Heart of Ashes

Hearts of the Highlands, Book 1

By: Paula Quinn

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins

Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Cainnech (Cain) MacPherson's hatred for the English was born when he was a lad of seven, the day they raided his village and killed his family. They took everything from him without mercy and tossed him onto the battlefield, where the memory of love faded to dust and left nothing in its wake but violence. Now, as Robert the Bruce's most formidable, most lethal warrior, he wreaks havoc on his enemy, taking land by force and without mercy. But when he raids a small castle in Northumberland, he faces his greatest opponent yet - a bold, beautiful Norman lass who will see him dead at any cost rather than give up her home...even if it means tearing open his armored heart and stirring the ashes that remain.

Aleysia d'Argentan will do anything to keep the hated Scots out of her castle and away from her villagers. She has prepared for this day for the last four years, building traps in the forest, poisoning the grain, and hiding daggers wherever she could use them to kill her enemy. But she isn't prepared for the brawny, brooding Highland warlord who invades her life - and her heart. He is an infuriating, irresistible opponent with a curious touch, a smoldering kiss, and a reluctant smile that begins to shine on her alone. Can the ashes of his heart be stirred into flame by his enemy?

Contains mature themes.

©2019 Paula Quinn (P)2020 Tantor

Excellent Story

The narrator's brogue was PERFECT, which added to the sense of authentic immersion. Of course, it helped that it sounded like it was his natural accent.

Cainnech and Alacia's story won me right from the start and kept me. Plus, the story was so good it didn't rely on graphic sexual details to move it along ( it was like 20+ chapters in before the first kiss). Yet, the story was engaging and the tension between the two kept me riveted.
Without giving anything away, I'll say I so wanted to know if the inner turmoil Cainnech suffered due to his horrific past would or could be soothed by more than just the development of his feelings for a woman. Well, Paula Quinn did not disappoint.
Every facet of this story kept me listening with great interest until the last spoken word.
Bravo 👏👏👏👏👏

What a fabulous book!

Commander Cannech McPherson, was a Fierce
Warrior for Robert the Bruce. His Father and
Mother were murdered by the English. His
two Brothers were sold into English slavery.
Cann was sent to Castle Lismore, where
he encounters Aleysia Argentan. Get
ready for an ambush, treachery, Warrior
Maidens! Paula Quinn, you never cease
to amaze. Great job by Sean Patrick
Hopkins.

what would you do to save your home

the struggle between going along with the people who are trying to take your home and trying to protect your people is very real for Aleysia.
when Cainnech attacks the castle and she kills or injures a lot of his men, he will let nothing stop him from taking the castle and holding it for The Bruce.
a story of loss and harden hearts that melt in the fire of passion neither wants.
the narrator brings life to the story.

Highlander

Enemies find that they have more in common than not and turn in to love. Perspective is everything, right?

Strong Characters

Loved this book. Paula Quinn has penned a great novel with two strong leading characters. Their interaction as the story unfolds is wonderful, flowing into a beautiful HEA.
I enjoyed the Audible narrator also, whose Scottish brogue seemed flawless.

It gave a great feeling for the characters.

Kept me at the edge of my seat. I liked the ending of the story also.

Best Brogue

Two very strong characters, one Scottish and one raised to hate Scots, battle to hold a castle and village. Of course, strong feelings ensue, both remembering the carnage left on both sides. The story is full of many surprises that grab a reader's attention.

One thing that really keeps a listener attached is the voice of Sean Patrick Hopkins. He has one of the best Scottish brogue ever. Nummy!

Enjoyed This Book

I have always been a PQ fan and this book did not let me down. The characters are developed well, and you can sympathize with their family tragedies. it was those tragedies that created Cain and Aleysia adult personalities. This book held your attention, and I would recommend it.

Fantastic narration, decent story

Good book overall. Nice writing. There were some story issues but very entertaining and the narrator was one of the best I’ve heard. Really brought it to life.

Hearts of Ashes

I thought the story good, but so moving. Not much to the plot. Performance was great.

loved it

Loved every minute of it. This is the first book I've listened to by Paula Quinn and it won't be the last but unfortunately there are only another 2 of this series and any of her other books on audio.
I loved the Scottish narrator, he has a very nice voice and narrates the female voices very well also. This is also the first time listening to this narrator and it won't be the last. I will look for more books narrated by him. I love his Scottish accent and his voice is very soft and sexy for the hero.
now in to the next one.