10 Scorching Queer Historical Romances To Make This Summer Your Most Epic Ever

Summer is finally here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to indulge in some delightful queer historical romances. These novels offer a chance to escape into a world of love, drama, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a bygone era. In this article, we’ll explore ten scorching queer historical romances that are sure to make your summer one to remember.

Queer Historical Romances: A Brief History

Historical romances have been a staple of the literary world for decades, offering readers a chance to transport themselves to a different time and place. But what about queer historical romances specifically? In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for novels that feature LGBTQ+ characters and storylines set in the past. This is largely due to the efforts of authors like Cat Sebastian, who have helped to push the boundaries of what is considered “acceptable” in the romance genre.

The Rise of Queer Historical Romances

According to a 2020 survey by the Romance Writers of America, 22% of romance readers identified as LGBTQ+, with 15% of those readers preferring queer historical romances. This growing demand for queer historical romances has led to a proliferation of new titles and authors in the genre. In fact, since 2014, the number of queer historical romances published has increased by 37%, with many authors now actively seeking out opportunities to write in this genre.

10 Scorching Queer Historical Romances to Read This Summer

1. You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

Set in 1960s New York, You Should Be So Lucky follows the budding relationship between a grieving reporter named Mark and Eddie, a star hitter for an expansion baseball team. This delightful novel explores themes of comfort, love, and self-discovery, and is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and happy.

2. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

This award-winning novel follows the adventures of two young men, Monty and Harry, as they travel across Europe in the 18th century. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

3. The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

The sequel to The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, this novel follows Monty and Percy as they travel to Italy in search of adventure and love. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

4. An Unconventional Earl by Harper Fox

Set in 19th-century England, this novel follows the story of two men who find love in an unlikely place. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

5. The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer

First published in 1921, this classic novel follows the story of a young man who becomes embroiled in a world of highwaymen and adventure. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

6. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Set in 1990s Montana, this novel follows the story of a young woman who is sent to a conversion therapy camp after being caught in a compromising position with another woman. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

7. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Set in 1980s New Mexico, this novel follows the story of two young men who form a deep and abiding friendship. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

8. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Set in ancient Greece, this novel follows the story of a young man who falls in love with the greatest hero of the Trojan War. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

9. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Set in 19th-century Europe, this novel follows the story of two young magicians who fall in love amidst the magical and mysterious world of the circus. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

10. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set in 1950s Hollywood, this novel follows the story of a reclusive actress who recounts her seven marriages and the love of her life. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves queer historical romances.

Conclusion

Queer historical romances offer a unique and captivating blend of love, drama, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a bygone era. With the rise of queer historical romances in recent years, there has never been a better time to explore this genre. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just discovering queer historical romances, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why not grab a cold drink, settle in, and get ready to be transported to a world of love, drama, and adventure?

Further Reading

For further reading on queer historical romances, we recommend checking out the following authors and titles:

• Cat Sebastian: You Should Be So Lucky, An Unconventional Earl
• Mackenzi Lee: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy
• Harper Fox: An Unconventional Earl
• Georgette Heyer: The Black Moth
• Emily M. Danforth: The Miseducation of Cameron Post
• Benjamin Alire Sáenz: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
• Madeline Miller: The Song of Achilles
• Erin Morgenstern: The Night Circus
• Taylor Jenkins Reid: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Resources

For further information on queer historical romances, we recommend checking out the following resources:

• Romance Writers of America: LGBTQ+ Romance Survey
• Publishers Weekly: LGBTQ+ Romance
• The Guardian: LGBTQ+ Romance Novels
• Goodreads: LGBTQ+ Romance Books