Picture a British storyteller who weaves gritty, heartfelt romances that capture the soul of London’s bustling streets—meet Garrett Leigh! An award-winning novelist and graphic designer, Leigh has carved a niche in contemporary romance, particularly within the LGBTQA community. Her knack for crafting flawed, multidimensional characters and her culinary flair make her stories as addictive as a perfectly plated dessert.
With series like Urban Soul and Roads, Leigh has earned a loyal following, blending raw emotion with authentic settings. Her work doesn’t just tell love stories; it explores the messy, beautiful complexities of human connection. Let’s dive into the world of Garrett Leigh and discover what makes her a standout in modern romance.
The Making of Garrett Leigh
Born and raised in the UK, Garrett Leigh’s journey to becoming a celebrated author wasn’t a straight path. A trained chef with a passion for food, she infuses her novels with vivid culinary details that make readers feel like they’re in a bustling London kitchen. Leigh stumbled into writing almost by accident, describing it as something that “just happened,” and she ran with it. Her background as a graphic designer and e-book cover artist also shaped her creative approach, giving her a unique edge in the publishing world.
Before her literary success, Leigh honed her visual storytelling skills, co-owning Moon Stock Photography with photographer Dan Burgess and designing covers at Black Jazz Design. This multifaceted creativity spills into her writing, where every scene feels meticulously crafted yet effortlessly real.
Garrett Leigh’s Unforgettable Stories
Leigh’s bibliography is a treasure trove of emotional, character-driven romances. Her Urban Soul series, set in London’s vibrant restaurant scene, is a fan favorite. Misfits, the first book, introduces Tom, Cass, and Jake in a polyamorous love story that’s both tender and intense. It was a finalist for the 2016 LAMBDA Awards, praised for its authentic portrayal of complex relationships. Strays, the sequel, follows chef Nero and apprentice Lenny, weaving a tale of healing and love against a backdrop of culinary chaos.
The Roads series, starting with Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards. It follows Ash, a shy tattoo artist, and Pete, a paramedic, as they navigate trauma and love. Leigh’s military novel Between Ghosts clinched the 2017 EPIC Award, showcasing her versatility. Her writing style is gritty yet poetic, with a focus on flawed characters who find redemption through connection. Food, London’s urban pulse, and emotional depth are recurring themes, making her stories resonate universally.
Leigh’s ability to craft bisexual and polyamorous narratives with sensitivity sets her apart. Her characters aren’t perfect—they’re raw, real, and deeply human, which is why readers keep coming back. Whether it’s the heat of a kitchen or the quiet moments of vulnerability, Leigh’s storytelling is immersive and unforgettable.
Why Garrett Leigh Matters
Garrett Leigh’s impact on contemporary romance, especially within the LGBTQA community, is profound. Her stories challenge stereotypes, offering nuanced representations of love and identity. By centering bisexual and polyamorous relationships, she broadens the genre’s scope, inviting readers to embrace diverse narratives. Her awards—four LAMBDA finalist nods, a 2017 Bisexual Book Award for What Remains, and a silver medal at the 2016 Benjamin Franklin Awards for cover design—underscore her influence as both a writer and artist.
Beyond her books, Leigh’s work as a cover designer and photographer supports indie authors and the broader publishing community. Her stories, infused with London’s grit and heart, remind us that love thrives in the most unexpected places, making her a vital voice in modern romance.
About Garrett Leigh
- Key Works: Slide (2013), Misfits (2015), Strays (2017), Between Ghosts (2016)
- Awards: Best Bisexual Debut (2014 Rainbow Book Awards), 2017 EPIC Award, 2017 Bisexual Book Award
- Other Talents: Trained chef, e-book cover designer, co-owner of Moon Stock Photography
Ready to fall in love with Garrett Leigh’s world? Snag Misfits or Slide and dive into her gritty, heartwarming romances today!