It’s time to admit to my readers my secret (well – not so secret) love for Historical Romance novels. Really anyone who has read my previous blog posts, or knows me even a little, knows I love to indulge in these steamy “bodice rippers.”  

My obsession with these books began when I was a young teenager and I found a box of books my mom had in our storage area.  I would take them out of the box and read them under the covers late at night in my room.  I learned recently she knew about my clandestine reading adventures, but she never said anything.  I thought I was so sneaky! Now as a librarian and a mother I applaud her for honoring my right to read even as a young adult!  

I loved these books right away because they contained plenty of adventure, romance, steamy scenes and most importantly a happy ending.  Happy endings were important to me as a teenager and they continue to be important to me now, and they are important to the millions of romance readers in the world.  I have branched out in my reading tastes as a grown-up but I readily admit that Historical Romances are still my go to books for when I am feeling tired, sad or just need a quick fun read.  Let’s be honest…I read them when I am happy, or at the beach or on vacation…you get the idea! 

Anyhow, here are some of my recent favorites! (It’s probably not a coincidence that all of these feature a Scottish hero or heroine)

Mad for the Plaid by Karen Hawkins
This is the third in the series, so you might want to go back and start with the first book.  This one has adventure as the hero Nikolai Romanovin travels the countryside with Mairi MacKenzie to rescue his kidnapped grandmother.  As you can guess as they escape dangerous situations the sparks start fly! 

Wild Wicked Scot by Julia London
This is my favorite so far this year and it’s the beginning of a new series so watch for more from Julia London!  This one features Margot Armstrong and Arran McKenzie, who is all Scottish all the time!   They were married young in an arranged marriage and the results really were tragic.  However, Margo returns to her husband and Scotland (albeit under suspicious circumstances) and despite their obstacles they start to mend their marriage.  I loved how this one made me believe that even the most mismatched couple could work out their differences!  

The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne 
Kerrigan Byrne was a new author to me and I loved this book!  It’s the third in the series so start with book one.  Liam, Colonel MacKenzie and Mena, a prim and proper English governess, are a very mismatched couple, but for them it really works!  This couple is a lot of fun and this was a very delightful, sexy and satisfying read!  

If you are intrigued by the genre you should also check out Julia Quinn…another one of my favorite historical romance authors.