Books Like...
'Highland Vow' by Hannah Howell is set in the Scottish Highlands and follows the story of Elspeth Murray and Cormac Armstrong. Elspeth, daughter of clan leader Balfour Murray, rescues Cormac when he is severely wounded and, ten years later, Cormac returns the favor by saving Elspeth from a dangerous situation. is filled with humor, well-developed characters, and engaging storylines that keep readers hooked. The writing style is comforting and brings a smile, even though some historical inaccuracies are noted. Overall, the book is a fast read with passionate moments and a strong focus on romance set in 15th-century Scotland.
If you liked Highland Vow, here are the top 14 books to read next:
(We also have 16 recommendations for the series: Murray Family)
- #1
'Seducing the Duchess' by Ashley March tells the story of Philip, Duke of Rutherford, and Charlotte, Duchess of Rutherford, who have been married for three years but without love between them. Philip married Charlotte for revenge, but now realizes he loves her and wants to reconcile. However, Charlotte is desperate for a divorce and scandalizes society to force Philip's hand. explores their tumultuous relationship, filled with love, hate, betrayal, and angst, as they navigate their past and present feelings for each other. The writing style is described as lush, sensual, and evocative, drawing readers in with rich, layered characters and a fresh take on a reconciliation story.
She did not walk like a lady; she didn’t walk like any other woman he had ever known. Every move was calculated to draw masculine eyes to the voluptuous lines of her body—the taunting sway of her hips... - #2
'The Velvet Promise' by Jude Deveraux is the first book in the Montgomery/Taggert series, set in the early Tudor era. The story follows Lady Judith, who is forced to marry Gavin Montgomery for her lands, even though Gavin is in love with another woman, Alice. As Gavin slowly begins to appreciate Judith's beauty and intelligence, their relationship faces challenges from Alice's scheming and manipulative ways. The plot is filled with twists and turns, showcasing a mix of love, betrayal, and family dynamics within the Montgomery clan.
The writing style in 'The Velvet Promise' is praised for its detailed historical descriptions of clothing, food, and daily living, transporting readers to the post-Wars of the Roses period in England. Despite some criticisms of thin plotting and certain character behaviors, the book is commended for its engaging storytelling, strong-willed characters, and the intriguing dynamic between Judith, Gavin, and Alice.
THE MOON CAST LONG SHADOWS OVER THE OLD STONE tower which rose three stories high and seemed to scowl down, in a tired way, at the broken and crumbling wall that surrounded it. The tower had been buil...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Montgomery/Taggert ) - #3
Midnight Blue by L.J. Shen is a rockstar romance that follows the journey of Alex Winslow, a troubled rockstar on a world tour, and Indie Bellamy, his unique and determined babysitter. The book delves into their complex relationship, featuring dialogue, characters, and locations brought to life by the author's stunning writing style. As the story progresses, readers are taken on a roller coaster of emotions, from angst to passion, with unexpected twists that keep them engaged till the end.
“When we advertised the job for a PA position, we kind of, sort of, what’s the word I’m looking for…? Lied.” Slamming her chrome MacBook shut, she splayed her bony, manicured fingers on top of it, sho... - #4
Bound by Duty is the second book in the Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles by Cora Reilly. The story follows Valentina, a widow who enters into an arranged marriage with Dante Cavallaro, the Capo of the Outfit in Chicago. Despite both characters being consumed by loss from their previous marriages, they navigate their relationship, filled with secrets and challenges. The book delves into the mafia world, showcasing power struggles, loyalty, and the complexities of arranged marriages in this dangerous setting. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on character development, relationships, and the emotional growth of the protagonists.
Of course I’d known it would happen. My father had made his standpoint clear the moment my first husband Antonio had been buried. I was too young to stay unmarried. But I hadn’t expected my father to ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles ) - #5
'Overruled' by Emma Chase is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Stanton Shaw, a high-powered attorney in Washington, D.C., who finds himself in a complicated situation when his high school sweetheart, Jenny, decides to marry someone else. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery as Stanton navigates his feelings for Jenny and his growing connection with Sofia Santos, a colleague and friend who accompanies him back to his hometown to try and stop the wedding. The writing style is engaging and humorous, with a focus on character development and relationships, particularly the dynamics between Stanton, Jenny, and Sofia.
The plot of 'Overruled' delves into the complexities of relationships, showcasing the evolution of characters like Stanton, who initially comes off as a narcissistic and selfish male lead but gradually shows growth and redemption. Through a mix of humor, passion, and family dynamics, the story unfolds with unexpected twists and moments of self-realization for the characters. The book balances steamy romance with comedic elements and touches on themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the unpredictability of love.
Most stories start at the beginning. But not this one. This one starts at the end. Or, at least, what I thought was the end—of my life, my dreams, my future. I thought it was all over because of two w... - #6
'Pretend You're Mine' by Lucy Score follows the story of Harper and Luke, two individuals with troubled pasts who are brought together by chance. Harper, a kind-hearted and spontaneous woman running from her past, finds herself in a small town where she crosses paths with Luke, a closed-off and private man who is about to deploy to Afghanistan. Despite their differences, they are drawn together and end up sharing a home temporarily, leading to a fake romance to keep Luke's parents from meddling. As their secrets are revealed, their relationship faces challenges, with both characters struggling to overcome their past traumas and fears of love. The story is filled with touching moments, believable emotions, and a cast of well-developed characters who help Harper and Luke navigate their budding romance.
The writing style of Lucy Score in 'Pretend You're Mine' is praised for its ability to evoke a range of emotions from laughter to tears, creating a heartwarming and immersive reading experience. The author skillfully crafts a storyline that balances romance, humor, and real-life struggles, making the characters' behaviors and reactions feel authentic even in extreme situations. is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, providing a complete story without any cliffhangers, and featuring relatable characters that readers can care about and become invested in.
What had she ever seen in that jackass? She yanked the sun visor down, squinting against the low spring sun. At least the setting sun meant this day from hell was almost over. Even if she still had no... - #7
'Silver Lining' by Maggie Osborne is an early American historical romance that follows the story of Max McCord and 'Low Down' Louise. Low Down nurses a town of men during a pox epidemic, and in return, they grant her wish for a baby. However, Max ends up drawing the unlucky marble and has to marry her, leading to a tumultuous relationship filled with angst and unexpected twists. The book is praised for its strong female protagonist, engaging plot, and a mix of humor and heartbreak.
Blushing furiously, Low Down scowled at the men saluting her and waving tin mugs of beer that Olaf had brewed for the occasion. As she'd never before been a guest of honor or been cheered, she didn't ... - #8
Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas is a Victorian romance novel that delves into the unusual and controversial plotline of a married aristocratic couple, Lord and Lady Tremaine, estranged for ten years after their marriage. The story unfolds by shifting between 1882, the year they meet and marry, and 1893, the year they reunite to produce an heir before seeking a divorce. The book intricately weaves together past and present events, revealing the complexities of their relationship, the reasons for their estrangement, and the emotional turmoil they experience.
The narrative of Private Arrangements is characterized by deep emotional intensity, complex character dynamics, and a non-linear storytelling approach. Sherry Thomas skillfully crafts a tale of love, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness, drawing readers into the lives of the protagonists, Gigi and Camden, as they navigate the repercussions of their past actions and strive to find their way back to each other. The book not only explores the romantic relationship between the main characters but also delves into the secondary storyline involving Gigi's mother and her own romantic pursuits, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative.
Happy marriages were considered vulgar, as matrimonial felicity rarely kept longer than a well-boiled pudding. Unhappy marriages were, of course, even more vulgar, on a par with Mrs. Jeffries's specia...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The London Trilogy ) - #9
'Beguiling the Beauty' by Sherry Thomas is a historical romance set in 1895 and follows the story of Venetia and Christian, who fall in love during a cruise home but face obstacles due to misunderstandings and societal gossip. The plot includes themes of mistaken identity, love at first sight, and the consequences of deception. The writing style is described as accomplished, with well-rounded adult characters and sparkling dialogue that keeps readers engaged throughout the story.
The ichthyosaur skeleton at Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology was incomplete. But the fish lizard was one of the first to be found on American soil, in the state of Wyoming, and the American uni... - #10
"Lady Gallant" by Suzanne Robinson is a historical romance set in the Tudor period during the reign of Mary Tudor, also known as Bloody Mary. The story follows the complex relationship between the heroine, Nora Beckett, and the hero, Christian de Rivers, Lord Monfort. Christian, a rake with a troubled past, marries Nora under false pretenses, believing she is a spy. As their tumultuous relationship unfolds, secrets are revealed, betrayals occur, and the characters navigate a society filled with intrigue, danger, and societal expectations. The writing style captures the essence of the time period, with well-drawn characters and a blend of drama, romance, and historical elements that keep readers engaged.
Nuns no longer went in fear of their lives, as they had in old King Harry's time, and one had broken her journey to her convent at the royal manor of Hatfield. Her shaking, mittened hand closed the do...