HarperFiction pre-empts 'unforgettable' steamy rom-com from debut author Soto in two-book deal

HarperFiction has snapped up an “unforgettable steamy rom-com” by debut author Julie Soto in a two-book pre-empt. 

Martha Ashby, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, to Forget Me Not and one other book from Gaia Banks at Sheil Land Associates. North American rights were bought by Junessa Viloria at Grand Central, German rights are with Goldmann and Polish rights with HarperPoland. 

Forget Me Not follows ambitious wedding planner Ama Torres as she lands the job that will take her career to the next level – the only problem? The florist is her ex, Elliot Blum, the man whose heart she broke. They haven’t spoken in two years. Can they get through the wedding without killing – or kissing – each other?  

Soto said: “Forget Me Not was a blast to write. It combines all my favourite tropes and characterisations, and because it’s set in my hometown of Sacramento, it feels like a love letter to the place I grew up. I had such a clear vision of the novel throughout the entire process thanks to the encouragement from my agent, and I am so, so happy that Martha connected with it immediately. HarperFiction is a dream publisher for so many, and Martha and her team do not disappoint! I am absolutely thrilled to be working with HarperFiction on my debut novel.” 

Ashby added: “Having come across Julie’s writing during a very locked-down maternity leave, I knew I’d found a writer who adored writing steamy romances and knew how to turn long-established romance tropes into something fresh, funny and original – and very sexy. When I discovered she’d signed with an agent, I messaged Gaia straight away and within days we’d snapped up Forget Me Not. I’ve never had a response to a rom-com like this before from the publishing team and I can’t wait for readers everywhere to fall for Ama and Elliot too.”