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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 television 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.
(I’ve listed them in alphabetical order by title.)
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:
The Highlander’s Fallen Angel by Heather McCollum
Tierney MacNicol will do whatever it takes to protect her clan — even strike a dangerous bargain with formidable Highland chief Kenan Macdonald. But deception soon gives way to desire as clan loyalties, secrets and fierce passion collide in the Scottish Isles.
This historical romance by Heather McCollum features classic Highland clan tension and loyalty stakes. The MMC is a protective, battle-hardened hero and there’s high emotion intensity between the Tierney and Kenan. You can get the book her:
The Highlander’s Lady of Loch and Sea by Heather McCollum
Amid shifting alliances and clan rivalries, a determined heroine sets out to prevent a deadly political scheme — only to find herself entangled with a formidable Highland warrior whose loyalty is as fierce as his desire. Between lochs and storm-swept shores, passion ignites in the midst of danger.
If you like political intrigue woven into romance and strong, capable heroines; consider this book by Heather McCollum. You can purchase it here:
The Odds of You by Kate Dramis
When struggling author Sage escapes to the Isle of Skye hoping to cure her writer’s block, she instead collides with Theo — a rising star navigating fame and expectations. As their worlds intertwine in the wild beauty of Scotland, both must confront their fears about ambition, vulnerability and risking their hearts.
This is a contemporary rom com celebrity romance with emotional vulnerability. The story is character-driven and who doesn’t love an atmospheric Scottish island backdrop? Here are the links if you wanna read it:
Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley
Brooke Sinclair returns to Scotland for a professional opportunity along the breathtaking Skye Trail — only to discover she’ll be working closely with her college ex, Jack Sutherland. Forced proximity in the rugged Highlands stirs up unresolved feelings, old wounds and undeniable chemistry. Brooke must decide if love deserves a second chance against a backdrop of sweeping coastal cliffs and misty glens.
This contemporary romantic comedy by Alexandra Kiley features second-chance romance with emotional depth. The Lush Isle of Skye setting feels transportive and there’s tender, angsty tension with heartfelt growth. You can get the book here:
Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham
Pepper Basham‘s Some Like It Scot is a 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 affiliates:
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 of mystery and adventure and I’m 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. (Both titles sound a bit James Bond, don’t they?) 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 also read my full book review of A Scot is Not Enough in this blog post. And you can purchase The Scot Who Loved Me here:
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:
What Happens in the Highlands by Anna Bradley
Catriona MacLeod and her sisters are determined to protect their ancestral Highlands home — and its rumored hidden treasure. But when Marquess Hamish Muir enters the scene, sparks fly between independence and obligation. Adventure, mystery and romance intertwine in this spirited Georgian-era tale.
This book is a great option for historical romance lovers who like a treasure hunt combined with romantic tension and light adventure. Anna Bradley also gives us a strong-willed heroine and aristocratic hero which is truly a classic pairing. Get the book 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 successfully 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 physical TBR pile. If you’re as intrigued as I am, you can purchase a copy too:
What’s on Your TBR List?
Have you read any of these Scottish romance novels? Which ones are you adding to your reading list? Let me know in the comments!
