Mists of the Highlands

Fae Highlanders #1

by Miranda Martin

Torn between two worlds, two men, and two times.

While on a college-sponsored field trip to experience a real archaeology dig, Missouri University student Quinn Cameron is separated from the rest of her class by a heavy fog. A fog that transports her back in time, to 1592. Something that even her 3.8 GPA and sarcastic wit won't be enough to help her survive.

Now she's in a primitive world she has only studied in books. History, she learns, is a far cry from the comfort and security of her former life. And her only safe harbor from politics and violence is Duncan MacGregor, a valiant, brooding, and mysterious Scottish warrior.

Soon, even that security is threatened when she finds herself connected to the dark, mysterious Fae who claims she has a fate to fulfill. He's the only one with information on how she arrived here...but can she trust him to tell her the truth about how to get back?

If you've ever wanted to combine the historical beauty of Outlander with the gritty fantasy of Dark Fever, you're going to be amazed by Miranda Martin's "Mists of the Highlands".

Scroll Up and One-Click "Mists of the Highlands" to start this time-travelling, steamy fantasy romance adventure series today!

Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Fantasy, Historical Romance, Paranormal, Fae, Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Miranda Martin writes fantasy and scifi romance featuring heroes with out-of-this-world anatomy that readers call 'larger than life' and smart heroines destined to save the world. As a little girl, she would sneak off with her nose in a book, dreaming of magical realms. Today she brings those fantasies to life and adores every fan who chooses to live in them for a while.

Though born and raised in southern Virginia, Miranda Martin is a veteran who's traveled to places like Korea, Hawaii, and good 'ole Texas. She's since settled in Kansas, the heart of America, with her husband and daughters, a cat, and wishes for a pet dragon or unicorn. When she's not writing, you can still find her tucked away somewhere with a warm blanket and her nose in a book.

Visit her website http://mirandamartinromance.com and subscribe to her newsletter for new releases, special sales, and a FREE ebook!

Reviews

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Mists of the Highlands is the first book of the Fae Highlanders series which describes itself as a cross between Outlander and Dark Fever, both books I loved.  I have wanted to capture the magic I felt when reading Outlander and hoped this new series would scratch that itch.  I love the concept of going back in time due to some mischievousness of the fae.

Quin has always felt drawn to Scotland.  It is almost obsessive, to the point she gave up medical school to become an archeologist.  On a trip into the highlands, she is pulled back in time and into the McGregor clan.  Living with the clan, she finds she doesn't really fit in, not surprising since she is from the future and can't do any of the normal things people of that time do.  But at least there is the dreamy Duncan McGregor who she finds and instant connection with.  She just has to figure out a way to save him from the clan war they are about to get into.

Mists of the Highlands has a few things going for it.  I love the historical aspect of the book and seeing how the clans lived in that time.  I also enjoyed all of the Fae aspects of the book.  Quin, being Fae touched, journeyed to the Fae realm for a little while and we got to have some interactions with the fair folk including Dugald who actually seems like a interesting kind of Fae that appears to be able to manipulate time. I was very intrigued by his character and hoped we could explore it more.  He seems to be the second love interest of the story.

I did have a few issues with this book though as well.  Quin, for one, I struggled with.  She started out pretty strong but then just fizzled.  Everything is happening to Quin and she plays the victim most of the story.  Which is funny since the Fae keep calling her 'The Destroyer'.  She cries, she runs away and overall she just wasn't that impressive to me to carry the entire narrative.  The story is all insta lust/love/fate and I usually struggle with that also.  Quin feels like she has known Duncan forever but she also feels a bit the same about Dugald, which I will buy into because of the time travel but I think the author leaned on that a little hard.  Quin and Duncan fall in love right away almost after no meaningful interactions, it was just hard for me to totally jump on board.

The good news is it looks like the entire series is complete and moving over to audio so if this story works for you, you can binge it shortly.  I loved the Fae aspect and hope there are more interactions with the fae going forward as that was my favorite part of the book.  I think my expectations were a little high because this was compared to Dark Fever series and that is a huge bar to hurdle (at least books 1-5).  So I will see, with expectations managed, if the rest of the series fleshes out well.

Narration:
Senn Annis is a new to my narrator.  She did a fine job with the material she had and I did enjoy the accents of the clan.  She gave a good representation overall of the story.  I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip: HERE

[Mary Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a straightforward time-travel read. Quinn is a grad student of archaeology who’s traveled to Scotland to take part in a dig for Highlander properties. But she’s plagued by ominous feelings and by seeing strange behavior from a raven. And she’s certainly not prepared for the fog that rolls in and transports her to 17th century Scotland!

What I liked about this book was its immersive feel. Martin spends time introducing Quinn and her fellow students at the dig before the action of the book kicks in, and that was different—often time-travel stories move to the shift in time really fast. And Quinn encounters true danger, including attempted r*pe (TW) right away, which I frankly found more realistic than many other time-travel reads.

There are elements of the fae folk, mistrust of the stranger Quinn, as well as the long-simmering Highland feuds, that come into play in Mists of the Highlands. Quinn’s knowledge of history makes her aware of the fate that waits for the clan that rescues her, the MacGregors, and as she comes to know them—and because she’s falling in love with Duncan MacGregor—she realizes she wants to do anything she can to save the man she loves.

I wouldn’t call this book a romance per se. Quinn and Duncan are falling in love, but the action of this book doesn’t follow the traditional HEA. Instead, Martin leaves you on a cliffhanger type of ending that implies more to come for Quinn and Duncan.

So I enjoyed this read as a time-travel adventure. But as a romance, it doesn’t quite hit those marks of leaving you at a point of resolution. Let’s see what Martin does with these characters and this series moving forward!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story and the world, I am just not sure I liked Quinn, the main character. She was a bit too demanding and foot stampy for me, I felt like she didn't do much, it was mostly done to her. There was a brilliant scene when she used her medical knowledge but I felt like it wasn't explored or celebrated enough, we never really heard if her methods were successful. I think I just didn't gel with Quinn so thats more on me than the author. The fae and the timetravelling were all described well and the main hero was dreamy so I do recommend you give this a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written, descriptive characters and exciting plot that captivates throughout
Quinn Cameron is a student that as well as graduating in archaeology has a great interest in Scotland so when the opportunity to take part in a dig arises in the beautiful isles jumps at the chance to take a place.
Prior to actually beginning the dig Quinn is conscious that the dreams she has experienced are ominous and relate to Scotland and she has an ominous feeling of deja-vous.
There are certain pointers relating to fae folk and there is a very open distrust of those that are not of Scottish descent, this makes the people tight lipped and sometimes even hostile towards her. As she is actually taking part on the dig, she is surprised at how quickly the fog rolls in and when it clears, she discovers that she has been transported to the 17th century, fortunately still in the same location.
As she is trapped in this location now and is living with the people, she finds that listening to their stories and feelings there are a great deal of belief in the fae, which since her own time travel experience, she obviously believes. Also, Duncan MacGregor, she is falling in love with this brash and tough highlander and knows that she has to keep him safe no matter the risk to herself.

The story is solid and filled with action and I have to say that from the moment I started reading I was unable to put it down. I cannot wait for the future books in this series, I love the mystery and the magical way that Miranda writes of her characters and storylines they are always very solid plots and always hold the reader captivated from start to finish.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Melanie S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bad language and slow pacing

Another time-travel/highlander/PNR. It's been done before, and done better. Every time somebody in 17th century Scotland said "yeah" or "Okay" it made me cringe. Constant repetition of the heroine's obsessive inner monologue made me cringe even more. The senseless introduction of random fae, phantoms, and fog banks - also cringe-worthy. The insta-lust/love for a hero whose only character traits are kindness and maddening stubbornness... I cringed my way through this wretched story, only to find that it ended with more angst and unsettled issues. It isn't really a cliff-hanger, but it certainly feels unfinished.
I am voluntarily leaving an ARC review.

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it has two things I love - time travelling (think Outlander) and the Paranormal, fae, witches and more. Quinn is in Scotland on a field trip with her friends and colleagues from America. She has long since had a passion for Scottish history and is very excited to be on the dig. However on her first day out, she has a feeling that a shadowy figure is watching her and when she gets lost in a thick mist she finds herself propelled back in time. Here she meets Duncan MacGregor a fine strapping specimen of a Scottish highlander. She has to quickly adapt to being thrown back in time. She is very taken with Duncan and he begins to fall for her but he has his future to deal with. Despite Duncan reassuring her she fears for her safety as the villagers think she is a witch. Luckily for her the local healer takes her under her wing. But there is a dark Fae Dugald who insists he's there to help but she is not so sure but she has a feeling that she knows him for a long time but can't quite grasp the memories. They seem to believe she has a role in the Earth's future. I loved the intrigue, characters and storyline and look forward to the next book in the series. Be aware that the book ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn has always wanted to go to Scotland, encouraged by the tales her mother would tell her. Now that her mother is gone, she went so far as to change her major to archeology from pre-med in order to make a trip to the country possible. Strange things happen from the moment the group arrives in the town of Dalmally. A poster of a missing boy draws their attention, a raven seems to be constantly around, a man in a pub watches her but she can't quite make out his features, a story of a strange fog and the Fae is told to them by a local drinker. Quinn can't shake the feeling that something is about to happen to change her life. When a thick Highland fog engulfs the group the next day, Quinn is swept away into the distant past where she will struggle to remember what she knows of the clan that takes her in. All but accused of being a witch, she will find out that there is far more importance to her presence there than she ever dreamed. Does it have something to do with the handsome Highlander she is fighting hard not to fall for?

Be aware that the story does not end when the book does. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Guadalupe Cosme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn gets to travel to Scotland, for an archeological dig. When she gets off the train, she feels a chill down her back. She notices a raven watching, and following her Quinn feels a connection to Scotland, because her mother was Scottish. While Quinn works at the dig, a storm ia approaching. She helps in packing up the equipment, and finds. A thick white fog engulfed the tents, and the people. Quinn finds herself transported to Scotland 1602. Duncan Macgregor helps her, and takes her to the village. Quinn is seen as an outsider, a witch. She has to find a way to acclimate to this era. She has to find a way back to her time. A war is coming, and all will be killed. Can Quinn change history? Can she save Duncan? Will she find a way back to her time? I enjoyed the storyline, but it ends with a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizette Novotasky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we have the first installment of the story of Quinn a seemingly regular human but she may be more. Quinn had always feel like she didn't belong in the present world or time, she have always dream about the stories of the highland and when she was in college doing pre-med she change mayors and went and change her major to archaeology. After she join a group of student in a dig in Scotland in a foggy night she gets transported to 1602 and that is how she meets Duncan or hero, will they have a chance or will they be lost in time forever. Here you don't get the full story you have to read the next 2 book to get to the conclusion of this story. I have always like Ms. Martin stories but I not a fan of getting a story divided in this way. I will have to wait for the next 2 books to see what happened next but for now it looks like a very interesting story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Sasada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. If you shy away from time travel books, don’t. This book was so amazing. I literally stayed up to keep reading this until I could no longer function. The whole story is told from Quinn’s perspective. She’s just a college girl who went to Scotland for archaeology. She started out premed, but something called to her and she switched to archaeology. And now being in Scotland is everything she has ever wanted. Be careful in the fog rolls in. All of a sudden Quinn finds her self 400 years in the past, and being rescued by Duncan McGregor of the McGregor clan. As you can imagine confusion, fear, anger, and for some reason a connection to Duncan she does not understand. Awesome story, and unfortunately a cliffhanger. It is well worth the read although waiting for the next book could be painful if it wasn’t already out. I will have to wait for book 3, but it is so worth it. Waiting for the happily ever after.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! My heart was pumping and my stomach was in knots the whole time I read this book! It is written in the first person, and the author does a wonderful job of conveying Quinn’s emotional turmoil. When she finds herself in sixteenth century Scotland, Quinn learns about the hardships of life; what it feels like to be a true outsider; and that the fae are anything but straightforward. She falls in love with Duncan MacGregor, only to realize that he and his clan are on the brink of destruction and she is powerless to stop it….or is she? This is an intense and fast paced story that I just couldn’t put down. It doesn’t end with a cliffhanger per se, but I sure hope the next book comes out soon, because I am hooked!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the Mists . . .

Quinn Cameron, a grad student of archeology, is at a dig site in Scotland when odd things happen and a fog gathers – and suddenly she is transported to the 1592! She finds herself in immediate danger. Aware of some of the history of this time period, she wants to protect the MacGregor clan because she has begun to fall in love with Duncan MacGregor, a brooding, and mysterious Scottish warrior, and wants to keep him safe. And who is this dark, mysterious Fae who shows up? Will he help her get back to her time? Or is she stuck here indefinitely?

This is a well-written story that paints a beautiful picture of where Quinn has arrived and makes it feel like an actual place the reader can envision. How will Quinn get home? Does she truly have a part to play in the past? And will she and Duncan have a chance to fall in love?

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story. I was caught up in the action from the first page and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I can’t wait for the next story in this series to come out.

Quinn is finally going to Scotland. She remembers her mom telling her about it before she died. She is part of a dig when her life take a turn. She is transported back to the 1600s right before the MacGregors massacres. She meets Duncan and there is something about him that draws her. At first, she wants to go home but something is keeping her there. When she has the chance, she talks to some Fae. She wants to change history to save Duncan and the others. Will she be able to keep him safe or will she go back to the 21st century?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book. I like the concept time travel romance, Scottish Highlanders, a girl who dreams of that past and gets there after a storm on an archeological dig. One of the things that fell flat for me were the fae parts. The shady secrets, the darkness didn’t resonate with the rest of the story. The female mc is a bit well whiney. It’s like you get everything you dreamed off including the hot highlander and then all we get is woe is me. Lastly the ending was just confusing. Points for concept, execution not as great. Your mileage may vary.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret]

Quinn is swept back in time and encounter Duncan.
Quinn and her classmates arrive in Dalmally to take part in a dig nearby and the first night they are entertained by a tale of the Fae Queen and the fog that coats the land making people disappear. Out at the site they are all given task which do not involve them touching any artefacts and Quinn finds herself typing up notes. Then there is a warning of a storn and they have to shut down thw site and head for shelter. As they struggle back Quinn loses grip on her friend Savannah's hand and is engulfed in the white fog.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Savannah]

I have already read this book twice. It was throwing me for a loop being a bit off the beaten path of dragon men... but I aint mad at it at all. It has a slow build. You will also want to scream and the answering a question with a question and the not really answers section of this book. I feel like I lived this book as I read it. I could picture everything as it was being read. The fog almost felt like looking at tornado clouds as they roll in. Oh a site to behold. Can hardly wait for book 2 cause I need to know what happens next. That cliff hanger though will mess your brain up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in time.

While this is a far different type of story for this author, it works. This is a Fae inspired time travel with an American college student on an archeological dig getting separated from her group and thrust back in time. While she is immediately drawn to one of the “locals”, Duncan MacGregor, things are not too cheery back in ye’ old Scotland. I liked that the setting was more realistic than many of the time travel romances with a realistic feel to the story. I did think that Quinn should have been a bit “smarter” sometimes but her actions were understandable considering the situation. Great read, ends on a cliff with hopefully more to come.

[Patricia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhanger!

This is another visitor to Scotland who gets caught in a heavy ground fog and is transported to the fifteenth century, but this one has been pulled in by the fae to save them because the current generation doesn't dream. She falls in love with a McGregor, who she knows from history will be proscribed by King James. They apparently really angered him, so he called a genocide on them. Anyone could kill them without fear of consequences, and it applied to any of the name regardless of age or gender. Desperate to save her love, she tells him the truth about her knowledge of the future and is promptly transferred back to current day. Cliffhanger.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Altering the Past

The only reason I did not give this book 4-stars is the femaie lead cause me a lot of irritation while reading this story. No sure if this was a built in characteristic or maybe just my take on Quinn.

The book is definitely full of mischief (snarky fae), mayhem (Scotswomen with attitude), and men with more courage than sense some times.

If you are like me a little time travel makes for great reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mists of the Highlands was an enjoyable read full of mysterious Fae, magic, time travel and lots of historical detail painted into a storyline that centers around University student Quinn Cameron who is on an Archaeology dig when she is suddenly transported back in time to Scotland of 1592 where her epic adventure soon begins.
Nicely written with action and romance blended within an engaging narrative I enjoyed the story as will other readers of the time travel romance genre.
Cliff hanger ending!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mumto2girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a historical romance with a strong theme of magic and destiny. Quinn was a strong woman faced with a terrible dilemma and, knowing what will happen to the man she loves places her in an impossible situation. Duncan, while playing an important role as Quinn’s love interest, is secondary to Quinn’s journey and the past/future that she is determined to fix. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read that blended time travel, adventure, and romance. The challenges that Quinn faces when she is thrust back in time made the story fascinating to me. Throw in the Fae legends and a fated/doomed romance and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. Of course there is a bit of a cliffhanger so I can’t wait for the next book to see how Quinn uses the Fae to save her love while she helps them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much. It's a different flavor from Tajss. Quinn goes on her first archaeology dig and is separated from her group by heavy fog. Quinn ends up transported to a distant past. The story has time travel, Fae, adventure, mystery, magic, and romance. I loved the history of this story and the romantic interest Quinn has in Duncan. I normally don't read too many time travel stories but I love Miranda Martin's writing. There is a cliffhanger ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn is a archeologist she goes to Scotland for a dig when a storm comes in and a thick fog takes her to 16th century Scotland where she meets Duncan MacGregor, Quinn is accused of being a witch because of her medical knowledge but a war is coming between the clans and Quinn needs to use her knowledge of the past to keep everyone’s future safe especially Duncan. Fantastic story but it ends on a cliffhanger I can’t wait to read what happens next and I recommend this book.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun time travel romance that has more to come ;) I enjoyed the way this book started off, taking time to set the scene before the mystical happens. There was enough action, adventure, chemistry, interactions, complicated fae and the beginnings of a fated romance set in this first installment to keep me glued to my reader and I can't wait to see how things continue to unfold in the next one :D

[Shelley G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great interesting story. Good plot great characters really intriguing plot that holds ur attention and has exciting storyline twists. Wonderful mix of modern day and historical life showing amazing blending of two worlds yrs apart and life in both. The raven in this story really set it up for a great story. Only reason 4 stars is I hate cliffhangers with a passion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want to stop reading this awesome book once I picked it up. I can’t wait to find out what happens with Quinn and Duncan’s lives. Will it all work out for them. I sure hope so. This book will hook you from the start, with all the action, intrigue, suspense, danger, drama, and so much more. The characters will work their way into your hearts and not let you go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Start to a New Series!

This book grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. A great first installment to the series. A great combination of time travel, love, fae and Fairies. Quinn, an archaeology student gets caught up a complex situation and is trying to make heads or tails of things. Scottish lore at its best!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the premise…

The plotting is very good, but time travel in Scotland has been done so many times you really need to do it better than the rest to stand out. I like Quinn and her quests. First to get to Scotland then to save Duncan. But her tale gets bogged down and drags a bit. Then just as it picks up again we’re lead to book two. If you like long convoluted stories this one is for you.

[Nancy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing tale of time travel to Scotland, where damsels in distress are saved by handsome alpha sword wielding Highlanders. Quinn has stepped thru the veil of time while on an archeological dig…right into a clash between the Colquhouns and MacGregors. This is written with charm and suspense. Characters are complex and heroic. Excellent ❤️❤️.