Scottish Romance and Historical Fiction

What is the most romantic period in Scotland's history? For author Diana Gabaldon, it is obviously the Jacobite risings of the 18th century when Highland chivalry reached its climax. Stephen Lawhead prefers the romance of early medieval Scotland - the heyday of Celtic Christianity with its druidic overtones and the glitter of Byzantium and the Eastern church.

Men often prefer tales of adventure with lots of action and sword-rattling, while women are looking for romance - some chaste, some not. We've included books on this page for every taste and fantasy, some pretty steamy and some straightforward historical fiction about heroes such as Wallace and Bruce.

Kick back, sip a cuppa or a wee dram, place a few scones on a handy plate for nibbling, and enjoy!

Darkfever By Karen Marie Moning Moning is the best-selling author of the Highlander time-travel romance series set in Scotland (see below). This new book, Darkfever, is the first in a projected series (rather than her usual stand-alone novels). In a new departure, Darkfever is set in Ireland, rather than Scotland, and features the paranormal world of Irish faery. Karen Marie Moning Highlander books: Moning's books feature 20th century heroines transported back in time to the Scottish highlands, where romance and steamy sex await. Spell of the Highlander The Immortal Highlander Kiss of the Highlander Beyond the Highland Mist The Dark Highlander The Highlander's Touch To Tame a Highland Warrior	Outlander The first of Diana Gabaldon's extremely successful series of Scottish romance time travel books about a woman who accidentally winds up in the 18th century Highlands. I enjoyed this book, but it does give new meaning to concept of "open marriage". Other books in the Gabaldon series: Dragonfly in Amber Voyager Drums of Autumn The Fiery Cross A Breath of Snow and Ashes New series by Gabaldon: Lord John and the Private Matter One of the Outlander characters, Major Lord John Grey, opens the door to his own part of this world -- eighteenth-century London, a seething anthill of nobility and rabble peopled by soldiers and spies, whores and dukes. Great Britain is battling France for supremacy on three continents -- and life is good for a soldier.
Once a Warrior by Karyn Monk A battle-scarred, disheartened hero fights for redemption, encouraged by a heroine in need of a mighty warrior to save her Scottish clan.	Son of the Morning by Linda Howard Wow! Exciting, suspense-filled time travel story involving the Knights Templar and 14th century Scotland. Not to be missed.
Earthchild By Allie Bates In a time when magic is still possible... In a land where turmoil reigns supreme... Can a valiant warrior and a virtuous maid find happiness? Wonderfully written 15th century historical romance with a second-sighted heroine and a dashing hero. The first in a projected series by new author, Allie Bates.	Born in Sin: A MacAllisters Novel By Kinley MacGregor "Banished as a child, 'Sin' MacAllister learned to despise his Scottish heritage. Yet now, to unmask King Henry's foes, he must return to the hated Highlands -- wedded to a bewitching lass whose flaming red hair matches the fire of her spirit." Great novel by Kinley MacGregor. Part of a series featuring the MacAllisters.
Dunnottar By Janet Elaine Smith Quality Scottish historical fiction set in Restoration times focuses on the loves and intrigues of Clan Keith of Dunnottar Castle (a real castle, still there). Catch the sequels about the Keith familiy: Marylebone and Par for the Course	The Game of Kings (Lymond Chronicles, 1) Historical fiction set in 16th century Scotland. First of a series by famed historical fiction author Dorothy Dunnett. These books have been beloved for over a generation. The Lymond Chronicles Series includes: The Game of Kings Queens' Play The Disorderly Knights Pawn in Frankincense The Ringed Castle Checkmate
Glencoe : A Romance of Scotland By Muireall Donald After the massacre, a Campbell and a MacDonald fall in love. Beautifully written, very highly rated.	Kilgannon by Kathleen Givens Pure Scottish historical romance set in the early 18th century - the MacGannon family of Kilgannon. An enjoyable read.
The Iron Lance (The Celtic Crusades, Book 1 by Stephen Lawhead Christian historical fantasy writer Lawhead has achieved major popularity in the mainstream market - this series is about an in 11th-12th century Orkney family caught up in the crusades and quests for the holy relics - the Holy Lance (bk 1), the True Cross (bk 2), and, of course, the Grail itself (bk 3). Great stuff on Celtic Christianity. Recommended. Book 2 - The Black Rood Book 3 - The Mystic Rose	Son of the Sword By J. Ardian Lee Time travel to 18th century Scotland, with a guy as the protagonist this time. Mixed reviews.
The Scotsman By Juliana Garnett Gosh, the cover picture alone sets my heart pounding. Scottish historical fiction set in the time of Robert the Bruce.	The Bruce Trilogy/the Steps to the Empty... By Nigel Tranter - Scotland's great master of historical fiction. Tranter wrote wonderful stories about Scottish history - this trilogy on Robert the Bruce deserves its 5 stars.
Lady of the Glen: A Novel of 17Th-Century Scotland and the Massacre of Glencoe A land of majestic castles and bitterly warring clans becomes the towering backdrop for the story of a man and a woman whose love cannot be denied-- not by a centuries-old feud nor by a betrayal so shocking it is remembered still, whenever bagpipes play their mournful songs of the Campbells and the MacDonalds...	A Well Favored Gentleman by Christina Dodd Prolific and very popular writer Christina Dodd weaves a tale of magic in this paranormal love story about an ancient pact between the MacLeods and the selkies set in 1800 Scotland.
The Secret by Julie Garwood Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land...Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered. Lovely romance set in 12th century Scotland. Sequel is Ransom - another great romantic read set in the medieval highlands	The Selkie By Melanie Jackson On the rocky coast of Scotland in 1929, Hexy, a young American, weeps into the sea and inadvertently summons a selkie prince, then steals his fur, thinking it belongs to her movie-star employer. In his human form Ruairidh is powerful and gorgeous, and his magic makes Hexy throw caution to the wind and rush to his bed. Page-turning paranormal romance.
Intimate Enemies by Shanna Abé A Scotswoman and Englishman are forced to team up in fighting the common foe - Vikings in 12th century Scotland.	Devil in a Kilt by Sue-Ellen Welfonder What I want to know is where do they find these guys for the covers? Set in the time of Robert the Bruce, pure (well, maybe not pure) Scottish romance.
His Wicked Promise By Samantha James Publishers Weekly calls it "steamy." "The rugged Highlander is determined to keep his passion hidden while he woos her with his gentle caress and wicked kisses" 13th century Scotland.	The MacLean Groom by Kathleen Harrington He is her family's ancient foe, but never has Lady Joanna Macdonald seen a man she wants more. Still, she hides from Rory MacLean--the dashing laird whom King James has ordered her to marry--hoping to save her family's honor. 15th century. 5 stars.
The Island Harp By Jeanne Williams Williams is known for her tough heroines and fine story-telling. This Scottish novel is set on the Isle of Lewis during the 1840s clearances - the heroine fights deportation and the love of a Scots soldier. More historical fiction than romance. 5 stars.	Eyes of Garnet By Mary Duncan Set during the Jacobite uprising of 1745, this intriguing novel blends the paranormal and the historical, as heroine Catriona uses her Second Sight to aid her clan during the war. 5 stars. Follow up novel Sightless follows Cat to the American Colonies and a new life with its own perils.