The Love Curse: A Laugh‑Out‑Loud, Slow‑Burn Time‑Travel Romance with Highland Charm

Timeless Love Chronicles #3

by Heather Grace Stewart

This time, they’re all in.

From bestselling author Heather Grace Stewart comes a love story that bends time—and refuses to break.

They thought the portal was their biggest threat. But the curse,real or imagined, might be what tears their family apart.

Thrown into 1646 Scotland, Amelia “Mills” Sutherland and Callum MacDowell have finally built a fragile peace with their growing family and the MacDowell clan. But when a rival clan threatens that hard‑won safety, the entire group is forced into a dangerous journey across the Highlands: Alistair’s sheepdog at their side, loyal hounds guiding the way, swords ready. And all the while, a portal that may close forever.

As old grudges ignite and new alliances form, Mills and Cal must protect their clan and each other. Along the way, they face whispers of a curse, a brooch that glows when danger nears, and a mysterious newcomer who speaks of quantum entanglement, time loops, and a portal that’s alive.

The deeper they travel into the Highlands, the clearer it becomes: they’re not just fighting enemies. They’re fighting time itself.

If the portal closes, Mills, Cal, Loch, Cam, and Lila could be trapped on the wrong side forever. But Mills and Cal will tear through every clan and every curse to bring their family home.

Perfect for fans of Outlander, The Seven Year Slip, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and Bridget Jones’s Diary, The Love Curse is a sweeping time‑travel romantic adventure filled with danger, devotion, found family, and a love that refuses to break.

Tropes readers love:

Married, but make it sexy
Found family
Highlander hero
Portal fantasy
Slow burn with high stakes
Clan conflict
“We fight side by side” energy
“Sneaking into your tent at night”
Love vs. destiny

Heat Scale: Level 3. Full steam ahead. One‑bed tension, mossy forest‑floor moments, and open‑door intimacy with heart. Fierce love, fast banter, and scenes that will make you swoon, not scandalize your book club.

Genres: Romance

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2026

About the author

I fell in love with storytelling in a rickety childhood treehouse, surrounded by Archie comics and fueled by Jujubes. Since then, the ride has included running drama-class lines with a young Matthew Perry (yes, that Matthew Perry) and auditioning for a musical alongside Alanis Morissette. Spoiler: she got the part. I got the pen.

I’ve since written 24 books—romcoms, time‑travel romances, screenplays, and poetry for people who “don’t think they like poetry” (their words, not mine). More than 400,000 readers have escaped into my worlds of swoony romance, cozy spice, laugh‑out‑loud banter, and the occasional touch of magic.

My mission is simple: to make you laugh, feel, and fall a little in love—whether with my characters, their found families, or the Highlanders who keep stealing the show.

When I’m not writing, you can find me inline skating, cooking and dancing with oven mitts, or attempting to convince one of my cats to take over my marketing. I’m on Instagram, Threads, Substack and Facebook if you want to say hi. Just don’t ask me to audition for anything. I’ve learned my lesson.

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.

Mills and Callum MacDowell are back into 1646 Scotland,trying to make a peace.When opposite clan steal their baby,there is no avoiding this war.Trying to get their son back,fighting against time will Mills and Cal break the curse and get back to their time?

Once again engrossing time travel read.Mills and Cal are back and they have no time to relax.When their son was taken I could feel emotion coming from the pages,author did a great job describing parents pain and I was rooting for them to get their son Loch back.It was nice to get once again everyone together for another adventure.A little bit of action,fight, romance and betrayal,can't wait for book 4.

If you like time travel,clans that fight for their own and cozy romance I would recommend this one.

Thank you netgalley for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LOVE CURSE: A Laugh‑Out‑Loud, Slow‑Burn Time‑Travel Romance with Highland Charm (Timeless Love Chronicles: An emotionally rich time-travel romance with cozy spice Book 3), my eighth highly-enjoyable read from author Heather Grace Stewart, the third in her Timeless Love Chronicles series. I've been adding her books to my library since January of 2017, I now own 9 of them. What can I say about this book without spoilers? If you like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander, you may like this 428-page time travel romance. These are Stewart's best work to date. I read it in a single setting ( a few highly enjoyable hours). “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I don't give out a lot of 5-star reviews on Goodreads just because Goodreads rates a 5-star review as "Amazing", how many books truly are? This one is! The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with LOVE, LOCH : A Laugh-Out-Loud, Slow-Burn Time-Travel Romance With Highland Charm (Timeless Love Chronicles: An emotionally rich time-travel romance with cozy spice Book 4) due out in October of this year. Will that be the end of the series? Only time & book sales will tell! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.

[ChriseBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read time travel romances until this series, and it's been very interesting so far. Book 3 of the Timeless Love Chronicles continues in 1646 Scotland, where tension remains high because of the danger posed by the Campbell clan. Mills, Cal, and company rally together as enemies hover, and time threatens to strand them in the past.

I read an early copy of The Love Curse, which I looked forward to since last year. While book 1 is my individual favourite of the series, books 2 and 3 nicely expanded on the found family element, the mystery of the portal, and the effects of the time leaps. My favourite parts of The Love Curse include the resilience of the MacDowell clan, the strong bonds of the various couples, and the unbreakable love between these strangers, now one big family across the ages.

Content note: There is scattered cursing, religious swearing, and 4 open door scenes between a married couple (chapters 2,19, 27, 29). Please refer to the content warnings on the author's website.

I'm eager to know more about the portal and Loch's adventures as an adult. Thanks to Heather Grace Stewart for writing this series. Thanks also to Meg Kelly of Literary Inspired for the ARC of The Love Curse.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great spin on time travel as the storyline is divine .Mills and Cal are written so well. It’s worth reading from the first book but there’s enough descriptors to see you through and know what they up to and what’s occurred . The structure and the storytelling is great. So it’s compelling reading too. Go out now and see for yourself I urge you. Heather Grace Stewart has talent and at book three in series means business and is a contender too.
A portal into another time isn’t as sublime and climatically swell as it seems when they’re coming apart at the seams . The clans who follow are not nice fellows and want to end them not befriend them . Ooh heck and curses. A circus of hate and rivalry,so they must stand and raise alms as the only cavalry in sight except their hound.So they gotta keep their wits and cunning in check to stay ahead of the chase for the present human race…Profound! Clan in fights ignite and excite on a rampage across the page keeping you engaged as you read with speed . Yup this indeed is a dynamite read.

[Books Magically Appear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mills and Cal have an adventure for sure. It was thrilling and I was cursing at the adrenaline that this one caused. It was woven in a way to keep you engrossed with the characters. I hope I would have handled a certain situation the way she had. Shock, terror, anger, wrapped up with courage. Cal was magnificent with the leadership it takes to run a family or clan. Mills and Cal as a team and the heart stopping twists, I cannot even mention, you must experience them for your self. It will be a long wait for book four, but I will just have to suffer the wait. It was a really phenomenal read

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story. I loved the time travel aspect. The banter and the overall characters themselves. This was intense and fun at the same time. I honestly wished I had read the others before this one. But overall I was only slightly confused here and there. This story has a wonderful depth to it and the detail really brought it to life. I’m definitely going to go back and read the others now.

[Barb Niles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankyou for the early sneak peek
This has been such a fun series!
Funny, cozy spice loved it!

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fantastic. The latest book continues the journey with Cal and Mills et al. Once again the peace that they are trying to keep is shattered when the rival clan steals their baby son. The MacDowall Clan rise to the challenge along with the faithful sheepdog tracking the thieves. But will they get to their baby in time and will the portal stay open long enough for them to return to their own time??? Again the storyline is filled with the characters that we love and the well woven storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Now we have to wait patiently for book 4 to see where the adventure will lead us next.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it so much!!! Thanks to the author for inviting me to read the book on Netgalley. I loved the plot and the characters of this book. It was well written and very detailed about the Scottish culture in the 1600s. I adored the Mills, Cal and loch they were such adorable little family. I also enjoyed the side characters of this book

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC copy of this book from the author and though a review wasn’t required I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of it and this series so far.

This is the third book in the series and it just gets better! It’s about a woman who flew to Scotland to meet a man she had been texting for a while only to find he lied to her and was married.

She decides to stick around and meets a local who she saves when a storm comes up and his boat capsizes. They find a bond between them and one day out at the local Loch while they are in the water a strange thing happens to them and they end up back some 400 years into the past. This series chronicles their adventures, the clan battles and eventual return to their own time line after spending the time with his ancestors in that time period.

Then she reappears back without her husband, pregnant and again spends time with those same ancestors the two met the previous year. When her husband comes through the portal again to find them they think their troubles are behind them but they are wrong because the rival clan attacks them and takes their infant son.

This book deals with their determination to find and get their son back regardless of the risks but they aren’t alone as his clans ancestors are with them to find the infant.

You’ll enjoy the adventure and what they all go through to find and get their son back and then the rush to reach the portal before it closes which would leave them trapped in the past.

However upon returning they find history is being erased so they are contemplating another jump to try and correct what is wrong before they themselves are erased like the ancestors in the past they have spent so much time with.

This is a well written story which will keep you reading as fast as you can because the plot and content are fascinating especially if you’ve ever day dreamed about time travel yourself! This way you can experience Cal and Mills’s adventure ( along with their family and friends) as they race against the clock to find and rescue their son and try to reach the portal before it closes!

If you love adventure you will love this book and really should read books one and two before reading this third book! That way you’ll be ready like I and the rest who have loved and read these three books and are eagerly anticipating the release of book four later this coming fall!

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend not only this book but this series as ones I believe you’ll enjoy just as much as I have!

[Cecilia Flanagan-Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend and author, Heather Grace Stewart, has written a number of books in a variety of genres. Her most recent offering is currently a trilogy (with a fourth book in the series to come in the fall - would that be a 'fourology'?)
The series begins with "The Love Leap" - a bi-continental tale of disappointment, new love, and a time-travelling adventure into 15th-century Scotland. Spicy scenes, handsome highlander, a fantasy we've all held at some time or other.
The second book, "The Love Quest", continues the tale with more scenes anchored in history, new characters, new bonds and a portal across time through Loch Ness!
Released just last week, the third book, "The Love Curse" has it all. This time, they're all in.
They thought the portal was their biggest threat. But the curse, real or imagined, might be what tears their family apart.
Thrown into 1646 Scotland, Amelia "Mills" Sutherland and Callum MacDowell have finally built a fragile peace with their growing family and the MacDowell clan. But when a rival clan threatens that hard-won safety, the entire group is forced into a dangerous journey across the Highlands: Alistair's sheepdog at their side, loyal hounds guiding the way, swords ready. And all the while, a portal that may close forever.
As old grudges ignite and new alliances form, Mills and Cal must protect their clan and each other. Along the way, they face whispers of a curse, a brooch that glows when danger nears, and a mysterious newcomer who speaks of quantum entanglement, time loops, and a portal that's alive.
The deeper they travel into the Highlands, the clearer it becomes: they're not just fighting enemies. They're fighting time itself.
If the portal closes, Mills, Cal, Loch, Cam, and Lila could be trapped on the wrong side forever. But Mills and Cal will tear through every clan and every curse to bring their family home.
And now we wait, with baited breath, for the fourth book due this fall.
Throughout the series, Stewart's writing has improved dramatically, with each tale offering more concise, more emotionally stirring scenes that engage the reader from start to finish. The third book, "The Love Curse" has many plot twists that leave us, the readers, guessing at what the future holds for this family.
If you enjoyed the Outlander series of books and TV shows, The Love Curse's sweeping time-travel adventure is filled with danger, devotion, found family and a love that refuses to break.
Heather Grace Stewart Meg Kelly #LiteraryInspiredARCs

[Booksnliftsdiary · Rating 4 out of 5]

#AdvancedReaderCopy
Title: The Love Curse: Timeless Love Chronicles (Book 3)
Author: Heather Grace Stewart
Genre: Science Fiction / Time Travel Romance
Pages: 428

Rating: 4⭐️/5

“We’re not cursed. We’re not chosen. We’re just two stubborn idiots who fell in love in the wrong century and now have to pretend we know what we’re doing.”

After being thrown into 1646 Scotland, Mills Sutherland and Callum MacDowell finally begin building a peaceful life with their family and clan, until a rival threat forces them into a dangerous journey across the Highlands. With whispers of a curse spreading, a strange brooch warning of danger, and rumors that the portal home may soon disappear forever, they realize they’re fighting more than enemies. As time runs out, Mills and Cal will do whatever it takes to keep their family from being trapped in the past for good.

This was such a fun mix of historical fiction, family drama, and time-travel chaos. I loved how the story balanced humor, and emotional moments, especially the quieter scenes where it felt like Mills and Cal were the only two souls left in the world, facing everything together. They proved that no matter who they are or when they are, as long as they have each other, they can survive anything. Packed with tropes readers will love: found family, Highlander hero, portal fantasy, clan conflict, slow burn with high stakes, and strong “we fight side by side” energy.

A big thanks to Megan at Literary Inspired and Heather Grace Stewart for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!

Releasing 05/22/2026 on Amazon, KU and paperback.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curses may be imagined but it could still end everything for Cal and Mills. Stuck in 1646 Scotland they could simultaneously lose everything and have the portal close forever.

The third in the series and the danger and spice just keep getting better! Adventures unfold as their son is kidnapped by a rival clan to be sold off and they must race across the dangerous highlands and back to the loch in time to return to their current time or be stuck in the past. The series is great so far with adventure, heart, love, family, friendship and bonds that last through the test of time. Love that the time paradox and consequences of time travel are brought up and can’t wait to see what happens next in book 4!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal and Mills’ story continues in another adventure… This time, 1646, and they’re battling to keep their family together.
I loved the premise behind the ‘magic’ and the introduction of new characters - would almost like to see spin-offs in future books, rather than a continuation of the Cal and Mills story… I almost feel like they need some peace soon.

Plenty of humour and action, a seeming return to normal, yet a bit of a tease for what’s next in their future (or past…)

I enjoyed it.
Thanks, Heather Grace Stewart, for another delightful story!

[Amanda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series. We get more of Cal and Mills' story as they continue on in their adventure. All kinds of action with loads of humor. I liked the dynamics and premise of more to come. The stakes are higher, found family is under threat, and the portal is alive. This was an unputdownable page turner that I enjoyed and I definitely recommend reading. Thanks so much to the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.

[Maia Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given a chance to read through Netgalley. It is very similar to the other books in a ther series. A sweet, low stakes romcom. Where the main characters travel in the past to their ancestors. It was a sweet short read with lots of humorous moments.

[Ilene G> · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-1/2 stars. I did not finish. The plot is good , but I did not like the main characters. I consider that a me problem. I woukd have finished it if I liked the characters. I got this book free as an ARC.

[Angiewagg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love time travel. I love klan battles so I loved this book!!
Very well written and so descriptive - I was hooked from the beginning and was to read in one sitting
Recommend this book!!
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Story line ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stolen baby means war. Mills and Cal waste no time going after him. I liked this time travel romance. It has the same vibes as Outlander. If you enjoyed that series, give this one a try!