#Merky signs its first rom-com with Rumble’s ‘smart and fresh’ debut

Stormzy’s Penguin Random House imprint #Merky Books has signed a romantic comedy to its list for the first time, with debut author Taylor-Dior Rumble’s “unputdownable” novel The Situationship.

Assistant editor Tallulah Lyons acquired world rights to the novel, which follows a struggling writer living in south London, from Seren Adams at United Agents, for publication in August 2023. 

The book follows Tia Martin, who feels like her life is going nowhere. The synopsis explains: "Between never getting it right in the prestigious offices of London Central News to her first love returning from America with a new girlfriend, Tia feels heartbroken and hopeless. 

“Her best friends beg her to move on, and to her surprise she meets Nate: a charming, sexy photographer who offers her everything she could have wanted. When Tia mixes work with pleasure and lines begin to blur, she and Nate fall for each other hard – or at least she assumes they’re both on the same page…”

Rumble, a writer born and raised in south-east London who started her journalism career at BBC News at the age of 18 and who has since gone on to produce and cover stories ranging from the politics of Black hair to colourism in Hollywood, described the book as “a love letter to south London”.

She said: “As much as it is an exploration of the angsty chaos that is dating (men), it also centres on self-discovery, the weight of imposter syndrome and, above all else, a young woman trying to put herself first. Going on this journey with #Merky Books, a team that really understands my voice and vision, feels so surreal – but definitely meant to be. It’s honestly a dream come true. I feel incredibly blessed and can’t wait for the world to meet Tia."

Lyons commented: “Laugh out loud funny and extremely relatable, Taylor-Dior has written a smart and fresh debut, exploring the trials and tribulations of modern-day dating. I fell in love with Tia from the very first page and stayed rooting for her throughout. Taylor-Dior is an incredible talent and I’m so thrilled to be adding such a bold, smart, and compelling commercial voice to the #Merky Books list.”