Best Scottish Historical Romance Books of 2025

A Most Intriguing Lady by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is a captivating historical novel about Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, a Duke's daughter who is an amateur sleuth for high society's inner circle. Set in Victorian London, Lady Mary and Colonel Walter Trefusis, a distinguished war veteran, team up to solve a series of audacious crimes while indulging in a highly charged romance. The book is well-written, fast-paced, and full of passion, making it a fantastic read for fans of historical fiction and mystery genres. Overall, A Most Intriguing Lady is a triumph and a unique addition to the women's friendship fiction books category.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is a captivating time-travel romance novel that introduces Claire Beauchamp Randall and Jamie Fraser. The story is set in the Scottish Highlands in 1743, where Claire finds herself after walking through a standing stone. Amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns that her only chance of safety lies in Jamie, a young Scots warrior. The novel is a perfect escape reading with marvelous and fantastic adventures, romance, and sex, and the author's use of historical detail and character development makes it a superior read. It's easy to see why Outlander is one of the top ten best-loved novels in America.

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn is the sixth book in the Bridgerton series. The story revolves around Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, who falls in love with Francesca Bridgerton at first sight. However, Francesca is engaged to his cousin. Now, as the earl, Michael is still in love with Francesca, but she thinks of him only as a friend. The book is a delightful romance novel filled with charm, humor, and wit. Quinn is a consummate storyteller who excels at creating indelible characters. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a great romance novel.

Beautiful Ruins: A Novel is a must-read for book lovers. Set in the Italian coast in 1962 and contemporary Hollywood fifty years later, the story follows the lives of real people who make art, spinning illusion for fun, profit, and meaning. Jess Walter has crafted a sumptuous epic that will delight and captivate readers. The novel offers a glimpse into the ancient charms of the Italian coast and the cold rain and distant hot sun of Edinburgh. Beautiful Ruins is a beautiful, heart-breaking, and captivating story that will leave readers wanting more.

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn is the fourth novel in the Bridgerton Prequel series. The book takes readers back to where it all began, before the alphabetically named siblings. Georgiana Bridgerton has her reputation hanging by a thread after being abducted for her dowry. Her options are to live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life. Nicholas Rokesby, the fourth son of an earl, comes to her rescue and proposes a marriage of convenience. The book offers humor, romance, and captivating characters that make it a delightful read.

Pride and Prejudice, a novel of manners by Jane Austen, follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates issues of morality, education, and marriage in the British Regency society. Austen's memorable characters and themes have made this book one of the most popular novels in English literature, with over 20 million copies sold. The book's enduring popularity has resulted in numerous adaptations and imitations. This classic literature and fiction book is a must-read for all book lovers.

A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes is an enthralling historical romance novel by Manda Collins. Set in England in 1867, the story follows Miss Poppy Delamare, who is living under a false identity in London to escape a betrothal. When her sister is accused of murder, Poppy teams up with the Duke of Langham to clear her name. As they work together, their fake betrothal begins to feel more and more real. Collins weaves a compelling mystery around the love story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. This book is a must-read for fans of historical romance and women sleuths books.

"Voyager: A Novel (Outlander) (Mass Market Paperback)" is the third book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. It continues the story of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser, taking readers on a journey from the battlefields of eighteenth-century Scotland to the West Indies. Gabaldon's use of historical detail and a truly adult love story make her a superior writer. The book is a triumphant conclusion to the time-travel trilogy, leaving readers exhilarated and utterly satisfied. This book is a must-read for fans of time-travel romances and anyone looking for a captivating story with rich, vibrant characters."

The Castle on Wassaw Sound is a contemporary romance novel about Stephanie, an architect who returns to her hometown of Savannah and is offered the opportunity to renovate a 250-year-old castle, which comes with an irritating project manager named Philip. As they work together to preserve the lost piece of Savannah's history, they must put aside their differences and trust each other. The book is a delightful mix of romance, history, and architecture, making it a unique read for fans of the genre. Overall, it's a charming and engaging story that will keep readers hooked until the end.

In Her Highlander's Bed: A Novel (Highland Brides, 11) by Lynsay Sands is a captivating medieval historical romance book that tells the story of Calan Campbell, Laird of Kilcairn, who rescues Allissaid MacFarlane after she was kidnapped and forced to marry her clan's enemy. As Calan tends to her wounds, they both fall in love, but Allissaid is unsure if she can trust him with her heart. This book is perfect for fans of Outlander and features interesting characters, unexpected twists, and a delightful must-read for historical romance fans.