Recommended Loch Moigh Reading Order
The Loch Moigh series relies on a continuous thread of lore involving Celtic fae magic, enchanted portal stones, and recurring family dynamics within the MacKintosh clan. Because later books build directly on the rules of time travel and the unresolved character arcs established in the beginning, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order.
- True to the Highlander (2014) – Follows Alethia Goodsky, a 21st-century Native American woman and nurse who is pulled back to 1423 Scotland, where she encounters the wounded clan heir Malcolm MacKintosh.
- The Highlander's Bargain (2014) – Focuses on Malcolm’s brother Robley MacKintosh, who is flung forward to modern-day America, where he meets Erin Durie while trying to survive in a strange new era.
- The Highlander's Folly (2015) – Explores the story of Hunter MacKintosh, a warrior gifted with fae sight, and Meghan McGladrey, a modern woman skilled in swordplay who is pulled into the 15th century.
- The Highlander's Vow (2016) – Follows Sky Elizabeth, a medieval noblewoman fleeing an unwanted marriage, who accidentally triggers a portal and tumbles into the 21st century alongside Struan, a disgraced knight.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Since the series heavily revolves around characters travelling back and forth through time, a strict chronological reading order is difficult to pin down and generally counterproductive. For instance, while parts of The Highlander's Bargain take place in modern America, its protagonist originates from 15th-century Scotland. Trying to map out a timeline based on the calendar years of the settings ruins the narrative progression. The author written the books so that the magical rules, portals, and overlapping clan conflicts unfold systematically. Stick to the publication order to avoid spoiling the larger overarching plot involving the fae and the fate of the MacKintosh clan.
What to Know Before You Start
Barbara Longley’s world blends historical Scottish clan struggles with paranormal mythology. Before diving in, keep these key details in mind:
- Fae Magic: The time travel in the series is not science-based but is controlled by ancient Celtic fae, portals, and magical tokens. The characters must negotiate the whimsical and sometimes dangerous desires of these mystical beings.
- Strong Heroines: Longley flips traditional tropes by featuring capable modern women—such as a modern trauma nurse and a competitive martial artist—who use their contemporary skills to survive in the rugged past, alongside historical women who adapt to the modern world.
- Standalone vs. Interconnected: While each book centers on a different romantic pairing and concludes with a resolved romance (Happily Ever After), they are closely tied together by recurring side characters and continuous family plotlines.