Hot Key Books bags ‘Love Island’ contestant and disability campaigner Ghouri’s novel

Hot Key Books has acquired Hits Different, a “sizzling” summer romance, by former “Love Island” contestant, disability activist, model, podcast host and social media influencer Tasha Ghouri, co-written with Lizzie Huxley-Jones.

Ruth Bennett and Ella Whiddett acquired world rights from David Riding at MBA Literary, on behalf of Off Limits Entertainment, and Abi Fellows when she was at The Good Literary Agency. Publication is scheduled for June 2024.

Hits Different follows 20 year-old Deaf main character Cassie, who is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a dancer. The synopsis says: “So when an opportunity to dance on tour with a global superstar presents itself, Cassie decides to give it a shot. Jetting off for a hot summer in Ibiza, her dreams seem closer than ever, and so does love. Levi, the guy she keeps bumping into on set, sees and uplifts her in a way no one else ever has. If only Cassie could believe in herself like he does, she might find that life hits different when you learn to love yourself."

Ghouri said: “It’s so important to me to celebrate everyone’s differences in life, and I can’t wait to do that through Cassie’s story, which is about so much more than just romantic love. I know through my own experience that before you can love anyone else to the fullest of your ability you first have to love and embrace yourself. I’m excited to work with Lizzie and Hot Key to bring this message to readers.”

Huxley-Jones said: “I’m so passionate about disabled characters in all genres, and collaborating with Tasha on a disability-centred love story with a deaf protagonist to add more much-needed representation to bookshelves is a dream come true for me. Disabled people deserve to see themselves as objects of love and desire, and I’m sure people are going to love what we’ve cooked up together.”

Whiddett commented: “Tasha and Lizzie are the perfect partnership, and in this gorgeous summer romance they bring empowering messages and positive representation to the genre. It’s the ultimate uplifting read and we can’t wait for Tasha and Lizzie’s fans and romance readers everywhere to fall in love with Cassie’s story.”

Ghouri is a brand ambassador for eBay, Ann Summers and L’Oréal Paris and recently launched her own podcast, “Superpowers with Tasha Ghouri”, which focuses on normalising disabilities by embracing them as superpowers. She is also a global ambassador for DeafKidsUK and works with the National Deaf Children’s Society and RNID to help those with hearing impairments.

Huxley-Jones is an autistic author and editor based in London. They are the author of the queer holiday rom-com Make You Mine This Christmas (Hodder) and middle-grade adventure Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend (Knights Of).