Summary: In today’s article, I have selected 20 of the best sports romance books that combine passion, competition, and unforgettable characters. Here are my top 3:
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy
- Mile High by Liz Tomforde
- The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
Sports romance books mix the thrill of competition with the warmth of love and personal growth. These stories offer passion, tension, and triumph, both on and off the field. Whether it's an underdog athlete chasing their dream or sizzling chemistry between a star player and a fan, sports romance books pull you in. They're perfect for anyone who loves a great love story with a competitive twist, showcasing empowerment and overcoming obstacles together.
TOP 20: Best Sports Romance Books
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy
- Mile High by Liz Tomforde
- The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
- The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy
- The Pucking Proposal by Lauren Landish
- Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
- The Roommate Mistake by Pippa Grant
- Slap Shot by Chelsea Curto
- Comeback by Rebecca Jenshak
- The Mistake by Elle Kennedy
- The Score by Elle Kennedy
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Game Changer by Rachel Reid
- Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen
- Pucked by Helena Hunting
- One Last Shot by Julia Connors
- The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic
- The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
- The Wild Heir by Karina Halle
- Jock Row by Sara Ney
1. The Deal
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: College hockey player and a shy student strike a deal for a fake relationship that turns into real feelings.
- Style of writing: Fun, witty, fast-paced.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Strong, especially for fans of enemies-to-lovers.
- Difficulty level: Easy, lighthearted.
- Why read it: Fun, steamy romance with humor and heartfelt moments.
2. Mile High
- Author: Liz Tomforde
- About: A professional hockey player and an ice skater find romance despite their differences.
- Style of writing: Emotional, passionate, character-driven.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: High, with great chemistry.
- Difficulty level: Easy, engaging.
- Why read it: Passionate romance with great sports dynamics.
3. The Right Move
- Author: Liz Tomforde
- About: A basketball captain and his messy roommate navigate love and complications.
- Style of writing: Flirty, humorous, emotionally engaging.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Fun and heartfelt, with great character chemistry.
- Difficulty level: Light, easy to follow.
- Why read it: A mix of romance, basketball, and humor.
4. The Charlie Method
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: Basketball player Charlie works on his reputation while dealing with an unexpected romance.
- Style of writing: Witty, snarky, emotional.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Inspires growth and redemption.
- Difficulty level: Easy, fun.
- Why read it: Slow-burn romance and character development.
5. The Pucking Proposal
- Author: Lauren Landish
- About: Hockey player proposes a fake relationship to avoid media attention, but feelings get real.
- Style of writing: Steamy, humorous, sweet.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Fun and swoon-worthy.
- Difficulty level: Easy, light read.
- Why read it: Fake relationship trope with a lot of steam.
6. Deep End
- Author: Ali Hazelwood
- About: A strong swimmer and her love interest challenge each other in both career and romance.
- Style of writing: Emotional, character-focused.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Powerful, emotional journey.
- Difficulty level: Easy to medium, emotional depth.
- Why read it: Personal growth, resilience, and deep romance.
7. The Roommate Mistake
- Author: Pippa Grant
- About: A rugby player and his new roommate develop an unexpected connection.
- Style of writing: Funny, steamy, light-hearted.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Fun and emotional with a light tone.
- Difficulty level: Easy, fun.
- Why read it: Humor and romance with sports dynamics.
8. Slap Shot
- Author: Chelsea Curto
- About: A hockey player faces his past while falling for a strong-willed woman.
- Style of writing: Engaging, dramatic, romantic.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: High, emotional stakes with love and drama.
- Difficulty level: Easy to medium.
- Why read it: Passionate love story with emotional highs.
9. Comeback
- Author: Rebecca Jenshak
- About: A former athlete seeks redemption while navigating love and trust.
- Style of writing: Sweet, emotional, light.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: High, with themes of second chances and personal growth.
- Difficulty level: Easy to read, engaging.
- Why read it: Resilience, second chances, and a healing romance.
10. The Mistake
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: A college hockey player and his best friend’s little sister navigate complicated feelings.
- Style of writing: Fun, emotional, witty.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Lasting, with deep relationship themes.
- Difficulty level: Easy, fun.
- Why read it: Steamy romance with humor and emotional growth.
11. The Score
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: The third book in Off-Campus series, following a college hockey player and his best friend's sister.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, humorous, engaging.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Deep, with great character growth.
- Difficulty level: Easy, enjoyable.
- Why read it: Great combination of humor, romance, and hockey.
12. The Hating Game
- Author: Sally Thorne
- About: Two coworkers who dislike each other end up falling for one another in a workplace rivalry.
- Style of writing: Witty, clever, and romantic.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Strong, with a fun, memorable romance.
- Difficulty level: Easy, fun.
- Why read it: Hilarious banter and slow-burn romance.
13. Game Changer
- Author: Rachel Reid
- About: Two professional hockey players develop a romance amidst personal struggles.
- Style of writing: Emotional, deep, and introspective.
- Length: ~95,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Deep, with themes of self-acceptance and love.
- Difficulty level: Medium, emotional complexity.
- Why read it: Groundbreaking in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in sports.
14. Rookie Move
- Author: Sarina Bowen
- About: A rookie hockey player falls for the team owner’s daughter in this sweet romance.
- Style of writing: Emotional, character-driven, sweet.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional payoff.
- Difficulty level: Easy, engaging.
- Why read it: Heartwarming romance with strong chemistry.
15. Pucked
- Author: Helena Hunting
- About: A wild, fun-loving hockey player falls for a strong-willed woman in this steamy romance.
- Style of writing: Funny, raunchy, and full of chemistry.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Fun and lighthearted, with lots of chemistry.
- Difficulty level: Easy, engaging.
- Why read it: For humor, steam, and a fun take on hockey romance.
16. One Last Shot
- Author: Julia Connors
- About: A second-chance romance between an athlete and his former love.
- Style of writing: Emotional, slow-burn romance.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Deep, with themes of personal growth.
- Difficulty level: Medium, emotional depth.
- Why read it: Heartfelt romance about redemption and second chances.
17. The Foxhole Court
- Author: Nora Sakavic
- About: A dark, intense story about a college sports team with dangerous edges, focusing on survival and loyalty.
- Style of writing: Dark, gritty, intense.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: High emotional stakes and lasting impact.
- Difficulty level: Medium to high, complex themes.
- Why read it: For a unique, gripping, and emotionally intense sports romance.
18. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
- Author: Mariana Zapata
- About: A slow-burn romance between a personal assistant and a professional football player who needs her help.
- Style of writing: Slow-paced, with deep character development.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Deep, lasting emotional connection.
- Difficulty level: Medium, takes its time to build.
- Why read it: For a slow-burn, deeply emotional romance.
19. The Wild Heir
- Author: Karina Halle
- About: A rebellious prince falls for a commoner in this royal romance.
- Style of writing: Steamy, emotional, romantic.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: High emotional stakes.
- Difficulty level: Easy to medium.
- Why read it: For a steamy, royal romance with strong chemistry.
20. Jock Row
- Author: Sara Ney
- About: A college romance about a jock and a smart, independent girl who sparks unexpected feelings.
- Style of writing: Fun, romantic, and steamy.
- Length: ~75,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Lighthearted, but memorable.
- Difficulty level: Easy, engaging.
- Why read it: For a quick, fun read with a sexy romance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sports romance books are the perfect mix of passion, competition, and personal growth. If you’re looking for top picks in the genre, I think The Deal, Mile High, and The Right Move are must-reads. Each of these stories offers steamy chemistry, relatable characters, and emotional depth, whether it’s through a fake dating setup, a steamy hockey romance, or a heartfelt basketball love story. I’m sure these books will keep you hooked and leave you with a lasting impression. So, if you're looking for a great read, grab one and enjoy the exciting mix of sports and romance!
