Jennifer Saint moves to Viking in ‘major’ six-figure deal

Jennifer Saint has moved to Viking in a “major” six-figure two-book deal. The first book, This Immortal Heart, is a reimagining of the love story between Aphrodite and Ares.

Editorial director Rosa Schierenberg acquired world rights in two historical novels from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. US rights sold to Wendy Wong, editor, and Jennifer Hershey, senior vice-president and editor-in-chief, at Ballantine, Penguin Random House US (PRH US) in a four-way auction. This Immortal Heart is scheduled for hardback release in May 2026 with a second novel to follow in 2028.

Saint’s previous books are Ariadne, Elektra, Hera and Atalanta (Wildfire). All four have been Sunday Times bestsellers, with Saint published in 25 languages globally.

Schierenberg said: “It’s an honour to bring Jennifer Saint to Viking. This Immortal Heart combines her signature immersive storytelling with a heart-wrenching central narrative starring two of mythology’s most alluring romantic leads. Perfect for readers who enjoy rich, transportive love stories, this marks an exciting step change for Jennifer. We can’t wait for her many readers to join us on the journey.”

Saint said: “It’s been a joy and privilege to work with the teams at Viking and Ballantine on this novel and I couldn’t be happier or more excited about what’s to come. I was swept away by the romance between Aphrodite and Ares from the very first spark of the idea and writing it has been an absolute dream. I truly can’t wait for readers to fall in love with them too.”

Mushens added: “This is my favourite of Jenny’s novels so far – no mean feat, given she has four Sunday Times bestsellers under her belt already! I’m thrilled to be working with Rosa and the Viking team and to see Jenny reach the next level of sales and readers.”