Hera acquires two Formula 1 romances from debut author Grace Newman
Wednesday 16th April 2025
Hera have signed US-based author, Grace Newman, in a two-book deal for her spicy F1 romance series.
World English rights were acquired by Hera Executive Publisher, Keshini Naidoo, from Megan Carroll and Annie Ku at Watson Little.
Grace’s first book will be published in Paperback Original and ebook in November 2025, with the second book following in Summer 2026.
The first book in the deal follows Georgia Dubois as she navigates being on the first – and only – all female F1 racing team, ready to beat the men and win the World Driver’s Championship. One of her competitors, Italian hunk Luca Rossi, has lived his life in a whirlwind of fame and women, but now faces losing his precious seat. While at a club post-race, the pair share a drunken kiss, but the fans love it. With the best PR either of them have had, their teams encourage a fake romance until the end of the season. But how far will they go for their careers and reputation?
Editor Dan O’Brien says: ‘I was enthralled by Racing Hearts from the first intense opening sequence – the tension and adrenaline is immediate, and the chemistry is sizzling. With the popularity of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, and upcoming summer blockbuster F1 starring Brad Pitt, sports and romance fiction fans alike will find exactly what they are looking for. Including enemies to lovers, fake dating, and workplace romance tropes, Grace has subverted expectations by placing a trailblazing main female protagonist in a traditionally man’s sporting world. The final pages are unforgettable and sure to leave you craving the next.’
Grace Newman said of the deal: ‘I’m beyond thrilled that Racing Hearts has found a home with Hera Books! This story is about so much more than romance – it’s about resilience, ambition, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. In Racing Hearts, our fearless protagonist isn’t just chasing history; she’s rewriting it. I can’t wait for readers to experience the adrenaline-fueled world of F1 through her eyes. With Hera’s support, this book will reach the readers who have been waiting for a story where women don’t just fight for their place in the sport – they own it.’