What do you think?
Rate this book
Scottish Highlands #1
After the Storm
Modern day anthropologist Maya Jones has been contracted by a Scottish university to help unearth and catalog ancient relics within a recently discovered secret lair in what was once the Castle MacGregor. From the beginning of her assignment, Maya has been inexplicably drawn to any references she could find concerning the clan's brutal and mysterious 14th century laird Thomas MacGregor.Equally intriguing to her are paintings and stories referencing the MacGregor's wife, known to antiquity only as Lady M. The paintings were severely charred in a castle fire run amok a couple of centuries past, but Maya can make out enough of the damaged portraits to surmise that, oddly enough, she and Lady M possess the same hair and eye color. When a ferocious hurricane ravages Maya's hometown, she'll find out that she and the lady's similar physical features are more than just mere coincidence...
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
112 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Tia Isabella
2 books6 followersTia Isabella is another name for Jaid Black founder of Ellora's Cave Publishing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 22, 2022
Perfect time travel book. From first page till the end. Not a history class here just nice dosage of information. Believable, entertaining, funny, romantic, hot, great character building with Alpha H make you swoon, smart h with backbone, so many wonderful,interesting supporting character, perfect phasing. All characters mention in the book get their ending. No loose end here. Simply wow, its complete book and I'm impressed with the author, manage to write everything in 540pages with HEA and great epilogue!
February 18, 2020
4.5 stars
September 6, 2011
Maya Jones lives in present day Florida. She is an anthropologist who has been assigned to study ancient relics belonging to a Scottish clan that were recently unearthed. The more she studies the relics, the more Maya is drawn to the fierce Laird of the castle and his mysterious wife, Lady M.
While Maya’s professional life has been successful and exciting to her, her personal life has been a mess. Orphaned at a young age, Maya’s “family” is her best friend Sara and Sara’s father. After having her heart broken by a cheating Ex, Maya has found it difficult to trust men, and she has little desire to open herself up to the possibility. As a result, she sticks close to her adopted family and focuses most of her time and effort on her work.
Maya and Sara decide to take a break from their research to attend a hurricane party being hosted by a friend. Unfortunately, the party forces Maya to come face to face with her cheating Ex. The resulting confrontation leads Maya and Sara to the beach. As an unusual cloud approaches them from the storm, they suddenly find themselves keening through space and time. When they open their eyes, they are in a whole new world; Maya and Sara are in ancient Scotland, on the land of Laird Thomas MacGregor – the very man they have been studying.
The MacGregor clan doesn’t know what to make of the two beautiful women who have appeared before them, but slowly the truth begins to unfold. Thomas isn’t any more trusting than Maya is, but these two characters develop a love-hate relationship almost immediately. As much as they infuriate each other, they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Can true love be found between two people who are so different from each other?
Eventually it becomes necessary for someone to travel back to the future, and Thomas has no intention of allowing Maya to be the one to leave. The result is an adventure for other characters in the book, and all of the lines are drawn to permanently tie the past and future together.
This is the first full length novel I’ve read by Jaid Black. Although I’m a big fan of her writing, I’ve read only short stories and novellas up to this point. I was really glad to finally be able to read something that didn’t end too quickly! At almost 400 pages, this story had plenty of content. I was thrilled! The result is a story that has depth and adventure in addition to the romance. Unlike most romances, this story didn’t end when the couple gets together. Instead, we get to follow the characters through tests to their relationship and challenges to their clan. It was a really nice change of pace.
If I had one wish, I would wish for more information about the storm phenomenon that allowed the people to travel through time. I did think this area of the book could have used more explanation. Aside from this, I was pleased with the book.
Recommended for fans of Celtic/Highlander romances. Keep in mind that this book stands alone and is not currently part of a series.
While Maya’s professional life has been successful and exciting to her, her personal life has been a mess. Orphaned at a young age, Maya’s “family” is her best friend Sara and Sara’s father. After having her heart broken by a cheating Ex, Maya has found it difficult to trust men, and she has little desire to open herself up to the possibility. As a result, she sticks close to her adopted family and focuses most of her time and effort on her work.
Maya and Sara decide to take a break from their research to attend a hurricane party being hosted by a friend. Unfortunately, the party forces Maya to come face to face with her cheating Ex. The resulting confrontation leads Maya and Sara to the beach. As an unusual cloud approaches them from the storm, they suddenly find themselves keening through space and time. When they open their eyes, they are in a whole new world; Maya and Sara are in ancient Scotland, on the land of Laird Thomas MacGregor – the very man they have been studying.
The MacGregor clan doesn’t know what to make of the two beautiful women who have appeared before them, but slowly the truth begins to unfold. Thomas isn’t any more trusting than Maya is, but these two characters develop a love-hate relationship almost immediately. As much as they infuriate each other, they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Can true love be found between two people who are so different from each other?
Eventually it becomes necessary for someone to travel back to the future, and Thomas has no intention of allowing Maya to be the one to leave. The result is an adventure for other characters in the book, and all of the lines are drawn to permanently tie the past and future together.
This is the first full length novel I’ve read by Jaid Black. Although I’m a big fan of her writing, I’ve read only short stories and novellas up to this point. I was really glad to finally be able to read something that didn’t end too quickly! At almost 400 pages, this story had plenty of content. I was thrilled! The result is a story that has depth and adventure in addition to the romance. Unlike most romances, this story didn’t end when the couple gets together. Instead, we get to follow the characters through tests to their relationship and challenges to their clan. It was a really nice change of pace.
If I had one wish, I would wish for more information about the storm phenomenon that allowed the people to travel through time. I did think this area of the book could have used more explanation. Aside from this, I was pleased with the book.
Recommended for fans of Celtic/Highlander romances. Keep in mind that this book stands alone and is not currently part of a series.
May 16, 2016
This is a light hearted, sexy, short, Scottish time travel romance. It's what I thought Outlander would be - a fun, "slightly" ridiculous, page turner.
September 10, 2010
I liked it, but not as much as some of her other books. The sources of conflict are good.
STORY BRIEF:
Maya is an archaeologist in 2001. She and her friend Sara are walking on the beach as a storm approaches with a time travel wormhole. They get transported to the year 1314 in Scotland. Thomas is laird of the MacGregor clan and never smiles. He and Maya fall in love. Robert MacAllister is Thomas’s enemy. Robert wants to steal Maya for himself.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I’ve read most of Jaid Black’s work, and I love her as an author. Jaid Black is creative, doesn’t do the predictable, has unexpected humor and almost always surprises and delights me in her work. This was one of her earlier books, written under the name Tia Isabella. Many romance novels have good guys and bad guys, and I can often predict the conflicts. Not so in this book. On a few occasions, the bad guy did something clever, but the good guys were able to figure it out and not fall for it. It was a nice change of pace. The story continued beyond the couple getting married which was a little different as well. Sometimes, I was chuckling at the odd sound of some modern day sentences using old Scottish/Gaelic words. For example, one guy is saying to another “I am rubber, ye are glue. Whatever ye say bounces off my fine form and sticks tae the likes of ye.” I’m glad I read this book, but if you haven’t read any of Jaid Black, I recommend you start with some of her other books first, see below.
DATA:
I read this as an ebook on Kindle. Story length: Kindle count 7112 (about 6 hours reading time). Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 11. Total number of sex scene pages: 29 Kindle pages (using text size 1). Setting: 2001 Tampa, Florida, and 1314 Scottish Highlands. Copyright: 2001. Genre: time travel historical romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Jaid Black books, see my 5 star review of “One Dark Night” posted 4/2/08.
STORY BRIEF:
Maya is an archaeologist in 2001. She and her friend Sara are walking on the beach as a storm approaches with a time travel wormhole. They get transported to the year 1314 in Scotland. Thomas is laird of the MacGregor clan and never smiles. He and Maya fall in love. Robert MacAllister is Thomas’s enemy. Robert wants to steal Maya for himself.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I’ve read most of Jaid Black’s work, and I love her as an author. Jaid Black is creative, doesn’t do the predictable, has unexpected humor and almost always surprises and delights me in her work. This was one of her earlier books, written under the name Tia Isabella. Many romance novels have good guys and bad guys, and I can often predict the conflicts. Not so in this book. On a few occasions, the bad guy did something clever, but the good guys were able to figure it out and not fall for it. It was a nice change of pace. The story continued beyond the couple getting married which was a little different as well. Sometimes, I was chuckling at the odd sound of some modern day sentences using old Scottish/Gaelic words. For example, one guy is saying to another “I am rubber, ye are glue. Whatever ye say bounces off my fine form and sticks tae the likes of ye.” I’m glad I read this book, but if you haven’t read any of Jaid Black, I recommend you start with some of her other books first, see below.
DATA:
I read this as an ebook on Kindle. Story length: Kindle count 7112 (about 6 hours reading time). Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 11. Total number of sex scene pages: 29 Kindle pages (using text size 1). Setting: 2001 Tampa, Florida, and 1314 Scottish Highlands. Copyright: 2001. Genre: time travel historical romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Jaid Black books, see my 5 star review of “One Dark Night” posted 4/2/08.
July 8, 2014
One of the few time travel stories I've read (mostly to get them out of my TBR). It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either - I had trouble with reading the Scottish brogue and I still don't think that a person from 2001 would adjust so easily to living 700 years earlier.
September 2, 2017
Esta novela se merece sus cinco estrellas.
En primer lugar porqué es de uno de mis generos preferidos, es una novela de epoca, con escoceses mal humorados y además viajes en el tiempo.
Quizá sea muy soñadora pero quien no se ha imaginado, ¿que pasaría si pudieramos viajar en el tiempo? la experiencia de estar en esa epoca con costumbres tan poco ortodoxa para nuestros tiempos.
En fin, debo decir que me encantaron sus personajes y trama.
En especial la idea de poder tener algunas cositas del nuevo mundo en el antiguo.
Aunque debo admitir que odio que los personajes masculinos contesten con sus tipocos gruñidos... de verdad, que clase de respuesta es esa.
Recomiendo esta novela para aquellas personas a las que les encanten todo lo relacionado con las Highlands, si son como yo que siempre andan en busca de una nueva novela del genero, les digo que esta es una buena opción.
En primer lugar porqué es de uno de mis generos preferidos, es una novela de epoca, con escoceses mal humorados y además viajes en el tiempo.
Quizá sea muy soñadora pero quien no se ha imaginado, ¿que pasaría si pudieramos viajar en el tiempo? la experiencia de estar en esa epoca con costumbres tan poco ortodoxa para nuestros tiempos.
En fin, debo decir que me encantaron sus personajes y trama.
En especial la idea de poder tener algunas cositas del nuevo mundo en el antiguo.
Aunque debo admitir que odio que los personajes masculinos contesten con sus tipocos gruñidos... de verdad, que clase de respuesta es esa.
Recomiendo esta novela para aquellas personas a las que les encanten todo lo relacionado con las Highlands, si son como yo que siempre andan en busca de una nueva novela del genero, les digo que esta es una buena opción.
August 6, 2019
I'm glad I finally got a chance to read this book. It was very well written and meticulously thought out. I liked how the story was restricted to two regions that could experience the time travel. I'm not sure what to say without giving away the plot. I just think anyone who loves scientific and romance stories will love this book like I did. Although I wanted to give it a 5 rating but I felt the epilogue was an after thought. It really wasn't needed. Who cares what happened to "Nick the Arse." I won't read the next in this series right away because it really isn't a MacGregor Book 2. The MacGregor's don't seem to be nowhere in the story "Before the Fire." I tend to like my series to include past characters in them (even a descendent would be nice). But I will definitely put the next on my want to read.
March 31, 2021
Thomas y Maya
En verdad me encanto esta parejita, con caracteres fuertes y muy temperamentales a la final lograron acoplarse, soy amante de los viajes en el tiempo y hasta ahora creo que no he leido ningun libro de este tema que no me haya gustado y este no es la Excepcion.
He de decir que la traduccion que consegui estaba algo mala pero se podia entender en su mayoria, solo que en los momentos hot el juego de palabras que usaron para la traduccion pues no ayudaba mucho pero en fin se logro el objetivo....ahora a por el proximo de esta serie a ver que tal....
La parejita lo hacian con tanta pasion y ganas que cada parto fue doble je je je vaya vaya Laird Thomas que punteria la suya jajajajajajaja
Nos segumis leyendo.........Colorin colorado este cuento se ha acabado.
En verdad me encanto esta parejita, con caracteres fuertes y muy temperamentales a la final lograron acoplarse, soy amante de los viajes en el tiempo y hasta ahora creo que no he leido ningun libro de este tema que no me haya gustado y este no es la Excepcion.
He de decir que la traduccion que consegui estaba algo mala pero se podia entender en su mayoria, solo que en los momentos hot el juego de palabras que usaron para la traduccion pues no ayudaba mucho pero en fin se logro el objetivo....ahora a por el proximo de esta serie a ver que tal....
La parejita lo hacian con tanta pasion y ganas que cada parto fue doble je je je vaya vaya Laird Thomas que punteria la suya jajajajajajaja
Nos segumis leyendo.........Colorin colorado este cuento se ha acabado.
April 15, 2019
A good read
This book was a very good read. The characters were very likable and well formed. It was a time travel story, but focused on the people and relationships. Not on bringing technology or changing time from the past.
I liked how the author summed up the characters at the end.
This book was a very good read. The characters were very likable and well formed. It was a time travel story, but focused on the people and relationships. Not on bringing technology or changing time from the past.
I liked how the author summed up the characters at the end.
November 7, 2022
Demasiado relleno 🥴
Una linda historia de viajes en el tiempo, escoceses y lairds con suficiente temperamento para poder hacer frente a una mujer del siglo XXI
Si el libro hubiera quedado en las 200 páginas estuviera bien, pero esas otras 200 páginas de relleno fue un tedio total, muy repetitivo y cosas sin sentido
Una linda historia de viajes en el tiempo, escoceses y lairds con suficiente temperamento para poder hacer frente a una mujer del siglo XXI
Si el libro hubiera quedado en las 200 páginas estuviera bien, pero esas otras 200 páginas de relleno fue un tedio total, muy repetitivo y cosas sin sentido
May 4, 2018
The MacGregor
Good story line, interesting characters, requires a mature reader.
Historical accuracy questionable but wonderful alternate history. Interesting time travel concept.
Good story line, interesting characters, requires a mature reader.
Historical accuracy questionable but wonderful alternate history. Interesting time travel concept.
May 17, 2018
I love a good time travel romance and this one was fantastic! I just wish Ms. Black had written a follow up story for Patrick Hamilton the other Laird who was allies and friends with Thomas. Maybe she will write his story one day? Hint, Hint 😜
June 24, 2018
Enjoyable read
Was fun and funny ...the characters were great...you felt like you were part of their lives
Loved the Oprah reference
Was fun and funny ...the characters were great...you felt like you were part of their lives
Loved the Oprah reference
July 10, 2018
I couldn't even finish this book. Normally I love time travel romance, but this one did not hold my attention.
August 4, 2018
Enjoyed
This is the first Jaid Black story I have read in a long time. I enjoyed Mya and story Thomas's love story. It was funny and well written.
This is the first Jaid Black story I have read in a long time. I enjoyed Mya and story Thomas's love story. It was funny and well written.
June 4, 2019
This book was exciting to read I loved everything about this book you won't be disappointed reading this book
December 16, 2019
One of the best historical fiction I've read so far, and I enjoyed every single moment of this book.
January 11, 2020
Great time travel story with great characters
I loved this story right from the beginning and loved the characters and happy ending. I would love more about the children.
I loved this story right from the beginning and loved the characters and happy ending. I would love more about the children.
January 24, 2020
Great story
I can read this book several times and always feel the excitement if the first time. This needs to be a series’s
I can read this book several times and always feel the excitement if the first time. This needs to be a series’s
October 5, 2020
Feministas cediendo a hombres, tenía potencial
January 28, 2022
DNF at 30%. Neither the hero nor the heroine has any real depth.
May 6, 2019
This was an entertaining story with wonderful characters. It is both romantic and humorous. If you love time travel (like me), I highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2025
2025
I first read these many, many years ago. Was under the original series name Scottish Highlands through good old Ellora’s Cave.
I pretty much read everything this author had out if I could.
I forgot how engaging and entertaining this story is.
Love the quick peek at the end of Before the Fire of Maya at 5 years old. So cute.
EARLIER REVIEW
I owned these books under the author Tia Isabella name. Wonderful to see them rereleased under Ms Blacks name and in Kindle Unlimited.
Great time travel story with very likeable characters.
Loved how the story evolves with Maya’s feisty attitude clashing with the stubbornness of a Scottish highlander Laird.
The fact Maya proves Elizabeth’s innocence and sorts out other problems was well thought out.
I loved Argyle and Harold tripping forward in time.
Historically, my only complaint is that there was no birth control back then and these men are having sex with the serving wenches continuously, so where are the bastard children that were always running around a keep. At 35 years of age I find it strange Thomas has no children already.
Now that these are re-released I really hope that Ms Black writes Patrick’s book so we can read his story and see whom he married.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
I first read these many, many years ago. Was under the original series name Scottish Highlands through good old Ellora’s Cave.
I pretty much read everything this author had out if I could.
I forgot how engaging and entertaining this story is.
Love the quick peek at the end of Before the Fire of Maya at 5 years old. So cute.
EARLIER REVIEW
I owned these books under the author Tia Isabella name. Wonderful to see them rereleased under Ms Blacks name and in Kindle Unlimited.
Great time travel story with very likeable characters.
Loved how the story evolves with Maya’s feisty attitude clashing with the stubbornness of a Scottish highlander Laird.
The fact Maya proves Elizabeth’s innocence and sorts out other problems was well thought out.
I loved Argyle and Harold tripping forward in time.
Historically, my only complaint is that there was no birth control back then and these men are having sex with the serving wenches continuously, so where are the bastard children that were always running around a keep. At 35 years of age I find it strange Thomas has no children already.
Now that these are re-released I really hope that Ms Black writes Patrick’s book so we can read his story and see whom he married.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
June 2, 2013
This is another time travel romance by Jaid Black that is enjoyable for me. This is the story of Maya and Sarah, archaeologists or anthropologists? that via a storm travels through time to the highlands era. The story is long, having describe what living in that time for the novelty is like. Also includes poker playing, lots of banter, and a climax that makes the readers not really bored with the story. There are no further explanation why the so called storm makes people time travel. Anyway, this is an enjoyable read.
July 1, 2012
This is one of my favorite books. I don't analyze a book when I read i just want the book to excite me and make me want to read more. I love Maya's attitude toward Thomas in the beginning and how she refused to fall at his feet just because he was Laird. When they do get together Thomas is so sweet and bossy.
June 21, 2014
I liked how this steamy time travel story was told going beyond the falling in love stage to the adjustments and challenges of living together. I also enjoyed the humor and secondary romance. Archaeologist Maya and her friend fall through time to 1314 Scotland on McGregor land with laird Thomas.
September 18, 2011
Maya gets thrown back in time with her best friend, 700 years earlier and a different continent, where she meets the laird MacGregor and his keep.
September 14, 2012
Can you time travel between past and present. It never gets old its a reread and I love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews