Ink Road seizes Maskame’s ‘sizzling’ New Adult debut

Black & White Publishing, part of Bonnier Books UK, has signed Somewhere in the Sunset, the New Adult debut from Estelle Maskame, author of the YA romance Dimly trilogy (also Black & White).

World rights were acquired directly from the author by Ali McBride, publishing director at Black & White Publishing. Somewhere in the Sunset will be published on 11th April 2024 by Black & White imprint Ink Road. New Adult fiction is about protagonists in the 18–29 age bracket.

The synopsis reads: “Both Gracie and Weston think they have their lives figured out when heartbreak comes knocking on their doors. Gracie, an up-and-coming influencer, doesn’t know how to function without her relationship. Her romance was a key part of her popularity, and now she has no idea who she is or how she’s supposed to keep her viewers’ interest.

"Weston is too caught up in playing the part of the good son to figure out what he really wants. He’s training to become a police officer to please his dad, but playing it safe has cost him his relationship. Weston had the woman of his dreams, he just realised it too late. Their friends drag them out to party in San Francisco, hoping that a change of pace might do them good. Then their worlds collide… literally. After meeting at a bar fight, the two begin to gravitate toward one another, beginning a romance as hot as the California sun.”

Maskame, who won the Young Scots Arts Award in 2016, and was shortlisted for the Young Adult Award at the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards, said: “I’m so excited to make my debut into the New Adult genre as it’s been a natural progression for me as a writer and an obvious next step in my journey. It’s been such a joy to write Gracie and Weston’s story and I can’t wait for the world to meet them.”

McBride said: “Estelle has captivated the hearts of YA audiences across the world for nearly a decade now. We couldn’t be prouder of what she’s achieved and are thrilled to take this next step with her into the New Adult genre. Somewhere in the Sunset is a dazzling, addictive romance – exactly what readers have come to expect from Estelle.”