Embodied: A Journey Through Queer Historical Romances

Queer historical romances are more than just love stories; they arerå the embodiment of a community’s resilience, hope, and defiance in the face of adversity. They are a testament to the power of joy and the steadfast refusal to let tragedy define the queer experience. These stories, spanning centuries and continents, remind us that history is not monolithic but a mosaic of experiences where queer voices have always existed, often in the most unexpected and vibrant ways. From the glittering ballrooms of Belle Époque Paris to the political intrigue of medieval Europe, these narratives not only entertain but also challenge, inspire, and comfort. They are a celebration of our right to claim happiness, no matter the obstacles the world throws in our path.

Hope and Resilience in Postwar New York

Cat Sebastian’s You Should Be So Lucky and We Could Be So Good are masterpieces of queer romance, set against the backdrop of postwar New York. These books are a one-two punch of hope and heartbreak, following men navigating love in a world that often seeks to erase them. In We Could Be So Good, Nick, an Italian American reporter, falls for Andy, the earnest son of a press mogul, in a story that balances humor and poignancy. In You Should Be So Lucky, Mark, a grieving journalist, finds himself drawn to Eddie, a struggling baseball player, in a tale that jaar school despite the odds. Sebastian’s work is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of sorrow and societal constraints. These books make us laugh, cry, and yearn for more stories like them—a true triumph in queer historical romance.

Dazzle and Drama in Belle Époque Paris

Adriana Herrera’s An Island Princess Starts a Scandal is a dazzling tale of love, rebellion, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of the Exposition Universelle in Belle Époque Paris. Manuela, a Caribbean heiress, is destined for a marriage arranged by her parents, but her life is turned upside down when she meets Cora, a Countess with a sharp mind and a persuasive charm. This second installment in Herrera’s Belle Époque trilogy is a celebration of women who refuse to be bounded by the expectations of society. Manuela and Cora’s story is a testament to the power of bold choices and the allure of a future shaped by desire rather than duty.

Medieval Passion and Royal Intrigue

Natasha Siegel’s Solomon’s Crown reimagines the legendary relationship between Philip II of France and Richard the Lionheart, offering a queer twist on the classic tale of "The Lion in Winter." This novel is a rich tapestry of royal angst, political maneuvering, and poetic prose, with a memorable cameo from Eleanor of Aquitaine. It is a story of two difficult yet fascinating kings whose connection defies the conventions of their time. Siegel’s work is a marvelous blend of history and romance, proving that even the most well-known narratives can be reimagined to include queer love stories that resonate deeply.

Sweet Regency Romance and Social Commentary

Annick Trent’s Sixpenny Octavo offers a sweet and sensitive vision of love in a time of political unrest. Set in early 19th-century England, the story follows a clock mender and a housemaid whose lives intersect when they become embroiled in a crackdown on political reading clubs. This book is a reminder of the restrictions on literature and literacy during the Regency era, as well as the ways in which love can bloom in the most challenging of circumstances. Trent’s prose is gentle yet powerful, highlighting the quiet strength of two people finding happiness despite their limited means and the hostile world around them.

Murder, Kink, and Polyamory in Historical Settings

Cat Sebastian’s The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes and A Seditious Affair by K.J. Charles are two very different takes on late 18th-century romance, both filled with Sebastian’s signature blend of humor and heartbreak. In The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes, a murderous countess and a blackmailer engage in a deliciously provocative game of cat and mouse that eventually leads to love. Meanwhile, Charles’s A Seditious Affair explores the high-octane kink and political intrigue of Regency London, where a radical printer and a highborn Tory gentleman must navigate their forbidden relationship amidst the dangers of their time. These books are a testament to the diversity of queer historical romance, offering everything from murderous mayhem to politically charged passion.

Trans Histories, Older Women, and Timeless Love

EE Ottoman’s The Craft of Love is a quiet masterpiece that shines a light on the lives of trans individuals in historical romance. Set in 19th-century New York, this low-stakes, gentle romance follows a bisexual quilt maker and a trans silversmith as they find love through their shared artistic talents. The novel is a joyous celebration of craftsmanship and the slow, tender growth of affection. Courtney Milan’s Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure redefines beauty and aging in a stunning novella about two older women finding love in late-19th-century England. These stories remind us that queer love knows no bounds of time, age, or identity, and that happiness is always within reach, no matter the obstacles.

Queer historical romance is more than just a genre—it’s a movement. It’s a declaration that queer people have always existed, always loved, and always deserved to have their stories told. Whether set in the glittering courts of medieval Europe or the vibrant streets of 20th-century New York, these stories challenge, inspire, and comfort. They remind us that history is ours to claim, and that our right to joy and love is inalienable. These books are a testament to the power of queer resilience and the enduring hope that defines us, both in the past and in the present.