Where to Start Reading Amanda Scott
Amanda Scott (the pen name of Lynne Scott-Drennan) is celebrated as a pioneer of the Scottish historical romance subgenre. Over a writing career spanning more than four decades, she published over 60 novels. Because her work is divided into distinct historical settings—primarily medieval/renaissance Scotland and Regency-era England—your starting point depends on your preference in setting and tone.
For readers who want to experience her signature Scottish historical romances, the best place to start is the Secret Clan series, starting with Abducted Heiress, or the classic Border Trilogy, beginning with Border Bride. If you prefer the witty drawing rooms of the English Regency period, the award-winning standalone novel Lord Abberley's Nemesis is the perfect entry point.
The Scottish Highland and Border Series
Amanda Scott's Scottish novels are beloved for their rich historical detail, clan politics, and passionate relationships. While most of her series can be read independently, the books within each series are best enjoyed in publication order to track recurring families and historical backdrops.
The Border Trilogy (First Series)
Set in sixteenth-century Scotland, this trilogy is filled with family feuds, political intrigue, and strong-willed characters.
- Border Bride (1990)
- Border Fire (2000)
- Border Storm (2001)
The Secret Clan Series
This series follows the romantic and political adventures of the Gordon family and their allies in the rugged Scottish landscape.
- Abducted Heiress (2001)
- Hidden Heiress (2002)
- Reiver's Bride (2003)
- Highland Bride (2003)
The Isles / Templars Series
A six-book saga blending the wild beauty of the Scottish Isles with the mysterious legacy of the Knights Templar.
- Highland Princess (2004)
- Lord of the Isles (2005)
- Prince of Danger (2005)
- Lady's Choice (2006)
- Knight's Treasure (2007)
- King of Storms (2007)
The Border Trilogy (Second Series)
Scott returned to the Scottish Borders with this trio of novels, which won acclaim for their accurate depictions of regional conflicts and historical details.
- Border Wedding (2008)
- Border Lass (2008)
- Border Moonlight (2009)
The Galloway Trilogy
Set in Southwest Scotland, this trilogy follows the fortunes of three couples facing duty, danger, and romance.
- Tamed by a Laird (2009)
- Seduced by a Rogue (2009)
- Tempted by a Warrior (2009)
The Scottish Knights Trilogy
This trilogy follows three brave knights who must balance their loyalty to Scotland with the women who capture their hearts.
- Highland Master (2011)
- Highland Hero (2011)
- Highland Lover (2014)
Lairds of the Loch Series
A captivating series focusing on the protectors of Scotland's picturesque lochs and the ladies who challenge their authority.
- The Laird's Choice (2012)
- The Knight's Temptress (2013)
- The Warrior's Bride (2014)
Border Nights Series
A duology that takes place along the turbulent Anglo-Scottish border during the night-bound raids of the reivers.
- Moonlight Raider (2014)
- Devil's Moon (2015)
- The Reluctant Highlander (2017)
- The Kissing Stone (2018)
The Highland Series
An early, fan-favorite collection that showcases Scott's transition into the lush, mist-shrouded highlands of medieval Scotland.
- Highland Fling (1995)
- Highland Secrets (1997)
- Highland Treasure (1998)
- Highland Spirits (1999)
The English Regency Series & Standalones
Before cementing her legacy in Scottish romance, Amanda Scott was a prolific contributor to the Regency romance genre. Her Regency novels are known for their sharp-witted dialogue and accurate representations of early nineteenth-century society.
The Bath Trilogy
Set in the fashionable spa town of Bath, this trilogy follows the social intrigues and romantic escapades of high society.
- The Bath Quadrille (1991)
- Bath Charade (1991)
- The Bath Eccentric's Son (1992)
The Dangerous Series
A series of four novels involving high-stakes secrets, societal scandals, and intense romance during the Regency era.
- Dangerous Illusions (1994)
- Dangerous Games (1996)
- Dangerous Angels (1997)
- Dangerous Lady (1999)
Notable Regency Standalone Novels
While Scott wrote dozens of standalone historical romances, several stand out for their acclaim and enduring popularity among fans of the genre:
- The Fugitive Heiress (1981) — Amanda Scott's debut historical romance novel.
- Lord Abberley's Nemesis (1986) — A Regency masterpiece that won the RITA Award for Best Regency Romance.
- The Bawdy Bride (1995) — A witty and unconventional story featuring a strong-willed heroine.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Because Amanda Scott's series are self-contained within their respective trilogies or sequences, readers do not need to follow a strict chronological timeline across her entire bibliography. However, within individual series (such as the Isles/Templars or the Secret Clan), reading in publication order is highly recommended. The character growth, recurring family dynamics, and resolving political plotlines build directly from one book to the next, meaning that jumping into a later volume may spoil key events of the preceding novels.