Joffe Books’ romance imprint, Choc Lit, is expanding with bold growth plans, a fresh acquisition strategy, and a marquee four-book deal with bestselling author Ellie Henderson.
Under the leadership of Managing Director Emilie Marneur and Head of Choc Lit Becky Slorach, Choc Lit will publish a dynamic mix of debut, self-published and previously published authors across diverse romance genres, from spicy and dark romances to rom-coms, seasonal romantic fiction and sagas.
Jasper Joffe, CEO of Joffe Books, acquired Choc Lit’s 500-title catalogue in 2023 and has since revitalized its readership. “We’ve successfully breathed new life into Choc Lit’s beloved backlist, bringing well-loved authors like Sue Moorcroft, Jane Lovering, and Christina Courtenay to new digital audiences. Now, it’s time to push further — expanding our romance publishing, building an engaged community of readers, and turning exceptional books into bestsellers.”
Marneur — formerly at Amazon Publishing, home to the leading romance imprint Montlake — said: “Joffe Books has spent a decade mastering crime and thriller digital publishing and building an unparalleled community of devoted readers. Now, we’re bringing the same expertise, focus and energy to establish Choc Lit as a bold and ambitious digital-first romance publisher.”
A Major Acquisition: Ellie Henderson’s Four-Book Deal
As part of this ambitious expansion, Choc Lit has signed a major four-book deal with award-winning romance author Ellie Henderson. Slorach acquired world rights to Henderson’s new Scottish Highlands romance series, launching Christmas 2025.
Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands by Loch Lomond, the series weaves together love, nostalgia, and personal transformation. The first book follows Jessica, who retreats to her childhood home in Rowan Bay for a quiet Christmas after heartbreak, only to be find Reuben — her brother’s childhood friend and former tormentor — unexpectedly back in town. As snow falls, old tensions ignite a surprising attraction, making Jessica question where her heart truly belongs.
Becky Slorach says: “I’m thrilled to be working with Ellie again. She writes breathtaking romances set in stunning locations. This new Scottish Highlands series is a wonderful addition to our seasonal romance list and perfectly showcases our Choc Lit strategy.”
Ellie Henderson adds: “I am so excited to be working on this new series with the brilliant team at Choc Lit. Their enthusiasm for my Arran series was wonderful, and I am thrilled to be collaborating with Becky and her colleagues again on this new series set by Loch Lomond.”
This acquisition is one of many exciting 2025 releases including:
Spicy romances from bestselling authors Juliana Stone, Lily Parker, and Katie Evergreen;
Rom-coms and seasonal fiction from Ellie Henderson and K.T. Dady;
Historical sagas from RNA finalist Jan Baynham.
Slorach and editor Jasmine Callaghan are actively acquiring new authors to join the Choc Lit family and can be contacted at Becky@joffebooks.com and Jasmine@joffebooks.com.
