Penguin Michael Joseph signs 'swoony and uplifting romance' by Yale

Penguin Michael Joseph has signed He’s A 10 by Jessica Yale, a "swoony and uplifting romance" based at a fictional Midlands football club.

Senior editor Madeleine Woodfield acquired world rights from Saskia Leach at the Kate Nash Literary Agency and He’s A 10 will be published next June alongside Euro 2024.

The book follows the love story between the head of player care at fictional "Covenly FC" and their new star signing. The synopsis adds: "When sparks unexpectedly fly, will they be able to put their careers on the line for love?"

Woodfield said of the deal: "Jessica’s writing is funny and heartfelt and the chemistry she has created between her characters is second to none. I cannot wait to publish alongside Euro 2024 next year, when the public’s appetite for football and romance is at fever pitch.

"Jessica very sadly passed away soon after the deal was completed, and myself and Penguin Michael Joseph are so proud to be bringing her debut novel to readers, and it brings me comfort that Jessica knew her wonderful novel would be in print."

Leach added: "Jessica has perfectly combined my two loves of romance and football in He’s A 10 and her heart-warming writing hooked me instantly. It’s really refreshing to see women working and thriving in sport and I think readers are really going to fall in love with Genie and Tony, as I did."

The book is Yale’s debut novel and won I AM In Print’s 2022 Romance Writing Competition.