7 Olympic Romance Books to Get You Ready for the Summer Olympics
To help you get into the Olympic spirit for this yearโs Summer Olympic games in Paris, France, Iโm highlighting the best Olympic romance books that feature the summer Olympic games and a summer Olympic athlete or two in this book list and episode of the She Reads Romance Books Podcast.
These summer Olympic romance books will keep you busy the entire two weeks+ of the Summer Olympic games if you want to alternate between reading and watching the events.
Crazy about gymnastics, swimming, football (soccer) or track and field? No matter your favorite Olympic event, these romance books have you covered.
Happy readingโฆbecause life is better with a love story. Go Team USA!
Podcast Episode 65: Summer Olympic Romance Books To Get You Ready for the Paris Games!
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Settling the Score
by R.S. Grey
Summer Olympic Sports: Swimming and Soccer (Football)
As an Olympic rookie, Andie Foster has spent far more time in her cleats than between the sheets. For 21 years, her Friday nights have consisted of blocking shots rather than taking them. But now that she’s landed in Rio, she’s ready to see for herself if the rumors about the Olympic Village are true:
โข The athletes are all maniacs looking to get some…
โข The committee passes out condoms like candy…
โข The games continue long after the medals have been handed out…
As Andie walks the line between rumor and reality, she’s forced into the path of Frederick Archibald, a decorated Olympic swimmer and owner of a hot British accentโtoo bad he’s unavailable in a way that “it’s complicated” doesn’t even begin to explain. In other words: off limits.
It doesn’t matter that he has abs that could bring peace to the Middle East and a smile that makes even the Queen blush; Andie fully intends on keeping her focus on the soccer field. But the Village is small. Suffocating. Everywhere Andie goes, Freddie happens to be thereโshirtless, wet from the pool, and determined to show her a whole new meaning of the phrase “international affairs”.
Why this Summer Olympics Romance Book is a Must-Read: I love that Grey is using the Olympic Village as the premise for her summer Olympics romance book because if I let my imagination run wild, I can only imagine what shenanigans those athletes must get up into when the adrenaline is pumping and especially when their event is over and they are ready to just let loose.
I like that this is a mix of soccer and swimmer athletes. The heroine sounds like she is on the young side and probably someone who doesnโt have a lot of worldly experience since sheโs undoubtedly been so completely focused on her Olympic training for so many years. I am excited to see how it all plays out for her.
Out of Bounds
by R.S. Grey
Summer Olympic Sport: Gymnastics
I despise Erik Winter. Heโs arrogant and cruelโa man I wouldnโt wish on my worst enemyโand by some twisted turn of fate, heโs my new Olympic gymnastics coach.
Iโve had to contend with gruff coaches in the past, but Erik is far worse. His stern demeanor complements a body built for intimidation, and his reprimands come from a mouth so cunning, I know it could strip me of my defensesโif I let it.
Though each of us would love to be rid of the other forever, we are bound to each other by need and necessity. Iโm his rising star, his best shot at proving himself to his critics. And without a coach, I have zero chance of winning gold in Rio.
The easiest way forward would be to wave a white flag and make peace with the man Iโll be sharing close quarters with for the foreseeable future, but he is intent on a battle. Fine. By. Me.
If he pushes me, Iโll push back harder. If he wants to test me, to play with my head, Iโll show him just how many boundaries Iโm willing to cross. Because I know itโs not a choice between winning or warringโnot if you can have them both. At the end of it all, I plan on leaving Rio with gold around my neck and his icy heart in the palm of my hand.
Why this Summer Olympics Romance Book is a Must-Read: I love the forced proximity vibe of this Olympics romance, and the fact that itโs a forbidden romance since itโs between Olympic athlete and coach. Itโs also got a juicy, enemies to lovers storyline going on as well and you know I love a good enemies to lovers story.
I want to see how far he pushes her in training and possibly away from the arena as well. Sounds like it could be super spicy too so hereโs hoping.
Head Over Heels
by Hannah Orenstein
Summer Olympic Sport: Gymnastics
The past seven years have been hard on Avery Abrams: After training her entire life to make the Olympic gymnastics team, a disastrous performance ended her athletic career for good. Her best friend and teammate, Jasmine, went on to become an Olympic champion, then committed the ultimate betrayal by marrying their emotionally abusive coach, Dimitri.
Now, reeling from a breakup with her football star boyfriend, Avery returns to her Massachusetts hometown, where new coach Ryan asks her to help him train a promising young gymnast with Olympic aspirations.
Despite her misgivings and worries about the memories it will evoke, Avery agrees. Back in the gym, sheโs surprised to find sparks flying with Ryan. But when a shocking scandal in the gymnastics world breaks, it has shattering effects not only for the sport but also for Avery and her old friend Jasmine.
Why this Summer Olympics Romance Book is a Must-Read: The gymnastic events are so popular to watch in the Summer Olympics. I cannot imagine the amount of dedication and work that it takes to become great in this sport let alone snag one of the few spots on the US Olympic team.
I imagine with sports at this level that coaches really ride the line between motivational and being downright bullies because they have just as much at stake in their athlete succeeding or not.
But if youโre intrigued by the world of gymnastics and the powerplays involved, then check out this summer Olympics romance book.
Burnout
by Rebecca Jenkshaw
Summer Olympic Sport: Gymnastics
Knox Holland is in a jam. After an incredible first year on the pro motocross circuit, he should be on top of the world. Instead, his bad reputation has landed him without a team. Heโs untouchable and desperate to turn it around.
Which is how he ends up at my gym asking me to train him. As a college gymnast with two Olympic medals to my name, I know a thing or two about the pressure to succeed. Last season I choked and then injured myself before I could show the world that Iโm not a twenty-year-old has-been.
Focused on the future, I canโt afford to get distracted. But I recognize the desperation in Knoxโs eyes, and I canโt say no to him, either.
It should have been an easy task, but nothing about Knox is easy. One minute weโre arguing, and the next Iโm enjoying his shirtless handstands a little too much. Falling for him would be a mistakeโฆ
Why this Summer Olympics Romance Book is a Must-Read: Iโm a big fan of sports romance books in general but I like that this romance with an Olympian features two often underrepresented sports in romance โ gymnastics and motorcross.
Cycling is in the summer Olympics and this year they have admitted breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing so maybe we will see motorcross as an event in an upcoming summer Olympics. If you read this then youโll be ahead of the game but it sounds super cute so Iโm looking forward to checking it out.
Since Drew
by J. Nathan
Summer Olympic Sport: Track & Field
All Andi Parker has ever wanted, all sheโs ever dreamed of, is a spot on the Olympic track team. But when an accident leaves her hospitalized with serious injuries and shattered dreams, sheโs not only uncertain what her future holds but also completely alone.
Drew Slater is a wanted man. Professional football teams want him for his arm. Women want him for his irresistible good looks and charming personality. But the well-crafted disguise he wears, the one that helps him score on and off the field, hides secrets. Conceals lies. Threatens the happiness of everyone around him.
One chance encounter brings Andi and Drew together, changing their worlds in ways they never thought possible. Unfortunately, what they thought they knew about themselvesโand each otherโmight just be the biggest lie of all.
Why this Summer Olympics Romance Book is a Must-Read: This book summary has me intrigued even though Iโm not sure how either of their sports will play out in their chance meeting and where they go from there.
I have a feeling itโs going to bring the angst which is a different emotion than I normally feel when I think of the summer Olympics. I mean I get tense because I want our athletes to succeed but this romance sounds like it will bring a different kind of angst and Iโm up for it.
Stroked
by Meghan Quinn
Summer Olympic Sport: Swimming
Reese King: Olympic medalist, underwear model, Greek god. His body is chiseled from rock, sculpted by the weight room, and refined by water.
On a daily basis his skin is completely bare for everyone to see, tan and defined, only covered up by a minuscule piece of spandex. There is no denying his appeal. I hate to admit it, but Iโm head over heels infatuated with him.
There is one HUGE problem though. His achingly gorgeous abs, inked up arm, and cocky swagger belong to my boss, the high-profile, reality star bitch from hell and certified heinous human being, Bellini Chambers.
What I think is going to be an easy job assisting a glorified wench turns into a cluster f*ck of epic proportions.
Why this Summer Olympics Romance Book is a Must-Read: I love Meghan Quinn and this is one of her earlier works. I really want to see Reese training to complete in the next Olympics because his career is riding on it but you also get a pretty solid villain in this sports romance too.
Itโs kind of a must if you want a summer Olympics romance and you love Quinnโs other sports romance books so go back to where it all started.
Second Dive
by Jasmin Miller
Summer Olympic Sport: Swimming
Noah Winters was my heartโs desire, the boy I loved desperately and had hoped to spend my future with. Until our plans were derailed and life took us in completely different directions.
When our fate changed, and our paths crossed again, nothing prepared me for the punch to the heart when I saw him . . . or his anger and bitterness.
He was no longer the boy I once knew, but a hardened Olympic swimmer with life goals that no longer aligned with mine. All because I lied.
But sometimes, hiding the truth was necessary, especially when it freed someone you loved to reach their aspirations and dreams. Itโs said that time heals all wounds, but what I found was that it can also create an enemy. That meant I had a choice.
Apologize to Noah, and possibly let him into my heart again . . . or allow him to live his life without knowing why I walked away. Without knowing that I never actually wanted to leave.
Why this Summer Olympics Romance Book is a Must-Read: This is actually book three in her Kings of the Water series which has a total of four books all about professional swimmers. Yum!
I picked this one to read first because I love a good second chance romance. Iโm a bit worried that Iโll be pissed at Chloe for her reason for lying to him but if was to help him follow his Olympic dreams then Iโll be OK with that. I hope that Iโll fall in love with this one and then want to binge-read the entire series afterwards. Hereโs hoping.
That wraps up my list of Summer Olympics romance books. Do you have a favorite that gets you in the Olympic spirit? Share in the comments below!
Related Book Lists:
- Best Sports Romance Books
- Best Sports Romance Books Series
- Best Baseball Romance Books
- Best Hockey Romance Books
- Best Football Romance Books
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