Step into the misty moors of the Scottish Highlands, where love, duty, and a touch of plaid await in Grace Burrowes’ enchanting MacGregors series! This collection of historical romance novels, set in the early Victorian era, follows the dashing earls of Clan MacGregor as they navigate matters of the heart against a backdrop of rugged landscapes and societal expectations. With richly drawn characters and emotional depth, the series captures the essence of romance wrapped in kilts.
Burrowes, a New York Times bestselling author, crafts each standalone story with a perfect blend of wit, passion, and historical detail, making the MacGregors a must-read for fans of Scottish romance. Whether you’re drawn to tales of forbidden love or the clash of duty and desire, this series promises a heartwarming escape.
How MacGregors Began
Grace Burrowes, a practicing family law attorney turned romance novelist, found inspiration for the MacGregors series in her love for Scotland’s vibrant history and culture. Her fascination with the Victorian era, sparked by Queen Victoria’s affection for the Highlands, led her to create a series centered on Clan MacGregor’s noble earls. Launched in 2012 with The Bridegroom Wore Plaid, the series reflects Burrowes’ knack for weaving complex family dynamics and heartfelt romance, drawing from her own experiences growing up in a large family.
Burrowes’ dedication to authenticity shines through in her vivid depictions of the Highlands, inspired by her own travels to Scotland. Her goal was to craft stories that not only entertain but also transport readers to a time when honor and love were tested in equal measure.
The Heart of MacGregors
The MacGregors series comprises five books, each focusing on a different member of the clan. The Bridegroom Wore Plaid introduces Ian MacGregor, an earl tasked with marrying for wealth to save his clan, only to fall for the unassuming Augusta, challenging his priorities. In Once Upon a Tartan, Tiberius Flynn arrives to claim his niece but finds himself captivated by her spirited aunt, Hester, in a tale of unexpected love. The MacGregor’s Lady follows Asher MacGregor, who, while escorting American heiress Hannah Cooper, discovers a passion that defies their plans to avoid marriage. Finally, What a Lady Needs for Christmas delivers a festive romance as Lady Joan Flynn and mill owner Dante Hartwell turn a marriage of convenience into true love.
Themes of duty, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love run through the series, set against the lush, evocative Scottish Highlands. Burrowes’ lyrical prose and slow-burn romances create an immersive experience, while her focus on family ties—seen in the supportive MacGregor siblings—adds relatability. The Victorian setting, with its societal constraints and emerging modernity, provides a dynamic stage for stories that balance historical accuracy with emotional resonance.
Why MacGregors Resonates
The MacGregors series has carved a special place in the historical romance genre, earning praise for its compelling characters and atmospheric storytelling. Fans and critics, including Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, have lauded Burrowes for her ability to craft sensual yet heartfelt narratives. The series’ blend of humor, drama, and romance appeals to readers seeking both escapism and emotional depth, while its Scottish setting taps into the timeless allure of Highland lore.
Burrowes’ knack for creating relatable, flawed characters ensures the series’ lasting appeal. By exploring universal themes like love’s ability to bridge divides—whether cultural, social, or geographic—the MacGregors series continues to captivate readers, cementing its status as a beloved gem in historical romance.
- Publication Years: 2012–2014
- Number of Books: 5 (4 novels, 1 novella)
- Awards: The Bridegroom Wore Plaid named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012; Once Upon a Tartan won RT Reviewers’ Choice for Best Scotland-Set Historical Romance of 2013.
Grab The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and lose yourself in the MacGregors’ world of kilts, passion, and Highland charm!