15 Best Sports Romance Books of All Time for the Biggest Fans

There’s no shortage of sports romance books in the genre if you’re looking to fall for a college or professional athlete, but if you could only read just a few, these are the best sports romance books of all time.

These sports romances cover a variety of sports and highlight the highs and lows of competing at such an elite level while also trying to find your happily ever after.

I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I drooled over these best of the best sports romance books that I highly recommend reading!

Happy reading…because life is better with a love story!

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Sports Romance Books of All Time:

Fangirl Down
by Tessa Bailey

Golf Sports Romance Books

Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but his career has taken a nosedive leaving him with only one fan who’s always believed in him. Yet when Wells quits in a blaze of glory, his fangirl finally goes home leaving him with nothing.

Determined to make things right, Wells shows up at Josephine’s door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Never would I have thought that I’d fall in love with a professional golfer, but Tessa Bailey made me do it with this perfect sports romance book that made my best romance novels of 2024 list.

This book is just the best mix of humor, steam and intriguing storyline without unnecessary dramatics, without miscommunication or noncommunication, and without overly depressing back stories. Plus, there was no third act breakup.

Wells is the kind, caring, alpha who is the perfect dirty talker while Josephine is a woman who clearly knows the sport and can school him in technique. It’s a must-read!

Check out my book review of Fangirl Down.

Read Fangirl Down: Amazon

Caught Up
by Liz Tomforde

Baseball Sports Romance Books

Kai is a single dad and a starting pitcher for Chicago’s MLB team. He didn’t know he was a father until his 6-month-old was dropped on his doorstep but he will do anything to raise his son right, even take him on the road with him.

But he’s not doing a great job of it, firing nanny after nanny, which is why his manager and friend tells him to hire his daughter as his new nanny for the summer.

Miller is a professional pastry chef who’s at the top of her field but has lost her muse. She’s hoping to find her spark and spend time with her dad while taking care of Kai’s little cutie this summer only she didn’t anticipate falling for Kai in the process and vice versa.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: This book became one of my favorite sports romance books because Kai is such an easy hero to love who loves his son so dearly. I loved how he and Millie didn’t quite get off the on the right foot but once he got to know her, he was really supportive of her career.

Miller too was amazing as this go-getter and incredible chef, but I felt for the guilt she shouldered for so long and her relationship with her dad brought me to tears. Manny, her father, was amazing any time he appeared in the story.

This is such a fantastic love story with some of the best characters worth rooting for and I highly recommend it.

Read Caught Up: Amazon

Him
by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Hockey Sports Romance Book

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp that summer?

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize.

But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever. Now they have six weeks as summer camp hockey coaches to explore what could be.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: This is one of those books that I want EVERYONE to read because it is just so good. It is one of my all-time favorite romance books because it is so well written, with amazing characters and a story that tugs on your heart strings.

This is a college hockey romance that reunites two friends from hockey camp who lost touch after a night of exploration. Trust me, you’ll be a Jamie and Ryan fan for life after reading this book!

Read Him: Amazon

Blind Side
by Kandi Steiner

Football Sports Romance Book

Clay Johnson used to be the easiest of all the players for me to wrangle as the Public Relations Coordinator, but after a nasty breakup with his high school sweetheart, he’s a mess. And when he witnesses how I fall to pieces in front of my crush, he devises a crazy plan to help me get noticed and make his ex jealous.

Since I’m a virgin, I sweeten the deal by asking him to show me how to seduce a man in the bedroom. We’re just faking it of course, but the more time we spend together, it becomes harder to discern what’s fake and what’s real.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: I absolutely LOVED this fake relationship romance! This book had great writing, great story pacing, perfect characters and a steaminess that just melted me.

Clay is a standout athlete and the college’s starting safety but he’s also reeling because his long-term girlfriend just blindsided him by dumping him. I loved how he and Giana started their fake relationship to get the attention of others but of course fell for each other.

This is absolutely one of my favorite sports romance books that I highly recommend.

Read Blind Side: Amazon

Everything For You
by Chloe Liese

Soccer Sports Romance Book

Oliver Bergman is a beloved rising soccer star, all sunshine smiles and the heart of their team’s spirit. Ten years older than Oliver and a legendary player at the end of his career, Gavin Hayes is his complete opposite and a giant grump.

But when the two are named co-captains and can’t seem to get along, the Coach gives them an ultimatum. Forced to finally to lower their guards, Gavin and Oliver realize that they their chemistry on the field actually spreads to chemistry off the field as well.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: I love that this sports romance book gave me all the feels with a Ted Lasso vibe. Roy Kent is one of my favorite characters and boy did she get it right with Gavin.

This book had two really great soccer athletes – each dealing with their own challenges and fears. The best part was when they finally got real with one another and saw that they could help each other in more ways than one.

Read Everything for You: Amazon

Hook Shot
by Kennedy Ryan

Basketball Sports Romance Book

A single, divorced dad in the final years of his basketball career, Kenan Ross’s perfect life has just imploded. He’s still picking up the pieces when he meets Lotus DuPree. He promised himself he’d never trust a woman again, but he’s never wanted anyone the way he wants Lo.

At twenty-five, Lotus is finally living out her dream, becoming a force in New York’s fashion scene. Focused on her future and not looking for love, she’s seen where trusting a man leaves you. Kenan is the last thing she needs. But from the moment they meet, she’s drawn in.

And when Kenan moves to New York for the summer to be near his daughter, Lotus can no longer avoid the attraction that pulses between them.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Kennedy Ryan doesn’t hold back with any of the sports romance books in her Hoops series, so be sure to check the trigger warnings, but this one is my favorite.

I loved the age gap romance but also the fierceness to Lo who is guarding her heart. It’s also the perfect pick if you love a single dad romance because Kenan is the man to break her fear that they’ll only break your heart.

Read Hook Shot: Amazon

Real
by Katy Evans

Boxing Sports Romance Book

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life. He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him.

When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong—but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents.

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me. I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations. If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Real is one of those books that just sucks you in from the word go. It’s so much more than an amazing sports romance book about a boxer at the top of his game. It’s also truly one of the best romance books representing a mental health issue that taught me so much.

I absolutely adored Remington who is a true fighter in more ways than one. This is a book not to be missed!

Read Real: Amazon

Waking Olivia
by Elizabeth O’Roark

Track Sports Romance Book

Will Langstrom has too many responsibilities, and the last thing he needs is Olivia Finnegan, a beautiful but troubled new transfer student. Olivia is her own worst enemy, with a smart mouth and a past she can’t seem to escape, and the last person she wants help from is a cocky track coach she can never seem to please.

Refusing to be pushed away, Will is determined to save her…and determined to resist an attraction that could destroy them both.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: I adored this sports romance book that looks at long-distance running, first as a college athlete and then beyond. I don’t think you could convince me to run a mile these days so I’m in awe of Olivia’s talent in this unique sports romance that is a profound romance between athlete and coach.

Read Waking Olivia: Amazon

Heated Rivalry
by Rachel Reid

Hockey Sports Romance Book

Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are the most talented men in pro hockey. The media may hype up their rivalry but out of the spotlight these two men heat up the sheets. When secret hookups are no longer enough, it may be time to walk away rather than risk it all.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: This sports romance book is one of my all-time favorite enemies to lovers books in MM romance. The hate between these two professional hockey players fuels the most intense chemistry that just turns HOT whenever they have their secret meetups. If you’re a fan of MM romance or hockey romances, you’ll love this book.

Read Heated Rivalry: Amazon

Endurance
by Amy Daws

Soccer Sports Romance Book

Tanner Harris is known as the soccer-playing playboy around London but when he gets caught with his pants down by the paparazzi he realizes he has to change his ways.

Dr. Belle Ryan can’t believe she got caught in a paparazzi picture with Tanner when she was only picking up the sod but with both of their reputations on the line, they decide to pretend that they are a couple. Funny they can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves while pretending.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Amy Daws dazzles in the entire Harris brothers series which is one of my most favorite sports romance books series, but Tanner Harris may be one of the most lovable book boyfriends I’ve ever read.

He is just so hilarious and so endearing that I couldn’t get enough of him in this book. This is also a perfect fake dating romance with chemistry that was off the charts.

Read Endurance: Amazon

The Player
by K Bromberg

Baseball Sports Romance Book

Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything. So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in the renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather his daughter, Scout.

Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on.

And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat or is one of them bound to get burned?

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Bromberg gives us not one, but two baseball sports romance books in this amazing duet. I love how this book starts off with a hilarious misunderstanding since Easton wasn’t expecting a woman to be rehabbing his shoulder. But once she starts working with him, there’s no denying the attraction even if it is against the rules.

If you’re a fan of the sport, there is a lot of actual baseball to this storyline with rehabbing, trading, and clubhouse pranks, which is just another reason to love this sports romance.

Read The Player: Amazon

The Trade
by Meghan Quinn

Baseball Sports Romance Book

Can you pinpoint a time in your life where you realized you are completely and utterly screwed? I can. I got the dreaded phone call, the one every baseball player hopes and prays never comes. I was traded.  Traded from my long time team of over ten years. And not just to any team, but my childhood rivals; the Chicago Rebels.

The trade however was the least of my concerns. I met a girl. Natalie, who is perfect. I swore I would never get involved with anyone during the season but I can’t get her out of my head. But I’m screwed because the girl I can’t stop crushing on is married.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: I adore all of Meghan Quinn’s baseball boys but Cory is a hard one to forget. He is such a good guy, a beloved brother and a professional athlete dedicated to his sport, but he’s also dealing with a lot of pressure and not handling it well.

I loved how it focuses on what it would feel like to leave your beloved team, get traded and find yourself in a new town with a new team that isn’t welcoming. This is one of these sports romance books that actually focuses on the game and the athlete and the message is an important one. A must-read.

Read The Trade: Amazon

The Risk
by Elle Kennedy

Hockey Sports Romance Book

As the daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach, I’d be vilified if I hooked up with a player from a rival team. And that’s who Jake Connelly is. Harvard’s star forward is arrogant, annoying, and too attractive for his own good.

But fate is cruel—I require his help to secure a much-coveted internship. And when I ask him to be my fake boyfriend to help me he ups the states asking for one real date for each fake one in return. Nothing good can come from sneaking around with Jake Connelly, and I refuse to fall for him. That’s the one risk I’m not willing to take.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Kennedy’s Briar U series is so much fun to read if you love college hockey but The Risk is my favorite because the chemistry between Jake and Brenna given the forbidden nature of their attraction is off the charts!

While Brenna is a strong heroine who doesn’t get overshadowed by the hockey stud, but I truly adored Jake. This sports romance also has some hilarious side characters making it even more fun to read. The perfect hockey romance book to add to your TBR list.

Read The Risk: Amazon

Hard Hitter
by Sarina Bowen

Hockey Sports Romance Book

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O’Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O’Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.
 
After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O’Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O’Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Sometimes sports romance books gloss over the hardship and the sacrifice required from playing a sport at such a high level but Bowen does such a great job of making it real in this hockey romance.

I totally felt for everything that O’Doul was struggling with, both physically and mentally, which only made his love story with Ari that much sweeter.

Read Hard Hitter: Amazon

Kulti
by Mariana Zapata

Soccer Sports Romance Book

When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it’s supposed to be the greatest thing in the world.  It didn’t take a week for twenty-seven-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she’d seen in the international soccer icon.

She isn’t prepared for the real version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team’s season: a quiet, reclusive shadow of the passionate man he’d once been. Nothing could have prepared her for the man she got to know. Or the rages he brought out in her. This was going to be the longest season of her life.

Why It’s a Must-Read Sports Romance: Zapata just drew me into this soccer romance between player and coach as she does with all of her books – with the sweetest of slow burns. I loved how Sal crushed hard on Kulti as a kid but who has to adapt to the man she wasn’t expecting when he becomes her coach. If you love sports romance books about soccer, forbidden love stories or slow burn romances, then this deserves a spot on your TBR list as well.

Read Kulti: Amazon

More Sports Romance Book Lists:

• Best Sports Romance Book Series for the Biggest Fans
• Best Hockey Romance Books
• Best Baseball Romance Books
• Best Football Romance Books
• Summer Olympic Romance Books to Get You Ready for the Games
• Sports Romance Books to Read if You’re Shipping Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

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