Books On Board
series Reading Order

MacLerie Books in Order

18 Books
2 Reading orders
2006 – 2014 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

How to Start: The Recommended Reading Path

For the absolute best introduction to the MacLerie Clan, readers should start with the series debut, Taming the Highlander (2006). This novel introduces Connor MacLerie, the formidable chieftain known as the 'Beast of the Highlands,' and his marriage of convenience to Jocelyn MacCallum. Starting here establishes the central seat of the clan at Lairig Dubh and lays down the emotional foundation, clan rivalries, and secondary characters that populate the rest of the series.

While every book features a standalone romance with a complete happily-ever-after, the recurring characters, family secrets, and political alliances form an ongoing story. Reading the books in sequence ensures you do not spoil the fates, marriages, or resolutions of characters from previous installments.

Publication Order of the MacLerie Clan Books

Following the publication order lets you experience the series exactly as Terri Brisbin wrote it. However, be prepared for a major shift in setting and time period early on, as the second book leaps forward 500 years into the Regency era before returning to the medieval period:

  • Taming the Highlander (2006) – The medieval romance of Connor MacLerie and Jocelyn MacCallum, setting the stage for the clan saga.
  • The Earl's Secret (2007) – A massive 500-year leap forward to the Regency era, featuring the far-flung descendants of the MacLerie clan.
  • Surrender to the Highlander (2008) – A return to medieval Scotland, following the Viking-descended warrior Rurik Erengislsson and Margriet Gunnarsdottir.
  • Possessed by the Highlander (2008) – Follows Duncan MacLerie as he seeks to protect Marian Robertson.
  • The Highlander's Stolen Touch (2012) – The story of Ciaran MacEgan, a knight who takes Jocelyn's sister Clara hostage, only to fall for her.
  • Taming the Highland Rogue (2012) – Centers on Connor's cousin Callum MacLerie and the fiery Margaret MacKenzie.
  • At the Highlander's Mercy (2013) – Focuses on Lilidh MacLerie and her capturing by Robert Matheson, rekindling a forbidden past love.
  • The Highlander's Dangerous Temptation (2013) – Follows Cearnach MacLerie and Mairi MacInnes as they navigate a forced alliance.
  • Yield to the Highlander (2014) – The story of warrior Aidan MacLerie and the widowed Catriona MacKenzie.

Chronological Order: Navigating the Medieval and Regency Timelines

To avoid chronological whiplash, many readers prefer to separate the medieval books from the Regency-era spinoffs. In the local database's chronological sequence, The Earl's Secret is placed near the end of the list. Here is how the chronological path looks:

  1. Taming the Highlander (2006) – Medieval.
  2. Surrender to the Highlander (2008) – Medieval.
  3. Possessed by the Highlander (2008) – Medieval.
  4. Taming the Highland Rogue (2012) – Medieval.
  5. The Highlander's Stolen Touch (2012) – Medieval.
  6. At the Highlander's Mercy (2013) – Medieval.
  7. The Highlander's Dangerous Temptation (2013) – Medieval.
  8. The Earl's Secret (2007) – Regency (set 500 years later).
  9. Yield to the Highlander (2014) – Medieval (returns to the 14th century).

Practical Advice: To maintain historical continuity, the ideal chronological strategy is to read all eight medieval novels first, culminating in Yield to the Highlander, and then read the Regency-era works as a thematic epilogue about the family's legacy.

Tie-ins, Crossovers, and Novellas

The MacLerie Clan universe extends beyond the main list with several crucial companion works:

The Forbidden Highlander (Novella)

This medieval novella is typically numbered as Book 5.5 or 6.5 in the series. It tells the story of James Murray, a man torn between his duty to an arranged marriage and his growing feelings for his betrothed. It is an essential addition for fans of the medieval series who want to explore every corner of Lairig Dubh.

The Highlander's Inconvenient Bride (Crossover)

Published in 2021, this book is a direct crossover between The MacLerie Clan and Terri Brisbin's A Highland Feuding series. It features Sheena MacLerie and Robbie Cameron. Because it includes appearances by original series favorites like Connor and Jocelyn, it serves as a wonderful bridge between Brisbin's different Scottish historical worlds.

Blame It On the Mistletoe (Regency Novella)

This holiday novella is a Regency-era story that directly accompanies The Earl's Secret. It follows the romance of Julia Fairchild and Iain MacLerie, a descendant of the clan, making it a perfect festive read to pair with the other Regency-era title.

What to Know Before You Start

Terri Brisbin's stories are known for their high emotional stakes, detailed historical backdrops, and passionate romance. The medieval books are set in 14th-century Scotland, featuring typical tropes of the genre: forced marriages, warring clans, Viking influence, and brooding heroes with soft hearts. While the books can technically be read out of order, following the medieval chronological order provides the most satisfying character arcs and avoids minor spoilers about the clan's future marriages.

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading the MacLerie series?

The best place to start is with the first published book, Taming the Highlander (2006). It introduces the core clan setting of Lairig Dubh and the central characters who appear throughout the series.

QCan the MacLerie books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book features a self-contained romance with a satisfying resolution. However, reading them in order is recommended to fully appreciate the returning characters and overlapping family dynamics.

QWhy is The Earl's Secret placed differently in the reading orders?

The Earl's Secret is a Regency-era romance set 500 years after the events of the medieval books. While it was published second, chronologically it takes place centuries after the main Highland saga.

QHow many novels and novellas are in the MacLerie series?

The core series consists of 8 novels set in the medieval era, 1 Regency novel (The Earl's Secret), and several novellas, including The Forbidden Highlander and the Regency holiday story Blame It On the Mistletoe.

QWhat is the relation between the MacLerie Clan and A Highland Feuding series?

The book The Highlander's Inconvenient Bride acts as a crossover between the two series, featuring characters from both universes, including Sheena MacLerie.