10 Must-Read Sports Romance Books Brimming With Drama, Heart and Heat!
Sports and romance are two subjects that don’t immediately seem like they have much in common, but if you look a little closer, both areas do share a lot of attributes: exciting competition, high-stakes drama and, of course, unmatched passion and devotion. And in recent years, sports romance has become one of the buzziest sub genres in the romantic literary world due in large part to its skyrocketing success all over social media. On Instagram alone, the hashtag #sportsromance has more than 600K posts and counting. If you’re interested in checking out this genre, you’re in luck! Here, we gathered up 10 of our favorite sports romance books by bestselling authors like Jenny Holiday and Tessa Bailey.
From gymnastics to football, hockey and more, we have something for everyone! If you'd like to enter the world of a rookie Olympic soccer player (and celebrate the Summer 2024 Olympics which kick off in France this week!), check out The Summer Games by R.S. Grey. More in the mood for a baseball love story sprinkled with charm and one not-so-little secret? Dive into The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson.
Keep scrolling to discover our entire roundup of sports romance recommendations. Happy reading!
The Summer Games: Settling the Score by R.S. Grey
Bestselling romance author R.S. Grey is known for writing funny rom-coms full of fun banter and steamy scenes — and The Summer Games checks all these boxes! Andie Foster is an Olympic rookie soccer player who spends all her time on the field and zero time dating, partying or doing what most other 21 year-olds are doing. When she arrives at the Rio Olympics, she meets Olympic swimmer Freddie Archibald. Freddie is British, handsome, complicated…and he’s also a Duke. Andie has only ever focused on soccer and her Olympic goals, but suddenly she finds herself drawn to Freddie in a way that turns her world on its axis. A sexy, witty sports romance!
What readers are saying: "I am a huge fan of the Olympics and was drawn to this book with he hopes of some behind the scenes antics. Well, Grey delivered and then some. Andie Foster arrives at the Games ready to play hard on and off the field only she hadn't counted on a British force to knock her off her feet. The dance that follows is hot and hilarious and the book had me laughing out loud multiple times."
The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
Filled with lovable characters and heart-fluttering moments, this novel stars Taylor Powell, a talented personal trainer in need of financial help. Enter Jamar Dixon, the seriously handsome former footballer who wants back into the NFL. Taylor jumps at the chance to help Jamar train. But as sparks fly, they’re outed as an item and their game plan crumbles. With love on the line, the duo must decide if they’re actually in it to win it.
What readers are saying: "I love this heartfelt book by Farrah Rochon," says Melissa D'Agnese, Woman's World Senior Editor. "Not only is it romantic but it's relatable and fun. Readers really see Taylor work through some struggles and you can't help but root for her and Jamar until the very last page."
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Fans of slow-burn romance will savor every page of Mariana Zapata's fan-favorite The Wall of Winnipeg and Me. Vanessa is the personal assistant to the gruff, handsome pro football player Aiden Graves. One day, she finally works up the courage to quit and pursue her own dreams. So she’s shocked when Aiden comes crawling back. Now, he’s asking Vanessa to do him a favor of epic — and slightly illegal — proportions.
What readers are saying: “I’m not really an avid sports fan, but there’s just something about a sports romance that I can always get behind,” says Raquel Lekic, Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. “And this book is the ultimate slow-burn love story. I could not put it down! Mariana Zapata has the magic touch when it comes to romance, and this book now holds a top spot among my favorites!”
The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson
Bestselling author Alicia Thompson pens another home run! In The Art of Catching Feelings, recently divorced Daphne Brink reluctantly attends a baseball game and then drunkenly heckles the handsome Carolina Battery player Chris Kepler. Oops! Full of regret, Daphne reaches out to Chris on social media to apologize…but he doesn't realize who she is and then they strike up a quick flirtation. Daphne decides to go with it, but how long can she lie about who she really is?
What readers are saying: "I have read numerous sports romances, yet this book stands out easily as one of my favorites. It weaves a compelling plot, introduces two remarkably relatable and complex characters, and the sport is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story. The supporting characters are a delight, and the personal growth of key characters is wonderful. The romance is a perfect blend of steamy and tender, evolving from no strings to a deep connection in such a sweet and tentative way. The third act is a testament to the authenticity of the characters, filled with both subtle intimacies and grand gestures."
The Long Game by Elena Armas
This swoon-worthy small-town story stars Adalyn Reyes, an executive for pro soccer team the Miami Flames. When a mishap at work goes viral online, the team’s owner — who is Adalyn’s father — sends her away to North Carolina to help a struggling local soccer team, the Green Warriors. She soon meets her grumpy ex-pro soccer player neighbor, Cameron Caldani. Can Cam help Adalyn in more ways than one?
What readers are saying: “Reading is my go-to way to decompress after a long day,” says Carissa Mosness, Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. "And last week I reached for this Elena Armas book which has been on my TBR, and it did not disappoint. Not only was The Long Game a romantic, hilarious love story but it had some of my favorite things: small town romance, enemies to lovers and even a pet goat!"
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Competitive sports, enemies to lovers banter, scorching chemistry...this BookTok-favorite romance by Hannah Grace has it all. The story follows competitive figure skater Anastasia Allen and hockey player Nate Hawkins. Anastasia has worked her whole life for a spot on Team USA, so she's thrilled when she receives a scholarship to University of California, Maple Hills and scores a place on their figure skating team. Enter Captain of the hockey team Nate Hawkins. Nate's focus is on his team and his team only, but when an incident forces the team to share the rink with the skating team, things turn…icy. But when Anastasia's partner has to step back, she enlists Nate for help. Can they work together to win it all — both on and off the ice?
What readers are saying: "Anastasia is an Olympic bound figure skater with a toxic partner that is thrown together with Nate Hawkins, captain of the school’s hockey team, when a prank gone wrong destroys one of the available practice arenas. While it’s not quite enemies-to-lovers, there’s heavy tension and build up to their romance. Not only were the main characters well done the entire supporting cast is so developed that you will want a spin-off for each and every one."
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
Beloved romance author Tessa Bailey’s first-ever sports romance is a sizzling and hilarious tale. The story follows down-and-out professional golf player Wells Whitaker and his #1 fan, Josephine Doyle. Josephine always shows up for Wells. He grumbles, she smiles. He huffs, she cheers. So when Wells finally quits and his fangirl disappears, he quickly realizes he’s made a mistake. Determined to get back in the game, he hatches a plan: ask Josephine to be his caddy and help turn his game around — then they’ll split the prize money. Currently Josephine’s life is in shambles so she accepts his offer. What transpires next is a battle of wills — and hearts. At its core, the novel is an emotional story of love and loyalty.
What readers are saying: “There’s nothing better than a sweet meet-cute between two main characters in a rom-com,” says Lauren Stachiw, Woman's World Beauty Director. “And this one — about a pro golfer and his biggest fan — was pure gold! The racy chemistry between Wells and Josephine was undeniable!
Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
Romance lovers will be kicking their feet and swooning over Jenny Holiday’s latest love story — which is a sports romance filled with heart, healing and second chances. Back in high school Aurora Evans invented a “fake boyfriend” as a way to get out of some sticky social situations. Well, he wasn’t exactly fake. Once upon a time she met a Canadian hockey player at the mall and she spun the story from there. Now, many years later, pro hockey and recent widower Mike Martin walks into the dance studio where Aurora teaches. As Mike’s daughter bonds with Aurora, Mike finds himself unexpectedly connecting with Aurora. Now, Aurora must decide if she can finally tell Mike about the secret she's keeping.
What readers are saying: "This was a great book. It had everything...brothers best friend, football, forced living situation/proximity, slow burn, enemies to lovers, and a sassy grandma. The writing was fantastic and the main charterers had great chemistry together."
The Chase by Elle Kennedy
From the bestselling author of The Deal, comes another sweet and sexy hockey romance. Summer claims Colin Fitzgerald, the irresistible tattoo-covered hockey player, thinks she's superficial. He's also best friends with her brother. Then Summer and Fitzy end up moving in together and, before long , something shifts in their relationship. As the two duo notice a simmering, magnetic pull between one another, they ignore it because they simply can't go there. But when happens if they do?
What readers are saying: "As someone who also has ADHD, it was so nice to see it so accurately represented on the page," shares Carissa Mosness, Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. "Summer's story was heartwarming, touching and everything neurodiverse representation should be."
Burnout by Rebecca Jenshak
Motorcross meets gymnastics in Rebecca Jenshak's Burnout, a book that's sure to have romance readers head over heels! Avery is a college gymnastics superstar — with two Olympic gold medals under her belt — and the perfect college girl next door. Knox Holland needs to figure out his life. After a great first year on the pro motocross circuit, he's facing the consequences of his bad boy reputation. After getting dropped by his team, he's more determined than ever to set things right. So when Knox approaches Avery at the gym and asks if she would train him, she's more surprised than anyone. The two have nothing in common — aside from their drive and determination. As they train together, sparks fly.
What readers are saying: "I absolutely love anything Rebecca writes and Burnout was no different. I loved the banter between Knox and Avery, it was the perfect amount of hate to love. Plus, readers get two sports that we don’t see enough of in romance books! I cannot wait to continue the series."
For more book recommendations, keep scrolling!
11 Enchanting Books That Will Take You to Paris
11 Historical Fiction Novels That'll Transport You to Hollywood’s Golden Era
