Some LGBTQ+ Romance Recs!
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
No, I will not shut up about this book, and if you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and read it. If you’ve read it already, probably time for a reread. The story of the son of the US President and the younger Prince of England going from enemies to friends to lovers is absolutely everything. My favorite book of last year and one of my favorites of all time, this is a story that has so much love for its characters as well as for gay history, it’s honestly humbling. I cannot say this enough: read this book.
Bucknall Club Series by JA Rock and and Lisa Henry
A series of historical novels set in an alternate version of the past where Parliament ruled gay marriage legal and where younger sons and daughters are often encouraged to pursue homosexual relationships. It is super enjoyable to dive into all the beauty and angsty romance of a historical romance where LGBTQ+ people get their fully happy endings, in the public eye, where they’re celebrated and not forced to hide. I’ve read the first four and enjoyed every one.
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
I just read this one last month and even though it’s only February, I already know this is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Viola and Gracewood are separated by Waterloo, and Viola takes this as her one chance to live her truth. When she comes back into Gracewood’s life, feelings resurrect, morph, change, and solidify. It’s the kind of book that tore me apart in every perfect way, and it’s an amazing and worthwhile story with a trans heroine, which we don’t see enough of, especially in historical fiction.
Seducing the Sedgwicks by Cat Sebastian
All three of these novels are great! It Takes Two To Tumble is basically a sexy, gay version of The Sound of Music, but without the music. And the Nazis. Ok, it’s a grumpy, sexy sea captain returned home with unruly children and a bright, sweet, church-affiliated young man who falls for him. A Gentleman Never Keeps Score is a caper story where they go steal some paintings and fall in love in the process, as well as dealing with some demons between them. It’s interracial m/m, which provides for great representation and of course is a beautiful story with a ton of heart. My absolute favorite though is Two Rogues Make a Right because oh my gosh, William and Martin are everything. Illness, addiction, childhood longing, all told with beautiful prose and heartfelt love.
Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
This was the first historical LGBTQ+ story I read and it was a delightful introduction. Bonny and his “Flower” are too charming for words, and I am looking forward to the entwined stories that are coming as well. This had a lot of beauty and zaniness to it that I enjoyed.
Give Me More by Sara Cate
A contemporary romance, the whole series is great, especially for kink lovers. This one has the LGBTQ rep when Hunter starts getting obsessed with the idea of his best friend, Drake, having sex with his wife while Hunter watches. Things get more complex when feelings get involved and Hunter starts to realize that he wants to be with Drake as much as he wants Isabel to be with him. One of my favorite things about poly stories is that it brings so much love that it just overflows, and this certainly has that.
That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole
A historical romance where the uptight Mercy falls for the gregarious Andromeda in post-Colonial America. Andromeda is a badass business woman and a woman of color. Mercy is complex and confusing in the best way, and she’s a woman of color as well! It’s a short one so it reads quick, but makes for memorable characters and beautiful story of being willing to risk your heart again after it’s been broken before.
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian
Another Cat Sebastian, this book was fantastic. A well crafted and beautiful story with complex characters and such a true love story. There are deliciously wild antics, some emotionally and sexually charged yearning, and an HEA to make you swoon.
Beautiful Things and His Grace, the Duke by Emily Rath
A Why Choose historical romance with Rosalie, Burke, Tom, and James, who find themselves in all kinds of combos of love and affection for each other throughout these two books. The polyamory is beautiful, and the absolute overflow of love between this group of character is stunning. Their arcs are truly so powerful, and this is a story you don’t want to miss.