Hera acquires two spicy, timely and emotional contemporary romances by debut author, Alex Neve

Hera Executive Publisher, Keshini Naidoo, has acquired World rights, including audio and translation, for new romance titles by novelist, Alex Neve. Rights were acquired directly from the author in a two-book contract.

The first book in the deal, Someone Your Own Age, a London-set romance following forty-something marketing executive Esme, and Callum, the younger man who she starts a relationship with after her painful divorce, will be published in the UK in summer 2026, with the second novel following in early 2027.

Alex Neve is a filmmaker and graduate of the Faber Academy and this is her debut novel.

Keshini Naidoo says: ‘From the moment I picked up Someone Your Own Age, I was absolutely swept away by Esme’s story. This tale of a woman approaching middle-age and grappling with the realization of how society treats older women, whilst simultaneously reevaluating her own desires and agency was thought-provoking, hilarious and passionate. The intensity of the relationship between Esme and the much-younger Callum is supremely sexy, addictive and yet filled with so much heart, I was thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading.

In a world where middle-aged women are making more noise than ever (and thank goodness!), whilst also being bombarded with images of youth and beauty that feels centred on the male gaze, it was so refreshing to read a love story that centres this age demographic in a way that will resonate with so many readers. I fell deeply in love with Esme and Callum and can’t wait for readers to discover their story in summer 2026.’

Alex Neve says: ‘I’ve wanted to write about age gap relationships for some time, specifically how men enter into a relationship with someone younger, not necessarily without judgement (although far less of it), but seemingly lacking that self-consciousness or need to apologise. I wanted to create something in the spicy romance space that has a woman in her forties at the forefront, and Esme came from wanting a character to rediscover herself post-divorce and remind us all that women continue to be sexy, sexual and desired. I’m thrilled Someone Your Own Age has found a home at Hera and cannot wait to bring Esme and Callum’s story to readers.’

Someone Your Own Age will be published in May 2026 in Paperback Original and audio with book two to follow in early 2027. For more information please contact [email protected]