Headline Eternal seizes Hennessy’s debut adult romance in two-book deal

Headline Eternal has acquired two books by debut adult romance author Jennifer Hennessy, including Degrees of Engagement, a fake engagement rom-com set in the world of academia, “for anyone who’s shown up to every hen-do, wedding, and baby shower only to be left wondering when their own achievements will be celebrated".

Senior commissioning editor Nic Caws acquired world English-language rights to the two books from Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary Agency. German rights have also been pre-empted. Degrees of Engagement will be published in e-book and paperback on 14th March 2024. The second book, an as-yet-untitled sports romance featuring characters linked to Degrees of Engagement, will follow in spring 2025.

Hennessy has previously published YA romances as Jennifer Iacopelli, including Game. Set. Match. (JCI Books) and Break the Fall (Hodder Children’s Books).

Caws said: “Jennifer has crafted a romance that’s charmingly relatable, addictively funny and deliciously sexy, which celebrates non-traditional milestones and friendship as much as it does romantic love.”

Hennessy said: “From the first moment we spoke, I knew Nic and the entire team at Headline Eternal were the perfect fit for Degrees of Engagement and I’m excited to bring my adult debut to bookshelves around the world.”