Sports Romance Books You Should Read

And why I Love Them.

Lately, I’ve been deep in sports romance books, partly because I’m researching for my AFL-inspired novel, but mostly because I can’t get enough of them. There’s just something about athletic characters with baggage, that slow-burn tension that hurts in the best way, and stories that make you work for the happy ending.

So, I’ve compiled a list of my favourites and why you should add them to your TBR list!

I would love to know what are your favourite sports romance books?

🏒 The Windy City Series (The Right Move & Caught Up) – Liz Tomforde

I’m currently in the middle of reading The Windy City series but I have no other words than, I’m OBESSED with it. I first tried reading Mile High in 2023 but struggled to get into it. Upon reflection, I don’t think it was the right book for the right time. When I read it at the end of last year, I was HOOKED.

In The Right Move, I loved how Ryan and Indy carried past wounds that made them reluctant to open up. Watching them break down each other’s walls felt so authentic and something I hope to create in my books. And Caught Up? That elevator meet-cute caught me off guard and had me on the edge of my seat for the first chapters. What made it even better was the way the FMC’s POV followed quickly after and peeled back the layers of that moment, giving us the full emotional weight behind her reason for looking outplace in a hotel full of baseball players.

🏈 Coach – Devney Perry

The friends-to-lovers trope will always have my heart, and Coach did it so well. I loved how the tension built from standoffish encounters to a slow realization that they needed each other to survive. I found it beautiful how they didn’t get their chance the first time and fought to be with each other when their paths crossed again. It just reinforced to me, love works on its own timing. And that moment when she takes the lead to make a move? Utterly perfect.

🏈 The Wall of Winnipeg and Me – Mariana Zapata

Whilst I had higher expectations for this book, I DO think every reader should give it a go. Aiden Graves is the blueprint for the brooding, emotionally unavailable hero. His quiet strength, the way he makes Vanessa and the reader work for his affection, it made their marriage of convenience feel rewarding.

If you love sports romances with emotional depth, these books are must-reads.

Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think?
Or recommend me your favourite sports romance book because I’m always looking for my next read!