Queer people have existed throughout history, and historical fiction can be a great way to see how they lived and loved despite all the challenges they've faced. Celebrate LGBTQIA+ history and enjoy some swoon-worthy romances with the books below!
In Valiant Ladies, Eustaquia “Kiki” de Sonza and Ana Lezama de Urinza are perfect high society ladies by day but dish out vigilante justice by night. When Kiki's brother is murdered, the two embark on an adventure of sword-fighting, gambling, and of course, falling in love with each other.
Charming Young Man tells the story of Léon Delafoss, an up-and-coming pianist in 1890s Paris. With his family living in poverty, he needs a wealthy patron to help pay his way through school. When a journalist introduces Léon to a wealthy and eccentric Count, he might be just the person Léon needs to realize his dreams.
A retelling of The Great Gatsby, Self-made Boys follows Nicolás Caraveo, a 17-year-old transgender boy from Wisconsin who spends the summer of 1922 in New York City to help him start his career. He meets the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby at an elaborate party and learns some interesting secrets.
The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin takes place on the verge of WWII. When Hilde leaves the orphanage on her 18th birthday, she finds work at Café Lila, a dazzling cabaret club in Berlin, Germany. She meets Rosa, a beautiful performer who takes Hilde under her wing. Political unrest begins to rise in the city, and they must decide who to trust and what the future holds for them.
Set in 1989, Like A Love Story follows three teens: Reza, Julie and Art. Reza is afraid to acknowledge his sexuality at a time when all the media shows about gay men is them dying of AIDS. He dates Julie to keep his secret from his family, and meets her best friend Art the only out gay boy in their school. Reza's feelings get complicated, and he has some big decisions to make.
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