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Queer Victorian Romance Inspired by Author's Own Love Story
4 Nov
Summary
- Kehlani Kiyoko's new book "Where There's Room For Us" is inspired by her relationship with fiancée Becca Tilley
- The book follows an American poet who falls for an English socialite in 1880s Victorian England
- Kiyoko says the book "challenges the idea of if you could be open and queer in the 1800s"
In November 2025, multi-talented artist Kehlani Kiyoko is releasing her debut novel "Where There's Room For Us," a queer Victorian romance inspired by the early days of her relationship with fiancée Becca Tilley. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter says the book, set in 1880s England, reimagines her own "meet cute" with Tilley, who she began dating in 2018.
The story follows an American poet named Ivy who falls for an English socialite Freya Tallon. When Freya unexpectedly takes her sister's place on a date with Ivy, sparks fly between the two women. Kiyoko describes the book as "Pride and Prejudice meets Little Women, but gay," mirroring her own experience of meeting Tilley when the latter was trying to set her up with her younger sister.
Kiyoko hopes the book will challenge the notion that queer identity did not exist in the Victorian era, while also acknowledging the lack of equal rights for women at the time. The couple, who announced their engagement in July 2025, are currently enjoying their "engaged era" and are not in a rush to start planning their wedding.
