If you liked Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, you may have enjoyed the unlikely romances, the Scottish rogues, the time travel adventures, the political drama, or all of the above. After all, these are what make these historical romance novels a riveting read.
Although you may not find other books with the exact same elements, you’ll find the following books are just as swoon-worthy and offer a dose of history and political drama.
Books Like Outlander Full of Romantic Adventure
Here are some of our top picks of books you’ll enjoy if you loved Outlander:
1. A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
Jude Deveraux is a master of romance novels, and this time travel tale will surely enthrall you as present-day Dougless Montgomery comes face to face with Nicholas Stafford, Earl of Thornwyck—and falls in love with him, despite the fact that she knows he lived and died back in the 16th century!
2. At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen
The author of the bestselling Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen tells a story set during World War II. Maddie and her husband are two Americans who head to Scotland to escape public humiliation. What happens when Maddie gets drawn into a group of newfound friends, and grows particularly close to a local innkeeper named Angus?
3. Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati
In this book, you’ll get a taste of one of the favorite themes of most Outlander fans, which is when Claire and Jamie moved to America: Elizabeth Middleton has just moved to America when she meets Nathaniel Bonner, raised by Mohawk Native Americans, with whom a love relationship is considered taboo.
4. The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
This Victorian-era romance follows the story of Evangeline Jenner, who bets against her husband Sebastian about his playboy ways. But when the deadline for the bet approaches, she finds herself drawn by Sebastian’s chivalry—but is it all real or just a show?
5. Rebellion by Nora Roberts
With a setting that’s strikingly similar to Outlander, you will likely enjoy this book that deals with the Jacobites in the Scottish Highlands during the 1700s. The story follows Serena MacGregor, a fiery Scot who initially disdains Brigham Langston, an English lord.
6. The Scribe of Siena by Melodie Winawer
This historical novel is also reminiscent of Outlander, although this one is set in medieval Italy. Beatrice Trovato, a neurosurgeon from the 21st century, finds herself thrown back to 1347 where there’s a plot to destroy the city of Siena.
7. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Set during World War II, Tatiana Metanova is a 17-year-old who meets Alexander, a Red Army soldier, but she later finds out her sister is already in love with him! Tatiana battles against her attraction amidst the lurking dangers of war.
8. The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
This book is like Outlander set in Camelot. This first book in the trilogy follows the story of Languoreth, a forgotten, though powerful, queen of Scotland back in the 6th century, who also happens to be the twin sister of the person who inspired Merlin.
9. Some Like It Plaid by Angela Quarles
When Ashley Miller responds to a Craigslist ad to take an all-expense paid trip to Scotland with a gorgeous Highland “escort,” she has no idea it will whisk her off to 2nd century Scotland, where she’s married to the said handsome Highlander, whose tribe has run out of eligible brides. But it turns out the Druid priest managed to fetch a sassy new one from a few centuries in the future!
10. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This unique tale follows Chicago librarian Henry, who has a rare genetic disorder that carries him = unpredictably through different time periods. He meets a six-year-old girl named Clare during one of his time travels, and he marries her at a different point in time when she is 23 and Henry is 31.
11. All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai
Set in 2016, Tom Barren has everything he could ask for, thanks to the power of technology—everything except his dream girl, that is. But he has a time machine and ends up in a horrible alternate reality, which is clearly our present day, where he may have found his soulmate. Should he go back to his loveless but perfect life?
Reading Books Like Outlander
Books like Outlander offer an exciting read, partly because of the expert storytelling of a time travel element with realistic historical settings. The love story angle doesn’t hurt either, especially since the dynamic isn’t cheesy and is something many can relate to.
But if you want to grow as a reader, we would also encourage you to explore beyond your usual genres. Hopefully, our recommended book lists can help you find your next big read!
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
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- 12 Best Historical Fiction Books to Read Right Now
- 22 Best Historical Romance Novels: When Love Meets History
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
