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When she steps through a door that spirals her back in time to ancient Scotland, Maria not only faces a murder mystery where she’s the prime suspect but also an attack on her heart from a handsome Laird…

NYPD Detective Maria Saunders’ ghost hunting vacation to Scotland takes a bizarre turn when she steps through a strange doorway in the ruins of a castle and finds herself thrust back in time. Confused and struggling to understand where and when she is, accusations of witchcraft follow her. The only one who believes her and seems to care about her plight is the handsome Laird Cameron.

Cameron MacLeod is shocked when the feisty dark-haired woman shows him the proof she’s from the future, but there’s something about her that draws him closer. He does his best to protect her from those who want answers she can’t give, but when the son of a rival Laird is murdered, all fingers point to the newcomer, the woman who holds his heart.

With the clans on the brink of war and everyone suspicious of Cameron and the new woman in his life, Maria must use her skills to clear her name and cement a place for herself in the past that is now her future.

Love A Highlander is the first book in the A Highlander Across Time series, perfect for fans of brooding heroes, intrepid heroines, and page-turning time-travel romance. Grab your copy today, and enter the exciting world of Love A Highlander!

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2020

874 people are currently reading
316 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Preston

92 books86 followers
Rebecca lives in New York City with her dog. She loves sweet love stories with great characters. She loves traveling the world and experiencing new cities and cultures. Jane Austen is her favorite author.


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5 stars
455 (44%)
4 stars
265 (25%)
3 stars
191 (18%)
2 stars
72 (7%)
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40 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book119 followers
August 9, 2020
Multiple Language Errors and Other Things Amiss

I have read this author for years, and unfortunately, I find her work to be uneven. Sometimes she weaves a wonderful tale with few errors or bizarre touches. Other times, the stories are poorly written, riddled with errors, and with character and plot problems. Unfortunately, I found this to be one of this author's less than stellar works. Within the first few pages, I saw multiple grammar, punctuation, and usage errors. There were enough to be distracting. She doesn't seem to understand the Isle of Skye, either. Her descriptions of it are just not accurate. I visited there 2 years ago. It is an island with stark mountains, rolling gentle hills, and cliffs that often take a long tumble to the sea. It certainly isn't mostly flat with swampy moors. Also, the author inaccurately portrays what kilts were like at this time. They weren't like a modern one-piece simple skirt (Scots, please forgive me for comparing the kilt to a skirt!). Rather, they were formed by folding a large rectangular piece of material. The heroine is a detective in modern times, yet the author did not portray her as acting on some of her cop instincts, which she would have in certain situations in the book. I didn't like the way the hero treated the heroine after they had been intimate. It always bothers me when the men in romantic tales act as he did. I have to say, too, that this plot reminded me a lot of another recent book by this author. I can't remember its name, but so many instances were similar that I actually double-checked to make sure I hadn't reviewed it before! With so many issues, I feel like I cannot recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Brenda ..
245 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2021
The writing is just so simplistic. Like almost very child-like in ways. It could have been a really nice read but for the writing. Spelling out too much I guess. So not my favorite.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews38 followers
July 21, 2020
The story went at a very fast pace. Some of the scenes jumbled into each other instead of smoothly segueing into each other. This story was packed with a lot of drama and action but not a lot of depth. The story read as if skimming along the top instead of getting into the meaty parts of the story. It is supposed to be a time travel murder mystery romance but somehow it disappoints. The wisest part of the story came at the end when the lead female character had the option to go through the portal. Her reasoning about it made sense and she made a sound decision. This has great potential but there is room for improvement.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
July 18, 2020
🌟ONE ACTION PACKED JOURNEY🌟
Fantastic! Rebecca hits the ground running with this deliciously delectable treat, lighting up this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, rollercoaster ride, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, suspense and false accusations ensues in epic proportions, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Braided, bound and tightly woven, showcasing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and impressive in it's depth, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. The attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, exposing deep emotions, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that add diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating an elaborate backdrop that's so vividly descriptive it paints an incredible backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Rebecca, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
5 reviews
June 4, 2022
By the second page of this book I found myself reaching for a red pen. This author needs a good editor, one who knows the difference between “lie“ and “lay,” knows how to use “who“ and “whom,“ and doesn’t let modern American English come out of the mouths of whatever-century-they’re-from Scots. An editor who knows about comma splices and run-on sentences. Because obviously the author doesn’t...

My mother was from Scotland and I cringed at some of the things in this book - like “the McLeod clan” instead of “Clan McLeod.” Using “plaid,” which is an article of clothing, instead of “tartan,” which is the distinctive, identifying pattern in traditional Scottish dress. Repeating over and over (and over) a “Scottish accent” or a “Scottish man” instead of saying a “Scottish burr” or a “Scotsman” or a just plain “Scot.” The plot was OK; a fun idea of an NYC homicide cop traveling back to (whenever) in Scotland, but was a tad simplistic and the characters certainly needed more development. (And what time traveler wouldn’t ask what year it was within seconds of arriving wherever/whenever?!) With strong editing and better research, this could have been a book that was fun to read. Unfortunately, its irritating shortcomings cause it to fall far short.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,695 reviews22 followers
October 12, 2023
Great

This is a enjoyable story to read with characters that are easy to enjoy! The heroes so far is women who just wants to be respected but found love. Their have a connection thats so strong that makes for lots of emotional drama with each other. But there is someone who is determined to come between them. This is a suspenseful story that has a little of everything and that love will never be denied even though time. It would not allow anyone or anything to get in the way of them being together. This is not just a typical romance, since it has elements that's so surprising and of course throughout the entire time there’s something so unbelievable that’s just simmering beneath the surface, and that along with the depth of passion that the main characters have for each other. It's what makes this book such a page turner. I found the characters and storyline to be one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this story that I hope for a series and oh did I forget about the cliffhanger but I don't mind because it's still worth staying up nights to binge on this series that's fantastic!
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,168 reviews22 followers
July 22, 2020
2 1/2 Stars..
This book didn't quite connect with me. I usually really enjoy every book I've read by Rebecca Preston, but not this one. NYPD Detective Maria Saunders is net back in time while on vacation in Scotland. She finds herself the unexpected guest of the Laird of Dunscaith, Cameron MacLeod. Maria is a strong, determined, independent woman who is nothing like the women these people are use to. Cameron is a typical alpha male, protective of his people, but seems to have a problem with women. His second refers to this in I think every chapter making Cameron sound like a chump. I like short reads, but this one flew past to the story's disadvantage. After being treated rather callously by Cameron after their first time together, Maria stewed about it for a minute and moved on. Just not my favorite, but still a huge fan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
557 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2020
I love medieval time travel and I have enjoyed all of Rebecca Preston’s stories. I love the premise of the story and the cover. The plot was a really good idea as Maria goes through a door and finds herself in medieval Scotland, accused of being a witch and then of murder.

On a vacation in Scotland María Saunders a modern day detective from New York finds herself suddenly catapulted back to medieval Scotland. Laird of Dunscaith, Cameron MacLeod and Maria try to solve the mystery.

The characters are likable but I would have liked to see them have more depth and somewhat more of their backstory. I can’t say I was overly fond of Cameron and there were some inconsistencies with the story. I have read and enjoyed several of Rebecca’s books but I have to admit this was my least favorite. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series. Overall this was an interesting read I just wish it were more developed and the inconsistencies cleared up.
318 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2021
Middle Age Highlanders Do Not Use Current Language

I enjoy time travel stories and this one has an imaginative premise, good characters and a promising plot twist but I’m about ready to pull my hair out in frustration with the way the author has the Middle Age castle Laird thinking and using words from the 20th century. A joke about screwing? Seriously? Where is the editor? This is a promising writer making too many amateur mistakes, not just in language usage but also not using the present tense which would give it more power and interest. “ I don’t know what I should do about this woman who has mysteriously arrived in my castle.” is much better than “ he wondered what he should do about the mysterious woman who had arrived in the castle.”
“I had to stop reading, the writing errors were driving me crazy.”
27 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2022
This author seriously needs a competent editor. There are issues with subject/verb agreement, misuse of words, spelling and punctuation errors. She obviously doesn’t seem to know how to use who vs. whom.

As far as the story itself, what the hell year is it? That would have been my first damn question when I saw that I was obviously in a different time. For a detective, Maria didn’t ask the obvious questions. I can’t picture a modern woman being manhandled by a brute like the guard or Bran without kneeing him in the balls. Cameron didn’t speak up and give Maria an alibi when should. He treated her poorly after she spoke up about where she was and with whom. After that, I wouldn’t have given him a second tumble no matter how much I enjoyed the first.

I had bought the whole series before reading the first book. I hope the next books are better.
4,720 reviews40 followers
July 16, 2020
This is what happens when you go ghost-hunting?
I love books about the highlands and when you add it a time-travel theme you have hooked me completely. This has a New York Detective who ends up in the past bet she did not expect that when she decided to go ghost-hunting. She is in a pickle too because she is believed to be a witch. Cameron is not sure about Maria but still, he is attracted to her. Now it will be up to Cameron and Maria to solve a mystery to save her life. I adored the characters in this gem they were strong, clever, and determined. The suspense in the piece was outstanding. This well-written piece will keep you on the edge of your seat yes gang I highly recommend this one. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
1,000 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2020
Overall I enjoyed the story but I'm a fan of time travel and Scottish medievals so this was a no-brainer for me. I liked the characters and the story. I'm surprised more time travel stories haven't found the newcomer to be "witch" like since their mannerisms and attitudes won't fit in to the time they travel to.

The story line was good, the characters fairly well developed but there were a lot of inconsistencies to the time and the characters that I found slightly annoying. I can overlook things like that in favor of the story but some people may find it ruins the story. Still for a fast paced read and the bringing together of two characters that do belong together, it's a good story. A bit slow getting started but for me it was worth the persistence.
Profile Image for Lisa.
10 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2023
Is this Rebecca’s first book?

Interesting plot, writing definitely feels like it is from early in Preston’s career, and as with all of her books, the editing is poor. Preston needs to find a skilled copy editor for **all** of her books. The number of errors, occasionally multiple grammatical, structural, or spelling problems on a single page, detract from the reading flow. Preston’s work over her entire collection is very creative, with interesting plots, endearing characters, good settings, but with occasional anachronisms (potatoes were not eaten in medieval Scotland). Still worth reading, just to see the author’s development as a writer from this early work to her more recent books.
1,896 reviews13 followers
July 15, 2020
María Saunders had been focused on her work and she had worked hard to be a detective. But she was catapulted to the past in the middle of a tense situation, with an alluring and enthralling Laird testing her patience and a mysterious murder threatening with a war. The past was not her thing, but with a dangerous situation upon her, it was useful to be a murder detective and what she was sharing with the Laird was intense enough. A story with a strong and clever protagonist doubting her fate and a young and passionate Laird intended to do the right thing. Suspense, mystery, legend, doubts, romance and passion. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I liked.
2,259 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2020
It was only supposed to be a relaxing vacation. Before becoming a New York Police Detective, Maria goes on a vacation to Scotland and takes a ghost tour of a fallen down castle. But while going in the catacombs she goes back in time hundreds of years. She meets the Laird, Cameron MacLeod, and even though everyone else believes she is a witch he believes she is from the future. And then the son of a neighboring laird is murdered in the castle and she must use her investigative skills to fin the murder and stop a war. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
July 18, 2020
The first book in the A Highlander Across Time series a well written story, and I know I want to read the next book. NYPD Detective Maria Saunders’ ghost hunting vacation to Scotland takes a bizarre turn when she finds herself thrust back in time. Laird Cameron MacLeod is the only one that does not believe she is a witch. A murder is pinned on her when a rival Laird's son is murdered. This story has suspense, drama, danger, lies, a villain, a woman who uses her modern day skills to solve a murder, and romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7 reviews
August 19, 2024
For me this series was okay. There were things that weren't consistent that took me out of the story. For example, in the first two books, electronics such as phone and go pro camera went through the portal to the past. However, in later books those items disappeared when the person traveled through the portal with no explanation of why. Then once again in the 7th book a smart watch made it through the portal. There were other things that weren't consistent as well, but this was one of the most glaring. I listened to the audio versions of these books, so have not read the last book in the series. The overall stories were okay. If you are wanting to listen to something that you don't have to be fully focused on, this would be a good series for that.
392 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2020
This is the first book in a new series.
Maria Saunders is a detective in the NYPD. She has just received a promotion and goes to Scotland on a holiday to celebrate.
When she goes on a castle tour she goes through a door in the dungeon and ends up back in time.
Laird Cameron finds Maria intriguing and is shocked when she shows him proof that she is from the future.
When a murder occurs can Maria find the culprit before a clan war erupts.


I enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted.
Good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
159 reviews
August 13, 2024
Going though the small door...

This was a really good book. After reading nine books from the 1500's we are now going into the 1600's. She was a NY detective. Thought she would celebrate
by going on a ghost hunting trip to Scotland. There was the ruins of the McLeod castle. There she went went into the bowels of the castle, into the catacombs.
She got lost, and saw a low door. When she opened it it was foggy, or. She was seeing things. So she went through, and found herself In a whole different world!
955 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2020
Quick read time travel Scottish romance and just as well as I couldn’t put it down, read in one sitting. As usual for that time period woman are underestimated, very frustrating for a 21st century woman. With our heroine’s work history as a police officer, her determination and the love of her laird she is able to solve the murder and gain acceptance from the community. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
734 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2020
Time travel

The characters were well thought out and likable. I could see someone reacting like Maria did when she leaves the present and is sent back in Time to an era where women were thought of as weak and property of a man.
Cameron is strong and kind. He is unusual for a laird. He is receptive to Maria's claim to have gotten to his time through a magic portal.
Exciting and interesting, a very well written story.
Profile Image for Amanda.
552 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2025
Fun story

This story was to read/listen to. It is basically your typical highlander story where the female somehow travels back in time, has conflicts but falls in love, and after several things happen the Laird and the female end up with their special HEA. I don't like to say the exact specifics for the story, however, it was very well written and I enjoyed it. I also felt the narrator did a good job.
889 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2025
Great story!

Maria was of modern day and went to the castle for a ghost hunt. Upon entering a small wooden door she heard music. She was finally confronted by a burly Scottish man. He pulled into a room to fetch his Laird, Cameron. Talking to Cameron, a very good - looking man, she eventually was led to believe she was send back in time. Cameron had to keep her and things quiet or all hell would break loose. I loved this story.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
July 11, 2020
This was a enjoyable read. This book kicks-off a new time travel series that looks to be very fun. The story grabbed my attention and held my interest well. Both characters were quite likable and it was easy to feel that pull of attraction between them. The intriguing storyline offers up an entertaining blend of drama, romance, mystery. This is my elective, forthright review.
Profile Image for Sue.
191 reviews
February 26, 2021
Started and finished quickly because I skipped to the end. The writing is very disjointed. All tell. No show. It seemed like a paper turned in for high school writing class. The author seemed to forget who and what her main character was. I can’t believe there are series of her books. Must be self published.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,080 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2021
Love A Highlander

Maria went to see a haunted castle in ruins. She ended in the catacombs and threw a small door and was lost. She somehow went back in time hundreds of years. People thought her to be a witch. The Laird fell in love with her. Then there was a murder. Could she prove it wasn’t her?
37 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2021
An Enjoyable Romance

Found the story line to move swiftly , not at the expense of the characters, at a speed that kept my interest throughout. I was grateful to read a well-written romance. Seems that lately, the highland romance was going off track with poorly developed ideas, loaded with editing errors up the wazzu. Ok then, this is a good story. Enjoy!
1,018 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2022
Simplistic writing but a good story

The writer narrated and explained feelings and personalities as opposed to descriptive writing that let the readers come to those conclusions on their own. The concept of a NYC detective going back in time was interesting but she didn’t come across as strong and independent. Interesting concept.
152 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2022
Good book

I read 2 to 3 books a week 73 authors I follow this was a good book easy read and a feel good i got some really bad news about a family member and started to read this book for a little while I felt better thanks for that its been a very bad month.thanks for a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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