Cathy MacRae Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Cathy MacRae?

For readers new to Cathy MacRae's historical romances, the best place to begin is with her flagship series, the Highlander's Bride series (sometimes cataloged as Highland Brides). Starting with the first publication, The Highlander's Accidental Bride, introduces you to the author's signature style: meticulously researched 14th-century Scottish settings, slow-burn romance, clan tensions, and independent heroines who challenge the era's constraints.

Alternatively, if you prefer stories focused on exceptionally fierce, multi-cultural, or unconventional warrior women, you can start with the Hardy Heroines series, co-authored with her husband, DD MacRae. Starting with Highland Escape gives you a direct entry point into these standalone-friendly adventures.

1. The Highlander's Bride Series (Highland Brides)

This is Cathy MacRae's signature series. Set in the rugged landscape of medieval Scotland, the stories revolve around royal decrees, clan rivalries, and unexpected love. While each book can be read as a standalone romance, they share recurring characters and political backdrops, making it most rewarding to read them in the order of their chronological character introduction.

Note on reading order: While The Highlander's Reluctant Bride was published later in some formats (with digital re-releases listed in 2021), the story of Lady Caitriona and Ranald Scott fits chronologically as the second major installment based on character connections and the timeline of King Robert II's decrees. The recommended order is:

1. The Highlander's Accidental Bride (2013) – Follows Laird Eaden Scott, who is ordered by the King to marry but accidentally abducts the wrong woman, Mary Marsh.
2. The Highlander's Reluctant Bride (2021 / originally 2015) – The story of Ranald Scott and Lady Caitriona Macrory clashing over Scaurness Castle and a forced royal marriage decree.
3. The Highlander's Tempestuous Bride (2014) – Focuses on Gilda Macrory and Ryan Macraig, weaving in elements of piracy and intense clan conflicts.
4. The Highlander's Outlaw Bride (2015) – Takes readers deeper into the perils of survival and outlawed clans.
5. The Highlander's French Bride (2015) – Explores the cross-cultural romance and alliances between Scottish and French nobility.

2. The Hardy Heroines Series

Co-authored with DD MacRae, this series features women who are survivors, fighters, and leaders. From half-Armenian crusaders to Norse and Viking shield-maidens, these books expand the boundaries of traditional Highland romance. They can be read as standalones, but the publication order is the easiest path through the series:

1. Highland Escape (2015)
2. The Highlander's Viking Bride (2017)
3. The Highlander's Crusader Bride (2017)
4. The Highlander's Norse Bride (2018)
5. The Highlander's Welsh Bride (2018)
6. The Prince's Highland Bride (2020)
7. The Highlander's Pirate Bride (2021)

3. The Ghosts of Culloden Moor (Highlanders: From the Mists of Time)

This massive, collaborative paranormal romance project was created and spearheaded by author L.L. Muir. The premise follows 79 fallen Highland warriors from the Battle of Culloden who haunt the moor until they are granted a chance at peace, redemption, and love in the modern 21st century. While the entire series spans dozens of books by various authors, Cathy MacRae contributed four key stories. It is highly recommended to read L.L. Muir's series opener, The Gathering, to understand the universe rules, before diving into Cathy's specific character novellas:

• The Gathering (2015) by L.L. Muir (Crucial introduction to the series rules)
• Adam (2015) – Cathy MacRae's first contribution (Book 11), following the ghost Adam Patrick Gordon.
• Malcolm (2016) – Book 16, where Malcolm Sinclair attempts to perform his required good deed in a distillery in Tennessee.
• MacLeod (2016) – Book 21, focusing on Hugh MacLeod's search for redemption.
• Patrick (2016) – Book 26, featuring the story of shoemaker and ghost Patrick Lindsay.

The remaining books in the list, including titles such as Lachlan, Jamie, Payton, Gareth, Fraser, Duncan, Aiden, Macbeth, Dougal, Kennedy, and others up to The Wedding (2023), are authored by L.L. Muir, Diane Darcy, and other collaborating historical romance writers.

4. Kathryn le Veque's World of de Wolfe

Cathy MacRae has also participated in Kathryn le Veque's popular shared universe, the De Wolfe Pack Connected World. While the overarching world features dozens of books by other authors (such as River's End, Heart of the Sea Wolfe, and de Wolfe in Disguise), Cathy MacRae wrote two specific connected novels, which are now being rebranded under her own Border Lords series:

• The Saint (2018) – Book 1 of her Border Lords series, featuring a fleeing Scottish lass and a chivalrous English knight.
• The Penitent (2019) – Book 2 of her Border Lords series, continuing the medieval border themes.

5. Standalone Novellas and Anthologies

For quick holiday reads, Cathy MacRae has written seasonal stories set in her worlds. These can be enjoyed at any point, though they are best read after establishing familiarity with her main clans:

• Mhàiri’s Yuletide Wish (2018) – A festive novella featuring the terrier Henry.
• Brenna's Yuletide Song (2020) – A holiday-themed historical romance.
• Lords, Ladies and Mistletoe (2022) – A multi-author Christmas anthology featuring a contribution by MacRae.