John Williams

Author of LGBTQ+ fiction and local history

Books

A Forbidden Love: Book One

Book #1 from the series: A Forbidden Love

A Forbidden Love

In the gilded drawing rooms of Edwardian England and the shadowed trenches of war-torn Europe, two young men are bound by a love that defies the expectations of their class, their families, and their time. Lord John Langley, heir to an ancient estate, and Prince Christian, his German friend, share a bond forged in childhood and...

A Forbidden Love: Book Two: Thomas’ Tale

Book #2 from the series: A Forbidden Love

In the shadow of Langley Hall, young Thomas Cooper navigates the complexities of friendship, duty and love in Edwardian England. As the son of a tenant farmer, Thomas forms an unlikely bond with Lord John Langley and Prince Christian, two boys from vastly different worlds. Their shared adventures and deepening connections are tested by the rigid...

A Forbidden Love: Book Three: The Author’s Story

Book #3 from the series: A Forbidden Love

How do you find belonging when the world has always told you to hide?

From the sunlit lawns of Langley Hall to the rain-soaked streets of Manchester and the dazzling blue of the Greek islands, John Williams’ deeply personal story unfolds—a journey through trauma, secrecy, and the search for love in a world that rarely forgives or tolerates...

Series

A Forbidden Love: Book Two: Thomas’ Tale

A Forbidden Love

A Forbidden Love: Book One, A Forbidden Love: Book Two: Thomas’ Tale, A Forbidden Love: Book Three: The Author’s Story, and A Forbidden Love: Book Four: The Grand Tour

View Series

Praise

John: Titled Aristocrat, Thomas: John's Man Servant, Christian: German Prince and Pete: American Serviceman have their lives forever entwined together. From childhood through 2 world wars, 4 people share a bond so deep time cannot loosen its strength. One of the best written historical novels I have ever read.

– Tony Williamson Jnr on Goodreads

Congratulations John on your novel, which I enjoyed very much. I loved the combination of the historical saga with the romantic story line, which was so beautifully written. It moved me to tears several times and I will long remember the story of John, Christian and Thomas. I look forward to your next book

– Fiona Gifford on Goodreads

This book enraptures life before the First World War and the changing world thereafter. Thankfully attitudes to same sex relationships have changed, and that love is love regardless of gender.
Beautifully written story. Thank you John Williams.

– Patricia Robinson on Amazon

Latest Updates

January 24, 2026

A FORBIDDEN LOVE: Book Four The Grand Tour

Now available to preorder!

January 2, 2026

Signed Copies available now

If you want to buy a copy of one of my books directly, you can request a signed dedication to be added.

December 21, 2025

Amazon Kindle Top Sellers

Thanks to all my readers!!

John Williams

John Williams is a retired teacher of history from the UK. Since retirement he has published academic works and historical fiction. He is the author of the "A Forbidden Love" trilogy of books which explore the themes of gay love in times which were less forgiving than today.