HarperFiction snaps up two more Regency rom-coms from Irwin

HarperFiction had landed two new "swoon-worthy" regency romances from bestseller Sophie Irwin.

Editorial director Belinda Toor acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Madeleine Milburn at the Madeleine Milburn Agency on behalf of publishing director Martha Ashby, who is currently on maternity leave.

Irwin’s 2022 debut, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting was a UK bestseller and rights for her novels have sold across 31 different countries.

The first book in the new deal, How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days, will be released in August 2024. It follows rich, handsome, and titled Lord Ashford, who has every lady in England longing for his hand in marriage. Everyone, that is, except Miss Lydia Hanworth, who is the only young woman Ashford wishes to marry. 

Pressured into accepting Ashford’s proposal, Lydia has just 10 days to free herself from her obligations before the engagement is publicly announced: what can go wrong?

Irwin said said "I hope it is going to be even frothier, funnier and more fabulous than the last".

Milburn added: “I’m excited for How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days – it’s the perfect escapism for readers, and radiates passion, humour and wit.”

Toor said: “Sophie is a joy to publish, and we are glad to work with her to bring two more Regency rom-coms into the hands of readers. Sophie is exceptionally talented – her storytelling is fresh, funny and charming, and she never fails to deliver characters that will capture your heart. Her previous success has built a brilliant foundation… we’re incredibly excited about the next stage of Sophie’s career.”