Best Lgbt Historical Fiction

of Apr 2025

   In the realm of literature, LGBT historical fiction stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of love, resilience, and self-discovery. These narratives, set against the backdrop of various historical periods, transport readers to worlds where individuals navigate the complexities of identity, societal norms, and the pursuit of happiness. Whether it's the tale of forbidden love amidst prejudice or the exploration of genderqueer experiences in the past, LGBT historical fiction sheds light on the diverse and rich tapestry of human existence, allowing readers to connect with characters whose struggles mirror their own or challenge their perspectives.

Paths of Peace (Redmond Family Saga Romance Series Book 2)

9.6
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Paths of Peace" and follow the Redmond family as they strive to find peace and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the Civil War. Paths of Peace is the much-anticipated sequel to the beloved Word...s Heard in Silence. This Redmon Family Saga Romance Series Book 2 follows the Redmond family as they try to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the Civil War. Set in 1865 in Culpeper, Virginia, this story follows Charles Redmond and his beloved wife Rebecca as they struggle to take care of their five children, rebuild their family farm, and come to terms with Charles' injuries from the Battle of Appomattox Station. Paths of Peace is an epic tale of life in post-war Culpeper for soldiers and their families. It's a story of upheaval, as the characters strive to not only rebuild their homes, but also their minds and bodies. This book will take readers on a journey of hope and resilience as the Redmond family works to find peace and acceptance in the midst of the chaos. With its beautiful prose and captivating characters, Paths of Peace is an unforgettable story of love, loss, and redemption.

Flower of Iowa

9.6
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Flower of Iowa is a powerful tale of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of love set against the turbulent backdrop of World War I. Written by Lance Ringel, this sweeping epic follows To...mmy Flowers, a naïve American soldier from the Midwest, as he navigates the harsh realities of life in the trenches of France. Along the way, Tommy is drawn into a rivalry for the affections of a French barmaid, Nicole Lacroix, and develops a deep and unexpected intimacy with his British comrade, David Pearson. Flower of Iowa has been honored with numerous awards, including the Gold Winner of the Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award (War & Military Fiction) and IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (Fiction: Romance), Silver Winner of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (LGBTQ), Bronze Medal of the Independent Publisher Book Award (Military/Wartime Fiction), and a Finalist for the Lambda Literary Award (Gay Romance). Ringel's novel is a stirring and authentic glimpse into a time when love between two men was just as perilous and uncharted as No Man's Land. With its vivid and meticulously researched portrayal of the pivotal battles of 1918 and the everyday challenges and tragedies facing the soldiers of the Great War, Flower of Iowa is an instant classic and a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

The Story of the Hundred Promises

9.6
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The Story of the Hundred Promises is a queer, deconstructed version of the classic “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale. The story follows Darragh Thorn, a trans sailor who has made a comfortable lif...e for himself among people who love and accept him. Ten years after his exile from home, his sister asks him to reconcile with their ailing father. Determined to resolve his feelings rather than just survive them, Darragh sets off on a quest to find the one person who can heal a half-dead man: the mysterious enchanter who once gave him the magic he needed to become his true self. But so far as anyone knows, no one but Darragh has seen the enchanter for a century, and the fairy tales that survive about them give more cause for fear than hope. In lush and evocative prose, and populated with magical trees and a wise fox, The Story of the Hundred Promises is a big-hearted fantasy suffused with queer optimism. Along the way, Darragh must confront his own fears and prejudices, as well as the prejudices of others, in order to find the courage to make the hundred promises necessary to save his father. The Story of the Hundred Promises is a beautiful and powerful story about the power of hope and the courage to be true to yourself. With its captivating characters, magical setting, and heartwarming story, this book is sure to be a hit with readers of all ages.

Lion of Macedon: The Life of Alexander the Great

9.6
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Lion of Macedon: The Life of Alexander the Great" and experience the thrill of his life and the drama of his death. This book is an insightful look at the life of one of the most remarkable figures in history.

She Who Would be King

9.6
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Cateline is the seventeen-year-old daughter of a nobleman in fourteenth-century France. It's a time when children aren't seen as those to be loved and cherished, but instead are used as pawns and ba...rgaining chips on the chessboard of control and privilege.She is married off to a prince in the country of Sursha, a Gaelic-speaking island nation near Ireland. Fergus, her betrothed, is next in line to take over once beloved King Carthac dies. Or is he? Fallon, the youngest royal child and only girl, has been raised as one of the king's sons her entire life, for reasons she has never fully understood. A natural fighter, she was raised to be a warrior and head the Crown's Elite Guard assigned to protect her boorish brother Fergus. Forced to fill in for her brother in an unexpected way, an instant attraction between Fallon and Cateline forms. In a game of thrones filled with deception and betrayal, even the most secret love can mean death. Read more

Paths of Peace (Redmond Family Saga Romance Series Book 2)

9.6
More Info

Paths of Peace" and follow the Redmond family as they strive to find peace and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the Civil War. Paths of Peace is the much-anticipated sequel to the beloved Word...s Heard in Silence. This Redmon Family Saga Romance Series Book 2 follows the Redmond family as they try to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the Civil War. Set in 1865 in Culpeper, Virginia, this story follows Charles Redmond and his beloved wife Rebecca as they struggle to take care of their five children, rebuild their family farm, and come to terms with Charles' injuries from the Battle of Appomattox Station. Paths of Peace is an epic tale of life in post-war Culpeper for soldiers and their families. It's a story of upheaval, as the characters strive to not only rebuild their homes, but also their minds and bodies. This book will take readers on a journey of hope and resilience as the Redmond family works to find peace and acceptance in the midst of the chaos. With its beautiful prose and captivating characters, Paths of Peace is an unforgettable story of love, loss, and redemption.

Paris, Adrift (Book 3) (The Juliana Series)

9.2
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Adrift, Paris-1955 is the fourth installment in the breathtaking LGBT historical romance series, The Juliana Series. Set in 1955 Paris, the novel follows Alice "Al" Huffman and Juliana as they journey... to the City of Light in hopes of a fresh start for their relationship. But as soon as their ship arrives, a stranger approaches Al with a Broadway contract for Juliana that comes with a threat that can't be ignored. Unless Al can find a way out, Juliana's comeback could come crashing down before it even begins. Adrift, Paris-1955 is a thrilling journey of love, packed with pulse-pounding suspense and characters that will tug at your heartstrings. Award-winning playwright Vanda has crafted a stunning series of novels that are true-to-life portrayals of 1950s Paris. If you're looking for an emotional roller coaster of a read, pick up Adrift to set sail on a harrowing journey of love today!

Scenes from the Underground

9.2
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Scenes from the Underground is a unique and captivating product that takes readers on a journey through the underground club scenes of Montreal, New York, and Berlin. Through the eyes of a doctoral st...udent in medieval studies, readers are exposed to the gritty and intense world of sex, drugs, and music that define queer nightlife. The narrator’s experience is brought to life in vivid Instagram-style vignettes, accompanied by Jacob Pyne’s full-colour illustrations. These illustrations perfectly punctuate the narrator’s occasional self-destructive melancholy, providing an authentic and honest look at the underground scene. The product also explores the unique concept of “making soup”, which is the mixing of bottom-of-the-pocket drugs to make big lines that will let users forget the past forty-eight hours. This concept is explored in detail, giving readers an insight into the drug culture of the underground scene. Overall, Scenes from the Underground is an eye-opening product that brings to life the underground club scenes of three major cities. By exploring the sex, drugs, and music of queer nightlife, the product gives readers an authentic look at the underground scene.

The Scottish Boy

9.2
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The Scottish Boy" is a historical romance set in the 14th century. It follows the story of Sir Harry de Lyon, a young knight in the service of William Montagu, a powerful English baron. On a secret mi...ssion, Harry and his knights capture a feral, half-starved Scottish boy and bring him back to England. As Harry begins to get to know the boy, he discovers that he is far more than a savage, and that he has a mysterious heritage that could lead to disaster. The story follows Harry and the boy, Iain mac Maíl Coluim, as they struggle to keep their growing passion for each other a secret and navigate the treacherous waters of 14th century England. With danger lurking on all sides, the two must fight to protect their love and discover the truth about Iain's past.

While My Heart Beats

9.2
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"While My Heart Beats" is a captivating story of love and resilience set during World War I. Johanna Lennox and Ellie Winthrop, two women from vastly different backgrounds, find themselves thrown toge...ther in a general hospital in France. Despite the odds, their feelings for each other grow and they find themselves in the midst of a forbidden romance. When Johanna's mother dies unexpectedly, Ellie is there to provide the comfort she so desperately needs. But Johanna is convinced that they can't have a future together and throws herself into her work to escape her pain. She volunteers to serve closer to the front and almost loses her life before being sent home. When Ellie refuses to give up hope and goes to find her, Johanna must decide if she can trust that a love born amidst the horrors of the Great War can survive in a post-war world. With vivid descriptions and a heartfelt story, "While My Heart Beats" is a powerful and moving tale that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

Juliana

9
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Juliana - An LGBT Historical Fiction: Book 1 (The Juliana Series) is an award-winning novel by Vanda that takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of 1940s New York City. The story follow...s Alice “Al” Huffman, a farm girl fresh off the potato farms of Long Island, who is determined to make it on Broadway. When she’s told she has no talent, Al gets a job to pay for acting classes and settles into a normal life with her friends and a boyfriend. All of this changes when she meets Juliana, a singer on the brink of stardom who is everything Al isn’t: glamorous, talented, and queer. Al is quickly enthralled, experiencing thoughts and feelings she never realized were possible. The novel follows Al as she slips between two worlds: the gay underground and the “normal” world of her childhood friends. It’s a balancing act she can handle until the two worlds begin to collide. With a city bursting with change, can Alice find what she was looking for all along? Juliana is a sexy, funny, and deadly serious novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Vanda’s vivid storytelling and captivating characters will draw readers in and leave them wanting more. If you’re looking for a captivating LGBT historical fiction novel, then Juliana is the perfect choice. Buy Juliana today and take the first step in your journey into 1940s New York City!

Heaven is to Your Left (The Juliana Series)

9
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Heaven is to Your Left is the fourth installment of the Juliana Series, a thrilling adventure of love and danger. In this novel, Alice (Al) and Juliana return home from a successful run at Le Lido in ...Paris only to be greeted by Dan Schuyler who has threatened to reveal to the world the nature of their “immoral” relationship. Schuyler has gotten Juliana to sign a contract with him to be in a Broadway play, and now Al must find a way to free Juliana from his clutches. Al turns to Max, an accomplished businessman and owner of two night clubs, for help. Though he has friends who are gangsters, Max does nothing. Or does he? Al knows she has to act. She knows gangsters too. The story takes readers through a web of love and deception, as Al and Juliana try to save their relationship. Along the way, readers will be taken on a thrilling journey of intrigue, danger, and suspense. With its thrilling plot and vivid characters, Heaven is to Your Left is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Gray Paree: An LGBT Historical Thriller (Tales of the Bohemian Resistance Book 1)

8.8
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Gray Paree: An LGBT Historical Thriller (Tales of the Bohemian Resistance Book 1) is a captivating story of love, loss, and resistance set in Nazi-occupied Paris. American expat Oliver Carmichael is... living his dream life in Paris, playing in a night club jazz band and enjoying the freedom and intellectual stimulation of his bohemian set of friends. But his happiness is tempered by unresolved feelings for his ex-fiancée, Lisette. When the Germans march into Paris, Oliver's life is turned upside down and he is asked to keep tabs on his friends’ resistance activities. Oliver is torn between helping his friends and protecting himself. As the Gestapo and their allies in the French police close in, Oliver must find a way to save his friends without losing his own life or freedom. Along the way, he must reconcile with the love of his life, resist tyranny, and do what is right. Gray Paree is a thrilling story of LGBT characters in a time of war and oppression. If you enjoy Alan Furst's Night Soldiers novels, then you'll love Gray Paree. Read more to find out what happens next.

The Sweetness of Water (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel

8.8
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The Sweetness of Water is an award-winning novel by Nathan Harris that tells the story of two freedmen brothers, Prentiss and Landry, and the Georgia farmer, George Walker and his wife Isabelle, who t...ake them in. Set in the waning days of the Civil War, the novel follows Prentiss and Landry as they seek refuge and plan to save money for a journey north to reunite with their mother who was sold away. In parallel, the novel follows a forbidden romance between two Confederate soldiers whose secret is eventually discovered and leads to a murder that has convulsive repercussions for the entire community. The Sweetness of Water is an instant New York Times bestseller and an Oprah’s Book Club Pick. President Obama has named it one of his favorite books of 2021 and it has won the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction, and the Writers’ League of Texas Book Award for Fiction. It has also been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, the 2022 Carnegie Medal for Excellence, the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and the Crook’s Corner Book Prize. It has been named a Best Book of the Year by Oprah Daily, NPR, Washington Post, Time, Boston Globe, Smithsonian, Chicago Public Library, BookBrowse, and the Oregonian. It has also been named an Indie Next Pick and a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. The Sweetness of Water is a powerful and moving novel that depicts Georgia in the violent crucible of Reconstruction. With candor and sympathy, Harris creates an unforgettable cast of characters and an epic story that finds humanity and love amidst the most harrowing circumstances.

The Ballot Boy

8.8
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The Ballot Boy" to find out! The Ballot Boy is a historical fiction novel set in 1368 Venice. The story follows fourteen-year-old Nico, a street urchin from the poorest Venetian parish, who is chosen... at random to tally votes in the upcoming election for a new leader. Uprooted from his old life, Nico must navigate the treacherous waters of the Doge’s Palace, where scheming nobles and dangerous secrets lurk around every corner. When Nico witnesses a court clerk burned at the stake for being gay, he is forced to confront his own romantic attraction to men. With his own life on the line, Nico is sent to Trieste to be the eyes and ears of the Doge. Along the way, he falls for Astolfo, the young lord of Castle Moccò, and must decide whether to trust him or not. The Ballot Boy is a thrilling story of trust, courage, and loyalty in the face of danger. As Nico navigates the treacherous waters of the Doge’s Palace and the war-torn streets of Trieste, he must decide who to trust and how to protect his own secrets. Read The Ballot Boy to find out if Nico will return to Venice a celebrated hero, or be forever haunted by his past.

The Librarian of Burned Books: A Novel

8.8
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The Librarian of Burned Books: A Novel is a captivating WWII-era novel about the intertwined fates of three women who believe in the power of books to triumph over the very darkest moments of war. The... novel follows American writer Althea James, who is invited to participate in a culture exchange program in Germany in 1933. There, she meets a woman who promises to show her the real Berlin, and soon she is drawn into a group of resisters. Hannah Brecht escapes Berlin for Paris in 1936, only to find that the City of Light is no refuge from the anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathizers she thought she left behind. Heartbroken and tormented by the role she played in the betrayal that destroyed her family, Hannah throws herself into her work at the German Library of Burned Books. Through the quiet power of books, she believes she can help counter the tide of fascism she sees rising across Europe and atone for her mistakes. Vivian Childs, whose husband was killed fighting the Nazis, is determined to prevent a powerful senator’s attempts to censor the Armed Service Editions, portable paperbacks that are shipped by the millions to soldiers overseas. Viv knows just how much they mean to the men through the letters she receives—including the last one she got from Edward. She also knows the only way to win this battle is to counter the senator’s propaganda with a story of her own—at the heart of which lies the reclusive and mysterious woman tending the American Library of Nazi-Banned Books in Brooklyn. The Librarian of Burned Books is inspired by the true story of the Council of Books in Wartime—the WWII organization founded by booksellers, publishers, librarians, and authors to use books as “weapons in the war of ideas”. It is a testament to the beauty, power, and goodness of the written word, and a powerful story of how books can change lives.

Courting Mr. Lincoln: A Novel

8.6
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Courting Mr. Lincoln: A Novel is a Washington Post Bestseller and an Indie Next Pick that is sure to captivate readers with its riveting story and exquisite writing. Written by Louis Bayard, this nove...l tells the story of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln's relationship in the winter of 1840. Mary is a quick, self-possessed debutante with an interest in debates and elections, and finds Lincoln an enigma at first. However, as she gets to know him better, she discovers his amiable, profound character and gentle wit that matches his genius. Along with Mary's relationship with Lincoln, the novel also explores his inseparable friendship with Joshua Speed, who has taught Lincoln how to dance, dress, and navigate polite society. The novel is told in the alternating voices of Mary Todd and Joshua Speed and is inspired by historical events. It creates a sympathetic and complex portrait of Mary, a moving portrayal of the deep and very real connection between the two men, and an evocation of the unformed man who would become one of the nation's most beloved presidents. Courting Mr. Lincoln: A Novel is a must-read for any lover of historical fiction and is sure to leave readers captivated. It also includes a special preview chapter of Jackie & Me, coming June 14 from Louis Bayard.

Twisted Blade in the Arena (Boys of Imperial Rome, 4)

8.6
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Twisted Blade in the Arena is the fourth installment in the Boys of Imperial Rome series. Set in the Roman Empire in the year AD 108, this novel follows the story of friends and lovers Rufio and Quint...us as they become embroiled in the dangerous and murky world of gladiatorial match-fixing. When Quintus falls for a young gladiator on the rise, Attilius, he is encouraged to sponsor him. But Attilius is not all he seems, and Rufio must fight to save his only love from the clutches of doomed infatuation. As if that weren’t enough, Rufio must also cope with the fallout of his friend’s arranged marriage and the corrupt machinations within the World Gladiator Federation. Twisted Blade in the Arena is an illustrated tale of gay passion amid the splendor and squalor of Rome at the apex of its power. With blood in the arena, tested love, and naked ambition, this novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Blood Before Wine: Dominus Book 3

9.2
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Blood Before Wine: Dominus Book 3 is a thrilling m/m historical fantasy set in ancient Rome during the reign of Trajan (AD 98-117). This third book in the four-novel alternative history saga follows G...aius Fabius and his illegal Dacian pleasure slave, Allerix, as they search for clues to the mysterious murder of a dear friend. Gaius is determined to secure his claim to the throne of Rome, but his devotion to Allerix could destroy his dreams of supreme power. Meanwhile, Allerix is determined to seek vengeance for the destruction of his homeland, but his loyalty to Gaius could be his undoing. As the two men battle for power and loyalty, they must also confront their forbidden passions and the secrets hidden deep in the palace. Blood Before Wine is a captivating story of forbidden love, political intrigue, deception, and murder. The novel is now available in audio and was honored with an Honorable Mention in the 2019 Rainbow Book Awards. If you’re looking for a gripping historical fantasy that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then Blood Before Wine should be your next read.

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