Hodderscape successfully acquired M. Stevenson‘s romantasy debut, Behooved, described as ‘enchanting, cosy, delightfully imaginative’, in a major six-figure pre-empt for a two-book deal.
For fans of T. Kingfisher, Diana Wynne Jones, the novel follows duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, Bianca who agrees to marry the neighbouring kingdom’s heir, Prince Aric who is cold, aloof, and seems to hate her on sight. On their wedding night, an assassination attempt goes amiss and leaves Aric magically transformed into a horse. She mounts her new husband and rides away to safety. Returning to human form at sunset, they discover the assassination attempt is part of a larger plot against the throne. To make matters worse, Bianca is framed for Aric’s murder and is now saddled with a husband who is a horse by day and a frustratingly attractive man by night. As an unexpected romance begins galloping away with their hearts, Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to unravel the curse and save the throne.
Editor Calah Singleton who bought the UK & Commonwealth rights shared that Behooved is “an absolute romp: twisty, witty, full of heart and endlessly romantic. Everyone at Hodderscape is so excited to bring UK readers along for the ride.”
With North American rights sold to Tor in a major three-book deal in pre-empt, editor Lindsey Hall commented that “the whole team here at Bramble are chomping at the bit to share this very special story with fans of fantasy and romance alike. Working with Marina and Calah on this one-of-a-kind enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romantic adventure has been a joy!”
Author M. Stevenson added that her book “couldn’t be in better hands! […] I’m beyond thrilled that it will be joining the Hodderscape and Tor herds next year!”
International rights were also sold to Heyne (Germany), Faro (Portuguese in South America), Nemira (Romania), and Sonia Draga (Poland).
Behooved will publish in May 2025. Read the full article here.
