Quercus pre-empts Jamie Harrow’s ‘steamy’ basketball romance

Quercus has acquired Jamie Harrow’s “steamy” debut novel, One on One, in an “ambitious” pre-empt.

Emma Capron, editorial director at Quercus Fiction, pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights to One on One and a second book from Maddalena Cavaciuti at David Higham, on behalf of Allison Hunter at Trellis Literary Management. One on One will be published on 1st October 2024. 

The book is described as “a steamy enemies-to-lovers workplace romance set in the world of basketball”, and will appeal to fans of Sally Thorne, Hannah Grace and Beth O’Leary.

Capron said: “I knew I had to have this book, almost from the first page. It has the perfect set-up with old friends turned workplace rivals (soon to be lovers), and it is set in the world of basketball, so we get the sports romance nod, too. Harrow writes her characters with real care, addressing deeper issues while keeping us uplifted and… competitive. I dare you not to fall in love with this book and the world of basketball come October."

Harrow said: “I’m thrilled to be publishing One on One and my next novel with Quercus. It’s been an absolute delight working with Emma and the team, whose support and vision for my books are outstanding. I’m grateful and excited for what lies ahead as we bring these stories to readers in the UK and Commonwealth together."

Cavaciuti added: “Quercus’ excitement for Jamie’s writing was infectious from the very beginning. I’m delighted that One on One has found the perfect publishing home in the UK and can’t wait for readers to get their hands on this seriously sizzling rom-com.”