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By Nicole Danielle
Still Craving Scottish Romance
My podcast co-host, Meghan, and I devoted the month of March to Scottish and Irish romance novels (Meg even found Scottish werewolf smut for our Full Moon Friday episode!). I loved my book for Season 2 Episode 5, A Scot is Not Enough by Gina Conkle. (My book for the following episode, Tit-ular Time Travel, was not my fave but The Border Lord’s Bride by Bertrice Small may very well be someone else’s cup of tea.)(You can listen to all three episodes on your favorite podcast streaming service. You can also visit our Podcast Catalog here on our website to select an episode and listen via our in-house podcast player. Just click here.)
Honestly, I could keep the Scottish theme going for awhile. I have an entire stack of Scottish romance books waiting to be read. And I love seeing all the titles available in the genre — from historical to contemporary and even paranormal and romantasy (fantasy + romance). I’m a huge Outlander fan and proud of my Scottish heritage so I do often find myself drawn to Scottish romance stories. I crave more!
Beyond Outlander: More Scottish Romance Novels To Get Swept Away In
Did I mentioned I’m a huge Outlander fan? My hubby knows when it’s my “Jamie Frasier time” there will be no talking or interruptions. The books by Diana Gabaldon and Netflix series have a huge following and for good reason. Her books and the show are absolutely worth checking out if you’re not already a fan like me.
There are soooo many more authors and titles available beyond Outlander, though. Some authors — like Gina Conkle — have entire series available, like the Scottish Treasures Novels. My go-tos are generally historical romances like these but there are lots of great contemporary titles available as well. So, if you love a good Highland romp like I do, then one (or all!) of these titles may be for you.
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
If you like a combination of steamy and heartwarming in your Scottish romances, Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson may be just the ticket. This novel is also a paranormal/romantasy read and incorporates the lore of the Loch Ness monster in a contemporary setting. Because, hey, why not, right? The title is a fun play on character names and the theme — Keyanna “Key” MacKay and Lachlan Greer and the fabled creature of the Loch.
Keyanna is hoping to learn the truth to several family secrets as she journeys into Scotland. She wasn’t planning on being rescued by a studly, grouchy Scotsman with secrets of his own. Their story involves strange powers, mystery, ancient curses and the laws of attraction. I don’t know about you but I’m game to find out all the juicy details!
You can find out how this Scottish adventure turns out for yourself when you buy the book from The Ripped Bodice here.
Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham
Pepper Basham’s Some Like It Scot is an upcoming contemporary, Christian, romantic comedy that also weaves in some historical elements. The heroine of the story is American Katie Campbell, a popular travel writer and podcaster who often finds herself in some sort of misadventure. Katie is offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience — in costume, of course — in beautiful Scotland.
Enter our hero, a stoic Scotsman by the name of Graeme MacKerrow. He’s the opposite of world traveler Katie. He’s reclusive and doesn’t venture far from his island home. Is this a case of opposites attract? Or just another misadventure? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
You can pre-order your brand spanking new copy of Some Like it Scot from our affiliate, The Ripped Bodice, here.
Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley
Another contemporary Scottish romance option is Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley. This rom com features Brooke Sinclair who dreams of being a published author but is relished to being a ghostwriter. She sees a golden opportunity for her writing career but it involves spending two weeks in the sweeping Scottish landscape (and a tent) with her ex, Jack Sutherland. (He ruined her career and broke her heart.)
If you love second chances and enemies to loves romance novels, this slow burn romance may be a great read. You can purchase the book from The Ripped Bodice here.
When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
No recommendation list of Scottish romances would be complete without some historical fiction, would it? And so I present to you When a Scot Ties the Knot by NYT and USA Today bestselling author Tessa Dare. This is the third book in the Castles Ever After series and a Regency romp. I’ve got this on my list of must reads and I’m definitely intrigued by the plot line.
Our leading lady is Madeline Gracechurch who is debuting into London society. She’s shy and hopelessly awkward with the gents which does not bode well for the marriage market. So Madeline gets creative and invents a Scottish sweetheart thanks to some fabulous love letter writing. And, ope, dear “Captain MacKenzie” meets a tragic end and Madeline is succesfully able to avoid the pressures of London society. (What a smart lass!) Plot twist, though! There really is a Captain MacKenzie and he somehow has her fictitious letters.
This one is definitely in my Ripped Bodice cart. If you’re as intrigued as I am, you can purchase a copy too here.
The Scot Who Loved Me by Gina Conkle
As mentioned, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gina Conkle’s A Scot is Not Enough. It’s part of her Scottish Treasures series and there are connecting characters but I find them to be great stand alone books as well. Falling into the historical fiction category, these novels are set in the Georgian period (aka 1700s). Conkle likes to weave in the perfect amount mystery and adventure and I am totally here for it.
The Scot Who Loved Me is book number 1 in the series and the precursor to A Scot is Not Enough. (The title sounds a bit James Bond, doesn’t it?) This novel follows the story of Anne Fletcher, a Scotswoman determined to reclaim her clan’s treasures, and Will MacDonald, a proud Highlander currently sitting in a prison cell for wearing his kilt … and Anne’s former lover. Can they overcome their past and steal back the treasure? It’s sure to be a fun romp as we turn the pages and find out.
You can purchase a copy from The Ripped Bodice here. You can also read my full book review of A Scot is Not Enough in this blog post.
The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne
I’m always a sucker for a man in a kilt. Make him a Highland warrior in a historical romance and I am practically swooning. In The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne, Liam MacKenzie is a fierce laird known as the Demon Highlander. In this novel, English governess Philomena arrives to care for his children. She’s a ravishing beauty (of course) with a mind of her own. As Liam starts to fall for Mena, he questions if she’s harboring secrets and what really brought her to his keep.
It seems like this book has some Sound of Music vibes and the character match up and plot intrigue me. Find out how the romance goes by purchasing a copy of the book here.
Have you read any of these Scottish romance novels? Which ones are you adding to your reading list? Let us know in the comments!
