Canelo acquires Puckboys MM romance series
UK publisher Canelo has acquired world English print rights to the Puckboys series by Eden Finley and Saxon James, in a 10-book deal between Canelo editorial director Emily Bedford and Nerrilee Weir at Bold Type Agency.
The Puckboys celebrates MM (male/male) romance in the world of ice hockey. “Hilarious, low-angst, sexy and swoony, each book in this series follows a new player and their journey to love – whether it’s a bi-awakening, rivals-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend or forbidden,” said the publisher, adding that the series will appeal to fans of the Heated Rivalry TV series.
Australia-based authors Finley and James co-wrote and originally published the series on Amazon, with more than a million copies of the ebook and audio editions already sold. Finley writes steamy contemporary romances that are “full of snark and light-hearted fluff,” according to the publisher. Saxon writes MM romance “to make you smile, whether you love sports romance or small town, college guys or men getting their second shot at love,” said the publisher.
Finley said, “Never did I think that when I asked my best friend to write a book with me to pull me out of my Covid lockdown funk it would lead to the Puckboys Universe or how massive that would become. I’m excited to be taking this next step in publishing, and so thankful to Emily and Canelo for filling the need for happily ever afters in the queer space. These books are more than romances for us. They’re journeys of self-discovery, questioning societal expectations and, most of all, acceptance.”
James said, “The Puckboys series is so special to us, and it’s clear that Emily shares our enthusiasm. Queer love and joy deserves its space in the market, and we can’t wait to bring our PR nightmares to a wider audience.”
Bedford said, “I am so lucky that my job allows me to work on the books I am naturally drawn to – I absolutely devoured Eden and Saxon’s series on [Kindle Unlimited] earlier in the year and couldn’t be more thrilled that, after a speculative approach, I get to be part of their journey to print. The Puckboys were instrumental in lifting me out of a reading slump, and I cannot wait for them to bring the same joy, laughter and giddiness to other romance readers.”
Egotistical Puckboy, Irresponsible Puckboy and Shameless Puckboy will be published in March 2026, in print, with new release Charming Puckboy to follow in April, and the remaining books to publish in June and October. Hardie Grant distributes Canelo in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions
