Atria acquires Hortinela debut

Atria Books Australia has acquired world rights to Hate You to Love You by bookseller Joshua Hortinela in a two-book deal through Daniel Pilkington at The Pilkington Agency.

‘Hate You to Love You is a love letter to romantic comedies and the power of romanticising life,’ said the publisher.

‘Carlos Reyes is having a quarter life crisis. Everyone around him seems to have adulthood figured out, but he can’t even find inspiration to do what he’s paid to do: write. Once a hopeless romantic who believed in the power of the romantic comedy, Carlos is struggling to find anything about his life romantic or comedic. Maybe it’s because he lost his dad recently. Or maybe it’s because the love of his life broke his heart.

‘But then he gets the chance of a lifetime: follow blockbuster author and recent recluse Claudia Leighton on her upcoming book tour and write the tell-all piece her fans have been dying for. Carlos wants to jump at the opportunity, but there’s a problem – Claudia’s publicist, Elliot Simpson. He’s arrogant, insufferable and the man who broke Carlos’s heart. And if he takes this job, Carlos will be stuck with him for weeks.’

Based in Sydney, Hortinela is a writer and bookseller who also works in social media marketing and photography. A passionate reader, he has worked in the book industry for nearly ten years.

Hortinela said, ‘Romantic comedies resonate deeply with me because they’re warm, heartfelt and, no matter what’s going on in your life, guarantee you a happily ever after. I just hope that within the words of my writing, I’m able to give someone out there that same feeling.’

Publisher Anthea Bariamis said, ‘I’m incredibly excited to be working with Josh on his gorgeous, tender-hearted debut. He infuses emotion into his writing so beautifully, and I know it’s going to make readers heart-sore in the best way. I feel so lucky to be Josh’s champion and editor, and I know this is only the first of many uplifting stories he’ll share with the world.’

Atria Books plans to publish Hate You to Love You in September 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions