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A lush, moody, and emotional historical romance that's perfect for those who like their heroes tortured and their heroines triumphant over darkness. Be ready for heavy themes, but the payoff is a beautifully written, deeply felt love story.

If you liked The Highlander, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Victorian Rebels)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    How to Love a Duke in Ten Days - Devil You Know by Kerrigan Byrne
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    A dramatic, beautifully written start to a series, packed with emotion, mystery, steamy romance, and unforgettable characters - though the dark themes and explicit content won’t be for everyone.

    Lady Alexandra Lane's life is irrevocably changed when she is called into Headmaster Maurice de Marchand's office mere days before she was due to graduate from L'Ecole de Chardonne School in Switzerland. De Marchand has found the items Alexandra and her friends Francesca Cavendish, the Countess of Mont Claire and Cecelia Teague pilfered over the years for their Red Rogues Society. When de Marchand's punishment turns brutal and he rapes Alexandra, she does what she must to stop the attack and flees. With the help of her friends and a trusted servant Jean Yves, they bury the body and clean up the scene. That awful night the girls who have been friends for years, share their deepest, darkest secrets and vow to never marry and to protect each other forever. Piers Atherton, Duke of Redmayne, also known as the Terror of Torcliff, is about to enter into a marriage on convenience with one of Alexandra's friends but is tempted by the bridesmaid, not the bride.

    The first, she had been unable to stop fretting for Francesca, who tended to give more than the appropriate amount of context. The terse, vague note Alexandra now held was more of a warning than the m...
    August 2019
    448 pages

  2. #2

    The Making of a Highlander - Midnight in Scotland by Elisa Braden
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    A fresh, lively Highlander romance - a must for fans of witty banter, unique heroines, and a little bit of magic. Spicy, funny, heartfelt, and never bogged down by stereotypes. Highly recommended for your next cozy read!

    In "The Making of a Highlander" by Elisa Braden, readers are transported to Scotland in the mid-19th century, where the feisty and determined heroine, Annie Tulloch, finds herself in a unique situation. Teased and taunted by the handsome Englishman, John Huxley, Annie sees an opportunity to strike a bargain that could fulfill her own needs while helping John win a challenge at the Highland Games. As their relationship deepens and evolves, the story unfolds with emotional revelations, humorous moments, and a touch of magic, making it a captivating and engaging historical romance. Elisa Braden's writing style shines through in her well-rounded characters, witty banter, and the seamless integration of paranormal elements, creating a story that is both heartwarming and enchanting.

    Annie tossed the foul linen pouch on the old woman’s table. “I could tuck it betwixt the cheeks of my arse, ye daft crone, and the result would be the same. It doesnae work.” She planted her hands on...
    April 2020
    410 pages

  3. #3

    Rules for a Proper Governess - MacKenzies & McBrides by Jennifer Ashley
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    It’s a charming, heartwarming, and slightly improbable historical romance - with unforgettable characters, humor, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. Best enjoyed with your sense of fun turned all the way up!

    Bertie, a seasoned pickpocket from London's East End, catches the attention of barrister Sinclair McBride when she steals from him. Instead of punishing her, Sinclair hires Bertie as a governess for his unruly children, who are still mourning the loss of their mother. As Bertie brings life and laughter back into their household, she also helps Sinclair cope with his grief and find happiness again. Set in 1885, the story delves into themes of grief, love, and acceptance, with a mix of action, adventure, suspense, and emotion woven throughout the plot. The book portrays a romance between two unlikely characters from different social classes, addressing the challenges they face in their relationship.

    His voice drew her, and Bertie wanted to hear more of it. She leaned forward in the balcony to watch the man standing upright and arrogant, one hand touching an open book on a table in front of him, t...
    October 2014
    321 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series MacKenzies & McBrides )

  4. #4

    All Scot and Bothered - Devil You Know by Kerrigan Byrne
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    A boldly dramatic historical with a lovable, unique heroine and a tough-shelled hero. Imbalanced at times but memorable - great for those who like their romances steamy, suspenseful, and a little over the top. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a satisfying read if you crave angsty, unconventional love stories.

    "All Scot and Bothered" in the series "Devil You Know" by Kerrigan Byrne follows the story of Cecilia Teague, a strong and intelligent woman who inherits a gambling den school that is more of a bordello. When Cecilia is forced to pose as the Scarlet Lady during a police raid, she comes face to face with Cassius Gerard Ramsay, the Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. Despite their initial misunderstandings, Cassius and Cecilia must work together to uncover a hidden mission and face a faceless enemy, all while navigating their growing attraction and past traumas. The writing style of Kerrigan Byrne expertly weaves together themes of body image, imperfections, and the power of love in a fast-paced and emotional historical romance full of mystery, intrigue, and steamy love scenes.

    Cassius Gerard Ramsay, Lord Chief Justice of the High Court, convinced himself the extended abstinence had to be why he was currently plagued with a physical malady he hadn’t suffered since his adoles...
    September 2020
    416 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Devil You Know )

  5. #5
    In Bed with a Highlander
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:McCabe

    In Bed with a Highlander - McCabe by Maya Banks
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    A fun, fast-paced Highlander romance brimming with humor, heart, and heat - great for fans of classic historical love stories, but less so for those wanting deep plots or modern sensibilities. Expect swoon, swordplay, and plenty of entertaining antics.

    'In Bed with a Highlander' by Maya Banks is a historical romance novel set in the Scottish Highlands. The story follows the main characters Mairin Stuart and Ewan McCabe as they navigate through a plot filled with romance, suspense, and drama. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and an intriguing storyline that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

    August 2011
    368 pages

  6. #6

    Portrait of a Scotsman - A League of Extraordinary Women by Evie Dunmore
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    A bold, steamy historical romance blending political bite, real emotion, and a Beauty & the Beast vibe. Not everyone's cup of tea, but unforgettable for those who love their romance with heart and history.

    A Portrait of a Scotsman is the third book in the 'A League of Extraordinary Women' series by Evie Dunmore. The story follows Hattie Greenfield, a daughter of a banker studying art at Oxford, who finds herself in a marriage of convenience with Lucian Blackstone, a self-made man from Scotland with a secretive past. As their relationship evolves, they navigate through challenges, societal expectations, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of the women's suffrage movement in Victorian England. The book explores themes of love, marriage, social equality, women's rights, and the struggles faced by women and workers during that era.

    As she hovered on the rain-soaked pavement in front of the Chelsea town house she was about to infiltrate, feeling hot beneath her woolen cloak, Hattie Greenfield couldn’t help but think back to the l...
    September 2021
    432 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series A League of Extraordinary Women )

  7. #7
    The Governess Game
    by: 
    Book 2 in the series:Girl Meets Duke

    The Governess Game - Girl Meets Duke by Tessa Dare
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    Funny, heartwarming, and joyfully romantic - The Governess Game is a delightful pick-me-up for anyone craving a smart, sweet, and slightly zany love story.

    "The Governess Game" by Tessa Dare is a historical romance novel set in the series 'Girl Meets Duke'. The story follows Alexandra Mountbatten, a professional clock setter turned governess, who finds herself employed by Chase Reynaud, the duke's heir with a less than stellar reputation. Alex must navigate taking care of Chase's two young wards, Daisy and Rosamund, who engage in quirky and amusing antics. As the relationship between Alex and Chase develops, they both learn from each other and find unexpected connections amidst humorous situations and romantic entanglements. Tessa Dare's writing style is praised for its witty banter, engaging characters, and inclusion of funny and heartwarming moments throughout the book.

    Using the sofa’s upholstered arm for leverage, he pushed to a sitting position. As he did so, his brain sloshed with regret. He rubbed his temples, ruing his behavior the night before. And his licenti...
    August 2018
    361 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Girl Meets Duke )

  8. #8

    Brazen and the Beast - The Bareknuckle Bastards by Sarah MacLean
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    A bold, sizzling historical romance that champions female ambition and unconventional love - engaging, emotional, and perfect for fans of heroines who break the mold.

    In "Brazen and the Beast," the second book in "The Bareknuckle Bastards" series by Sarah MacLean, the story revolves around the fierce and independent Lady Henrietta Sedley, also known as Hattie, and Saviour Whittington, alias Beast, one of the powerful Bareknuckle Bastards. Hattie embarks on her 'Year of Hattie' by discovering a man tied up in her carriage, setting off a chain of events that intertwines their lives in both business and pleasure. As they navigate their unlikely partnership, facing threats and challenges, a deep connection forms between them, leading to a steamy and captivating romance set against the backdrop of Covent Garden's underworld.

    Sarah MacLean's writing style masterfully weaves together a tale of strong characters, intense chemistry, and intricate plot twists. The book explores themes of family loyalty, resilience, and the pursuit of one's dreams, all while delivering a captivating historical romance filled with passion and intrigue.

    She’d learned, for example, that if a lady could not get away with wearing trousers (an unfortunate reality for the daughter of an earl, even one who had begun life without title or fortune), then she...
    July 2019
    400 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Bareknuckle Bastards )

  9. #9

    Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
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    A heartwarming, funny, and emotionally satisfying historical romance that remains a fan favorite - ideal for anyone craving an uplifting tale of love, healing, and standing up for yourself.

    In "Saving Grace" by Julie Garwood, Lady Johanna, a young woman who endured an abusive marriage, finds herself in an arranged marriage to Scottish laird Gabriel MacBain. Together, they navigate the challenges of merging two clans while Johanna rediscovers her courage and confidence. The book is a medieval romance filled with comical moments, strong themes of empowerment, and a focus on the plight of women in the medieval ages.

    Kelmet, her faithful steward and senior in charge since Baron Raulf Williamson’s hasty departure from England on the king’s personal business, was given the responsibility of telling his mistress the...
    1993
    465 pages

  10. #10

    My Favorite Bride - Governess Brides by Christina Dodd
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    A fun, spicy, and sometimes controversial Sound of Music remix for romance fans who like their heroines feisty, their heroes stubborn, and their stories with a dash of intrigue - but it's not for everyone.

    'My Favorite Bride' by Christina Dodd is a historical romance novel that takes inspiration from 'The Sound of Music'. The story follows Samantha Prendergast, a former pickpocket turned governess, who finds herself working for Colonel William Gregory, a stern man with six unruly daughters. As they navigate their differences and past traumas, they embark on a journey of heart-wrenching trials and hilarious moments, ultimately leading to a resounding yes in finding true love. The book is filled with witty banter, character growth, and nods to the original musical that inspired it, creating a fun, funny, heartfelt, and hot romance.

    Samantha woke to the clatter of dishes at her bedside. She pushed her hair out of her eyes and watched as the plump young maid drew the olive and gold brocade curtains. Morning sunlight poured in, and...
    2002
    384 pages

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