If you finished Outlander and need another sweeping love story with time travel and a Highlander hero, start here. Beyond Diana Gabaldon’s own sequels, the most satisfying read-alikes include Dark Awakening by Karlene Cameron, The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, and Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning. Below: 12 romances full of standing stones, brave heroines, and heroes worth swooning over.

There’s a particular ache that comes with finishing Outlander — afterward, ordinary books feel flat. What you’re craving is the combination: a strong heroine thrown out of her time, a dangerous and tender Highlander, and history that feels alive. Every book below delivers at least two of the three.

1. Dark Awakening by Karlene Cameron

This one’s mine — written for exactly this craving. Dark Awakening, Book 1 of the Dark World Trilogy, is a time-travel Scottish romance: the magically gifted Caitriona Sinclair is abducted by Commander Duncan MacKinnon, leader of a Templar rebellion fighting a tyrannical New World Order. She’s bound to another man; he’s oath-bound to free his people — and neither can resist the other. Get Dark Awakening on Amazon.

2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The book that started it all. WWII nurse Claire Randall touches the standing stones at Craigh na Dun and wakes in 1743 Scotland, where she meets the gallant Jamie Fraser. If you somehow haven’t read it, start here — Diana Gabaldon’s official site covers the full series.

3. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

A modern writer researching in Scotland finds her novel about the 1708 Jacobite rising writing itself — she’s dreaming the memories of a woman who lived it. Dual timelines, a windswept castle, and slow-burn romance: the closest in spirit to Outlander on this list.

4. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

A woman inherits a cottage in Cornwall and begins slipping into the past, where a centuries-old mystery — and a compelling hero — awaits. Gentler than Outlander but equally transporting.

5. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Thirteenth-century Highlander Hawk kidnaps Adrienne from the modern world to be his medieval bride. Bolder and more sensual than Outlander, with Moning’s signature larger-than-life heroes. First in her beloved Highlander series.

6. The Highlander’s Touch by Karen Marie Moning

A modern woman and a 13th-century Highland warrior trade places in time, each forced to survive in the other’s century. Clever premise, fierce hero, plenty of heart.

7. A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux

Modern-day Dougless Montgomery is rescued by Nicholas Stafford, Earl of Thornwyck — a nobleman from 1560. What happens when the man of your dreams is literally from another century? A foundational time-travel romance.

8. Highland Velvet by Jude Deveraux

No time travel — just pure medieval Scotland. English-raised Bronwyn MacArran clashes gloriously with her new husband Stephen Montgomery. If the Highlander half of the Outlander equation is what you love most, this delivers.

9. Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Sisters Gabi and Lia are pulled from the present into 14th-century Italy: knights, castles, deadly politics. First in the River of Time series — time travel with higher stakes and a grand adventure feel.

10. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Henry DeTamble can’t control when he vanishes through time; Clare Abshire loves him anyway. Fewer kilts, more emotional devastation — but the time-crossed lovers will resonate with every Jamie-and-Claire fan.

11. The Secret by Julie Garwood

Medieval Scotland, no time travel, all Highlander. Judith Hampton marries into the Maclean clan and matches wits with the formidable Iain Maitland. Garwood’s banter and fierce clan politics scratch the Outlander itch beautifully.

12. The Bride by Julie Garwood

Alec Kincaid kidnaps his English bride on the way to her wedding — to him. Witty, warm, and full of Highland clan life: one of the most beloved Highlander romances ever written.

Frequently Asked Questions

What book is most like Outlander?

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley — dual timelines, Jacobite Scotland, slow-burn romance. For time travel plus a Highlander hero with higher stakes, try Dark Awakening, which adds secret magic and a modern conspiracy.

Do I need to read Outlander before these books?

No. Every book on this list stands alone — they’re grouped by the feeling Outlander gives you, not by series continuity.

What order should I read the Dark World Trilogy?

Start with Dark Awakening (Book 1), then Dark Gathering (Book 2), then Dark Storm (Book 3). Find all three on my books page.

What formats is Dark Awakening available in?

Kindle eBook, paperback, and — brand new — as an audiobook on Audible. Get Dark Awakening on Amazon

Are these books spicy?

Heat levels vary from sweet to steamy. Dark Awakening is a passionate adult romance built around forbidden love — expect high tension and high stakes.

Where can I find more time-travel romance recommendations?

Check out my post on the best time-travel romance books for ten more picks for your TBR.

Love time-travel romance? Join my newsletter for new releases, behind-the-scenes history, and subscriber-only extras — and tell me in the comments which book cured your Outlander hangover. You can read more about me on my about page.