Connie Brockway: All-Time Favorite Scottish Romances, Part I
Guest contributor Connie Brockway is a best-selling Romance author, eight-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA
award, and two-time recipient for My Dearest Enemy and
The Bridal Season.
My alma mater, Macalester College, used to hold a Scottish Faire during which Bonny lassies would cheer hirsute Braveheart wannabes to their best endeavors in a modern rendition of the Highland games. Now, I’m not claiming that the sight of brave young laddies in kilts heaving telephone poles (aka cabers) around a football field engendered my love of Scottish romances, but it sure didn’t hurt.
Alas, the Highland Fair fell victim to the last economic downturn and it’s been several years since the ghost of Robert Burns has goosed the co-eds on Olin Field. My love of Scottish romance has not dimmed, however, so this past month I asked my readers to submit their all-time favorite Scottish romances. The results were unsurprising (to see a full list of the titles submitted, subscribe to my newsletter), but there were some “Hey! I haven’t read that one,” moments. In fact, there were so many fine suggestions (for both old and newer titles) that I simply can’t do them all justice in one column. So, next month it’s “Hoot Man, Part Two!”
Bewitching by Jill Barnett
Barnett pairs a somewhat inept, always adorable Scottish witch with a chill, pragmatic nobleman in this light-hearted take on Bell, Book, and Candle. I loved watching the cold duke’s heart being melted in spite of himself by the lovely Scottish girl whom he weds in haste, unaware of her magic propensities.
Highland Surrender by Tracy Brogan
Believing her in-laws murdered her mum is a valid reason for Fiona Sinclair to be an unhappy bride. And concern over whether his new bride's going to make herself a widow might dampen the spirits of a lesser man, but—need I say this?—not Scotsman Myles Campbell. Treachery and political intrigue provide a well-textured backdrop for a poignant romance in which a young girl, well out of her depths, struggles to reconcile what she thinks she knows with what her heart tells her. A classic sweep-me-away tale of romance and daring-do!
Son of the Morning by Linda Howard
Dumb Connie never read this book, despite the hype. But now that’s been rectified, and wowza, am I ever glad. Heart-pounding suspense, cool arcane tidbits, time travel, hearts afire across the centuries--this book is the whole package! An archeologist in possession of history-altering info is pursued by uber-bad guys and protected across time by a burning hunk-of-gorgeous Knight Templar. I know, crazy. But it works!
Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn
This is as far from the tender Bewitching as you’re likely to find: Paula Quinn doesn’t hold back on the grit and gore in this tale of star-crossed lovers from bitter enemy clans. Callum MacGregor's set on revenge for the genocide of his clan--clearly, not without justification--so when fate delivers a fierce, fiery, and equally justified in hating his clans' guts lassie into his hands, it's up in the air whether he'll bed her, wed her, or dead her. (Couldn’t resist the rhyme.)
The Last Debutante by Julia London
London's in full winsome mode in this lovely Scottish romp. Spinster Daria Babcock hits the Highlands on a mission to rescue her dear old gran, only to discover the old lady tending a bloody laird (no, that’s not a oath--he really is bleeding) who'd come to reclaim the money the old lady had stolen and been shot by the same. The confounded Scotsman takes Daria hostage, and so begins a battle of the sexes and hearts. Great, great fun! --Connie Brockway
Celinda on March 07, 2013 at 08:18 PM
This list is incomplete and borders on farcical without the inclusion of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
Awesomebooklovers.wordpress.com on March 08, 2013 at 02:45 AM
Thanks for the article! Great list of books!
Connie Brockway on March 08, 2013 at 05:49 AM
Hi Celinda,
This isn't the list of recommendations. That list is 95 titles strong and, as you guessed, the all time favorite is, indeed, OUTLANDER, followed by THE BRIDE. This is simply a group of books that I myself enjoyed--a sort of sampler box, if you will. If you would like to see the entire list, it is available to my newseltter subscribers at the link in the column above.
Sarah on March 08, 2013 at 07:51 AM
KUDOS for not listing Outlander! Why? cause I think it is on everyone's list.
I read a Paula Quinn a couple of years ago, and I thought it was great - making me want to read more of hers. She reminded me of Garwood's Scottish romances.
I loved Bewitching!
And I got the list you sent out Connie! I was very happy to see my selection in the top 10! :)
Jennie Robertson on March 08, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Hoping to get the list!
Jill Barnett on March 08, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Thank you, Connie, dear friend. Love getting the plug. You certainly have some great Scots books, amongst all the other winners you've written. I love, love, loved OUTLANDER when I read it, which was hot off the press and well before it was given away at RWA and subsequently became popular. But I'll take being on a farcical list. BEWITCHING fits there! And I've got three new, very unique, Scottish historicals coming next year.
XO
Barnett
JenM on March 08, 2013 at 01:00 PM
I love that the list is not your typical books - and I will be sure to check these out! Thank you - they all sound great!!! (And thank you for not listing Outlander here. I couldn't stand that book. I think it's overrated and not nearly as good as many MANY other books I've read!)
Connie Brockway on March 08, 2013 at 05:11 PM
Ms Barnett-- you are and always have been one of my favorite authors! can't WAIT to see what you have in store for us next. Pllllleeeez let me know the particulars! Cheers!
Romily Bernard on March 08, 2013 at 05:15 PM
Such a great list! I have new additions for my TBR pile now! Thank you!
Connie Brockway on March 08, 2013 at 06:24 PM
glad you liked it, Romily! I hope you enjoy some new hot-scots!
Tracy Brogan on March 13, 2013 at 06:37 PM
I'm thrilled to be on this list among such fabulous company!!!
Traci on March 31, 2013 at 10:27 AM
I loved Highland Surrender and thought there could be none better than Julie Garwood however, I just finished The Pride of Lions and Blood of Roses these two books should be at the top of the list. I have read Outlander Marsha Canham's books are far superior to Gabaldon's tale. I will be reading both books again soon and recommend to anyone who loves romance to do the same!