Hera hacks the love system with debut STEM forbidden romance set in the world of tech
February 16, 2026
Hera are delighted to announce that they have signed Connie Kitson in a two-book deal for her irresistible and drama-filled STEM romances, set in the corporate tech world in London. World English rights were acquired by Editor Dan O’Brien, from Hannah Weatherill at Watson Little. Connie’s first book will be published in Paperback Original and ebook in November 2026, with the second book following in June 2027.
The first book in the deal follows Jenna as she mourns the death of her father after a workplace accident at Belmayer, a dangerously corrupt oil company. Though she works in marketing by day, she spends her free time as a vigilante hacker – gathering the dirty laundry of Belmayer in a plan to take them down. But at a family function she sees an old flame, and her stomach flips. Kieran – charming, handsome, and everything she could want. There’s just one problem: he’s the head of cybersecurity at Belmayer. In the ultimate forbidden romance, Jenna must debate with her feelings for Kieran, while knowing he is the enemy behind closed doors.
Editor Dan O’Brien says: ‘I loved Connie’s work from the very first page. Despite the incredibly high-stakes story, I found the character’s lives hilariously relatable and rooted for them all at every opportunity. Many moments left me reeling, swooning, and unable to put it down. Connie is a powerful and undeniably talented voice in this genre, and I am excited to bring her to readers with an appetite for more STEM-based romances.’
Connie Kitson said of the deal: ‘I wanted to challenge stereotypes about people in tech (especially the idea that coding is mostly guys in hoodies) whilst writing a love story full of humour, tension, and on-page chemistry. Coming from a digital creative and marketing background, I’ve spent years in tech teams, watching the inner workings of programming and web development up close, and I loved bringing that world to life on the page – with just enough technical details to feel real, without needing a manual. I’m so grateful to Dan and the team at Hera Books for believing in this story; it feels like the perfect home for a smart, spicy romance that asks big questions and still believes in a happy ever after.’
Hannah Weatherill says: ‘I’m thrilled that Connie’s romances have found such a great home with Dan and Hera. In The Love Code, Connie weaves together the shadowy world of cybersecurity with an irresistible romance and the most gorgeous chemistry, and I can’t wait for readers to discover her work!’
For more information contact [email protected]