Romance - Zeno Agency Ltd.

Jenni Keer’s THE HOPE AND DREAMS OF LUCY BAKER nominated for Best Debut Romantic Novel Award!

Posted on Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

We are delighted to report that Jenni Keer‘s debut novel, THE HOPES AND DREAMS OF LUCY BAKER, has been shortlisted for the 2020 Romantic Novel Awards! Specifically, the novel in up for the Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award!

The novel is published in the UK and North America by One More Chapter. As the graphic above notes, it is also only 99p at the time of writing! Here’s the novel’s synopsis…

Meet Lucy, aged 25, and Brenda, aged 79. Neighbours, and unlikely friends.

Lucy Baker is not your usual 25-year-old. She is more at home reading and knitting in her cluttered little flat than going out partying and socialising.

79-year-old Brenda is full of wise and wonderful advice, but when she’s diagnosed with dementia her life begins to change. Before her memories slip away for ever, Brenda is desperate to fulfil one last wish – to see Lucy happy.

Gifting Lucy the locket that helped Brenda find her own true love, she hopes to push her reticent neighbour in the right direction. But is Lucy Baker ready for the opportunities and heartbreaks of the real world? It’s about time she put her knitting needles aside and found out…

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker will be the most charming, heart-warming and feel-good novel you will read this year, perfect for fans of Ruth Hogan and Gail Honeyman.

Jenni’s second novel, THE UNLIKELY LIFE OF MAISIE MEADOWS, is also on sale, only £1.99!

The award(s) will be presented during a ceremony at Leonardo Royal London City Hotel, on Monday 2nd March.

Huge congratulations to Jenni, on this very well-deserved nomination!

Welcoming Jenni Keer! (And a deal!)

Posted on Friday, June 29th, 2018

Today, we are delighted to welcome author Jenni Keer to the Zeno family! Not only that, but we are also able to share with you the excellent news that Jenni has signed a two-book, World Rights deal with Avon Books! The deal was announced this week.

‘I am thrilled that Jenni’s wonderful novel will be published with Avon. Jenni writes with such warmth and Avon is the perfect home for her,’ said Louise Buckley at Zeno Agency.

‘I am immensely excited to be working with both the vibrant and dedicated Avon team, who have truly made me feel at home, and my enthusiastic and supportive agent, Louise,’ said Keer. ‘I look forward to sharing Lucy Baker’s world with readers in the New Year.’

The first book covered by this deal is Keer’s debut novel, THE HOPES AND DREAMS OF LUCY BAKER. The novel will be published by Avon as part of its digital-first list, in January 2019.

Avon Editor Katie Loughnane said she was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to welcome Keer to the Avon list, and that ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Jenni Keer to the Avon family.‘ Loughnane also described the novel as ‘an uplifting, utterly charming read that has something for everyone: a wonderful intergenerational friendship, a heart-warming romance, and an enchanting twist. Jenni’s story captured me in an instant and I cannot wait to share it with readers far and wide in 2019.’

We’ll be sure to share with you future updates regarding Jenni’s novel — for example, the cover art — as soon as we have it.

Congratulations to Jenni, and welcome again to the agency! If you’d like to learn more about the author, you can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Mass Marketing THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES…

Posted on Monday, June 25th, 2018

The mass market paperback edition of Freda Warrington‘s fourth Blood Wine novel is out tomorrow in the US! THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES, the third novel in the critically-acclaimed vampire horror/romance series, is published by Titan Books. Here’s the synopsis…

The ballerina Violette Lenoir has fallen victim to the bite of the vampire Charlotte. Her fire and energy have fuelled a terrifying change and a dreadful realisation; that Violette has become Lilith, the demon mother of all vampires. Haunted both by what she has done and by Violette’s dark sensuality, Charlotte and her immortal lover Karl are drawn towards the dancer and the terrible destiny that has fallen on her shoulders. But other, far more dangerous shadows are gathering around Violette. To the vampire Sebastian and to the dark heirs of Kristian, she threatens to wreak havoc with their plans to bring all of mankind under their dark wings. Innocently embroiled in the endgame, courtesan extraordinaire Robyn Stafford finally meets her match as she is torn between the two ultimate lovers: Sebastian, and Violette…

Titan has published all four of the books in the series, in both the US and UK: A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE and A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET are also available in MMPB; the final volume in the series, THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD, is available in trade paperback.

Here are just a few of the great review the series has received…

‘The third book in Freda Warrington’s brilliantly evocative Blood Wine Sequence, and for me at least, possibly one of the best… I’ve yet to end any review of one of Freda’s books without referring to the impressive style of her writing — it’s smart, compelling, and simply fabulous… So easy to recommend this, and any of the others in the Blood Wine Sequence.’ — British Fantasy Society on THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES

‘The series is among the best of those spawned by the wave of fashionability which has caught up ‘revisionist’ vampire fiction in the last twenty years. All three volumes have been written with an emotional fervour and vividly Decadent style which are perfectly suited to the subject-matter and all three have maintained a sense of philosophical enquiry which patiently, perceptively and politely raises questions about the reasons for our fascination with the vampire and related mythological figures… The series so far adds up to one of the most striking and most intriguing exercises in modern fantasy fiction; it may yet be further augmented.’ — Vector on THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES

‘A great novel, which is entertainingly frightening, splendidly romantic and erotic, and darkly suspenseful. The true Queen of the vampire novel.’ — Black Tears Magazine on THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES

‘Areally, really splendid read… It’s a story that plays out over cups of tea and glasses of brandy in the drawing rooms of chic London townhouses and glittering stately homes, and here again Warrington shows her writer’s chops, layering in exquisite period detail. Sometimes the effect is playfully satirical… but more often it’s lusciously picturesque; and, with the characters barrelling around in Hispano-Suizas and the like, it’s all attractively reminiscent of the lux, country house horror of Hammer’s The Devil Rides Out. On this evidence, Freda Warrington is like a cross between Anne Rice and Kim Newman – she has the sweep of one, the cleverness of the other. Titan will be reissuing the other titles in the series throughout the year, and they’re not to be missed.’ — Starburst on A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

‘Channeling the tone of a Gothic romance, Warrington presents a 1920s version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula that focuses on the vampires rather than their stalkers… The first of Warrington’s Blood Wine series will sate those hungry for classically melodramatic vampire sagas.’ — Booklist on A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

‘Afull-blooded gothique that rips more than bodices… Warrington’s vampire dynasty has the grandeur of a cobwebbed cathedral, and her plot is forged in operatic passions. Treating her subjects with theatrical intensity, she creates lush images, awash in colour and shadow, and the ideal gothic mood is preserved; a dark romance to lose yourself in.’ — Time Out on A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET

‘Sexy, brooding and epic in scope, once you have encountered Warrington’s undead, others will pale by comparison.’ — British Fantasy Society on A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET

‘In the style of authors such as Anne Rice, Warrington has made a tale that beats convention and shows readers what is more likely to happen to vampires than in many other novels. It is great to see that what were once 90’s novels have been re published for a fresh audience who have already indulged in the Twilight novels. The cover art for this one and the other three is striking and beautiful in a gothic way and tells a lot about the kind of novels they are. This is for those who want to curl up with a good book…’ — Fantasy Book Review on THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD

‘I can’t praise this series enough, the author’s writing is poetic, enduring, and consumes you hook, line, and sinker. A superb ending to a marvellous series, and highly recommended.’ — British Fantasy Society on THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD

The first three novels in the series are also available via Audible.

DEAD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN out in Paperback Tomorrow

Posted on Wednesday, October 7th, 2015

DEAD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, the latest anthology edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner, is out in paperback in the UK tomorrow. Published by Gollancz, here’s the synopsis…

A fantastic new anthology of tales told in the Sookie Stackhouse universe, to unite all fans of paranormal romance everywhere!

Charlaine Harris’ smash-hit Sookie Stackhouse series may have reached its conclusion, but the world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, lives on in this all-new collection of 15 stories.

Written by a killer line-up of authors, including:

New York Times bestseller Seanan McGuire

New York Times bestseller MaryJanice Davidson

An introduction by Charlaine Harris herself!

DEAD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN puts your favourite characters, written by some of your favourite authors, centre stage.

The entire Sookie Stackhouse series, the inspiration for HBO’s True Blood, is published in the UK by Gollancz — in case you haven’t given it a try, yet, the first novel is DEAD UNTIL DARK. Charlaine’s latest novel, DAY SHIFT, is out now, also published by Gollancz. It is the sequel to MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD. The second novel in Charlaine’s graphic novel collaboration with Christopher Golden, CEMETERY GIRL: INHERITANCE, is due to be published in the UK by Jo Fletcher Books later this month.

Zeno represents Charlaine Harris in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Out tomorrow: THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD by Freda Warrington

Posted on Thursday, May 28th, 2015

Freda Warrington‘s long-awaited and highly-anticipated fourth Blood Wine novel, THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD, is published tomorrow in the UK! The novel is published by Titan Books. Here’s the synopsis…

1927: In the turmoil and glamour of 1920s Europe, vampires Karl, Charlotte and Violette face threats to their very existence. Fiery, handsome dancer Emil achieves his dream to partner the legendary ballerina Violette Lenoir – until his forbidden desire for her becomes an obsession. Rejected, spiralling towards madness, he seeks solace with a mysterious beauty, Leyla. But she too is a vampire, with a hidden agenda…

Is Leyla more dangerous than the sinister activist, Goderich Mann? When Karl and Charlotte undertake an exotic, perilous journey to rescue Emil, they unearth secrets that threaten disaster for vampire-kind.

The novel follows A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE, A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET and THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES — all of which are also published by Titan Books. You can read an extract from a rare short story set in the Blood Wine universe, AND THEIR BLOOD WILL BE PRESCIENT TO FIRE, here.

Here’s just a small selection of reviews Warrington’s novels have received so far…

‘A tale which throbs with lush romanticism.’ — The Times on A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

‘A really, really splendid read… Warrington shows her writer’s chops, layering in exquisite period detail. Sometimes the effect is playfully satirical… but more often it’s lusciously picturesque… Freda Warrington is like a cross between Anne Rice and Kim Newman – she has the sweep of one, the cleverness of the other… not to be missed.’ — Starburst on A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

‘I would like to reaffirm what I said before about the writing: it’s splendid, and by that I mean the style is genuinely drop-dead beautiful with a compelling elegance and subtly romantic bent — in a word, it’s seductive. In three words: charming, graceful and all-round lush.’ — British Fantasy Society on A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET

‘A full-blooded gothique that rips more than bodices… Warrington’s vampire dynasty has the grandeur of a cobwebbed cathedral, and her plot is forged in operatic passions. Treating her subjects with theatrical intensity, she creates lush images, awash in colour and shadow, and the ideal gothic mood is preserved; a dark romance to lose yourself in.’ — Time Out on A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET

‘The third book in Freda Warrington’s brilliantly evocative Blood Wine Sequence, and for me at least, possibly one of the best… I’ve yet to end any review of one of Freda’s books without referring to the impressive style of her writing — it’s smart, compelling, and simply fabulous… So easy to recommend this…’ — British Fantasy Society on THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES

Free on iTunes: A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE by Freda Warrington

Posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2015

The first book in Freda Warrington‘s critically-acclaimed Blood Wine series is currently free on iTunes in the UK! Published by Titan Books in the UK (and US), A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE is a classic of the modern vampire genre. Here’s the synopsis…

1918. A First World War battlefield becomes the cosmic battleground for two vampires, as Karl von Wultendorf struggles to free himself from his domineering maker, Kristian.

1923. Charlotte Neville watches as her father, a Cambridge professor, fills Parkland Hall with guests for her sister Madeleine’s 18th birthday party. Among them is his handsome new research assistant Karl – the man Madeleine has instantly decided will be her husband. Charlotte, shy and retiring, is happy to devote her life to her father and her dull fiance Henry – until she sees Karl …

For Charlotte, it is the beginning of a deadly obsession that sunders her from her sisters, her father and even her dearest friend. As their feverish passion grows, Karl faces the dilemma he fears the most. Only by deserting Charlotte can his passion for her blood be conquered. Only by betraying her can he protect her from the terrifying attentions of Kristian – for Kristian has decided to teach Karl a lesson in power, by devouring Charlotte.

The promotion will last until April 1st, 2015. Here’s just a sample of the great reviews A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE has received…

‘A really, really splendid read… not to be missed.’ — Starburst

‘Not merely one of the finest fantasy novels of recent years, but one of the finest ever. Should not be missed.’ — Interzone

‘… this delicious tale of love, lust and a passionate affair that stretches beyond the grave, is truly delightful… There’s so much here to love… the writing is gorgeous, by turns haunting, lucid, and all-round beautiful… This first instalment is eminently readable, absorbing, and all-round brilliant, a lovely piece of work, and definitely a must-have whether or not you’re a fan of vampires. It’s a book for fiction-lovers and anyone that claims to appreciate the written word, I think. And I for one am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.’ — British Fantasy Society

‘A tale which throbs with lush romanticism.’ — The Times

The fourth novel in the series, THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD, is due to be published by Titan Books on May 29th, 2015 in the UK and US.

Cover Reveal: Freda Warrington’s THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD

Posted on Thursday, October 30th, 2014

We can now share with you the cover for the fourth novel in Freda Warrington‘s critically-acclaimed Blood Wine series, THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD. Due to be published by Titan Books, it follows the reissued editions of the first three novels in the series.

The novel is due to be published in May 2015. Here’s an early synopsis…

In the turmoil and glamour of 1920s Europe, vampires Karl, Charlotte and Violette face threats to their very existence. Fiery, handsome dancer Emil achieves his dream to partner the legendary ballerina Violette Lenoir until his forbidden desire for her becomes an obsession. Rejected, spiralling towards madness, he seeks solace with a mysterious beauty, a vampire with a hidden agenda.

The Blood Wine series also includes A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE, A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET and THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES. All three are published in the UK and US by Titan Books.

Here’s just a small selection of the praise the series has received thus far…

‘A tale which throbs with lush romanticism.’ — The Times on A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

‘… a really, really splendid read… It’s a story that plays out over cups of tea and glasses of brandy in the drawing rooms of chic London townhouses and glittering stately homes, and here again Warrington shows her writer’s chops, layering in exquisite period detail. Sometimes the effect is playfully satirical… lusciously picturesque… like a cross between Anne Rice and Kim Newman… not to be missed.’ — Starburst on A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

‘The story neatly and scrupulously takes up the most important loose ends left dangling by the earlier volume, and moves with measured vigour towards a hectically extended climax, building a remarkable crescendo of action and emotion… amply fulfils the promise of its predecessor, and there is no doubt that the series will become one of the literary monuments of the nascent genre to which it belongs.’ — Interzone on A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET

‘A gorgeous grave-throbber.’ — Time Out on THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES

Freda Warrington’s THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES Out Now in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, May 8th, 2014

As part of their ongoing re-issue program, Titan Books have just published the third of Freda Warrington‘s Blood Wine novels, THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES. Previously published in 1996, but long out-of-print, we’re delighted readers will be able to (re-)discover this series anew!

THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES follows A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE and A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET – the latter of which is released this month in the US, too.

Here’s the synopsis…

THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES will be published in the US in October 2014. Also in October, Titan are due to publish in the UK a new, never-before-published fourth novel in the series: THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD.

Here’s some recent praise for the series…

‘… a really, really splendid read… Warrington shows her writer’s chops, layering in exquisite period detail. Sometimes the effect is playfully satirical… but more often it’s lusciously picturesque… Freda Warrington is like a cross between Anne Rice and Kim Newman – she has the sweep of one, the cleverness of the other… they’re not to be missed.’ — Starburst on A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

‘… a tale of lust and passion that survives beyond the grave… More an erotic Wuthering Heights than Interview with a Vampire… a beautifully written tale… It is very impressive… if you like your romance novels with a bit of bite you will love this book.’ — Follow the Nerd on A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET

‘A gorgeous grave-throbber.’ — Time Out on THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES

If you’d like to learn more about this third Blood Wine novel, be sure to check out this interview Freda did with Female First.

And, one other piece of Freda-related news: the cover for GRAIL OF THE SUMMER STARS, the third novel in the Aetherial Tales series, has been nominated in the Annual Cover Contest, in the Avant Garde category. The novel is published in the US by Tor Books.

Happy (US) Release day – Freda Warrington’s A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE

Posted on Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

The wait is over! Freda Warrington‘s A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE is now available in the United States. The first instalment of her Blood Wine series, the novel has been re-issued by Titan Books.

Here’s the synopsis…

1918. A First World War battlefield becomes the cosmic battleground for two vampires, as Karl von Wultendorf struggles to free himself from his domineering maker, Kristian.

Titan Books will be re-releasing the first three novels in the series over the course of 2013-14: A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET and THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES. Titan is also due to publish a brand new, fourth book – THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD – in October 2014.