Picture a Northeast Ohio storyteller who weaves queer romance into the gaslit streets of Victorian London—meet Jess Everlee! A rising star in historical romance, Everlee’s 'Lucky Lovers of London' series has charmed readers with its vibrant characters, steamy love stories, and bold LGBTQ+ representation. Her knack for blending historical detail with modern sensibilities makes her tales irresistible.
From her split-level home filled with furballs and coffee gadgets, Everlee crafts decadent narratives that celebrate love in all its forms. Let’s dive into her journey, from bookish scholar to romance trailblazer, and discover why her stories are stealing hearts.
The Making of Jess Everlee
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Jess Everlee’s love for stories bloomed early. With a B.A. in English and Gender Studies from The Ohio State University, she dove into Victorian literature and public health, a quirky combo that shaped her eclectic perspective. Initially skeptical of romance novels, Everlee’s heart flipped after reading works by authors like Tiffany Reisz and Cat Sebastian. Inspired, she traded academic snobbery for a passion for crafting inclusive, heartfelt love stories.
Her writing journey began with fanfiction in middle school, scribbled on loose-leaf paper. This playful creativity evolved into a career, fueled by her fascination with offbeat communities and Victorian-era quirks. Everlee’s Northeast Ohio roots ground her, infusing her work with a relatable warmth that resonates with readers worldwide.
Jess Everlee’s Unforgettable Stories
Everlee’s 'Lucky Lovers of London' series, launched in 2022, is her crown jewel. Set in 1880s London, these queer romances sparkle with wit, heat, and found-family vibes. Her debut, 'The Gentleman’s Book of Vices,' follows Charlie Price, a charming dandy, and Miles Montague, a secretive erotica writer, in a scorching affair that defies societal norms. Critics praised its vivid Victorian setting and emotional depth.
The sequel, 'A Rulebook for Restless Rogues,' explores a friends-to-lovers tale between David Forester, who runs a queer club, and Noah Clarke, a Savile Row tailor. Its tender romance and gender-fluid characters earned accolades for pushing boundaries. 'A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence,' released in 2024, pairs a bookshop owner with a prim doctor, tackling social issues like women’s rights and homosexuality’s criminalization. A fourth book, 'To Sketch a Scandal,' is slated for 2025.
Everlee’s style blends sensual romance with historical grit, weaving humor, fluff, and angst into narratives that feel both timeless and fresh. Her commitment to diverse pairings and authentic Victorian details sets her apart, earning comparisons to Cat Sebastian and Olivia Waite.
Why Jess Everlee Matters
Jess Everlee is reshaping historical romance by centering queer voices in a genre often bound by tradition. Her stories offer a safe haven for readers, reflecting the joy and resilience of marginalized communities. By tackling period-specific issues like homophobia and misogyny, she crafts hopeful narratives that resonate with modern audiences. Her work has sparked a boom in queer historical fiction, proving niche stories can find a wide audience.
From local bookshop events in Akron to glowing reviews in Booklist, Everlee’s impact is growing. She’s not just writing romance—she’s building a legacy of inclusivity, one happy ending at a time.
- Born: Northeast Ohio
- Key Works: 'The Gentleman’s Book of Vices,' 'A Rulebook for Restless Rogues,' 'A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence'
- Education: B.A. in English and Gender Studies, The Ohio State University
- Influences: Tiffany Reisz, Cat Sebastian, Oscar Wilde
Snag 'The Gentleman’s Book of Vices' and dive into Jess Everlee’s steamy, inclusive world of Victorian romance!