Time Travel, Tarot, and Fated Love in the Highlands
Jessa Tamson desperately needs a win. Her three-year relationship ended in heartbreak, her dream job evaporated, her car was stolen, and her rent just skyrocketed. She’s about ready to tell the universe exactly where to go—until a strange tarot card dating app starts popping up on her phone. It’s persistent, mysterious, and downright annoying, but when it promises an escape from her current mess of a life, she decides to take a leap of faith—and a flight to Scotland.
Grant MacAlester has no time for love—or meddling witches. It’s been forty years since his clan barely survived the Jacobite uprising in 1746, and between smuggling runs and keeping the peace, he’s got his hands full. The last thing he needs is old Mairwen and her apprentice scheming to marry him off again. His first marriage taught him one women bring trouble.
But when Jessa suddenly lands in Grant’s 18th-century Highlands—quite literally—everything changes. Their meeting isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the work of the immortals of Seven Cairns, who have declared them fated mates. Together, they hold the key to strengthening the Highland Veil, a mystical barrier protecting all creation from chaos.
—Magic, time travel, and destiny can lead to wonderful things—if a person’s brave enough to embrace them.
The Magical Matchmakers of Seven 1. A Fine Scottish Time 2. A Fine Scottish Spell 3. A Fine Scottish Dream 4. A Fine Scottish Love 5. A Fine Scottish Harmony 6. A Fine Scottish Curse 7. A Fine Scottish Keeper
Maeve Greyson is a USA TODAY bestselling author, Amazon Top 100 bestseller, Amazon All Star, multiple RONE Award winner, and a multiple HOLT Medallion Finalist.
Her mantra is this: No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them.
She and her husband of over forty-five years traveled around the world while in the U.S. Air Force. Now they're settled in rural Kentucky where Maeve writes about her courageous heroes and the fearless women who tame them. Sometimes her stories are historical romances, time travel romances, or escapist romantasies, but the one thing they always have in common is a satisfying happily ever after. When she’s not plotting the perfect snare, she can be found herding cats, grandchildren, and her husband—not necessarily in that order.
This novel places Fantasy at the forefront, it doesn't matter that we're now in 1785 with fated mates. Jessa is lured to Scotland thanks to a Tarot App that keeps showing her the same guy. Her life has been a series of bad things happening to her and she literally has nothing to lose except, well, her time and place. She and her friend rent a Cottage in Seven Cairns, a Highland village that is so much more than it seems and, after a series of different things happening at once, she lands in MacAlester Keep where she meets the guy she has been seeing everywhere.
Unlike many time travel romances, this novel does focus on those left behind when someone is ripped from their time, and the collateral damage that ensues. It also gives a valid reason as to why it is usually women traveling through time and not a 1700s Highlander finding himself in the 21st Century.
Even though this is Jessa and Grant's love story and journey towards each other, it is about so much more and it sets the tone for the next (hopefully) installments, characters and stories.
How is no one talking about this book?! Took a chance on it since it was on kindle unlimited and it ended up being everything I wanted!!
Familiar yet original magic system, setting, and characters. I can’t wait to continue the series.
-1 star because it was just too short and rushed. The majority of the book taking place over 24h did a disservice to the romance. I liked the way this book did the “fated mates” trope, but at times it just seemed like a lazy excuse to not have to write a slow burn romance.
This was a great story. I loved Jessa, Grant, and Emily. I loved how fierce Emily was. How deeply Jessa and Emily loved each other as found family.
I ran in to the same issue I always have with fantasy. I get easily confused by goddesses, myths, legends, etc. I always feel like I need a guide that will explain all those things before I get started. The little one at the end of this book would have been helpful if I'd read it before I started.
I loved this book. It took me a little while to get into it but once I was hooked. Now I can't wait to hear the other's stories. You really will be kicking yourself if you don't read this book.
This book was so good, I read it twice to make sure I didn’t miss a word. Ms. Greyson has a gift for storytelling. Everything she writes is magic! Looking forward to more from her!!!
A fun and light hearted romp in the highlands of ancient Scotland. Ancient Goddesses influence the lives of those who remember them. A goddess's power depends on her followers .
I really enjoyed this book. I think we all need a MacSexy!! Lol. Mauve always tells a enjoyable tale of love. Scotland Highlanders, magic and love, you can't go wrong. I highly recommend this book
I really wanted to like this book…..Because it promised time travel, Magick, mythical beings, and other things I really like. However, while I like romance…. there was entirely too much graphic sex! Usually I can skip over those graphic sex parts….but, it went on and on throughout the entire book. I managed to get through the whole book because I wanted to see how it ended. But, it kinda didn’t….it was a kinda cliffhanger ending. So, I won’t be reading any more of her books.
Overall, this book could be worse. I think it has potential but needed to be fleshed out much more, and a slightly slower pace. I usually enjoy a fast paced page turner but this was a bit much for me.
Also with being Scottish myself, I found the writing to be so cringey and stereotypical at times it made it harder to read. There are only so many ‘ye ken’s’ a book should have! lol.
I've read shorter stories by this author in various compilations and enjoyed them but this one was a bit tougher for me to like.
The narrative style felt a bit amateurish and a bit all over the place and frankly I just stopped reading the book about halfway through and read 3 other books before I realized I'd never finished it. I just wasn't that invested at the time. I did go back and finish it and it did get a little better.
The Prologue was written in first person from the perspective of Mairwen, but the rest of the book is in 3rd person mostly alternating between Grant's and Jessa's points of view. There was a huge data dump through the first few chapters with some world building - I get a little of that has to happen because this is the first book in a series but it delayed the meeting of the main characters and bogged down the narrative a bit. It also didn't help that I found myself much more interested in the different Weavers than I was with Jessa and her story.
I also did NOT like Jessa for most of the book. Something about her character just grated on me - which obviously detracted a bit from the experience.
I also get the whole "fated mates" idea but I thought there might still be a bit of character development but no, in this book it just felt like an easy (lazy) way to have the characters fall in love in less than a day and jump straight to having sex but you couldn't complain about it being rushed because they're "fated mates."
The overall idea of the book was interesting but the execution was a bit lacking. The epilogue I felt raised more questions than it answered and not sure if any will ever be answered in the rest of the series. I'd give it 2 1/2 to 3 stars. I am intrigued by the idea of the world building so I might give another in the series a try. I'm honestly more interested in one of the immortals having a story but not sure that will happen.
I love time travel romance when it's done well, and A Fine Scottish Time delivered everything I was hoping for—adventure, humor, romance, magic, and a setting that completely pulled me in. From the moment Jessa's journey began, I found myself eager to see where fate would take her next.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the balance between the lighter, whimsical moments and the deeper emotional ones. Jessa is easy to root for, especially as she's trying to rebuild her life after a series of setbacks, and her journey felt both entertaining and heartfelt.
The Scottish Highlands setting was another standout. It added so much atmosphere to the story and made the world feel vivid and immersive. Combined with the magical elements, it created the perfect backdrop for a romantic adventure.
I also loved the idea of destiny playing a role in the story without taking away the importance of the characters' choices. The magical matchmaking elements added a unique twist that kept me smiling throughout.
If you enjoy time travel romance, Highland settings, magical matchmaking, and stories that leave you feeling happy after turning the last page, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
A delightful start to what promises to be a wonderful series.
Not sure how this book got such high ratings. I don’t see it.
To start I found the storyline all over the place. Side scenes came out of no where that didn’t flow with the story or the characters themselves. It’s like the author was trying to provide us all the information to set up the next books, but didn’t incorporate it well into the storyline. At one point I wouldn’t have been surprised if Puff the Magic Dragon showed up for a spot of tea.
Next I didn’t like the Jessa character. I don’t know if the author was trying to show character development, but I found Jessa spoiled, and playing the victim card a lot. For example the way she treated the housekeeper was dismissive and rude. If you are going to advocate for the servants and what they go through, then be grateful when they make you a large breakfast. Instead she was acting spoiled towards the house keeper and the cook for doing their jobs and trying to please her. (Just eat a scone, say thank you and address your wants later.).
Finally I felt the relationship development between Grant and Jessa was very rushed. There was no burn. It goes from, I don’t want to be your mate ever to I can’t live without you in 12 hours.
The story could have been really interesting. Instead it fell flat forme.
A Fine Scottish Time was a pleasant, easy read and the kind of book I'd pick up when I need a break from heavier stories that completely take over my life. The Scottish setting, time travel, and magical elements create a charming escape...
That said, the emotional math wasn't quite mathing for me.
My biggest issue was the romance. The story relies heavily on the idea of fated mates, but the bond often felt like a shortcut instead of the foundation of the relationship. The characters move from attraction to deep, all-consuming love very quickly, and while there are challenges along the way, I never felt like the relationship had to earn its emotional payoff. I wanted more development, more tension, and more reasons to believe these two belonged together beyond destiny telling me they did. Also, don't read if you are in need of a rich, vibrantly described world. Yes, most of us know what the highlands of Scotland look like, but a bit of description to set the mood would, in fact, not hurt.
Overall, this was an enjoyable palate cleanser between heavier reads. It won't be a memorable book of the year, but it was a charming escape and for readers looking for a light, magical romance with Scottish flair.
If you're not a fan of major fantasy theme stories, this isn't for you. Parts of the story were very confusing, and I've read many stories by this author.
Not everything is resolved as far as a secondary character. The story will keep building as the series goes on. There isn't a cliffhanger, but the future of what's ahead is unknown. I have bought the next book in the series, so obviously I did enjoy it.
I liked how the author had the h, wonder how she would clean her teeth, go to the bathroom with many layers of clothes, etc. Swear words used, romance happens fast because they are fated mates. This is a time travel story with a huge fantasy element. I liked the beginning when the friends are introduced. Story ended at the 93% on my e-reader.
Some twists, suspense, violence, nasty villains and HEA. Lovemaking heat level 5 out of 5. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
I enjoyed the story. The characters are relatable. Interesting mix of conflict with dark forces. Philosophical thoughts woven into various events.
I took off a star because there is a lengthy section of story that makes the reader a voyeur. I scrolled past that section as it is not critical to the story. I prefer innuendo of what's going to happen and then gently closes the door for privacy. At least it was not repeated throughout the remainder of the book, but only hinted about as a natural activity of fated love matches.
I credit the author for their talent weaving an interesting fantasy. Imagery is excellent allowing readers to see the action in their minds eye. I think the series promises more fun fantasy for readers.
Good concept, has potential. But I hate books where characters meet and fall deeply in love in a day. Even if they are supposed to be 'fated mates'. Book was really short and really fast so there was room to make this story better and more believable. It felt so short that there was barely any character development. I bought it as part of a set so I'll read the rest to see if the the stories get better. If this is a first book by the author, I do understand that early books tend to be a little rougher and the writing improves as the author gets more books under their belt.
I wasn't able to finish it because it leaned too heavily on blaming The Morrigan as an "evil" darkness. I, personally, am a follower of The Morrigan and didn't find it to be entertaining enough to be able to get over the blatant lack of depth in the "villain". I like the idea of this book more than the actuality. I prefer both my main characters and villains to be more fleshed out and not just good or evil.
This had my favourite things…time travel, the Scottish highlands and some magic. But really?!?! Ok. It’s a romantasy but the romance was so whirlwind, like hours. And the fantasy was definitely beyond that. I’m not expecting realism here but this was a drastic stretch of the imagination. The magical side is also confusing. It would have been helpful to have an intro of characters and the glossary (which is at the end) at the before the story started.
It’s out there and the correlation with the ancient goddesses isn’t in line at all with what is known about their worship. The male character build is flimsy and the switch up of the female lead is atrocious. You don’t fall in love after one day. It’s a cute fantasy story that has a lot of filler that doesn’t enhance the story line at all. Those pages could have been used for character enrichment. It’s just ok.
This is a well-written book that really impressed me with its quality and craftsmanship. The story is entertaining, and I found myself completely hooked from start to finish. I'm genuinely excited and can't wait to dive into book 2 to see what happens next. The characters are compelling and memorable, making the whole reading experience that much more enjoyable and engaging.
A bit of magic and fairy tale, this was a good story. A bit dark at times but good nonetheless. The epilogue was a great addition. Love that Jessa was a strong woman but also had doubts, because don’t we all?? And that she and Grant persevered! I’ll be looking for the next book
The story felt a bit rushed at times but over all it was enjoyable. Some compare it to outlander but the only things it had in common was that it was in Scotland and there was time travel and romance. Other than that it was completely different but good in its own way.
I can’t say I enjoyed this. It started off promising but fell really short. Felt super rushed and the plot was basically non-existent. Not to mention the epilogue was cringe af.
This is my second attempt at this author and her first book was a DNF for me. There’s something very strange about books set in Scotland written by an American. They always come across as cringe.
I warn, I almost didn't finish reading this book because it started so slow. I was a quarter of the way in when it finally picked up & now I am so glad I stuck with it. The climax & the ending made it worth the slow terrain of the first few chapters. Can't wait to delve into book #2.