Get ready to be swept off your feet—literally! Pan Fiction has just snagged the rights to Chelsea Curto’s upcoming ‘storm-chaser romance,’ and it’s already creating a whirlwind of excitement. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a romance novel centered around meteorology and fierce rivals truly capture the hearts of readers? Only time will tell.
Pan Fiction, as reported by The Bookseller (https://www.thebookseller.com/news/pan-fiction-makes-two-promotions-in-editorial), has pre-emptively acquired In Stormy Weather, a thrilling tale that pairs a meteorology influencer with her academic nemesis. Together, they put aside their differences to chase a category five hurricane—and maybe even find love along the way. This isn’t just a one-off deal; Pan Fiction has also secured another novel from Curto, the indie author behind the beloved DC sports romance series. Talk about a double dose of excitement!
The deal was brokered by commissioning editor Kinza Azira (https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/pan-mac-wins-three-way-auction-for-gemma-morrs-sizzling-cowboy-romance), who acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Suzannah Ball at WME. Meanwhile, North American rights were snapped up by Emilia Rhodes at Atria, thanks to Caitlin Mahony’s negotiation skills. Readers can expect to dive into this stormy romance in July 2026, available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
Azira didn’t hold back her enthusiasm: ‘Chelsea is an incredible talent, and I’ve been a huge fan of hers for a long time. The chance to collaborate on this brilliant new series was too good to pass up. I can’t wait for readers to fall head over heels for Quincy and Sebastian, just as we have. Chelsea’s books are everything I adore about romance—strong female leads, supportive yet flawed male counterparts, and women breaking barriers in male-dominated fields like sports and STEM. And let’s not forget the scorching tension that’ll leave you blushing. In Stormy Weather is poised to sweep readers off their feet.’
Curto shared her excitement as well: ‘Joining the Pan Macmillan family is a dream come true. They publish some of my favorite romance novels, and being part of their lineup feels surreal. I’m thrilled to partner with them on two books I hope readers will love. Kinza has been an absolute joy to work with, and her unwavering enthusiasm for In Stormy Weather has been a blessing. A huge thank you to Suzy, my amazing UK agent, for making this happen, and to the entire Pan team for their support and excitement.’
But here’s the question that’s bound to spark debate: Can a romance novel about storm-chasing and academic rivalry truly resonate with a broad audience? Is it too niche, or is it the fresh twist the genre needs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
