Looking for a heartwarming fall read? Check out these 9 sports romance novels.
While sports and romance might not initially seem to fit together, recent trends suggest otherwise.
Take the successful movie “Challengers,” which showcased a love triangle in the world of tennis. Additionally, many fans have become interested in football since the relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift began last fall.
There’s also a growing interest in sports-related romance novels, influenced by the NFL’s popular couple and viral hockey-themed books on TikTok, like “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace.
Ideal sports romance reads for the fall season
No matter if you prefer hockey, football, baseball, or basketball, there’s a sports romance novel for you. Although this genre can be enjoyed year-round, the arrival of autumn and weekends filled with football games might spark your desire for college sports-themed stories.
‘The Wall of Winnipeg and Me’ by Mariana Zapata
This football romance centers on Vanessa Mazur, who is a frustrated personal assistant to a star defensive player in the NFL. Her job feels unappreciated, and Aiden Graves isn’t as adored behind the scenes as the public believes. So, she decides to quit. However, when Aiden shows up at her door in distress, he reveals a softer side she never saw before and offers a new role that’s far more personal than she anticipated.
‘Cleat Cute’ by Meryl Wilsner
This rivals-to-lovers tale follows two players on the U.S. Women’s National Team who initially clash. At 26, Grace Henderson is an up-and-coming star. But when she gets injured, Phoebe Matthews takes her place, leading to unexpected tension. Their journey to the World Cup forces them to discover whether they can manage their competitive and intimate relationship both on and off the field.
‘Team Players’ by Deanna Grey
This romance unfolds around two hockey captains at college. Their competitive natures lead to a playful bet on being friends with benefits to see who can handle the arrangement first: Sam, the charming captain of the men’s team, or Aderyn, who prefers romance and relationships on the women’s team.
‘The Prospects’ by KT Hoffman
This story delves into the life of Gene, a Beaverton Beavers player making waves as the first openly transgender individual in professional baseball. When his old teammate and rival, Luis, is traded to his team, his newfound happiness gets complicated, as they struggle to set aside their differences both on and off the diamond. Throughout their time spent together, they soon realize that the tension they share could be something deeper.
‘Hook Shot’ by Kennedy Ryan
This is part of a professional basketball series from the author of “Before I Let Go” that weaves together themes of love and sports.
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‘Fangirl Down’ by Tessa Bailey
In “Fangirl Down,” a disgraced golfer, weary from the disappointments of his career, has just one loyal supporter – the cheerful redhead watching from the sidelines. However, when he abruptly quits the sport and finds himself alone, regret washes over him. Desperate, he seeks out his devoted fan, asking her to be his caddy in an attempt to reclaim his place on the golf course.
‘Collide’ by Bal Khabra
This hockey-themed romance centers on the friction between Summer Preston, an ambitious honors student pursuing sports psychology, and Aiden, the college hockey team captain whom she can’t stand. When Aiden becomes the focus of her thesis, they are compelled to spend time together, much to their initial dismay.
‘The Cheat Sheet’ by Sarah Adams
“The Cheat Sheet” tells the story of Bree and Nathan, best friends caught in a complicated web of feelings. Bree, an aspiring ballerina, wishes for more than friendship, but fears risking what they have. When a generous gesture leads to a misunderstanding, Bree inadvertently reveals her feelings to a reporter while drunk. With the internet buzzing about their supposed relationship, Nathan’s publicist devises a fake-dating scheme to capitalize on the publicity, prompting them to navigate between reality and pretense.
‘Playing for Keeps’ by Jennifer Dugan
This young adult baseball romance features June, a talented pitcher aspiring to play at the collegiate level, and Ivy, a dedicated student umpire. Their relationship starts poorly when Ivy ejects June from a game due to her showboating. Despite this rocky beginning, an undeniable attraction forms between them, complicated by strict rules that prohibit player-umpire dating. Will they be able to pursue their ambitions alongside their emerging feelings?
Still searching for that perfect read?
Everyone has their unique preferences, and we have more genres you might enjoy. For fans of dragons, explore our recommendations for books to read after “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros. If you prefer domestic mysteries, check out titles similar to “Verity” by Colleen Hoover. Alternatively, for something lighter with lovable characters, consider a “cozy mystery” or a “cozy fantasy” book.
