Amazon Publishing signs ‘spicy’ sports romance series by Sasha Lace

Amazon Publishing has acquired a “spicy” romance sports series from previously self-published author Sasha Lace in a four-book deal. 

World rights including audio were acquired from Clare Coombes at The Liverpool Literary Agency. All four books in the "Playing the Field" series are set in the world of women’s football, and will publish simultaneously in November 2024, led by editor Victoria Pepe after being initially submitted to editor Victoria Oundjian.

Each book revolves around a female footballer in the fictional Calverdale Ladies team and hangs on a different romance trope. The unifying themes are female empowerment and female friendship. 

Lace, who has previously self-published, studied Biological Science at the University of Oxford before becoming a community dietitian in the NHS, completing a PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology and working as a research scientist and academic.

Oundjian said: “The Playing the Field series had me gripped from the first book to the last — Sasha’s brilliant storytelling kept me turning the pages, but the swoon worthy romance and true-to-life characters had me hooked. It’s a remarkable series that romance fans won’t want to miss.”

Laces said: "It was a dream come true to meet with Victoria Oundjian and hear her passion and enthusiasm. During our discussion, Victoria commented on how the story models healthy consent without losing the sexiness. I was thrilled that this aspect had been pulled out. Healthy relationship dynamics are so important to me as a romance writer. I’m absolutely over the moon to work on this series with such an experienced team who have a great vision for the series."

Coombes added: “We’re so happy that Sasha Lace has found a home at Amazon Publishing. Victoria Oundjian had an amazing vision for this brilliant series, and I know readers are going to love it.”