The Recommended Reading Order for the MacCoinnich Time Travel Series
To fully experience the overarching battle against the dark Druid witch Grainna and follow the tight-knit family dynamics of the MacCoinnich clan, the series must be read in its official publication order. While the characters travel back and forth between 16th-century Scotland and modern-day California, the narrative progression relies heavily on the events of the previous novels. Reading out of order will spoil major plot points, character survival arcs, and the developing romance of the core family members.
1. Binding Vows (2009)
The series begins with Binding Vows, introducing Duncan MacCoinnich, a 16th-century Highland warrior and Druid who travels to a 21st-century Renaissance Faire in California. His mission is to prevent a deadly curse set by the dark witch Grainna. Instead, he meets Tara McAllister, a modern woman who initially believes his kilt-clad warrior persona is just an act. After a sudden hand-fasting ritual binds them across time, Tara is pulled back to 16th-century Scotland. Here, she must adapt to a dangerous medieval world while falling deeply in love with her protector.
2. Silent Vows (2010)
The second installment, Silent Vows, shifts the spotlight to Myra, a mute Druidess from the 16th century who escapes Grainna's wrath by fleeing into the modern world. Traumatized and unable to speak, she finds herself in California under the protection of Todd Blakely, a skeptical police officer. As Myra struggles to navigate the complexities of 21st-century technology and culture, Todd finds himself falling for the mysterious woman. The romance won the prestigious More Than Magic Award for Paranormal Romance in 2011.
3. Redeeming Vows (2010)
In Redeeming Vows, the focus returns to the McAllister family. Lizzy McAllister, Tara's sister and a protective single mother, finds herself thrust back into 16th-century Scotland along with her young son. There, she clashes with Finlay (Fin) MacCoinnich, Duncan's brother. Finlay is a commanding warrior determined to keep his clan safe from the witch Grainna's minions. The tension between the protective modern mother and the fierce Highland warrior drives this high-stakes romance as Grainna's threat intensifies.
4. Highland Shifter (2012)
Highland Shifter expands the fantasy elements of the series by introducing shape-shifting Druids. The story follows Helen Adams, a modern woman with a psychic "finder" gift that allows her to locate missing objects and people. She is hired to find a missing teenager named Simon McAllister—who is actually Tara and Lizzy's brother. Helen's search leads her through the time portal to 16th-century Scotland, where she discovers Simon has grown into a formidable Highland shifter. Together, they must fight to protect their family while navigating their growing attraction.
5. Highland Protector (2013)
The fifth and final published book, Highland Protector, centers on Amber MacCoinnich, whose empathic psychic abilities are causing her debilitating, life-threatening physical pain. To survive, Amber must travel to the 21st century. She is rescued by Gavin Kincaid, a mysterious time traveler and Druid protector who has secretly watched over the MacCoinnich family line for generations. As Gavin works to heal Amber, they form an intense emotional bond, all while trying to evade enemies who seek to exploit Amber's unique gifts.
Time Travel Mechanics, Settings, and Chronology
Catherine Bybee's time travel rules are governed by Druid magic, ancient books of spells, and specific stone circles. The characters primarily jump between the Isle of Skye in 16th-century Scotland and modern-day California (mostly around the San Diego area). Because the timeline flows linearly in both directions—meaning a year spent in the future equates to a year passing in the past—the chronological order aligns directly with the publication order. Readers do not need to worry about complex flashback timelines, but they should pay close attention to how Druid spells are cast, as the magical rules established in the early books dictate the high-stakes battles in the final entries.
The Unfinished Fate of Cian MacCoinnich
One of the most common discussions within the MacCoinnich fan community surrounds the unresolved story of Cian MacCoinnich, Duncan and Finlay's brother. The series ends on a significant cliffhanger in Highland Protector regarding his fate. Catherine Bybee has addressed this frequently on her official website's FAQ. Because the MacCoinnich Time Travel series is a self-published project, Bybee writes these books in her free time. Her primary writing schedule is dominated by contractually obligated contemporary romance series with traditional publishers, which carry strict deadlines. While she has reassured fans that she fully intends to return to the series and write Cian's book, she has emphasized that she wants to do his character justice by waiting until she has the dedicated time to write it without being rushed.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, readers should be prepared for a blend of historical romance, contemporary culture-clash humor, and paranormal fantasy. While some romance series feature standalone novels that can be read out of order, the MacCoinnich series is highly serialized. The plot to defeat Grainna spans all five books, and characters introduced in early volumes play critical roles in later chapters. Additionally, readers should expect a mix of heavy romance elements, steamy scenes, and fantasy action, making it a great transition series for fans of historical Highlander romance who want to dip their toes into paranormal fantasy.