Best Sports Romance Books of 2026

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 (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.