Best Sports Romance Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Sports romance books are a beloved subgenre of romance novels that revolve around athletes and their love interests. These stories often feature intense competition, high stakes, and steamy romance. From football players to figure skaters, readers can find a variety of sports represented in these books. These stories not only offer exciting sports action but also explore the complexities of relationships and the challenges that come with dating a professional athlete. Sports romance books are perfect for readers who love both romance and sports, and they offer a thrilling escape into the world of sports and love.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Icebreaker: A Novel Cover #TOP 1
Icebreaker: A Novel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance Cover #TOP 2
Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Say You Swear : Alternate Cover Edition Cover #TOP 3
Say You Swear : Alternate Cover Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Sports Romance Books

Icebreaker: A Novel

Grace, Hannah
Feb 7, 2023
Icebreaker: A Novel Cover
Icebreaker: A Novel (The Maple Hills Series)

"Icebreaker: A Novel" by Hannah Grace is a New York Times bestseller and a TikTok sensation. The book tells the story of Anastasia, a competitive figure skater, and Nate, the captain of the hockey team, who are forced to share a rink. Despite their initial animosity, sparks fly between them as they work together to achieve their goals. The book is a delightful mix of sweltering chemistry, sizzling banter, and swoon-worthy romance. This book is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a sports theme. Overall, "Icebreaker" is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining love story.

#TOP 2

Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance

Rath, Emily
Mar 18, 2023
Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance Cover
Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance (Jacksonville Rays)

Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance (Jacksonville Rays) is a spicy and exciting book that follows Rachel Price, a physical therapist who finds herself working with the NHL's newest hockey team, the Jacksonville Rays. Unbeknownst to her, the team's playboy grinder is the same man she had a one-night stand with two months prior. As she navigates the challenges of working with the team, Rachel finds herself caught in a love triangle with not one, but three of the players. This book is a great read for anyone who loves romance and hockey, and it stands out as a unique and enjoyable addition to the genre.

#TOP 3

Say You Swear : Alternate Cover Edition

Brandy, Meagan
Nov 17, 2022
Say You Swear : Alternate Cover Edition Cover
Say You Swear : Alternate Cover Edition

Say You Swear: Alternate Cover Edition is a contemporary romance novel that tells the story of a girl whose heart was broken by her brother's best friend. When a new man enters her life, she must decide whether to hold onto her first love or move on to something new. With 152k words, this standalone romance novel will keep readers engaged until the very last page. The novel's unique plotline and relatable characters make it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

Binding 13: A Rugby Sports Romance

Walsh, Chloe
Walsh, Chloe
Feb 5, 2020
Binding 13: A Rugby Sports Romance Cover
Binding 13: A Rugby Sports Romance (Boys of Tommen #1)

Binding 13: A Rugby Sports Romance is the first installment of Chloe Walsh's Boys of Tommen series. The book revolves around Johnny Kavanagh, a rugby star, and Shannon Lynch, a new girl at Tommen College. Despite their differences, they form a complicated friendship, which turns into a first love. However, their relationship is threatened by obstacles that test their bond. The book is a mix of sports, romance, and teenage heartbreak, making it an engaging read for sports fiction fans. Overall, Binding 13 is a gripping debut novel from Walsh that promises to captivate readers with its unique blend of genres.

#TOP 5

Beautiful Disaster: A Novel

McGuire, Jamie
Atria
Aug 14, 2012
Beautiful Disaster: A Novel Cover
Beautiful Disaster: A Novel (Beautiful Disaster Series)

Beautiful Disaster: A Novel is a New York Times bestseller that tells the story of Abby Abernathy, a good girl who meets Travis Maddox, a tattooed bad boy. Intrigued by Abby's resistance to his charm, Travis makes a bet with her that changes their lives forever. The book has been described as "deliciously intense" and "insanely addictive" by USA Today and Jessica Park, respectively. Jamie McGuire writes with no holds barred, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of young people who move through life by their own rules. Overall, Beautiful Disaster is a beautifully intense and perfect read for anyone who loves contemporary women's fiction.

#TOP 6

The Nanny

Ferguson, Lana
Apr 11, 2023

The Nanny by Lana Ferguson is a steamy contemporary romance that follows Cassie Evans, a nanny who discovers that the father of the child she is nannying may be her biggest OnlyFan. With no other option, she decides to stay with him and his daughter, Sophie. As their relationship heats up, Cassie faces the dilemma of telling Aiden the truth or losing her chance at happiness. The book offers a smart, fun, and sexy read that will leave readers wanting more. The unique plot and well-developed characters make it a must-read for fans of the genre.

#TOP 7

The Deal (Off-Campus, 1)

Kennedy, Elle
Bloom Books
Feb 24, 2015
The Deal (Off-Campus, 1) Cover
The Deal (Off-Campus, 1)

The Deal (Off-Campus, 1) by Elle Kennedy is the first book in the Off-Campus series. The story follows Hannah Wells, who is trying to get her crush's attention by tutoring the cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. But things take an unexpected turn when they share a kiss that leads to the wildest sex of both their lives. The Deal is a deliciously steamy and heart-achingly tender New Adult romance that captures the feelings, the romance, and the unbridled sexiness of the genre. It's a winner that you won't want to put down!

#TOP 8

The Score (Off-Campus, 3)

Kennedy, Elle
Bloom Books
Jan 11, 2016
The Score (Off-Campus, 3) Cover
The Score (Off-Campus, 3)

The Score by Elle Kennedy is a New York Times bestseller and TikTok sensation that tells the story of Allie Hayes, a college student struggling with the uncertainty of her future and nursing a broken heart. Enter Dean Di Laurentis, a gorgeous hockey star who always gets what he wants, until he meets Allie. The two have a wild night, but when Dean realizes he wants more than just a one-night stand, he must convince Allie to give him a chance. This book is a fun and delightfully memorable romance that delivers laughter, swoons, and teary moments. Elle Kennedy once again delivers a flawlessly written story about opposites attracting.

#TOP 9

The Mistake (Off-Campus, 2)

Kennedy, Elle
Bloom Books
Apr 28, 2015
The Mistake (Off-Campus, 2) Cover
The Mistake (Off-Campus, 2)

The Mistake (Off-Campus, 2) by Elle Kennedy is another binge-worthy romance novel that will leave readers with a book hangover. The story follows college hockey star John Logan, who can get any girl he wants, but falls for freshman Grace Ivers. However, a mistake causes Grace to push him away, and Logan spends his final year trying to prove that he's worth a second chance. The Mistake is a smart, funny, and swoon-worthy page-turner that will have readers hooked from beginning to end. Overall, this contemporary romance book is an excellent addition to the Off-Campus series and will leave readers wanting more.

Throttled Special Edition

Asher, Lauren
Jan 9, 2020
Throttled Special Edition Cover
Throttled Special Edition (Dirty Air Special Edition)

Throttled Special Edition (Dirty Air Special Edition) is a contemporary romance novel that tells the story of MayaNoah Slade, a Formula 1 driver, and Maya Alatorre, an ambitious post-grad. Despite the walls that NoahMaya has built around himself, Maya finds him irresistible, but he is off-limits. The two are a dangerous combination, and their passion could explode at any moment. Throttled is a steamy standalone romance that is recommended for mature audiences. Overall, this book is a thrilling and unique addition to the contemporary romance genre, with well-developed characters and an intense plot.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most read romance book?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen By far the most beloved love story of all time, Pride and Prejudice is a great place to start.

2. Is sports romance a trope?

The "sports romance trope" is when at least one character in a romance novel is an athlete or former athlete.

3. What should I read after the deal?

Kimberly: The other two books in the series, “The Mistake” and “The Score” are both fantastic, since you liked “The Deal.” I agree with Maryse, “Undecided” has the same feel as “The Deal.”

Editor's Notes

During our sports romance book research, we found 1,200+ sports romance book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 97,477 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sports romance books list. We found that most customers choose sports romance books with an average price of $13.80.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.