Penguin signs YA romance debuts from Iqbal, Ahmed, Voris and Horne

Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Random House Children’s, has announced its 2024 debut YA romance publishing programme, with books by Anam Iqbal, Safa Ahmed, Jenna Voris and Maggie Horne.

The Exes by British Pakistani author and TikTok creator Iqbal, is a novel about family, fame and first love with a British South Asian twist. Editor India Chambers acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a three-way auction from Hannah Schofield of LBA.

In The Exes, the publisher says, “sparks fly between an unlikely pair – Karim, a globally-renowned influencer, and Zara, a normal teenager on her way to uni. They try to keep their budding relationship under the radar, but it’s hard to keep secrets when an anonymous gossip blogger has their eye on you. Can the couple unmask their tormentor and get their happily ever after, or does fate have other plans for them?” It is scheduled for release in May 2024.

Coming out in June 2024, The Girlfriend Act by British Pakistani debut author Ahmed is described as “a swoony enemies-to-lovers rom-com set in West London’s theatre scene". Charlotte Moore, commissioning editor, acquired exclusive UK and Commonwealth rights from Alex Rice of Creative Artists Agency.

Its synopsis reads: “When aspiring actress Farah Sheikh and her band of fellow rejected theatre kids, The Tragedies, cross paths with ex-child star Zayan Anim, the stage is set for epic, fake-dating drama that will have #BookTok readers falling head over heels."

US talent Voris will make her UK debut with Every Time You Hear That Song, a “heart-warming, summer road-trip romance with a country music soundtrack”, in paperback in April 2024. Katie Sinfield, editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Hannah Schofield of LBA on behalf of Claire Friedman of Inkwell. Weaving together narratives both past and present, Every Time You Hear That Song alternately follows the journeys of Darren, an aspiring journalist desperate to escape her small town, and her idol, country music legend Decklee Cassel, as both young women find love, and themselves, while pursuing big dreams.

Horne will also join the 2024 list with her YA debut Don’t Let It Break Your Heart, acquired by commissioning editor Jordan Tyson with UK and Commonwealth rights from Hannah Schofield of LBA on behalf of Claire Friedman of Inkwell and scheduled for release in August 2024.

The publisher says: “In this queer coming-of-age story, Alana’s ex-turned-bestie Ethan asks her to help him win the heart of newcomer Talia, putting their friendship to the test. Before you know it, Alana finds herself caught between her loyalty to Ethan and her growing feelings for Talia. Exploring themes of love, loyalty, and self-exploration, Horne brilliantly and authentically details the realities of teenage hope and heartbreak."

Ruth Knowles, publishing director, said: “We’re so excited by the amazing creativity and talent in the YA community, and inspired by how authors and their stories are reaching readers directly like never before through online communities. We’re especially proud of our YA debut romance class of 2024 and their captivating and inclusive novels. From the incredible demand we’ve seen in this area of the market, it’s clear that readers are desperate for love stories that reflect the breadth of the human experience. Anam, Safa, Jenna and Maggie offer stay-in-your-heart characters, all the emotions and best-in-class storytelling, and we are delighted to be welcoming them to Penguin.”