New book release
Coming April 7, 2026, Elliot Wake's much-anticipated new book, A SONG ONLY WE CAN HEAR — a dark romantic comedy about cancer, music, and love.
Can a love story that starts in chemo really have a happy ending?
I'm Elliot, and I write pretty words about flawed people.
People on the margins of society. People who are patched-up but still a little broken. People who have historically been gatekept from the spotlight. People whose voices haven't been heard enough.I'm a USA Today bestseller and critically-acclaimed author of romantic novels ranging from contemporary to fantasy. My books feature diverse representation, beautifully lyrical writing, dark humor, and feels-so-good-to-feel-so-bad angst.Sign up for my newsletter to stay in the loop. More info here.
Suspense, humor, and thrills, oh my
Contemporary Romance
Cam Girl
Romantic suspense / thriller
A starving artist, secrets, and the lies we tell online.
★ Starred review by Publishers Weekly.
Black Iris
Romantic suspense / thriller
Girl gets revenge, one boy at a time.
★ Starred review by Publishers Weekly.
Unteachable
Contemporary romance
Forbidden love. Moral grayness. Growing up.
◆ USA Today bestseller.
Lyrical romantic fantasy
Fantasy and Romantasy
Every Shade of Fire
Queer romantasy
Based on the beloved short story from ALL OUT, a full-length queer romantasy retelling of Robin Hood, straight from the lips of gay, deaf Will Scarlet.
COMING SUMMER 2026
All Out
Queer historical YA
Contains a short story by Elliot Wake, "Every Shade of Red," an LGBTQ Robin Hood retelling.
Who is this guy, anyway?
About Elliot
ELLIOT WAKE is a USA Today-bestselling, critically-acclaimed author of love stories (A SONG ONLY WE CAN HEAR), hate stories (BLACK IRIS), and everything in between. He even writes fantasy (EVERY SHADE OF FIRE, forthcoming). He’s into bottom-shelf mixology, spoiling his dog (who has five beds), and going to concerts with the girl of his dreams. They are probably on an adventure right now with her two awesome kids somewhere in Chicagoland. Previously, Elliot published books under his birth name, LEAH RAEDER.
Promise this isn't just an excuse to send dog pics
Mailing List
Stay up-to-date with me and my books, plus get some exclusive goodies. I'll email you about once a month. These newsletters are personal and chill, not soulless marketing schlock. Do you like dogs? Because there will be dog pics.