Publishing Director Melissa Cox has acquired the UK & Commonwealth English Language rights to marine biology rom-com HEAD FIRST by debut author Claire Kershaw, from Tanera Simons. The book will publish in May 2025. German language rights were acquired in a pre-empt by Fischer Verlag.

Head First follows Andi as she takes her marine biologist’s sister’s place on a trip of a lifetime: scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. But when professional rival Hugh Harris turns out to be one of the other eight guests on board, sparks fly in this forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers rom-com.  

Author, Claire Kershaw, says: "I can't wait for readers to meet Hugh and Andi and experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Head First was inspired by my own dives and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to non profits supporting ocean conservation. I am thrilled this story has found a home with Melissa and the Bonnier team — they are absolutely brilliant."

Agent, Tanera Simons, says: “Head First combines the refreshingly original setting of a scuba-dive boat with the tried and tested rom-com tropes that we all know and love. I immediately fell in love with Hugh & Andi when I first came to Head First, and am whisked away to the Great Barrier Reef with every read. This is a gorgeous book and its been such a joy working with Claire and Melissa.”

For translation enquires, please contact Mary Darby of Darby Literary (mary@darbyliterary.com).

For dramatic rights enquiries, please contact Sheila David of Catapult Rights (sheila@catapultrights.com).

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