Do I need to read the Loch Moigh series in order?

Yes. While the romantic storylines resolve in each book, the underlying plot involving the portal, the Celtic curses, and returning characters is best understood if read from True to the Highlander onward.

What is the difference between Heart of the Druid Laird and For the Heart of the Druid Laird?

For the Heart of the Druid Laird is a revised and updated edition of her debut novel, Heart of the Druid Laird , which was originally published in 2011 and re-released in 2021.

Are the Loch Moigh and MacCarthy Sisters series connected?

They share similar themes of Celtic myth, fae magic, and time-travel romance, but they feature different characters and plots. You can enjoy them independently of one another.

Did Barbara Longley write Kiss Me Maybe?

No. Kiss Me Maybe was written by Heather Burch. It was part of the Princess Cruises Presents Kindle promotion alongside Longley’s novella Once Upon a Night at Sea .

Where is the best place to start with Barbara Longley's contemporary romances?

The best starting point is Far from Perfect , which begins the beloved Perfect, Indiana small-town series.

Barbara Longley Books in Order

Where to Start with Barbara Longley

Barbara Longley is a master of blending heartfelt contemporary romance with a touch of Celtic magic. If you are new to her work, your starting point will depend on your favorite romance subgenre. For fans of small-town contemporary stories dealing with emotional recovery and healing, the Perfect, Indiana series is the absolute best place to start. If you prefer high-stakes time-travel romance, ancient curses, and medieval highlanders, you should begin with the Loch Moigh series.

The Loch Moigh Time-Travel Series

This fan-favorite Celtic fantasy series follows modern characters who find themselves transported through a time portal to medieval Scotland, encountering fierce highlanders, ancient magic, and timeless love. It is best read in order of publication to follow the overarching mythical lore and character arcs:

True to the Highlander (2014)
The Highlander's Bargain (2014)
The Highlander's Folly (2015)
The Highlander's Vow (2016)

The MacCarthy Sisters Trilogy

In this series, Longley continues her passion for Celtic mythology, focusing on sisters who possess magical, fae-touched abilities. These paranormal contemporary romances blend ancient curses with modern settings and are best read in order:

Tangled in Time (2017)
Hidden in Time (2020)
Summoned in Time (2020)

The Perfect, Indiana Contemporary Romances

Set in a charming, fictional Midwestern town, this contemporary romance series deals with real-world issues such as PTSD, grief, and emotional healing. While each book spotlights a different couple, reading them in order lets you watch the town and its tight-knit community grow:

Far from Perfect (2012)
The Difference a Day Makes (2013)
A Change of Heart (2013)
The Twisted Road to You (2015)
Close to Perfect (2018)

The Haneys Family Saga

This series centers around the emotional and romantic lives of the Haney siblings. It is a heartfelt contemporary romance series focusing on family bonds, second chances, and deep emotional healing:

What You Do to Me (2016)
Whatever You Need (2017)
What Matters Most (2018)

The Star Launch Series

One of Longley's newest contemporary romance ventures, this series follows fresh beginnings and new love stories:

My True North (2023)
His Heart’s Melody (2024)

Standalone Novels and Cruise Novellas

In addition to her multi-book series, Longley has published standalone paranormal romances and participated in promotional collections:

Heart of the Druid Laird (2011) / re-released as For the Heart of the Druid Laird (2021): Longley’s debut novel, featuring an immortal fifth-century warrior trying to break a fae curse.
Once Upon a Night at Sea (2015): A short romance novella written for the "Princess Cruises Presents" Kindle Love Stories promotional crossover. (Note: The companion story, Kiss Me Maybe, was published in the same promotion but was written by author Heather Burch).

What to Know Before You Start

While the contemporary series like Perfect, Indiana and The Haneys are grounded in real-world situations, they often deal with heavy themes including trauma recovery, veteran struggles, and grief. Longley handles these topics with empathy, drawing from her background in education and human relations. If you are diving into her fantasy books, expect light portal fantasy elements rather than hard magic systems, prioritizing the romantic development and Celtic flavor.