I first discovered Western romances by reading those written by my favorite authors who also wrote stories set in other eras. Since then, I have become a true fan of the subgenre and find myself every now and then reaching for a good romance from the Old West. I love those Indian and gun-slinging heroes. So, it seemed a “best” list was in order to share some of these wonderful stories with you. See the list on Historical Romance Review.

“It is a coat of arms, the tartan, worn proudly for all men to see and take warning. And the plaid is an admirable piece of invention, serving as a suit of clothes or a blanket for sleeping or a braw protection against the wildest storm.” — Jan Cox Speas, My Lord Monleigh

What Scottish or Highlander historical romance would be complete without men wearing plaid? But did you know that many of the tartans we recognize today were the creations of tailors during the reign of Queen Victoria? Nevertheless, the basic concept of the plaid and the wearing of the kilt have their origin in the early Scottish and Irish clans and families, so we can take heart. Based on my own research, I know the Highlanders were wearing plaid trews in the 12th century. Read more.

Geddes MacGregor once wrote, “No one in Scotland can escape from the past. It is everywhere, haunting like a ghost.” Scotland’s past is the subject of this best list, romance novels set in Scotland, most in that magical part of Scotland called the Highlands. Some have a Scot as a hero or heroine. The best are set deep in Scotland’s history. All are rated 4 or 5 stars. See the list here: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/2020/05/best-scottish-historical-romances.html

Since I've finished three series (The Agents of the Crown, The Donet Trilogy and the Medieval Warriors), I'm heading back to the Medieval Era to begin a new series: The Clan Donald Saga.

Book 1 in the series will be Summer Warrior. It's the story of Somerled, the Norse-Gael who forged the Kingdom of the Isles and became the founder of Clan Donald. See the new book page and read the description:

     His parentage was noble, of the Norse line of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, High King of Ireland. But with the coming of the Northmen, his family fortunes had fallen miserably. The Gaels despaired of ever being free. When all hope was gone, Somerled rose to the fore, sweeping across Argyll and the Isles like a fast-moving storm, drawing the disenfranchised to him in great numbers--the Scots, the Gaels and the Irish who longed for one to lead them.

     Having lost one wife, Somerled had no thought to seek another, much less did he expect to find love. Yet one look at Ragnhild galloping on a magnificent white horse across the green hills of Man and he never forgot her. Olaf the Red, King of Man and the Isles, had plans for his only daughter that did not include marriage to an upstart foreign Gael.

     Brilliant in strategy and fearless in battle, Somerled began retaking his ancestral lands, driving away the invaders and freeing the people from the Norse stranglehold. In doing so, he would win the title Somerle Mor, Somerled the Mighty, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne. But could he win the heart of a Norse king's daughter and convince her father to give him her hand?

Coming this summer!

Sometimes when I talk to fellow readers of historical romance, or even authors, and I mention a name from the past, an author who helped shape the genre, like Kathleen Woodiwiss or Rosemary Rogers, I get a blank stare in return. It occurred to me that as lovers of a genre it might be helpful to read some of the classics to see where we’ve come from and to enjoy the greats who have contributed so much to the craft.

Except for several novels of note in earlier decades, I’m starting in the 1970s. And while I may not have included your favorite author, by reading the romances on this list, you’ll have a good idea of our beginnings and what so many wonderful authors have done for the genre. Think of it as a Recommended Reading List for the Uninitiated in modern historical romance.

So, here’s the list of those I recommend, a sampling meant to give you a picture of how the genre has developed. Some may require you to shop online for a used book though many are available as ebooks. Most are novels I’ve rated 5 stars, so I promise you won’t be bored.  See the list HERE.

It’s that time of year when I share my favorite heroes and heroines from the novels I have rated 5-stars. Noble men who overcome tortured pasts, flaws and the odds against them to pursue love and heroines who persist against great obstacles to be with the man to whom they would give their heart—strong, intelligent women of character. Every one a worthy hero and heroine. The best are set deep in history.

This is a list of my favorites, my Christmas gift to you! This just might be your next year’s reading list!

Now on KU for the first time, two of my holiday novellas, The Twelfth Night Wager and The Holly & The Thistle. Get in the mood for the season!

"Loved the sizzling attraction between these two and the little Christmas magic that bought the two together. The Twelfth Night Wager had everything I could ask for. Wonderful romance, likeable characters, and a sweet storyline!" ​— Lilly Pond Reads

"...a wonderful addition to any romance lover's collection and in this reviewer's humble opinion, goes best with some chocolates and a nice glass of wine." — Breath of Life Reviews

It takes talent to write a great historical romance novel, but to write three in a row and make them all worthy reads is a challenge. Of course, I recognize this omits some wonderful single titles and some great multi-book series, but if you like to read trilogies, as I do, take a look at my list of the ones I recommend HERE.