12 TikTok-approved sports romance books to add to your reading list

They say there’s nothing sexier than a man or woman in uniform, and that’s especially true for sports uniforms. If you’re obsessed with the likes of Travis and Taylor and want more love stories that feature a superstar athlete but don’t know where to start, this list of sports romance novels has you covered.

Featuring an array of sports, like hockey and football, and the most beloved tropes—enemies to lovers, fake dating, and second chance romance, to name a few—you’ll want to add every one of these must-read sports romance books to your TBR or suggest it as your next book club read.

“The Rule Book” by Sarah Adams

In this new companion novel to the TikTok hit “The Cheat Sheet,” newly minted sports agent Nora Mackenzie desperately needs to sign Derek Pender as her first client, or her career will be over before it starts. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, the famous NFL tight end happens to be her college ex-boyfriend who may or may not hold a grudge for how she ended things back then. Derek has his sights set on a little friendly revenge, but Nora doesn’t back down easily.

When their mutual schemes land them in Vegas and—after a wild night out—married, the two are forced to navigate their new dynamic for the sake of both their careers. Little do they realize that there are no rules when it comes to falling in love...

“The Graham Effect” by Elle Kennedy

The first book in a new series from the author of TikTok sensations “Off Campus” and “Briar U,” “The Graham Effect” follows Gigi Graham, a college hockey player with aspirations of joining the Women’s National Team. To help her improve her skills, she recruits notorious grump and the campus’s new hockey team captain, Luke Ryder.

Luke doesn’t want to help Gigi with her game—he needs to. It’s the only way to get into the good graces of her father, hockey legend Garrett Graham, and hopefully be selected for the summer coaching spot with him. The arrangement is only meant to help them with their respective careers, but they have chemistry so hot...it’s melting the ice! Can they risk a romance?

“Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace

Perfect for fans of “From Lukov with Love” by Mariana Zapata, this New York Times bestselling hockey romance (with over 1 million copies sold!) follows Anastasia Allen and Nate Hawkins, a college figure skater and hockey captain who are forced to share a rink during practice.

The pair bump heads, but set aside their differences when Anastasia’s figure skating partner gets injured and she taps Nate to take to his place. After weeks of getting to know each other, their rivalry thaws and a fire ignites. No matter how hard they try, they can’t skate around their growing feelings.

“Fangirl Down” by Tessa Bailey

Wells Whitaker is known for his three G’s: good looks, golf skills, and grumpiness. Or...he used to be known for those. While his good looks and grumpiness are steadfast, his golf game has hit an all-time low. After another loss, he quits in spectacular fashion, alienating his longtime fan, Josephine.

Josephine Doyle has always been Wells’ biggest cheerleader. So when he shows up at her door asking her to be his new caddy and help him with his game, she readily agrees. Plus, she could really use the prize money. As they hit the road traveling from course to course, hotel to hotel, she gets to know the man behind the gruff. A romance is teeing up—can they swing it or will their professional relationship get in the way?

“Cleat Cute” by Meryl Wilsner

Grace Henderson has spent the last 10 years as the star of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. So, she’s less than pleased when an injury takes her off the field and lands her on the bench. Taking her spot is vivacious newcomer Phoebe Matthews, who can’t believe she gets to play alongside her longtime idol...and crush.

Grace is competitive and territorial at first, but Phoebe’s refreshing zest for the game and class clown attitude are surprisingly attractive. Soon, they’re playing side by side on the field...and steaming up the showers in the locker room. Will winning the World Cup take a back seat to winning each other’s hearts?

“Right Man, Right Time” by Meghan Quinn

When 21-year-old college student Ollie Owens runs into her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend—who happens to be her nemesis—at a bar, the only thing she can think to do to save herself from an unbearable encounter is to kiss the nearest stranger. Luckily for her, that stranger happens to be professional hockey star Silas Taters.

Silas plays along, but later asks for a favor in return. Soon, Ollie finds herself fake dating a famous athlete 10 years her senior. She gets help with her internship and he keeps his ex-girlfriend at a more comfortable distance. Their relationship is just a ruse...until it isn’t.

Hockey romance not your thing? Check out some of Quinn’s other sports romance books: “The Brentwood Boys,” a baseball romance series; “Stroked,” a professional swimming series; “Love and Sports,” a new adult football romance series.

“Intercepted” by Alexa Martin

An Amazon Best Romance of 2018 Pick and the first in a series soon to be adapted by Starz, “Intercepted” follows Marlee Harper, a dedicated girlfriend to her NFL-star boyfriend of 10 years. When Marlee catches him cheating, she vows never to date another athlete again.

At least, that’s her plan before she reunites with the team’s new quarterback who happens to be her former flame, Gavin Pope. Opening herself up to love again is hard enough, but she also has to contend with the gossiping WAGs, aka the unfriendly wives and girlfriends of the other players. Is a second chance with Gavin worth fighting for?

“All American” by Dipsea

When LA actress, Harper, breaks up with her famous musician boyfriend, she decides it’s time for a change of scenery. So she heads for New York and spends her time prepping for her new movie role. When her SNL cast member best friend invites her to the show’s after party, she takes a night off from working and tags along.

Football player Logan Miller doesn’t expect to see his celebrity crush Harper at the party, but he’s pleasantly surprised. Their electric chemistry leads to a toe-curling, albeit public, kiss that leaves Harper’s lips buzzing. She can’t help but be curious...is there more where that came from?

Clocking in at just under an hour, this four-chapter audiobook is short, sweet, and brimming with steam.

“The Perfect Play” by Jaci Burton

Tara Lincoln’s unexpected one-night stand with professional football player Mick Riley was everything a one-night stand should be: passionate, steamy, and over the next morning.

After all, she’s much too busy with her event planning career and raising her teenage son. She doesn’t need to get caught up with dating a pro athlete and everything that comes with it, even if his bedroom skills are as good as when he’s on the field.

Mick, however, is captivated by the event planner and wants more than just their one night, prompting him to devise the “perfect play” to win her heart.

“How You Get the Girl” by Anita Kelly

High school basketball coach Julie Parker is tired of sitting on the sidelines of her own life. Though she loves coaching, she does it alongside a boring desk job that she hates. And while she’s surrounded by loving friends, she’s never had a romantic relationship.

But everything changes when she meets her celebrity crush, former WNBA star Elle Cochrane, after Elle’s foster daughter joins Julie’s basketball team. Although Elle’s professional basketball career was cut short by an injury, she agrees to become the team’s assistant coach at Julie’s request, seeing it as an opportunity to bond with her foster daughter.

As the two get to know each other, Julie reveals she’s been figuring out her sexuality and has never dated anyone. Elle offers to “practice dating” with her and from there, it’s game on.

“Consider Me” by Becka Mack

Fans of Helena Hunting’s “Pucked” will love this hockey romance about NHL MVP Carter Beckett, who is known for his game both on and off the ice. But this bad boy is ready to retire his womanizing ways the second he lays eye on Olivia Parker.

A sweet, down-to-earth teacher, Ollie wants absolutely nothing to do with Carter. She’s well aware of his reputation and—despite their sizzling chemistry—refuses to be one of the many “puck bunnies” who fawn over him and land in his bed. But Carter has never been rejected and he’s up for the challenge, eventually chipping away at the wall Olivia’s built in front of herself, one charming smile at a time.

Behind his bravado, Carter is a Golden Retriever personified with a big heart who cares deeply for those he cares about. But will his playboy past impact their potential future?

“Fake It Till You Bake It” by Jamie Wesley

This sweet enemies-to-lovers sports romance follows Jada Townsend-Matthews, a reality star who becomes one of the most hated women in the country after she rejects a marriage proposal on a popular dating show. Returning to her hometown of San Diego to lay low, she finds herself working at a local bakery owned by professional football player, Donovan Dell.

Jada can’t stand Donovan and his gruff, uptight personality, and that dislike goes both ways. But when they’re mistaken for a couple, they find themselves entangled in a fake relationship to bolster the bakery’s business and rehabilitate Jada’s image.

After getting to know each other, their fake romance turns into real feelings. There’s a fine line between love and hate, and they just might cross it.

Score even more spicy romances

Just like the examples above, sports romances are a subgenre of romance that present the reader with the glitz and glamor of professional sports, the tension and stakes of being in the public eye, and a main character with hot, athletic charm to boot! But like any other genre, it also features depth, humor, and multi-faceted and emotional characters falling in love.

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