13 Steamy Sports Romance Books To Devour—Just in Time for Super Bowl Sunday!
Ready, set, hike! Woman's World editors reveal which sports romances they’re reading—and loving—right now
Sports and romance are two subjects that don’t immediately seem like they have much in common, but if you look a little closer, both areas share a lot of attributes: exciting competition, high-stakes drama and, of course, unmatched passion and devotion. In recent years, sports romance has become one of the buzziest subgenres in the romantic literary world due in large part to its skyrocketing success all over social media. On Instagram alone, the hashtag #sportsromance has more than 600K posts. So whether you’re checking out the genre, feeling inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story or just getting in the spirit ahead of the Super Bowl, you’re in the right place. Here, we gathered up 10 must-read sports romance books (including five fantastic football romances to choose from!) by bestselling authors like Jenny Holiday, Mariana Zapata and Tessa Bailey.
If you’d like a front-row seat to the world of NFL stars and their wives, pick up Intercepted by Alexa Martin. Martin’s rom-com delivers a captivating story filled with glamour, glitz and drama. More in the mood for a baseball love story sprinkled with charm and one not-so-little secret? Dive into The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson.
Keep scrolling to discover our entire roundup of sports romance recommendations. Happy reading!
‘The Cheat Sheet’ by Sarah Adams
The “friends to lovers” trope takes center stage in this bestselling sports romance novel by Sarah Adams. Bree Camden is hopelessly in love with her longtime best friend and NFL star Nathan Donelson—who only sees her as a friend. Thankfully, Bree has other things to worry about, like her dying dance studio. When Nathan swoops in to save the day and buys the entire building for her, Bree spills her guts out to a TMZ reporter in a video that goes viral online. Desperate to keep the gossip at bay, Bree and Nathan decide to fake date for a few weeks. But as secrets come to light, Bree wonders if she and Nathan might finally have a real chance at love.
What readers are saying: “If you have not read a book by Sarah Adams yet, you need to remedy that immediately! If you love cozy and sweet ‘closed-door’ contemporary romances with a little bit of sizzle, you’ll love this.”
‘Intercepted’ by Alexa Martin
Not only is Intercepted a perfectly on-theme football romance to pair with Super Bowl weekend, but it’s also written by Alexa Martin—a real-life NFL wife! The story follows Marlee Harper, who prides herself on being an A+ girlfriend. But when she finds out her NFL-star boyfriend is seeing other women on the side, she vows to never date another athlete again—though she doesn’t expect to run into Gavin Pope, a new hotshot quarterback and her old fling. Gavin is drawn to Marlee and tries to prove he is the exact opposite of her ex. Then, the team’s wives decide they want to take Marlee down and drama ensues. How much longer can Marlee withstand the gossip and deny her feelings for Gavin?
What readers are saying: “If you’re looking for a fun new sports romance, look no further. Intercepted is fun, fresh, and full of hilarious one-liners by the book’s protagonist, Marlee. I enjoyed every bit of this book, and I was really excited to find out it’s being made into a Starz mini-series.”
‘The Favorites’ by Layne Fargo
An epic romance on ice, Layne Fargo’s The Favorites is the story of Katarina Shaw, who has dreamed of being an Olympic ice skater for as long as she can remember, and her partner and first love, Heath Rocha. As their careers take off and their love story unfurls, fans can’t get enough of the super couple. Told from multiple points of view, including interviews with rival skaters, friends and family for an unauthorized documentary on the couple, this compelling read is sure to enchant.
What readers are saying: “An unforgettable love story! The audiobook is amazing, with faux interviews and commentary from all the major players, including one character voiced by figure skater Johnny Weir,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. I couldn’t get enough of this book—it reminded me of both Daisy Jones and the Six and the 90s ice-skating movie, The Cutting Edge. Highly recommend!”
‘Say You Swear’ by Meagan Brandy
Meagan Brandy’s Say You Swear is a bestselling BookTok sensation and currently has more than 190,000 ratings on GoodReads. This story centers on college student Arianna Johnson, who has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Chase, for as long as she can remember. This summer, she plans to finally tell him how she feels. But when this leads to heartbreak, Arianna turns to Chase’s new teammate, star quarterback Noah Riley. Arianna and Noah are just friends, but their connection is a salve for Arianna’s broken heart. As their bond deepens, Noah is determined to turn their friendship into something more.
What readers are saying: “I have a mega book hangover after devouring Say You Swear. I was daunted by the page length at first, but trust me, this story flies. There is so much to it beyond a typical college sports romance. The emotions, the drama, the friend group, the swoony love scenes, the small gestures and the twin love made the storytelling come to life. And Noah is hands down one of the best book boyfriends, which was more clear than ever during the last 15%.”
The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
Filled with lovable characters and heart-fluttering moments, this novel stars Taylor Powell, a talented personal trainer in need of financial help. Enter Jamar Dixon, the seriously handsome former footballer who wants back into the NFL. Taylor jumps at the chance to help Jamar train. But as sparks fly, they’re outed as an item and their game plan crumbles. With love on the line, the duo must decide if they’re actually in it to win it.
What readers are saying: “I love this heartfelt rom-com by Farrah Rochon,” says Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. “Not only is it romantic but it’s relatable and fun from the start. Readers really see Taylor work through some struggles and you can’t help but root for her and Jamar until the very last page.”
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Fans of slow-burn romance will savor every page of Mariana Zapata’s fan-favorite The Wall of Winnipeg and Me. Vanessa is the personal assistant to the gruff, handsome pro football player Aiden Graves. One day, she finally works up the courage to quit and pursue her own dreams. So she’s shocked when Aiden comes crawling back. Now, he’s asking Vanessa to do him a favor of epic — and slightly illegal — proportions.
What readers are saying: “I’m not really an avid sports fan, but there’s just something about a sports romance that I can always get behind,” says Raquel Lekic, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor. “And this book is the ultimate slow-burn love story. I could not put it down! Mariana Zapata has the magic touch when it comes to romance, and this book now holds a top spot among my favorites!”
The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson
Bestselling author Alicia Thompson pens another home run! In The Art of Catching Feelings, recently divorced Daphne Brink reluctantly attends a baseball game and then drunkenly heckles the handsome Carolina Battery player Chris Kepler. Oops! Full of regret, Daphne reaches out to Chris on social media to apologize…but he doesn’t realize who she is and they strike up a quick flirtation. Daphne decides to go with it, but how long can she lie about who she really is?
What readers are saying: “I have read numerous sports romances, yet this book stands out easily as one of my favorites. It weaves a compelling plot, introduces two remarkably relatable and complex characters, and the sport is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story. The supporting characters are a delight, and the personal growth of key characters is wonderful. The romance is a perfect blend of steamy and tender, evolving from no strings to a deep connection in such a sweet and tentative way. The third act is a testament to the authenticity of the characters, filled with both subtle intimacies and grand gestures.”
The Long Game by Elena Armas
This swoon-worthy small-town story stars Adalyn Reyes, an executive for pro soccer team the Miami Flames. When a mishap at work goes viral online, the team’s owner — who is Adalyn’s father — sends her away to North Carolina to help a struggling local soccer team, the Green Warriors. She soon meets her grumpy ex-pro soccer player neighbor, Cameron Caldani. Can Cam help Adalyn in more ways than one?
What readers are saying: “Reading is my go-to way to decompress after a long day,” says Carissa Mosness, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor. “And last week I reached for this Elena Armas book which has been on my TBR, and it did not disappoint. Not only was The Long Game a romantic, hilarious love story but it had some of my favorite things: small-town romance, enemies to lovers and even a pet goat!”
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Competitive sports, enemies-to-lovers banter, scorching chemistry…this BookTok-favorite romance by Hannah Grace has it all. The story follows competitive figure skater Anastasia Allen and hockey player Nate Hawkins. Anastasia has worked her whole life for a spot on Team USA, so she’s thrilled when she receives a scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and scores a place on their figure skating team. Enter the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins. Nate’s focus is on his team and his team only, but when an incident forces the team to share the rink with the skating team, things turn…icy. But when Anastasia’s partner has to step back, she enlists Nate for help. Can they work together to win it all — both on and off the ice?
What readers are saying: “Anastasia is an Olympic-bound figure skater with a toxic partner who is thrown together with Nate Hawkins, captain of the school’s hockey team, when a prank gone wrong destroys one of the available practice arenas. While it’s not quite enemies-to-lovers, there’s heavy tension and buildup to their romance. Not only were the main characters well done, the entire supporting cast is so developed that you will want a spin-off for each and every one.”
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
Beloved romance author Tessa Bailey’s first-ever sports romance is a sizzling and hilarious tale. The story follows down-and-out professional golf player Wells Whitaker and his #1 fan, Josephine Doyle. Josephine always shows up for Wells. He grumbles, she smiles. He huffs, she cheers. So when Wells finally quits and his fangirl disappears, he quickly realizes he’s made a mistake. Determined to get back in the game, he hatches a plan: ask Josephine to be his caddy and help turn his game around — then they’ll split the prize money. Currently Josephine’s life is in shambles so she accepts his offer. What transpires next is a battle of wills — and hearts. At its core, the novel is an emotional story of love and loyalty.
What readers are saying: “There’s nothing better than a sweet meet-cute between two main characters in a rom-com,” says Lauren Stachiw, Woman’s World Beauty Director. “And this one — about a pro golfer and his biggest fan — was pure gold! The racy chemistry between Wells and Josephine was undeniable!
Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
Romance lovers will be kicking their feet and swooning over Jenny Holiday’s latest love story—which is a sports romance filled with heart, healing and second chances. Back in high school Aurora Evans invented a “fake boyfriend” as a way to get out of some sticky social situations. Well, he wasn’t exactly fake. Once upon a time she met a Canadian hockey player at the mall and she spun the story from there. Now, many years later, pro hockey and recent widower Mike Martin walks into the dance studio where Aurora teaches. As Mike’s daughter bonds with Aurora, Mike finds himself unexpectedly connecting with Aurora. Now, Aurora must decide if she can finally tell Mike about the secret she’s keeping.
What readers are saying: “This was a great book. It had everything…brothers best friend, football, forced living situation/proximity, slow burn, enemies to lovers, and a sassy grandma. The writing was fantastic and the main charterers had great chemistry together.”
The Chase by Elle Kennedy
From the bestselling author of The Deal, comes another sweet and sexy hockey romance. Summer claims Colin Fitzgerald, the irresistible tattoo-covered hockey player, thinks she’s superficial. He’s also best friends with her brother. Then Summer and Fitzy end up moving in together and, before long , something shifts in their relationship. As the two duo notice a simmering, magnetic pull between one another, they ignore it because they simply can’t go there. But when happens if they do?
What readers are saying: “As someone who also has ADHD, it was so nice to see it so accurately represented on the page,” shares Mosness. “Summer’s story was heartwarming, touching and everything neurodiverse representation should be.”
Motorcross meets gymnastics in Rebecca Jenshak’s Burnout, a book that’s sure to have romance readers head over heels! Avery is a college gymnastics superstar—with two Olympic gold medals under her belt — and the perfect college girl next door. Knox Holland needs to figure out his life. After a great first year on the pro motocross circuit, he’s facing the consequences of his bad boy reputation. After getting dropped by his team, he’s more determined than ever to set things right. So when Knox approaches Avery at the gym and asks if she would train him, she’s more surprised than anyone. The two have nothing in common—aside from their drive and determination. As they train together, sparks fly.
What readers are saying: “I absolutely love anything Rebecca writes and Burnout was no different. I loved the banter between Knox and Avery, it was the perfect amount of hate to love. Plus, readers get two sports that we don’t see enough of in romance books! I cannot wait to continue the series.”
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