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.
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Romantic Comedy / Dark Humor
A Song Only We Can Hear
Can a love story that starts in chemo really have a happy ending?
Elliot Wake's much-anticipated new book, A SONG ONLY WE CAN HEAR, is a dark romantic comedy about cancer, music, and love.With his signature blend of sarcasm, lyricism, and blisteringly intense feels, SONG will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride of the best kind.
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
Print & ebook on Amazon, B&N, and more
GETTING DUMPED the same day he’s diagnosed with cancer is pretty on-brand for Cam LeClerc. He was the darling of the Chicago indie music scene until his ex aired their dirty laundry online. Now he’s the fallen star everyone loves to hate, shivering in a hospital gown, coming to grips with losing his girlfriend, his reputation, and the family jewels.Of course, things won’t be that easy.On the way to chemo, Cam collides (literally) with a fellow cancer patient: Brynne Bogdan, a popular podcaster who’s exactly the sort of music nerd he writes songs for… and who’s just rear-ended his car. But what starts as the worst day of both of their lives becomes one of the best. They’re kind of messily perfect together. Because of Brynne, Cam actually looks forward to chemo. He’s falling fast. He’s making music again. He’s finding the will not just to survive, but live.Which is probably too good to be true.When ugly realities resurface, Cam begins to question his bond with Brynne. And the past isn’t the only threat: their futures aren’t guaranteed, either. They’re both fighting the battle of their lives.Can a love story that starts in chemo really have a happy ending?
VIBES
dark romcom
witty banter
music nerds
beautiful, lyrical prose
cancer humor
emotional rollercoaster
LGBTQ+, POC, and disability rep
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets High Fidelity
PRAISE FOR SONG
“I truly don’t remember the last time I’ve been so in love with a book. This is everything I adore about Elliot Wake pulled into an entirely perfect work of art. Every word choice is absolute magic. It’s impossible to put down. Elliot’s blend of unique humor, deep heart and angst, and fluttering romance is something no one should miss.”—JESSICA PARK, bestselling author
180 SECONDS and MAKE IT RAIN HARDER