Heart of Shadows

Heart of a Higlander Series, Book 1

By: Rebecca Ruger

Narrated by: Stewart Crank

Orphaned Isabel Fitzhugh is fourteen when she first comes to Wolvesley by the sea, traveling with her cousin to see her wed to the formidable Liam MacTavish. She's unimpressed, with both 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 a mean-spirited tormentor and everything changes.

Liam MacTavish is quite 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, left to rot. 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?

Contains mature themes.

©2021 Rebecca Ruger (P)2022 Tantor

Stewart Krank's narration

Stewart Krank is a gifted voice actor, not only with accents and changes between male and female but with his interpretation of the narrative and how his acting reflects the nuances of the narrative

Romance and Trust

Slow to begin with but once the story started I enjoyed the story line and will listen to the authors second series book.

Medieval Romance

This is my introduction to Rebecca Ruger’s writing and I am hooked. She masterfully crafted rich characters whose relationships developed slowly. The ML is the recently returned laird who has anger issues stemming from his cruel father. His take-charge leadership style disrupts the small group of residents left at his home. Isobel is the FL who has kept the estate running since the late laird died. Coming from a life of poverty and abuse, she nevertheless has a bright, happy outlook. They’re destined to be together but both are so stubborn and their communication so difficult that at times I despaired a HEA. Thankfully it happened. And thank you, Ms. Ruger, for the wonderful epilogue. I loved reading about their lives going forward.
It is also my first time hearing Stewart Crank, who narrated the book very well.

Awesome narrator

The story is engaging, turmoil and pain turning to love and hope. This narrator is awesome; both male and female voices are clear and fluid, nuance and emotion ✅✅

Great Writing!

This is the first time I’ve listened to this author and I must say her writing/story telling is perfect. This is a slow burn romance on the darker side. It’s probably due to the era in which it takes place. It’s raw and heartfelt. Watch out for triggers there is a mention of rape and an assault. As far as hot and steamy, that is a big no. The narrator was great but at times his accent was so heavy I couldn’t understand what he was saying. This is a complete story with no cliffhanger. Happy Listening❤️

Engaging Story

I love this author's style of writing. I hope she continues to write these historical romances.

Isabel and Liam

This is the 7th book I have read from Rebecca Ruger and she is a magnificent story teller. She always brings the adventure, romance and the tears! I always cry reading her books. Stewart Crank is a wonderful narrator - as always.

Thank you, Rebecca Ruger, for this wonderful book!

Stewart Crank, great job on your narration. You bring
the story to life. Isabella has lived a hard, sad life.
The old Laird was unkind and cruel. His son has
fought for Scotland, and was put in prison by the
enemy. Can kindness and true love overcome
heartache?

Wonderful performance of a good story!

I could not stop listening to this audio book. The narrator was very pleasing on the wear. I loved the characters and the narrator did a great job of their voices, cadence, and intensity of their words. Looking forward to listening to all of this series. It’s well worth the time to read and listen.