was saddened by something’s that but definitely worth the read
Since I discovered this author only recently can say I have not been disappointed by any of her books. Always a beginning that demands you must read on, sometimes the middle becomes a little but last few chapters are tense, emotional, and beautiful ending. This book seemed more emotional than the others and was saddened by something’s that but definitely worth the read
January 31, 2024
This one was not to my liking. I can't seem to feel the chemistry between the MCs. Plus!
I don't appreciate this part. By then, the story was no longer appealing at all. Sorry, I'm afraid this one just won't do.
I don't appreciate this part. By then, the story was no longer appealing at all. Sorry, I'm afraid this one just won't do.
September 25, 2020
Wonderful
Maggie and Ian's story was truly wonderful. There was joy and sadness throughout the book. Every character was well-written and I enjoyed them immensely. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
These books can be read alone, but better as a series.
Maggie and Ian's story was truly wonderful. There was joy and sadness throughout the book. Every character was well-written and I enjoyed them immensely. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
These books can be read alone, but better as a series.
March 13, 2021
Charm of innocence
Iain and his 6 soldiers come across a very frozen Maggie in cave during a snow storm. For 3 days they are trapped and a bond is formed. Now life happens and she is retured to the man she was running from.
Iain and his 6 soldiers come across a very frozen Maggie in cave during a snow storm. For 3 days they are trapped and a bond is formed. Now life happens and she is retured to the man she was running from.
June 21, 2024
Another good story in the series. Ian's men added to the enjoyment of the story, however I was sadden with some of them dying off due to the many war conflicts. Their affection for Maggie was endearing.
December 27, 2024
I did the audiobook and the readers were good
I have listened to all of this series and I found this one to be weak. Not at all as good as the other books. If it had started with this one I doubt I would have read the whole series
I have listened to all of this series and I found this one to be weak. Not at all as good as the other books. If it had started with this one I doubt I would have read the whole series
September 21, 2020
It's been quite a while since I've read an historical romance and this one might just bring me back to the genre.
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November 16, 2022Oh My Gosh!!
What a great book. Loved this one like all the others in the series. This makes the second time I’ve read the series and will read it again and again.
What a great book. Loved this one like all the others in the series. This makes the second time I’ve read the series and will read it again and again.
April 16, 2023
Not happy that some awesome characters were killed off, but an easy read with a happy ending
November 24, 2023
The Truth of Her Heart
The history of this story was confusing except you said they intertwined with the last book. I enjoyed it very much.
The history of this story was confusing except you said they intertwined with the last book. I enjoyed it very much.
February 8, 2024
Another excellent book in this series!
March 26, 2024
Absolutely enthralled!
Have read 5 books of this series so far and can't get enough. Would definitely recommend this series and author!
Have read 5 books of this series so far and can't get enough. Would definitely recommend this series and author!
September 16, 2024
This is a bite your nails, oh my the tears for Maggie. But, Iain cannot resist.
March 25, 2025
Great read
I was glued to the pages from the beginning. I had a hard time putting down the book. It was a page turner.
I was glued to the pages from the beginning. I had a hard time putting down the book. It was a page turner.
January 18, 2022
Loved it. I was heart broken to those who I came to like has died.
But so finally grateful Maggie has finally found joyness and at peace. Because I know fate sometime can be a bitxh.
Iain♥️Maggie and their whole broods... So the birth, in the epilogue, was it a boy or a girl? U tease!
But so finally grateful Maggie has finally found joyness and at peace. Because I know fate sometime can be a bitxh.
Iain♥️Maggie and their whole broods... So the birth, in the epilogue, was it a boy or a girl? U tease!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews