Orion Fiction signs ‘achingly romantic’ adult fiction debut in 24-hour pre-empt

Orion Fiction has acquired A Love Like the Sun and one further novel from Riss M Neilson.

Rhea Kurien, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to the two titles in a 24-hour pre-empt from Jenny Meyer at the Meyer Literary Agency. North American rights were previously pre-empted in a “major” deal by Amanda Bergeron at Berkley through Jessica Regel at Helm Literary.

Pitched for readers of Carley Fortune and Kennedy Ryan, A Love Like the Sun is about two lifelong best friends who spend a fateful summer discovering what might happen if they were to be something more. It will be published simultaneously by Orion and Berkley in summer 2024.

Kurien said: “Some books you just know are special from the very first line, and with A Love Like the Sun, it was instant love. Riss has written a truly captivating love story about two childhood friends who agree to fake-date for the summer, only to realise there’s never been anything fake about their feelings.

“This is a deliciously torturous slow-burn romance, but one with so much heart and depth. I devoured this in one sleepless night, and it was a unanimous yes from the whole company the next day. Riss is such a talent and I am so excited about launching this gorgeous book next year.”

Neilson, also the author of two YA novels, said: ‘’The instant love that my editor Rhea Kurien speaks of was a mutual feeling. As soon as I read the letter from her and the lovely team at Orion, I knew it would be the perfect match. I was over the moon, giddy and kicking my feet like I do when I read a sweet love story, and I still am. It’s an absolutely rewarding feeling for me as an author that this team understands my work as thoroughly as they do. I’m so excited to be ushering A Love Like the Sun into the world with them and can’t wait to share it with all of you.”

Meyer added: “I knew from the start that A Love Like the Sun would strike a chord with editors across the pond so I was utterly thrilled when Rhea fell in love with it overnight — we are just delighted to have Riss’ work in her hands and know that she and the whole team at Orion will do a beautiful job of bringing it to readers in the UK and beyond."