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Like Bridgerton and looking for a little more diversity in your historical fiction? Look no further than these queer historical fiction picks!
Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
Knowledge of the Outlander series helps but isn't necessary to enjoy Gabaldon's Lord John series. When Lord John isn't onstage in the main series, he's still leading a busy, interesting life. In 1757, Lord John is balancing murder, espionage, a delicate situation with his cousin's fiancé, and his attraction to a certain Hanoverian captain. As captivatingly written as Gabaldon's Outlander series, without all the time and attention required, the Lord John series is a delight.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
All of KJ Charles's books are fun queer romances running from the Regency era to post-WWI. In The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen, Sir Gareth falls for a mysterious man in London, only to get called away to Kent to take up his late father's estate. Once there, Sir Gareth spends his time exploring the countryside and gets mixed up in smugglers, mystery, and treason. And of course, his mystery man may just reappear as well.
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
A true romance novel with a twist, A Lady for a Duke explores what it would mean to be a trans woman in the early nineteenth century. After fighting in the Battle of Waterloo and being presumed dead, Viola takes the chance to start a new life, a life true to herself. The only problem is comes when she finds herself face-to-face with her best friend, Justin. When romance blooms between Justin, who believes his best friend to be dead, and Viola, Viola has to consider what telling Justin the truth might been for their relationship.
Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood
I didn’t know I needed a disaster bisexual private detective until I read this book. In 1945, Willowjean "Will" Parker is a former circus worker turned private detective, working for revered private investigator Lillian Pentecost. Fortune Favors the Dead combines a plucky, queer heroine with a classic locked room mystery with spiritualism elements. Bonus points for a local author!
Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond
I may be cheating by calling 2013 historical, but the author specifically chose to set Queerly Beloved in a time before Obergefell v Hodges, and as a fellow queer Okie who started college that year, I don't know if I've ever connected to a book so much. Amy lives two lives, one very firmly in the closet working at a conservative bakery, the other at as a bartender at a queer bar. When she is fired from the former, she falls into working as a professional bridesmaid to make ends meet. Wacky hijinks ensue, meanwhile Amy's growing attraction to Charley makes her reconsider how much of her life she really wants to keep hidden.
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About the Author
Adrienne is a Library Associate at the Southeast Neighborhood Library. She enjoys reading books of all genres, especially books recommended by other people. When not at the library, Adrienne is usually spending way too much time online, or taking a nap with her two cats.