Every romance reader has their favorite hero archetype. For some it is cowboys; for others it’s a man in a uniform or a billionaire or a shifter. One of my favorites is the Scottish Highlander. If the popularity of the Outlander series and the prolific sale of Highlander romance novels are any indication, I’m not alone. What is the appeal of these heroic hunks from the highlands? I can give you five good reasons why romance readers love men in kilts. Maybe you can add another reason!
Kin and clan
Highlanders are family men. They are known for fiercely protecting their strongholds and lands. So strong is the tie to family that over time tartan plaids have become associated with certain clans. Highlanders and their kin take great pride in their heritage. In fact, many clansmen weren’t blood relatives but tenants who took a chief’s family name to show solidarity and loyalty.
Rough and rugged
Unlike their period counterparts—the elegant Earl and the superlative Duke—Highlanders come across as a bit untamed. Maybe it’s the remoteness of the Scottish highlands or the tales of fearsome Highland warriors. No matter the reason, this raw masculinity is a compelling feature of these heroes.
The allure of Celtic myth and legend
With a history more than 10,000 years in the making (research has shown that people occupied this region as early as 3500 BC), Scotland’s culture is rich in myth and legend, including Celtic mythology. This colorful folklore adds an element of mystery to Scottish romance and its heroes and heroines.
The accent.
Sexy is as sexy says! The lilt or purr or growl of a Scottish burr is enough to make even the primmest of readers shift uncomfortably in her seat. When reading a Scottish romance, does your hero sound like Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor or Gerald Butler? No matter—each is pure aural pleasure.
Kilts
Let’s face it—Highlanders are all about the kilt. No other garment is more of a contradiction to masculinity, yet nothing is more manly than a Scot in a Feileadh Beag. There’s also that eternal question: What lies beneath a kilt?
My newest release, The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage, is my second romance to feature a Scottish hero. (The first, The Highlander’s Choice, is also part of the Marriage Mart Mayhem series.)
Scotland, 1817 — The Duke of Manchester’s sister, Lady Sarah Lacey, always abides by the rules of etiquette. Fate, however, has no such confines. On a journey to the Scottish Highlands, Lady Sarah is set upon by misfortune-leaving her without carriage or chaperone, and left to the mercy of a kind and handsome gentleman. Whom (in order to secure a room at an inn) she announces is her husband.
When she proclaims they’re married in public, Professor Braeden McKinnon can’t bring himself to correct the lovely Lady Sarah. After all, her reputation would be ruined. Nor can he tell her that her proclamation is not only legally binding in Scotland, but sharing a room is considered to be an act of consummation…
Now they are bound together until death do they part-even if Sarah has no intention of becoming any man’s wife.
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About Callie Hutton
Callie Hutton, USA Today bestselling author of The Elusive Wife, writes both Western Historical and Regency romance with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two.
Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, a daughter-in-law, twin grandsons and her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years (although thankfully not all in the same home!). Living in the Midwest provides plenty of opportunities for Callie do pursue her interests: researching American history, meeting readers, spending time with family and discovering new adventures.
Callie loves to hear from readers and welcomes the opportunity to become friends, both in person or virtually.
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My father’s family is Scottish, so we always went to recreations of the Highland games when I was a kid. And yes, the accent is sexy.
I am of Scottish ancestry, so I like the characters in this book. Very interesting read.
That was an interesting teaser of the book. I would love to read romance novels once in a while, although I am more of a crime and suspense fanatic. Thanks for letting me know about this book, “The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage.” Of course, I do agree that the accent is indeed sexy. 🙂
This sounds like an excellent read. I love a good romance novel, and you’re right. Highlanders are rough and rugged.
Ooh, I wouldn’t mind looking into this genre. It would be fun to read a romance with some Scottish characters.
Kilts are fun and for some reason I am always drawn to bagpipes. This sounds like a good read!
Sounds like a fun book. I too love all things Celtic, so this would be something I would enjoy. I would love to read about a family that lives in Scotland, and to read about how they interact and such. I am Irish, but Scottish is the next best thing 🙂
This series sound interesting. I like period pieces and this seems like it would be a great read.
We have no Scottish anywhere in our family. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t able to enjoy the Highlander movies (except the first one which was meh) or the series, I loved them.
I have always been fascinated by the Scottish and the Celtics. So much interesting history!
Ah the Highlanders, the ruggedness, those good looks, and those accents. Yes, it’s definitely the accents! I can’t wait to read this series!
Sounds like a really interesting book. I love reading about other heritages.
You have lured this gal into adding this book to her wishlist. I haven’t read a fiction book in awhile. It’s time I pick one up.
This sounds like a good book.
Interesting to hear your perspective of Scottish attraction.
I love reading this book. All characters are awesome to read.
My ancestry is Scottish, and I like the interesting characters!
I have been reading quite a bit of scottish “Romance” I guess novels lately so I agree with this post. They are often fun books to read, I like the scottish legends.
Hubby is pure Scott! His mom was a Highlander, his dads family was from the Isle of Skye. Strong men, fierce, loyal, and extremely protective, but hearts of gold. Love to hear him speak Gaelic. His grandparents were indentured servants sent to Nova Scotia to work off their parents debts. They escaped to Maine, and changed their names.
I love the Outlander series. I think it’s the untamed quality of highlanders that I enjoy.
I always love highlander because of its romantic events and beautiful history. I read highlander books a lot.