Gabriel Hargrave (he/him)
LightNews LightNews
banner
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Gabriel Hargrave (he/him)
@ghargravewrites.bsky.social
3.7K followers 2.8K following 1.1K posts
Author of THE ORCHID AND THE LION and THE LION AND THE DAHLIA. Queer Indie Award and Indie Ink Award winner. 39-year-old disaster queer.

https://gabrielhargravewrites.carrd.co/
Posts Replies Media Videos
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
I’m back! And while I have some sad news (book three of the OatL series is coming out in January instead of this month), I have some good news, too! I might be opening up a few ARC slots, so watch for an announcement on that next week!
The Dahlia and the Wizard was originally supposed to release next week on the 18th, but due to some health issues, I've had to push that release date out a little further. NEW RELEASE DATE: January 27th, 2027
November 12, 2025 at 6:26 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
It’s release day for Leo Rising, a brand-new OatL universe novella. It’s hard being a rising star, especially when your partners are bitter exes. Can Laith accept his place on top at the brothel? And can Dorian and Sabri let go of the animosity between them for the sake of the man they both love?
It’s release day!!! [Cover of Leo Rising by Gabriel Hargrave] E-book, paperback, and KU
September 23, 2025 at 7:57 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
In just a little over a week, Leo Rising is out in paperback and e-book, as well as on Kindle Unlimited for a limited time!

Preorder your copy today!
This could be your phone on September 23rd! [Smartphone with the cover of Leo Rising by Gabriel Hargrave on the screen] Preorder today!
September 15, 2025 at 4:01 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
There's a few more days to get in on this deal. If you're curious how this all works, here's some more info. At 1/2 off, you're paying $0.01/word, which is an absolute steal for an editor and formatter. If you book and pay the deposit before 9/1, I'll throw in the formatting for free (normally $50)!
Get an amazing edit at an amazing price! 50% For a limited time, I'm offering half off edits. DM or email me for details! What do I offer? My services as an editor include line-editing, copy-editing, and some developmental editing, as well as beta-esque comments about your manuscript. My biggest strengths are grammar, punctuation, repetitive/filter words, character/plot/setting inaccuracies, character voice/dialogue, and identifying patterns that authors fall into that can make their writing stilted, redundant, etc., but I provide a wide range of help for authors. What are my qualifications? In addition to my years of experience as a writer and editor, I also spent over a decade tutoring English and preparing students for the SAT/ACT, which required me to have an in depth knowledge of the intricacies of written English AND the ability to explain it to other people. In the last few years, I have edited over 3 dozen manuscripts--from short stories and novellas to novels. I have several long-term clients who return to me for services again and again because they know that they're getting a quality edit at a price they can afford. What are my rates? My baseline rate is $0.02/word, which is below the industry standard. However, I know from my own experiences how hard it can be to afford an editor as a self-pubbed or indie author, so I also work with potential clients to figure out a fair rate for both of use. Before you decide that you can't afford to hire me, contact me, and we can discuss the particulars of your project.
August 28, 2025 at 2:34 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
OUT TODAY!

Power. Obsession. The terrible price of survival.

Desdemona and Lucian have my entire heart, and you can dive into the first act of their story now!

a.co/d/cpPSjpE
"Not being able to have her, not being able to allow her to have me, will be the greatest punishment yet." -A Liar's Twisted Tongue by Caroline Cusanelli
August 26, 2025 at 2:11 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Another snippet from the upcoming Laith novella, releasing 9/23 in e-book and paperback, as well as on KU for a limited time!
Already sensing something’s on my mind, [Kenny] asks, “You’re worried about Dor, too, huh?” “No.” Then I cringe. “Okay, yeah, I am. I just…that wasn’t…” I lie down on my side, propping my head up. “You’re a really good lawyer, right?” “Oh, hell, who did you kill, Laith?” “I didn’t! I swear.” [Cover of LEO RISING by Gabriel Hargrave -- The orange silhouette of a long-haired woman sits on the back of a blue silhouette of a man, who's on his hands and knees] Available for preorder!
August 24, 2025 at 3:14 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
As Laith navigates the tricky relationship dynamic of dating bitter rivals, he also has to come to terms with his own success. Will a star rise, or will Laith relegate himself to the shadows? And will the two people he loves most force him to make a devastating choice?

mybook.to/LeoRisingNov...
Available for pre-order now! [Cover of LEO RISING by Gabriel Hargrave -- The orange silhouette of a long-haired woman sits on the back of a blue silhouette of a man, who's on his hands and knees] Releaseas 9/23/25
August 23, 2025 at 2:45 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
For the rest of August, when you book an edit with me, you'll get 50% off the normal price! I have slots available from October to the end of 2025 and all of 2026.

Get an incredible edit at a hell of a deal! DM me or email [email protected] to discuss the details of your manuscript!
Get an amazing edit at an amazing price! 50% For a limited time, I'm offering half off edits. DM or email me for details!
August 19, 2025 at 3:28 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Despite not normally being good at learning languages, Laith's been doing pretty well with the Arabic that Sabri's been teaching him. I have such a soft spot for "I love you, so I'm learning your native language," and Laith is absolutely the type of guy who would do that.
“I’m sorry, Laith,” she says. “I don’t know what I was thinking.” In Arabic, I say, “You don’t have to apologize, habibti.” “What did you say about my mother?” Horrified, I cup a hand around my mouth. “No! Bri! I—” She chuckles long and low, and it rumbles deep against my chest. “I’m fucking with you.” [Cover of LEO RISING by Gabriel Hargrave -- The orange silhouette of a long-haired woman sits on the back of a blue silhouette of a man, who's on his hands and knees] Coming 9/23!
August 15, 2025 at 1:58 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Laith is trying to keep his partners' bitter rivalry in check, but Dorian and Sabri aren't making it easy. When their boss asks Laith and Sabri to do a performance on-stage at the brothel, tempers will rise, divas will clash, and maybe--just maybe--a star will rise...

Releases September 23!
Dorian reaches over her to pat my hand. “And when you’re ready, Sabri and I figured out a way to share you where everyone wins.” My eyebrows shoot up. “Oh?” “She gets you Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and I get you Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.” “What about Sunday?” I ask skeptically. He gasps like I’ve said something scandalous and clutches at a string of invisible pearls. “That’s the *Lord’s* day!” [Cover of LEO RISING by Gabriel Hargrave -- The orange silhouette of a long-haired woman sits on the back of a blue silhouette of a man, who's on his hands and knees] Coming 9/23!
August 13, 2025 at 2:31 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
I've been in Minneapolis for almost a year now, and I've been *busy* in that time. Here are some of the projects I've edited this year, all of which feature queer characters.
Queer Books I've Edited This Year [Progress pride flag] Out now! Books featured: *Child of the Sun by Audrey Simmons *Cleric of Aphrodite by ARK Horton *Don't Drag This Out by Emery Lee *Echo Sight by Cian Verati *First Rose by Jake Vanguard *Forget Me Knot by Emery Lee Out now! Books featured: *Merman's Delight by Skyler Nightshade *The Taste of Lies by Mindi Briar *You're Ours by D.C. Emerson Coming soon! *Remnants of Relics, curated by Jake Vanguard Back the Kickstarter for Remnants of Relics!
August 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
And on 11/18, The Dahlia and the Wizard, the third novel in the series releases! Dorian will stop at nothing to find a missing friend. But shocking revelations and a devastating tragedy will leave this diva reeling. (2/2)
[Cover of THE DAHLIA & THE WIZARD by Gabriel Hargrave] Arrow graphics leading to the following phrases: -Friendship is magic -Ooh, the girls are fighting...fascists together -A chicken named Noodle -Be gay, do so much crime, omg -The polycule grows. Again. -Dorian's therapy era
August 8, 2025 at 3:24 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Prepare yourselves for Dorian and Laith Autumn!

On 9/23, a brand-new OatL novella comes out! Leo Rising sees Laith coming to grips with his fame...and with the realities of dating bitter rivals. (1/2)
[Cover of LEO RISING by Gabriel Hargrave] Arrow graphics leading to the following phrases: -Ooh, the girls are fighting -Bros supporting bros -Mom, come get me. I'm successful. -Diva showdown in a pizza parlor -Spicy novella -Laith gets a tattoo
August 8, 2025 at 3:24 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
As per usual, I completely forgot about one of my character's birthdays. LOL! In honor of Laith Ritter's belated August 1st birthday, I present two of my favorite "Laith is a slut" jokes from the upcoming novella and full-length novel in the series.
“Someone has an eager beaver,” Sabri jokes. “Is,” I correct her. “*Is* an eager beaver.” She grins at me. “I said what I said, rohi.” [Cover of LEO RISING] Coming 9/23! “Oh my god, did Frank sleep with Laith?” I’m not mad–or even surprised. This is Laith we’re talking about, after all. [Cover of THE DAHLIA AND THE WIZARD] Coming 11/18
August 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Now you can get your book edited and formatted in the same place! If you're interested in just one or the other, that's perfectly okay, too, so get in touch with me about editing and/or formatting your manuscript today! DM me here or email me!
August 4, 2025 at 3:30 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
I need to book some more clients to fill out the rest of the year (and so that I can pay rent and bills), and I would love to talk with you about your manuscript!

You can DM me here or email me at [email protected].
[Bernie Sanders meme] I am once again asking you to hire me as your editor. What do I offer? My services as an editor include line-editing, copy-editing, and some developmental editing, as well as beta-esque comments about your manuscript. My biggest strengths are grammar, punctuation, repetitive/filter words, character/plot/setting inaccuracies, character voice/dialogue, and identifying patterns that authors fall into that can make their writing stilted, redundant, etc., but I provide a wide range of help for authors. What are my qualifications? In addition to my years of experience as a writer and editor, I also spent over a decade tutoring English and preparing students for the SAT/ACT, which required me to have an in depth knowledge of the intricacies of written English AND the ability to explain it to other people. In the last few years, I have edited over 3 dozen manuscripts--from short stories and novellas to novels. I have several long-term clients who return to me for services again and again because they know that they're getting a quality edit at a price they can afford. What are my rates? My baseline rate is $0.02/word, which is below the industry standard. However, I know from my own experiences how hard it can be to afford an editor as a self-pubbed or indie author, so I also work with potential clients to figure out a fair rate for both of use. Before you decide that you can't afford to hire me, contact me, and we can discuss the particulars of your project.
July 23, 2025 at 1:48 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Today's the day!

LEO RISING is coming 9/23/25! And THE DAHLIA & THE WIZARD is coming 11/18/25!

I'm so excited to bring these books to you, and I hope you love them as much as I do!
Upcoming releases from Gabriel Hargrave Coming 9/23/25 [Cover of Leo Rising by Gabriel Hargrave] As Laith juggles his relationships with Dorian and Sabri, he discovers his biggest barrier to happiness might be himself. Coming 11/18/25 [Cover of The Dahlia and the Wizard by Gabriel Hargrave] Emotionally damaged diva Dorian goes on a harrowing quest to find a missing friend and discovers a whole lot more along the way.
July 21, 2025 at 4:29 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
"One more dawn, one more day, one day mooooooooooore!"

I'm so excited to reveal the release dates for these two books. I'm not sure quite when pre-orders will be up, but I'll let y'all know as soon as I do!
Guess which announcement is coming this Tuesday... [Covers of LEO RISING and THE DAHLIA AND THE WIZARD by Gabriel Hargrave]
July 20, 2025 at 4:59 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Here's a snippet from the upcoming third OatL series book. Dorian only ever tried doing drag to piss Sabri off and was absolutely terrible at it. As much of a diva as he is, Dor gets really uncomfy on stage and has zero rhythm.

Bonus snippet from book 2 where Laith *does* do drag of a sort.
“What are you going to name her?” Sabri asks. I hadn’t even thought about it. Though her gun has a name, as far as I know, Laith’s never given his one. But as I look at the weapon sitting on a nearby table, I decide it’s a good idea. Despite what I’ve been told, I don’t want this gun to feel like an extension of my body; I want her to be separate, a tool I use only in my most desperate hour. Giving her a name feels like a good way to make sure that’s the case. “Mercedes LeCoq,” I say. Sabri’s eyebrows furrow. “Your old drag name?” “Yeah, for, like, three days,” I remind her. “I was never good at that, so I never really got to use it. Besides, I think it’s fitting. She handles like a well-made car, and she’s a dick substitute.” Finch chokes on the coffee he’d just taken a swig of. “I like this one.” He waggles a finger at me. “I like you.” Then he hands me the silver case. “Threw in a holster and a coupla boxes of ammo, but ‘cha knows where ta find me if ya need more.” I don’t actually do drag, but we’d jokingly come up with Anya as a name for me in case I ever wanted to try. Before becoming a sex worker, the idea of that would’ve repulsed me. I transitioned to be myself; why the hell would I go back to wearing the same clothes that had always felt like a costume to me? Maybe it’s because “women’s” clothes are a costume for me. Or maybe it’s seeing Dorian so confident in himself and his masculinity that he can be femme as hell. Maybe it’s me being so much more open to new experiences now. Probably, though, it’s the degradation and humiliation of it all.
July 16, 2025 at 7:57 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Omg, I realized I forgot to share this here.

The cover reveal for book three of the OatL series is finally here! I've been sitting on this glorious cover by @ardentgrove.bsky.social for months, and now y'all get to see it, too!

Release date news coming later this month!
Who's ready for *another* cover reveal? The Dahlia and the Wizard Sober and in therapy, Dorian is finally starting to thrive. But when one friend goes missing and another is murdered, all of that hard work is put to the test as he dives headfirst into hell to save someone he loves. What he discovers along the way might just kill him. Or make him stronger. *Or both*. [Cover of The Dahlia and the Wizard by Gabriel Hargrave -- Silhouettes of two femme people in a psychedelically colorful pool hall. One of them (Dorian, a femme non-binary AMAB person) is sitting on the edge of the pool table; the other (Sabri, a trans woman) is standing next to it. Both of them are holding pool cues. In the background are three neon signs: 1) "Mocktails" with a martini glass, complete with an olive, 2) "Baldwin Cigarettes" with a lit cigarette, 3) "I'd hit that" with a pool ball with arms and legs holding a pool cue.] Release date announcement soon!
July 15, 2025 at 9:26 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
I decided to make y'all wait just a *little* longer for the full cover reveal of The Dahlia and the Wizard.

Before that book comes out, LEO RISING, a sweet and spicy novella, is coming your way. I now know the release dates for both books, and those will be announced later this month!
Who's ready for a cover reveal? Nestled in between the second and third books in the Orchid and the Lion series, LEO RISING is a 36k word novella about Laith dealing with the realities of dating bitter rivals and being the brothel’s new star. Release date announcement soon! [Cover of LEO RISING, which features the orange silhouette of a woman sitting on the back of a blue silhouette of a man, who's on his hands and knees. Both silhouettes are in front of a purple nebula.]
July 8, 2025 at 3:51 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
Release dates for both THE DAHLIA AND THE WIZARD and the Laith novella are coming soon! And I'll be doing a sneak peek of the Laith novella cover in the next week or so.

In the meantime, here's a little more of the amazing book three cover, done by @ardentgrove.bsky.social.
Book thee of the OatL series is coming this year! Have a tease of the incredible cover! Full cover reveal coming soon! [Partial cover reveal of The Dahlia and the Wizard by Gabriel Hargrave]
July 5, 2025 at 5:26 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
#pridebookfair Prompt Week Day 3!

Feel free to use this post as a place to gush about your favorite queer books. I'm always looking to add to my TBR. (Self-recs welcome, too!)
Pride Book Fair Prompt Week What queer representation are you hoping to read or write more of? I’m *dying* to get to a future book in the OatL series because there’s a femme trans man character I’ll be introducing. I’m also looking forward to writing more cis queer characters because I keep trying to, and they all go, “I’m actually trans or enby, sorry.” LOL! As for reading, give me *all* the queer rep. I want it all.
June 11, 2025 at 7:27 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
#pridebookfair Prompt Week Day 2!

I had the absolute honor of editing both of these books, and I can't recommend them enough. Both are out now and would be amazing reads this Pride Month.

(1/2)
Pride Book Fair Prompt Week What was the last queer book you read and loved? I have two! The first is Echo Sight by Cian Verati, a hilarious and exhilarating noir fantasy about a phoenix investigating a crime that their prior incarnation might have a connection to. The second is Merman’s Delight by Skyler Nightshade, a beautifully written cat-and-mouse romance between an autistic merman and a reclusive lighthouse keeper.
June 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM
ghargravewrites.bsky.social
It's the #pridebookfair Prompt Week!

I forgot to mention that I'm also in the process of doing final edits for the Laith novella and book three of the OatL series. If I'm able to finish those up by the end of the month, I'll announce release dates before Pride is over!
Pride Book Fair Prompt Week What queer books are you reading or writing this month? I’m rereading the books in my own series in order to make sure that I’m fully prepared to write the next one. I’ll also be working on Nanny Bazzy’s Guide to NOT Falling in Love with Your Boss because I’d like to release that this year or early next. I have some queer books to edit for clients, and I’d like to read at least one book for fun, too.
June 9, 2025 at 9:40 PM