Highland Stars

by Lindsay Rochester

I can see myself falling so obnoxiously in love with her that my family would force me to move anyway.

Plagued by the memory of her ex’s voice and the sting of her recent firing, Makenna Fore flees to Scotland on the vacation of her dreams. She expects stunning views, lots of history, some sheep, and maybe even a kilt or two. What she did not expect was to land in the hospital. Even more, she would never think she’d end up in her doctor’s care afterwards.

Emergency Department physician, Malcolm Robertson, isn’t looking for love. Especially not with a woman who doesn’t call the Scottish Highlands home. But when the same woman is unexpectedly thrown into his life twice in less than twenty-four hours, he straightens up and takes notice.

But what happens when their attraction threatens to outlast the vacation?

Get swept away to the Scottish Highlands in this whirlwind vacation romance. Perfect for fans of couples that banter. Highland Stars is a sunshine/sunshine romance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Closed Door Romance, Adult

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2026

Reviews

[Alisha]

This dual POV contemporary romance is set in Scotland and features:
* No (or VERY low) external conflict
* No spice, no swearing, etc.
* Mutual attraction at first sight
* American girl/Scottish guy

It’s a cotton candy kind of book that’s very easy reading.

[Katelyn Savarese]

I think I am too picky with Romance books and I am probably the problem. But….having said that there are a few problems I had with this book. First, who in the world takes a solo trip to another country? People probably do but I am not that person so this was shocking to me. Second, who has one conversation with someone and then finds out they are a doctor and agrees to let this man you have known for all of ten minutes take care of you after having surgery?!?! I think I chose life thank you very much. Thankfully for Makenna, Malcolm is a really kind person but that’s not the point. Third, I’m not a fan of books where they are instantly attracted and the relationship builds from there. Fourth, there were weird comments that were a little much and felt like the characters could barely keep their hands off each other. It was a weird.

I did enjoy both of the characters personally and I loved Malcolm’s family. Malcolm and Makenna’s banter was sweet. Sadly this book just wasn’t for me.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore]

Swoony Romance

A Scottish doctor who actively pursues her, sees her worth, and makes sure she never feels like a burden? Yes, please. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💛

Highland Stars by Lindsay Rochester was a fabulous sweet and clean vacation romance with strong emotional chemistry, thoughtful celiac representation, beautiful Scottish scenery, and romance from practically the beginning to the very end.

Malcolm was attentive without being controlling, Makenna’s growth was beautifully handled, and I loved that they communicated well and were equally invested in their relationship.

[Radim]

Didn't expect Scottish had alot of words different than English. I honestly thought "doesny" was a typo😭😭 but it's a great book nonetheless

[Audrey Colman]

Now, more than ever I need a trip to Scotland. Lindsay painted an amazing picture which just reinforced my desire to go visit the highlands.

Malcolm and Makenna have an incredibly sweet story with their roommate situation and the way he cared for her. Their families were also amazing, and the need for stories for Malcolm’s sisters is way up there on the list!

If you want to get lost in the highlands with a swoony doctor who falls for his patient/roommate then this is the book for you!

Thank you, Lindsay for my ARC!

[Kat Schmoyer]

⭐️

My goodness. Ugh. I wanted to DNF so bad. I skipped a ton to get to the end.

First of all - way too long.
Secondly - who in the world goes to live with someone YOU JUST MET. Dumb. Stupid. Utterly ridiculous.

He also fell way too hard too fast and I didn’t get any “man’s man” vibes from him. I couldn’t handle his POV.

[Chad Barrus]

I received a ARC of this book from the author and though a review wasn’t required, I HAD to write my honest, voluntary impression upon finishing it!

Everyone should read this wonderful book! If you’ve ever been put down because of how good you do your job, your weight, your physical appearance you NEED to read this wonderful book!

Makenna has experienced it all! She was dumped by her ex boyfriend because of how he viewed her and her boss fired her because clients wanted her and not her boss to do their functions! When her best friend bails on a long planned trip they’d made because of work, she decides to be brave and goes to Scotland on her own for her two week vacation! She meets a charming handsome man her first night playing in a pub and the next day meets him again only this time it’s because of a medical emergency that’s taken her to the hospital where he works as a doctor. Finding she is alone, he volunteers to let her stay with him during her recovery and becomes her own local travel guide to places she wanted to see.

It’s a sweet story of a woman who has been put down by others all her life with the exception of her mother and best friend who doubts a handsome doctor/ musician could possibly see anything in her and the slow realization that she was wrong as he, his family and friends embrace her and give her the love and confidence
she needs to finally view herself differently!

I loved this story and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically
recommend it to one and all! It will warm your heart to watch the slow transformation as Makenna slowly believes what Malcolm is telling her and showing her by his actions that he is sincere thereby finally letting her let go all the negativity of others and embracing a bright future she never imagined before!

You will love this story- I guarantee it!

[Brandi Jackola]

I have Scottish ancestry — Clan McKay — so reading a book set in Scotland, in Inverness no less, is what I can only call a great joy. To be fair, I have never actually made it to Scotland in person, but I hope to make it there some day. And yes, I am one of those people who absolutely delight in hearing bagpipes.

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Makenna (what a GREAT NAME!!!!) is about to go to Inverness, Scotland for two weeks. Nine days before, her boss fires her from her wedding planner job, despite a multitude of clients requesting her services. Well, good riddance to bad rubbish, I say, because that boss was just jealous.

Unfortunately, that’s not the only bad news. Her best friend Mai, who is supposed to be vacationing with her, decides she needs to stay behind, because she really wants to make partner at her firm, and her boss, though he approved her time off, says he can’t go without her. (I despise the hustle and grind culture.)

So, Makenna decides to go alone. And that one decision changes her life for the better, because Inverness is where she meets Malcolm.

I’m not going to get into the plot much more than that, because the readers are better off discovering the story for themselves. This book made me laugh, made me cry, and made me righteously angry for the experiences that both Malcolm and Makenna have been through. (There is a scene toward the end where Makenna gives an ex the dressing down he deserved two years earlier, and I literally cheered out loud.)

I adored this book with all my heart. It makes me want to go to Inverness and see the places described. This is a wonderful story, where two strangers meet and realize that they’ve finally met their happily ever after. Come for the hot Scot, stay for the quirky Makenna, and get the book!

[Abbie]

I don't even know how to put into words my experience reading this book. I read an ARC and I can't wait for this book to be released.

The story set majorly in Scotland, had me glued till the end. The FMC travels to Scotland for a vacation she'll never forget. She meets her other half the MMC along the way and their story begins. He helps her look past her insecurities and see the beauty in her. And she helps him heal from a really hard breakup.

I fell in love with the characters right from page one. Makenna and Malcolm were the sweetest. (I even thought that their couple name could be Malkenna or Malcenna. I dunno sounds cute). The slow burn was really worth the wait.

I loved the dual POV in the book. It really told the story from two angles which made it exciting.
I was literally squealing for a good portion of the book. And the swoon....ugh... I cannot describe it. So good.
Plus, having a character with celiac disease made the story feel even more real as she navigated life with it.

It has no language or spice and I can comfortably recommend it to my preteen sister.

P.S. I added visiting Scotland to my list of destinations that I have to go soon. I fell in love in Scotland by reading this book.

@linsdsayrochester you did a great job writing this book. I cannot wait for it to come out.

[Jordan Scoggins]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a cute book!

I love the Scottish love affair… And everything that came along with it!!

The forced proximity… Him being her doctor… And of course, a happy ending!!

My favorite scene was definitely the scene before he even knows who she is and goes up to her at the bar that he’s playing a gig for!

Things I enjoyed about the book…

Doctor/Patient trope
Whirlwind romance
Banter
FMC finding herself and being bold
Basically the whole book!

The only thing I didn’t really like about the book was the part of the epilogue where he has to ‘kiss’ another woman on stage since he is acting in the theatre and she is pregnant so she couldn’t play the part.

I know it says they don’t even kiss in the scene and it is really sweet how he speaks his lines to her instead of the actress! But at the end of the book, if people have had their happy ending, I really don’t want any other women involved… At all. I just want to know that the characters are happily in a relationship/married/having babies!! I thought it was a little weird too, because she said that the girl had liked him/flirted with him?? it really wasn’t that bad but just kind of gave me the ick a little!!

[Randi Sampson]

This was such a sweet story! I mean, a Scottish doctor who takes care of after she ends up in his ER on her solo vacation... what more could you ask for? Makenna and Malcolm won me over right from the start. Both of these characters have reasons to be wary in the love department... especially for a vacation romance, but their chemistry was undeniable just the same. It was definitely a bit of a whirlwind romance, but it didn't feel rushed... just right for these characters. In addition to the romance, I loved that we get to see Makenna grow and letting go of the insecurities left behind by her ex. I also thought the inclusion of Makenna's celiac disease was done very well... as someone with different chronic illnesses, it's always great to see those represented in fiction as well. If you love Scottish heroes and travel romance, this is certainly one not to be missed.

Highland Stars is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Love on Vacation series but could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Oruare Ojimadu]

Makenna's decision to take the trip to Scotland irrespective of changes in plans was a life changing one. Malcolm is a musically incline Scottish doctor, one with a caring heart and his first meeting with Makenna touched his hurt heart opening up emotions he thought were no longer present.
Makenna's vacation was almost derailed at the beginning especially with that unexpected medical emergency but the offer from Malcolm opened up new opportunities for them to bond and explore a friendship and a love that sprouted to a strong future.
The relationship between Makenna and Malcolm's family is enviable, the love and the welcoming embrace they offered to Makenna was more than enough to convince her that her decision to follow her heart was worth it. Her mother was also a solid support. The family dynamics in this book is heartwarming and makes this story a pleasurable read.
The author's words paint a beautiful picture of Scotland and draws up cute view of Scotland that brings nostalgia.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book and the opinions are mine.

[M. K. Jacobs]

4.5 stars: What a sweet vacation romance! This is perfect wish fulfillment for any single girl who wants to go to Scotland. I will say my name is Makenna, which is the FMC's name, so I am 100% biased, but this book uses the character's names a lot: no danger of forgetting them. Normally having sisters named Aisla and Isla would be way too close to not be confusing, but there was enough differentiation here that it worked. All the characters were so kind and thoughtful. I was pretty surprised that 100% of the characters didn't think it was strange to consider immediate marriage and moving countries for someone you'd just met, but it did make for a smooth strangers to lovers scenario. I loved getting to see her be a tourist while slowly wondering if this would also be her home. This is a very cute story that I think will appeal to a wide audience.

Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Lily]

Lily’s Content Guide

💋 Romance level: Kisses only
🗣️ Language: 1 use of arse
⚠️ Content Warning: past emotionally abusive boyfriend
📚 Genre: Contemporary romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict: 💛Loved it

This was such a fun vacation read🥹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 From the very first chapter, Malcolm and McKenna completely won me over. Their chemistry felt so natural, and the slow burn was absolutely worth the wait.

Malcolm was such a sweetheart, and I loved the way he cared for McKenna throughout the story🤍

I also really appreciated seeing celiac disease representation woven into the story. It added another layer of authenticity and was wonderful to see represented so thoughtfully.

If you’re looking for a cozy romance with a charming Scottish hero, beautiful vacation vibes, and a relationship that’s impossible not to root for, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR! 🥰

✨ Vacation Romance
🤍 Celiac Disease Rep
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scottish MMC
✨ He Takes Care of Her
🤍 Slow Burn
✨ Only One Bed
🤍 Insta Love

[Carolyn]

Highland Stars was a beautiful romance read that hooked me from the beginning. It was a story about overcoming insecurities, taking a chance on yourself, and finding love where you least expect it. I read this book in less than 24 hours because it was just that amazing. The story has one of my favorite tropes, which is finding a cute man in another country! The story is no spice but the tension between the main characters was great. I was rooting for them the entire time and every interaction just made me so giddy!

This story is also very real in the sense that it includes a chronic illness that many people live with. I loved that this book included some of that and how it affects people on the day to day. It was written perfectly into this love story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance read!

[Kris]

An event/weddin planner with a vindictive boss who’s jealous of the fact that the clients like her more. And then, her friend has to cancel her part of their planned trip to Scotland because her boss says it’s in her best interest to…

Oh well, it leaves the door wide open for Malcom and Makenna to meet. Love the alliteration, and I absolutely, am so happy that Coeliac disease was discussed… As someone with it, getting taken seriously is such a challenge, so when I saw it mentioned, I was automatically feeling good about it.

I had a good laugh at their antics, and the frog pajama scene had me cackling at the mental picture of what could have been.

They were adorable, and his family was awesome. I love how close they are and just how quickly (and how well) they just accepted her into the fold. And then her mum… wow! Loved both of their families.

This was such a great read.

[Ana]

An absolute delight, a 6 stars read, a book I would reread without a problem. What a beautiful story of finding what you want out of life, finding what you need without know, exploring new places while on vacation, meeting a guy who would turn into more than just a stranger, love, romcance, laugh and giggles and more. This was so so good i couldn't put it down but also did not want it to finish. Makenna and Malcolm what a beautiful story you have given me, I felt every part of it, every emotion and was crying the last few chapters becuase this was beautiful. Who would have thought going on vacation would give them something to talk about for years? Plus Malcolm family and Makenna mom's where definitely a plus in this journey. Ill stop talking now, make sure you add it this to your tbr!!! Lindsay you are amazing. Can't wait to continue reading your books♥︎

[Livy]

This was a different read, but boy did it work. Makenna ends up taking a solo trip to Scotland after her bff had to cancel last minute- something totally out of character. Even more so, chatting up the handsome guitar player at the pub. What a surprise when that handsome guitar player happens to be the ER doc there when she was brought in for appendicitis. Malcolm couldn’t get her out of his mind, so imagine his surprise when she comes through his ER. After finding out she’s alone, he offers a place to stay. Both are scarred by love and hesitant to feel after their past relationships. But honestly, she’s healing in more ways than one, and he’s making sure she heals in more way than one.
I loved the Irish language in the book. It made it authentic. And there was no spice, but some insinuating. I also loved the strong family ties on both sides. A cute romance with a happily ever after

[Barbara Campbell]

Sigh... there's so much I loved about Malcom and Makenna's story. The setting (I mean Scotland y'all!).. the way they met (both times!).. his caring for her and her trusting him especially when you know what they've each dealt with in their past. Highland Stars is truly a beautiful and delightful experience.. because it is just that.. an experience.. more than just reading ink on a page.

I could hear their voices and feel their emotions. Lindsay Rochester is a master at making her characters come alive in the mind of the reader.

This is a very low angst / drama story, which was just what I needed. It was so compelling that I read it in one swoop.. late one evening into the wee morning hours (happily gave up sleep for this one with no regrets!).

Take a trip to Inverness in Scotland and enjoy some time exploring and getting to know Malcom and Makenna. But beware, they will take up residence in your heart and you will miss them when the book is done.

[Schlabach Grace]

Adorable. Cozy. Happy. Fun. Scenic. Romantic.
I loved this little story, it made me smile so much. Malcolm is such a cinnamon roll, and McKenna was fun to get to understand. The gluten intolerance is real, something I have to really watch as I age, so I definitely understood her plight there all too well. Definitely a strong happily ever after story from beginning to end. I never feared for the characters well being and that's great when one just wants a feel good book. So appreciate it being spice free. It had a one bed scene but nothing amiss there, and steamy kisses but never moved to anything else including hands above the waist at all times. Appreciated that.
Thank you, Lindsay for the ARC. This is my honest review. It was darling.

[Katrinalee]

I fair enjoyed myself while reading this braw story. Malcolm and Makenna are a lovely couple.

This book has so many of my favorite things. First, all the personal connections—Scotland, Inverness, Robertson Family. Second, the tropes—he takes her in, he cares for her, he sings in a pub, they play tourist, his Scottish brogue, only one bed. They are a rare fine couple.

Makenna meets Malcolm while she is solo vacationing in Scotland first at a pub and then she ends up in the emergency department. Recognizing she has no one to take care of her, her doctor offers his spare bedroom and his medical expertise while she recovers. When she’s feeling better he offers to be her tour guide to get the most of her remaining vacation time. He is so thoughtful and she makes him laugh. Together they are able to heal their respective broken hearts.

You can’t go wrong with this charming book.
Thank you Lindsay for an advance copy of the book. I loved it.

[ChristinaReadsOnTheRoad]

Thank you to the author for the eARC & sending me a finished copy – isn’t this cover absolutely stunning?!?! Highland Stars released today and it’s available in ebook, paperback & on Kindle Unlimited.

Highland Stars is a standalone, closed door vacation romance set in the Scottish Highlands. Lindsay does an incredible job in all of her books transporting the reader to the setting and helping you feel like you are also traveling along with the characters. I love a good caretaking scene and Malcolm takes this to the next level by inviting Makenna into his home to make sure she heals from an emergency surgery while solo traveling. This was a very sweet read and, as always, I look forward to what Lindsay will write next!

[Haven Hoopes]

This book was just so cute and sweet and I loved going on Makenna’s adventures with her! Who wouldn’t want to go on vacation and have hot Scottish doctor take care of them? 🔥🤪 Oh and he’s a musician?!

The whirlwind vacation romance was so much more than that. I loved the found family vibes. How well Malcom took care of Makenna. The adventures they went on. The growth each character went through as well as their growth together.

I also loved having a celiac rep! My 18 month old daughter was recently diagnosed with celiac disease and I love that it’s being talked about in a book so more people can see just a tiny bit of the struggle we live with every day. 🫶🏻

So grateful for the arc copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Christina Mason]

I apparently missed the “sweet” in sweet vacation romance on the cover. This story was a bit too sweet for me.

I like when there’s more to the story than the characters meeting and falling in love. I like tension and a conflict and would’ve enjoyed the story a lot more had there been any of either. The whole story was them sight seeing together with nothing actually happening (the teeny tiny thing at the end doesn’t really count).

Malcolm meets Makenna for 5 minutes and is immediately taken with her. Then offers for her to stay with him- and she agrees. The fact that the he was clearly into her and yet she didn’t know it was annoying.

It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever read but could’ve been much better.

[Kyrie :-)]

On the sweetness scale of this sweet romance, it’s cavity-inducing level! This is a very light read, with Malcolm and Makenna experiencing what I would call “insta-love”. Makenna goes on a solo trip to Scotland and meets swoony Doctor and musician, Malcolm. They instantly are attracted to each other, while Makenna has to work through some insecurities she has from her previous relationship. The Scottish setting was fun, and Malcolm’s family was the highlight of this book for me! I found myself wishing there was a little more depth to the plot, as instant-attraction tropes aren’t my favorite. This is a quick palate-cleanser if that’s your jam!
•
Thank you to Lindsey Rochester for gifting me this ARC, this review is voluntary!

[Liberty Munson]

I loved, loved, loved this book. I was hooked from the very beginning. Watching Malcolm and McKenna fall in love was all sorts of wonderful. Malcolm is a walking green flag, making me wish for a Scottish vacation where a hot Scotsman sings to me in a bar, becomes my doctor, and asks me to stay so he can make sure that I am taken care of.

This book was all rise. I loved every moment. This a beautiful, heartfelt love story that will remind you that the journey doesn't have to full of twists and turns to be worthwhile... sometimes, simply falling in love is enough (the moments of vulnerability, seeing yourself differently, and taking a chance).

A truly lovely story.

[Paula]

Highland Stars (Love on Vacation) by Rochester Lindsay has an individual striking out on her own. I can appreciate that Makenna Fore decides to make this trip to Scotland on her own. Sometimes we just need to show ourselves what we can accomplish. The fact that she ends up in the hospital does not belittle her ability to travel on her own. Instead she meets Malcolm Robertson. This is a sweet serendipity story of two wonderful characters, along with great supporting characters too. If you enjoy a whirlwind romance (they do happen) then you will enjoy Highland Stars. I found it to be a lovely story that made me smile. 4.5 Stars

[Lara]

Delicious Vacation Romance!

Lindsay writes the funniest most relatable FMCs I’ve ever read. I love the all the wit and banter between her characters (in every one I’ve read!). The charm and patience of her green flag MMCs and the all around SWOONY romance that she weaves into every bit of her stories. Malcolm is so gone on Makenna and she isn’t far behind 😂 “If he’s gonna keep this up, I’m gonna have to learn how to speak while dumbstruck.” He keeps blowing her mind with his sweet, open appreciation of her. 🥰
No swearing
No spice - just kisses (non descriptive but make outs)
🚫🤬🚫🌶️

[Summer Eaton]

Highland Stars by Lindsay Rochester was the perfect romance that takes place in Scotland!
Eek! The banter is perfection, and there's a hot ER doctor!

Makenna takes a solo trip to Scotland when her friend cancels on her. Things are going great until she ends up in the ER. Enter Malcolm the sweet, handsome doctor! He's seen Makenna twice in 24 hours! Is this meant to be?!?!?!

Lindsay is one of my favorite authors! Thank you so much, @lindsayrochester.writes for the arc and for always writing the best romances!
Add Highland Stars to your tbr and get it on July 30, 2026!

[Emily Beautiful Books]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book and decided to leave my honest review.

Okay, I LOVED reading Makenna and Malcom’s story! It’s full of swoon-worthy, sweet moments between the two and it’s just so good. There is no spice or language, making it perfect for readers who like cleaner books.

Makenna goes on a trip to Scotland where she meets Malcom, a handsome ER doctor (he’s cute, sweet, and rich 👍🏻). Their chemistry is undeniable and they have such an adorable love story. Highly recommend this book!