Aug 20

Aug 20 30+ Sports Romance Novels

Why Sports Romcom Novels Are Having a Major Moment

There’s something undeniably swoon-worthy about a love story played out against the backdrop of locker rooms, stadium lights, and last-minute victories. In the past few years, sports romantic comedies—or sports romcoms—have become one of the hottest subgenres in contemporary romance. These books are flying off the shelves, topping BookTok lists, and even earning adaptation deals. But why now?

1. The Rise of the Romcom Renaissance

Romcoms have made a massive comeback in both publishing and pop culture. From Netflix adaptations to Emily Henry’s domination of bestseller lists, readers are hungry for heartwarming, witty love stories. Sports romcoms offer all the charm and slow-burn tension of traditional romcoms with an extra layer of built-in stakes. There’s a natural conflict baked into the world of sports—rivalries, careers on the line, forbidden love tropes—that gives the romantic arc more punch.

2. Women Are Reclaiming the Sports Narrative

Historically, sports were marketed as a “male” domain, but female fans have always been part of the story—cheering from the sidelines, watching with their families, or lacing up their cleats. Sports romcoms center women as both fans and athletes. Whether it’s a heroine who runs a women’s soccer league, a female sports agent navigating a male-dominated field, or a hockey-obsessed romance reader falling for her team’s star, these books reflect how real women interact with sports culture today.

3. The “Hot Athlete” Trope Hits Its Stride

Let’s be honest: we’ve all watched a game (or five) because someone on the team was easy on the eyes. Sports romances know this and lean into it. There’s something magnetic about a grumpy quarterback, a broody hockey captain, or a charming baseball player with a heart of gold. These books often pair the star athlete with someone who challenges them—emotionally, professionally, or even just with a little snark. It’s enemies to lovers meets opposites attract, all wrapped up in gym shorts and ice baths.

4. Built-In Tension and Triumph

The rhythm of a sports season—training, big games, championship hopes—mirrors the emotional arc of a romance. There’s a natural momentum to these stories, with highs and lows that make every kiss (or locker room confessional) feel earned. The final game is often as thrilling as the final grand gesture. Add in a few locker-room confessions, dramatic injuries, or tabloid scandals, and you’ve got all the tension of a romcom plus the adrenaline of game day.

5. They Offer Escapism… with Sweat

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, readers turn to romance for comfort. Sports romcoms offer a familiar, satisfying formula but still feel fresh and current. They’re escapist, yes, but grounded in real-world settings—often exploring fame, media scrutiny, or the vulnerability behind athletic confidence. They let us dream of champagne-soaked locker rooms and post-win makeout sessions, while still serving up laugh-out-loud banter and emotional growth.

30+ Sports Romance and Romcom Novels You’ll Fall in Love With—Organized by Sport

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🏒 HOCKEY

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

When figure skater Anastasia and hockey captain Nate are forced to share an ice rink—and eventually a bed—they go from enemies to roommates to something way more complicated. This spicy, college-set romance is full of witty banter, found family, and irresistible chemistry.

Consider Me by Becka Mack

Playboy hockey star Carter Beckett has never been told no—until he meets Olivia. Determined to prove he’s more than a one-night stand, he enters a steamy slow burn with surprising emotional depth.

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

Riley has one rule as the new athletic trainer for an NHL team: no sleeping with players. So of course she finds herself tangled up with not one but three teammates in this polyamorous, over-the-top, wildly addictive romcom.

Summer Skate by Sean Avery and Leslie Cohen

Summer Skate follows bestselling author Jessica Riley, who, struggling with writer's block and a demanding family, fakes a breakdown to escape to the Hamptons. There, she finds inspiration for her next book in the form of Carter Hughes, a rookie hockey player with a dark past and a bright future. As their forbidden attraction heats up, Jessica becomes entangled in Carter's erratic behavior and the high-stakes world of his Hamptons social scene. This steamy and addictive romance explores the tension between desire and consequence, as both Jessica and Carter grapple with their own personal battles.

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

Bookish Buys: If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie is sent by her brother to a remote cottage for their Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, only to find herself stuck with Wyatt Jacobs, a grumpy hockey player and her brother's best friend—and sworn enemy. When her brother asks Josie to help Wyatt recover from an injury, she begrudgingly agrees, even if it means sharing a tiny, rundown cottage with him. As they spend time together, Josie starts to see beyond Wyatt's tough exterior, offering to help him fulfill a sentimental journey to scatter his uncle's ashes. The more they navigate the challenges of the trip, the more Josie unravels Wyatt's true nature—and her own feelings—leading her to question everything she thought she knew about him, their past, and herself.

The Hockey Experiment by Ava Miles

Dr. Valentina Hargrove is determined to prove that hockey players are modern-day cavemen for her research project, until she meets Brock “The Rock” Thomson, the captain of the Alexandria Eagles. Initially skeptical, Val's theory starts to falter as she discovers that Brock isn’t just a rugged player with a scar—he's smart, well-mannered, and unexpectedly irresistible. As their attraction grows, Val’s study is thrown into turmoil, especially when the team's chances at victory are jeopardized by her growing feelings for Brock. To make matters worse, Val's secret identity as the daughter of the Eagles' new owner complicates everything further, putting both her research and Brock's team at risk.

The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy

In the third installment of the Campus Diaries series by Elle Kennedy, Charlotte Kingston is a college senior juggling two lives—by day, she's a perfect sorority girl and biomedical engineering student, and by night, she's a thrill-seeking daredevil chatting with two anonymous guys on a dating app. Will Larsen, a seemingly easygoing guy, is under pressure from his congressman father to maintain a perfect image after a scandal rocks another hockey program. Unbeknownst to him, Charlie is actually talking to him and his best friend, Beckett Dunne, both star players on the Briar U hockey team. When their identities are revealed, the trio’s chemistry is undeniable, but their growing feelings for each other clash with their secrets and outside expectations. As lust turns into love, they must navigate the consequences of their choices.

It's a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson

It's a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson is a sapphic enemies-to-lovers YA romance that follows Charlie Porter, a rebellious hockey player whose impulsive actions lead to a suspension and a lost scholarship. To stay in shape and salvage her college prospects, Charlie agrees to partner with Alexa Goldstein, a disciplined figure skater, for an upcoming competition. Despite their contrasting personalities—Charlie’s fiery nature and Alexa’s composed demeanor—their forced collaboration sparks unexpected chemistry. As they train together, their rivalry transforms into mutual respect and deeper feelings. Set against the backdrop of competitive sports, the novel explores themes of self-discovery, trust, and the complexities of identity. While some readers note the rapid progression of Charlie’s figure skating skills as unrealistic, the story is praised for its engaging characters and heartfelt romance. Overall, It's a Love/Skate Relationship offers a charming and inclusive narrative for fans of sports romance and LGBTQ+ young adult fiction.

Spiral by Bal Khabra

Elias Westbrook, a newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder, is struggling with the pressure of fame, media attention, and the expectations surrounding his career, particularly as he faces challenges in scoring his first goal. Desperate to escape the spotlight, Elias finds himself entangled with Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina who, lacking online popularity, is desperate to land a lead role at the Aurora Ballet Theatre. When Sage is presented with the opportunity to fake date Elias in exchange for his help in boosting her profile, she seizes it. However, as their pretend relationship turns into a real, fiery connection, both must decide whether they’re ready to take the risk of turning their fake romance into something more—or call it quits before it gets too complicated.

Puck and Prejudice by Lia Riley

In Puck and Prejudice by Lia Riley, Tucker Taylor, a goalie for the Austin Regals, is benched due to health issues and decides to visit his sister in England. But a mishap involving an icy pond sends him back to Regency Era England, where he encounters Lizzy Wooddash, a witty and independent woman who has no interest in marriage. Lizzy dreams of a life full of books and freedom, but in 1812, women are expected to marry unless they become widows. Seizing the opportunity, Lizzy proposes a marriage of convenience to Tucker—if he 'dies' in the past, she will inherit the freedom she craves. However, as their pretend marriage sparks real chemistry, they find themselves tangled in emotions neither of them expected. As love and time collide, Tucker and Lizzy must decide if their bond can withstand the test of time, or if Lizzy will get exactly what she wanted... and a broken heart.

Hard Knocks by Ruby Lang

In Hard Knocks by Ruby Lang, neurologist Helen Chang Frobisher is determined to ban ice hockey in Portland to protect players from the brain injuries that have affected her father, while professional player Adam Magnus is fighting to save his career and secure his retirement despite his team’s poor record. As they clash over the future of the sport in the public eye, their rivalry turns into a passionate and undeniable attraction in private. With both of them playing for high stakes, they must confront the tension between winning their goals and risking their blossoming love. This smart, funny enemies-to-lovers romance will appeal to fans of Icebreaker and Chloe Liese.

Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

In Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey, Tallulah, a smart and vivacious marine biology student, is broke and struggling until she lands a job as a live-in nanny for Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad. Living in a fancy neighborhood, Tallulah quickly bonds with Burgess’s cool but introverted tween daughter, Lissa. However, it’s Burgess who needs help adjusting to life after his marriage, and Tallulah, with her adventurous spirit, becomes the perfect person to help him navigate the dating scene. As they grow closer, their intense chemistry leads to crossed boundaries, and Tallulah, caught between her feelings for Burgess and his family's expectations, breaks her own heart by walking away. But when a chance encounter and encouragement from Lissa push Burgess to fight for a second chance, he must prove he’s learned from his past and is ready for a happily-ever-after with Tallulah.

The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson

Bookish Buys: Overruled by Lana Ferguson

In The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson, hockey player Ian Chase is struggling to salvage his career and his team's image after a very public breakup turns into a PR nightmare. His solution comes from Delilah Baker, the talented baker and local cable show star, who proposes a collaboration with Ian's team to boost her dwindling ratings. Delilah’s plan seems easy enough until Ian, her brother’s best friend and the object of her decade-long crush, is assigned to help her. As they play up a fake relationship for the media to generate good press, the line between real feelings and the PR stunt starts to blur. What begins as a career-saving strategy for both Ian and Delilah soon becomes a high-stakes game that could either change their lives or leave them both heartbroken.

Collide by Bal Khabra

In Collide by Bal Khabra, Summer Preston is an ambitious honors student with dreams of becoming a sport psychologist, but she has no interest in hockey—until an ultimatum from her thesis advisor forces her to work with Aiden Crawford, the captain of the college hockey team. Aiden’s reckless actions put his team’s season at risk, and as punishment, he’s assigned to Summer’s research project, a situation he dreads, especially with his growing frustration toward Summer’s rigid plans and her disdain for hockey players. Despite their differences, their bickering turns into playful banter, and as they let down their walls, they discover a fiery connection that neither of them expected, forcing them to confront their feelings in a game where love may be the ultimate goal.

🏈 FOOTBALL

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Bookish Buys: Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

Bree and Nathan have been best friends forever—but everyone assumes they’re secretly in love. When they agree to fake date for publicity, it’s only a matter of time before feelings get real in this charming, closed-door romance.

Blitzed by Alexa Martin

Brynn, a book-loving bar owner, isn’t into athletes—until she meets the shy, sweet football star Maxwell. Written by a former NFL wife, this romcom has heart, sass, and an authentic look at life off the field.

First Down by Grace Reilly

In First Down by Grace Reilly, James Callahan, a football player determined to make it to the NFL, transfers to McKee University to escape distractions that almost ruined his future. However, he faces one more hurdle: retake and pass a failed writing class, or lose his shot at success. Beckett "Bex" Wood, a gorgeous and stubborn senior, becomes his only hope, but the price of her help is a fake relationship. Though Bex swears off athletes after a bad experience, she agrees to the charade to get her cheating ex off her back. As the fake relationship deepens with every kiss, both James and Bex are pulled into an unexpected emotional connection, leaving them questioning why their feelings are so real. This spicy and swoon-worthy sports romance is filled with tension, chemistry, and the ultimate book boyfriend.

Simply The Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Author Interview with Susan Elizabeth Phillips

In Simply The Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, sports agent Brett Rivers is at the top of his game—fast, driven, and never tolerating failure. Rory Garrett, on the other hand, is a failed chocolatier with a big heart but an empty bank account, constantly overshadowed by her football legend brother, Brett's most important client. When Brett and Rory collide after one drunken night, a disastrous lie, and an unfortunate murder, they find themselves facing the consequences of a tangled mess. As they navigate their differences, Brett sees Rory as forbidden fruit, while Rory views him as the embodiment of everything wrong with the world. In this battle of wills, both must confront their insecurities and emotions, realizing that love may come at a cost—and sometimes, being "simply the best" is not enough.

⚾ BASEBALL

Stealing Home by Becky Wallace

Jocelyn dreams of running her family’s baseball scouting business, but when she’s paired with the rival coach’s son, sparks (and curveballs) fly. A YA romcom with grown-up themes and swoony summer energy.

The Perfect Game by J. Sterling

Cassie never planned on falling for cocky baseball star Jack Carter—but fate has other ideas. This sports romance is an emotional rollercoaster of love, betrayal, and second chances.

Last Night Was Fun by Holly Michelle

In Last Night Was Fun by Holly Michelle, Emmy Jameson, the only female data analyst for a professional baseball team, is vying for a senior analyst position against her arrogant but undeniably attractive coworker, Gabe Olson. Emmy is determined not to let her personal life get in the way, especially when it comes to her sister's upcoming wedding in Mexico, for which she needs a plus one. However, when a wrong number text from a stranger leads to a flirty relationship, Emmy finds herself drawn to the mystery man, unaware that he is Gabe. As the two connect online, their real-life rivalry takes a complicated turn when they are forced to travel together to the wedding, navigating the blurred line between their professional rivalry and the deep emotional connection they've formed.

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

In The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson, Daphne Brink, newly divorced and uninterested in baseball, finds herself at a game one night to distract herself from her heartbreak. After a few too many drinks, she heckles Carolina Battery player Chris Kepler, only to later realize that her taunts deeply affect him. To apologize, she reaches out to Chris on social media but forgets to mention that she’s the one who heckled him. Chris, grieving after a tough few months, responds to Daphne’s message, and they form a meaningful connection online. As their bond grows, Daphne starts working with the team, and their feelings for each other deepen, but the truth about her identity is a secret she’s struggling to keep. When Chris eventually discovers the truth, Daphne wonders if their relationship will survive the lie—or if it’ll be game over.

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

In You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian, set against the backdrop of the 1960 baseball season, Eddie O’Leary, a talented but struggling new shortstop, is battling a batting slump, homesickness, and alienation from his teammates. To make matters worse, he’s ordered to give interviews to Mark Bailey, a reporter reluctantly assigned to cover his first season. Mark, a former arts journalist mourning a secret past, is hardly thrilled to spend his time writing about Eddie. However, as they spend the season together, the two lonely men find themselves drawn to one another, despite their challenges—Eddie’s fear of coming out as a professional athlete and Mark’s vow to never hide his love again. In this slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine queer romance, both Eddie and Mark must decide if their growing attraction is enough to overcome the world’s disapproval.

Play For Me by Libby Hubscher

In Play For Me by Libby Hubscher, Sophie Doyle is living her dream life as the head athletic trainer for the Red Sox, but after losing both her job and her boyfriend, she’s forced to take a position at a New Hampshire boarding school. There, she ends up in a tiny room in an apartment shared with three guys, including Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher. Transitioning from working with professional athletes to high school students with musical talent and personal struggles, Sophie faces an unexpected challenge. Despite Jonas’s grumpy demeanor, Sophie’s sunny optimism leads her to form bonds with both the students and Jonas, and as their relationship grows, they must decide whether they are playing for keeps or heading toward the end of the season.

🏀 BASKETBALL

Play You For It by Samantha Salvidar

In Play You For It by Samantha Salvidar, Jordan D’Amato becomes the first woman appointed as head coach of a top men’s college basketball team, and journalist Caroline Beck is determined to land the exclusive interview that could launch her career. However, Jordan is wary of the media, especially given the pressure to lead her team to victory in order to secure her permanent position. Despite her reservations, Jordan is charmed by Caroline’s persistence and agrees to the interview, where undeniable chemistry sparks between them. As their connection deepens, both women know that their growing romance could ruin their reputations and jeopardize their careers. With the national tournament approaching and both of their futures at stake, they must decide whether to risk it all for love or walk away from the dangerous game they’ve started playing.

ClickMate by Tia Kelly

In ClickMate by Tia Kelly, Cole Howard, a basketball player reeling from a messy divorce, is focused solely on salvaging his career, steering clear of drama—especially from his uptight neighbor, Bellamy Barnes. Despite her beauty and intelligence, Cole sees her as the last type of woman he needs. His only escape is his anonymous online culinary persona, where he shares his love for food with a stranger who cares more about his cooking than his basketball fame. Bellamy, recovering from a public scandal involving a famous, married celebrity, is determined to rebuild her life and avoids emotionally unavailable men like Cole. However, both are secretly drawn to their online connection, where the chemistry they share in the kitchen blurs the lines of their real-life rivalry. As they continue to bond over food and flirt online, they realize that love might not be as easy to avoid as they thought.

Considering Us by Jenn Bouchard

Author Interview with Jenn Bouchard

In Considering Us by Jenn Bouchard, private chef Devon Paige’s career is left in shambles after a scandalous affair with a client's husband, leaving her with just one remaining client, a reclusive basketball player. Seeking a fresh start, Devon takes a job leading dining services at Rockwood, a boarding school on the New Hampshire seacoast, only to unexpectedly reunite with Kyle Holling, a former one-night stand from fifteen years ago. As Devon and Kyle navigate their complicated past and present while managing the school’s drama and media scrutiny, Devon starts to develop a connection with a handsome paramedic, Heath. However, a trip to Los Angeles to cater for her client forces Devon to confront a long-avoided question: is it too late to rekindle the spark with Kyle, or has time moved on for good?

One on One by Jamie Harrow

In One on One by Jamie Harrow, Annie Radford returns to her alma mater eight years after graduation, now working with the Ardwyn Tigers’ basketball team, only to find herself back in close quarters with Ben Callahan, a coworker from college who still holds a grudge against her for abandoning the team in their senior year. As the Tigers make an unexpected run toward the national championship, Annie and Ben's old tensions reignite, and their undeniable chemistry starts to heat up. However, Annie is haunted by a secret about why she left basketball, the sport she loves most, and fears it could ruin any chance of happiness with Ben. As they navigate their complicated history and the pressures of their professional lives, they must learn to trust each other if they want a shot at love. A funny, romantic, and steamy sports workplace romance, One on One also tackles the challenges college athletes face, sexism in sports, and the impact of idolizing athletes, making it perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances with a sports twist.

The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest

In The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest, Violet Greene, a successful celebrity stylist, is living her dream professionally but struggling personally after a very public breakup with her ex-fiancé. While on a birthday trip to Vegas, she unexpectedly runs into her high school sweetheart, Xavier Wright, who is now a teacher and basketball coach. The two reconnect and, after a night of partying, impulsively marry—much to their shock. Their whirlwind wedding might actually benefit both of their careers, so they decide to play the part of a happily married couple. However, as their old passion reignites, they begin to realize their feelings for each other are still strong. But with their lives having gone in different directions, they must figure out if their rekindled love can survive the challenges of their vastly different careers and futures, or if they’ll part ways again.

🏋️‍♂️ FITNESS / MIXED SPORTS

Set on You by Amy Lea

Author Interview with Amy Lea

Curvy fitness influencer Crystal isn’t thrilled when a gym bro invades her workout space—but sparks soon fly between reps. A fun, body-positive romcom about falling in love with yourself and someone else.

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

Author Interview with Denise Williams

A journalist joins a fitness app for a story—but doesn’t expect to fall for her coach. Their virtual flirtation turns real in this thoughtful romance about confidence, mental health, and vulnerability.

🎾 TENNIS/ PICKLEBALL

Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long

In Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long, Lulu Gardner, a thirtysomething single parent and former tennis prodigy, has her life in control after falling short of tennis stardom at eighteen. But when a misstep jeopardizes her teaching job, her stable, predictable world begins to unravel. Seeking a break, Lulu is convinced by her godparents to join them for a "de-stressing" pickleball vacation in Costa Rica. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she runs into her high school fling, Tyler Demming, a former tennis pro and the reigning bad boy of paddle sports. Tyler’s charm and snark are as irresistible as ever, but Lulu is determined not to let him derail her newfound stability. As old feelings resurface, Lulu must decide if she can keep her heart on the sidelines or if Tyler will become the ultimate game-changer.

Backhanded Compliments by Katie Chandler

In Backhanded Compliments by Katie Chandler, Juliette Ricci, a determined tennis player with dreams of becoming the best in the world, is preparing for her big chance at the Australian Open, where she'll face off against her bitter rival, Lucky Luca Kacic. The two have spent months trading insults and snide remarks in press conferences, and their highly anticipated match is charged with tension. But after their fierce showdown, Luca discovers that Juliette’s name has appeared on her wrist, revealing they are reluctant soulmates—a fact that Luca finds more frustrating than magical. As they navigate their personal and professional clashes, their undeniable chemistry grows during late-night massages and shots of limoncello, forcing them to confront the choice between their rivalry and their potential for love. With the world watching, they must decide whether they’re willing to prioritize each other over being number one.

Pickleballers by Ilana Long

In Pickleballers by Ilana Long, Meg Bloomberg is recovering from a messy breakup when she and her best friend head to Bainbridge Island for a pickleball getaway meant to help her heal. However, things take an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan Fine, a charming environmental consultant and local pickleball enthusiast. Despite her growing feelings for Ethan, Meg is dismayed to discover that he is sabotaging her home court, causing her to end their budding romance. Determined to regain control of her life, Meg sets out to focus on her own game, wondering if love might eventually make a comeback.

⚽ SOCCER

Relationship Goals by Brittany Kelley

In Relationship Goals by Brittany Kelley, Hollywood starlet Abigail Hunt is poised for her breakout role when she’s tasked with shadowing Luke Wolfe, the grumpy star player of a struggling soccer team, for research. What starts as a professional arrangement quickly becomes a fiery, fake relationship that sets social media ablaze. As Abigail falls for Luke, she discovers that he’s been coerced into pretending they’re a couple to improve the team's image. Furious, she vows to get even with over-the-top dates and public stunts to embarrass him. But to her surprise, Luke doesn’t just walk away—he endures her antics and even falls for her, forcing Abigail to confront her own feelings as their fake romance becomes dangerously real.

The Long Game by Elena Armas

In The Long Game by Elena Armas, Adalyn Reyes, a disgraced soccer executive, is sent to a small town in North Carolina after a viral altercation with her team's mascot threatens her career. Tasked with redeeming herself by coaching the struggling local children's team, the Green Warriors, Adalyn faces chaos—her players wear tutus, keep pet goats, and are terrified of her. Her only potential ally is Cameron Caldani, a retired soccer star who’s less than thrilled to help her, especially after an awkward first encounter involving a rooster and her car. Determined to prove herself, Adalyn commits to the task, playing the long game to turn the team around and reclaim her career, whether Cam helps her or not.

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