It seems like a lot of the LGBTQIA+ romance reads lately have been focused in the world of sports – specifically hockey (see: Heated Rivalry). I know you’re thinking, “But Amanda, what if I don’t 'like sports'?" Don’t worry. I’ve got you. I’m not the biggest fan of sports, either. So, to celebrate Pride Month I offer you the best reads from Queer Regency.

This is set in a 19th century England where women can be titled gentry and same sex relationships are common as the ton still marries for titles, money, and power. Kate, The Duke of Howard, has developed the reputation as a merciless person who should never be crossed. Her power seems incorruptible until a secret from her past threatens everything she has worked so hard to build. Celine was a Parisian prostitute who only managed to make it out of Revolutionary France by the skin of her teeth and the letter she holds. This letter could ruin the duke, and she knows it. I have to say that once I was able to wrap my head around the fact that women can be dukes and viscounts and earls, this was a good read. Perhaps a little more court intrigue and rivalry than I was expecting in my romance read, but it kept me engaged in the story. NPL has this in print or ebook form, so pick your poison and jump in.

I have read several of Alexis’s books, including this one. I had no idea this one featured a trans main character because the book cover looks like a gender normative romance cover. But, it turns out that Viola was injured at the battle of Waterloo and instead of returning home, she chooses to transition and let people believe her former self had died. She loses her title and her best friend, the Duke of Greenwood, who is devastated by the loss. Eventually, their families are reunited and a romance blooms between Viola and the duke. I found this read fascinating because it was not the typical queer romance. There was a lot of emotional baggage to process – from transitioning to PTSD from battle and loss. Alexis Hall always writes a good queer romance. Start with this one and then feel free to explore her other works. NPL has several of hers to choose from. If you want to stay in the Regency world, maybe try her book, Something Fabulous.

Let me start by saying this is the second book in the series Las Leonas. This is the only one that has a queer love story. Manuela is invited to show her paintings at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. She has agreed to a marriage of convenience to protect her holdings, but this exhibition gives her a chance at one last summer of freedom. The Duchess of Sundridge, Cora, needs a piece of land for her railroad, and she thinks Manuela’s would be the perfect choice. Now all she needs to do is convince her. This one was a good read; I actually listened to the audio. It took a couple of different turns than I was expecting. If you want to catch up with other two Las Leonas, the titles are A Caribbean Heiress in Paris and A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke. This is a fun series of unexpected pairs. 

This author is another of my popular picks. Alexander’s book Chef’s Choice (along with it's prequel, Chef's Kiss) was maybe the first book I read with a main character that was trans. In this case, our main character Verbena is not trans, but she is in need of wealthy husband to save her from a life in the poor house. When the rumor mill begins to spin about her best friend Etienne being gay (it’s true and illegal in Regency England), Verbene comes up with a plan to help both of them. She gets to live in comfort, and he gets a respectable wife. Enter Flora: a local poet who finds out about the arrangement, but who also has her own secret. This book is bed-hopping fun, and TJ Alexander always gives a good story. NPL also has this one in print or digital, so get your copy today.  

Ok, friends. If you're tired of sweaty pads and stinky locker rooms, I hope you enjoy these selections from the world of tea and cakes. Check out the You May Also Like section to keep yourself stocked in Regency reads for the whole month!

Happy Pride!
:) Amanda