Canelo picks up romance series from Lulu Morris in three-book deal

Canelo has acquired a new romance series by Lulu Morris, who has also been widely published by Mills & Boon under the name Lucy Morris.

Editorial director Emily Bedford acquired world all-language rights in a three-book deal direct from the author.

The Dating Pact is described as Bridget Jones meets The Idea of You. It will be published in January 2026 with book two to follow in the summer.

Bedford said: “From page one, I loved Ellie as a main character – an overworked, under-confident nurse in the NHS, she absolutely deserved a love interest like Alex, who fell for her the moment they met. Lulu’s writing had me kicking my feet and giggling throughout and I’m so excited to be working with an author like her.”

Morris, who is a director for the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) where she has volunteered for four years, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Canelo with my first contemporary rom-com, and working with the talented Emily Bedford. At our first meeting – an RNA pitch appraisal – she asked me what I wanted from the meeting, and I nervously joked, ‘A contract, please!’ Thankfully, she laughed, and didn’t kick me out. I hope to keep making her laugh with my heartwarming stories. I love love, and believe that everyone deserves a happily ever after."

Morris lives in Essex with her husband, two children and two cats.