A sports story doesn’t always have to be about sweat, discipline, and the next big win. Athletes are people too — they fall in love, make mistakes, and sometimes choose a very different kind of cardio (you know what I mean). And if you’ve clicked into this article, chances are you get exactly what I’m saying. So let’s skip the drills and the trophies for a moment and look at the hottest sports romance books of 2025 — the kind that can keep you turning pages way past midnight.
Sports romance books to read when you want some spice
Without further ado, here is the list:
The Striker by Ana Huang
In The Striker, Asher Donovan is one of the most famous players in the Premier League but finds himself under pressure after controversy off the field. He must work alongside Vincent DuBois, his rival turned teammate, even as Scarlett DuBois — Vincent’s sister and the team trainer — enters his life.
Scarlett used to be a ballerina, hurt by an accident, and now she helps Asher train. Sparks fly, attraction builds, and everything gets complicated by rivalry, team expectations, and personal doubts. This book is perfect for sipping tea on the couch, but not holding back — spice is here as well as emotional rollercoasters.
The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan
Anna Jones is a philosophy major who wants nothing more than to stay under the radar. Drew Baylor is the star quarterback everyone watches. They begin a no-strings agreement, one night at a time, but Anna’s walls begin to crack when Drew shows unexpected depth and vulnerability. She starts seeing who he really is, while he learns that being a star doesn’t erase fear or past mistakes.
It’s raw, it’s unfiltered, and it gets hot. But if you hope for grand romantic gestures, this one might feel less fairy-tale and more real-world heat.
The Fake Play by Mia Mara
Luke Smith always thinks hockey solves problems. When he agrees to fake-date someone as a PR move, things go further than either of them expects. The person he’s paired with ends up living with him, caring for his reputation, and gradually changing all his rules. There are jealous teammates, late-night moments, and a tension that’s both intense and messy.
This book doesn’t spare the steam, so if you like romance with electricity and passionate scenes, this will keep your heart racing. If calm and gentle love is more your style, this might push you out of your comfort zone.
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Scarlett Vandermeer is recovering from an injury, balancing medical school and her old dreams in diving. Lukas Blomqvist is a decorated swimmer with medals, discipline, and confidence. On paper, they are very different. On the night that a mutual secret comes out, they decide to have a temporary arrangement. As pressure builds — Olympic-level sports, deep competition, injury fears — the relationship turns into something neither expected.
Many fans praise this book for its emotional depth, its tension, and its spiciness. If you want slow burn + serious chemistry + sports detail, this one hits strong.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Anastasia “Stassie” Allen has been skating since childhood, living by schedules, pushing for a shot at Team USA. Nate Hawkins is captain of the college hockey team, brash and confident, and he has his own path — ice battle, leadership, pressure. When the hockey team’s prank wrecks the figure skating rink, Stassie and Nate are forced to share space. Their rivalry grows, but so does attraction, especially as Stassie’s skating partner faces setbacks.
The enemies-to-lovers tension is real, and there are plenty of spicy scenes. This is great for nights when you want something with romance and heat — you won’t be bored.
These stories capture the thrill of the game, much like how fans engage with real sports through platforms like SportBet Sportsbook. So, if you grab one of these books for a quiet night, expect hearts pounding, blushes, and moments that remind you why both sports and love can feel unbeatable.