Read Icebreaker by Hannah Grace? Here's Your Beginner's Guide to Sports Romance
Sports romance is a subgenre of romance that’s perfect for readers who love stories filled with passion, determination, and a touch of competitive spirit. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just enjoy a steamy, action-packed love story, these books offer something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to dive into the world of sports romance.
This follows on from our ‘Dark Romance’ guide which you can read here:
What is Sports Romance?
Sports romance combines the highs and lows of athletic life with the emotional intensity of romantic relationships. These stories often center around athletes, coaches, or associated staff navigating their careers while finding love. Common themes include ambition, teamwork, and overcoming personal and professional challenges.
Just FYI, it is also very common for this subgenre to be very spicy. So make sure you read the content warnings before you take on any of the titles recommended.
Popular tropes include:
Coach/player romance
Best friend’s sibling romance
Fake dating
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy/sunshine
Forced proximity
Surprise pregnancy
Why Read Sports Romance?
With so many other subgenres to explore, what makes this one so special?
1. Dynamic Characters: Athletes in sports romances are often ambitious, disciplined, and determined, making for intense protagonists who are the epitome of “all or nothing”.
2. Adrenaline Fuelled Backdrops: From football stadiums to hockey rinks, the sports settings add a fast-paced, high-energy vibe to the story.
3. Emotional Depth: These books explore not just romance but also personal growth, the pressure of competition, and the vulnerability behind tough exteriors. The stakes are high, always.
4. Relatable Themes: Balancing love and career, overcoming obstacles, and learning to trust—sports romances deliver on universal themes experienced even by us little wiggly bookworms.
Beginner-Friendly Sports Romance Books
1. ‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy
This hockey romance is a fan favorite and a great introduction to the genre. It follows Hannah, a determined college student, and Garrett, the charming hockey captain who needs her help to pass a class. Their fake-dating trope leads to unexpected chemistry and heartwarming moments.
2. ‘Kulti’ by Mariana Zapata
For readers who love a slow-burn romance, this book is a gem. It follows a professional soccer player who develops a complicated relationship with her new coach—a retired soccer legend.
3. ‘Game Changer’ by Rachel Reid
This LGBTQ+ hockey romance tells the story of Scott and Kip. Sweet, spicy and smoothies? This MM secret relationship romance is one of six in the series.
4. ‘Icebreaker’ by Hannah Grace
Follows figure skater Anastasia and hockey captain Nathan, whose worlds collide when their teams are forced to share a rink. Amid rivalry and banter, sparks fly as they navigate ambition, vulnerability, and unexpected love.
5. ‘The Wall of Winnipeg and Me’ by Mariana Zapata
This football-themed romance is another slow-burn fan favorite. It focuses on Vanessa, a personal assistant who ends up fake-marrying her employer, a stoic football player, to help him with his career.
Tips for Getting Started
1. Pick a Sport You Love: If you’re already a fan of hockey, football, or soccer, start with books featuring those sports for an added layer of enjoyment.
2. Explore Tropes: Sports romances often feature popular romance tropes like enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, or forbidden relationships. Choose one that appeals to you.
3. Don’t Worry About the Sport: Even if you’re not a sports fan, these books focus on the characters and their relationships, making them accessible to everyone.
A full list of where to start:
1. ‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy
2. ‘Kulti’ by Mariana Zapata
3. ‘The Wall of Winnipeg and Me’ by Mariana Zapata
4. ‘Intercepted’ by Alexa Martin
5. ‘Game Changer’ by Rachel Reid
6. ‘Pucked’ by Helena Hunting
7. ‘Coach' by Devney Perry
8. ‘The Hook Up’ by Kristen Callihan
9. ‘Scoring Wilder’ by R.S. Grey
10. ‘Icebreaker’ by Hannah Grace
11. ‘Good Boy’ by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
12. ‘Sacked' by Jen Frederick
13. ‘Pucking Around' by Emily Rath
14. ‘Until Friday Night’ by Abbi Glines
15. ‘The Assist’ by Rebecca Jenshak
16. ‘The Cheat Sheet’ by Sarah Adams
17. ‘Behind the Net' by Stephanie Archer
18. ‘Blindsided’ by Amy Daws
19. ‘Blind Pass’ by Teagan Hunter
20. ‘Kiss and Don't Tell’ by Meghan Quinn
21. ‘Jock Row’ by Sara Ney
This should give you plenty of reading options across different sports and themes.
In Conclusion
Sports romance books are a delightful blend of adrenaline and affection, offering readers the perfect mix of high-stakes drama and heartwarming love stories. Whether you’re new to the genre or looking for your next read, these books are sure to keep you hooked.
What’s your favorite sports romance? Let us know in the comments!
