{"id":2520,"date":"2026-06-22T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/?p=2520"},"modified":"2026-06-20T15:07:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T21:07:01","slug":"winning-hearts-a-guide-to-sports-romances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/2026\/06\/22\/winning-hearts-a-guide-to-sports-romances\/","title":{"rendered":"Winning Hearts: A Guide to Sports Romances"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How we have rated these books:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This rating system is from Fable. If you are not familiar with Fable check it out. It is a great place to track your reading and find like minded readers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc96<\/strong> No Spice; PG Romance with no suggestive dialogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf36<\/strong>Some Spice; Closed-door romance with suggestive dialogue but no intimate scenes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd25<\/strong>Spicy; open-door romance with some explicit descriptions of intimate scenes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd75<\/strong>Extra Spicy; open-door romance with strong emphasis on explicit intimate encounters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One on One<\/em> by Jamie Harrow<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udd25<\/strong>
Sport: <\/strong>Basketball
A Charming rivals-to-lovers romance featuring former college basketball stars reconnecting years later. The chemistry builds steadily alongside plenty of emotional growth and witty banter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Only in Your Dreams<\/em> by Ellie K. Wilde<\/a>
Scale:\ud83e\udd75<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Football
A second-chance romance packed with chemistry, banter, and unresolved feelings. When old sparks reignite between a professional athlete and the woman who never quite forgot him, readers are treated to a heartfelt story about love, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the person who feels like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hawk<\/em> by Heidi McLaughlin<\/a>
Scale:<\/strong> \ud83c\udf36<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Baseball
Life in professional hockey isn’t always glamorous, especially when love enters the picture. Hawk blends fast-paced sports action with emotional depth as its hero navigates the challenges of fame, family, and the relationships that matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Grand Slam by Heidi McLaughlin<\/a>
Scale:<\/strong> \ud83c\udf36<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Baseball
Set in the world of professional baseball, Grand Slam delivers romance, ambition, and plenty of heart. As careers and personal lives collide, this story explores what happens when taking a chance on love becomes the biggest risk of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hearts on Thin Ice<\/em> by Katie Kennedy<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udc96<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Hockey
This charming hockey romance skates the line between sweet and swoony. filled with memorable characters, emotional growth, and plenty of icy tension, it’s a perfect pick for readers who enjoy heartfelt romance with a sports-filled backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Only When It’s Us<\/em> by Chloe Liese<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udd25<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Soccer
A witty and heartfelt college sports romance featuring a fiercely independent soccer player and the teammate who refuses to stop getting under her skin. Full of humor, emotional depth, and unforgettable banter, this story proves that sometimes the best relationships start as rivalries.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Deal<\/em> by Elle Kennedy<\/a>
Scale:\ud83e\udd75<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Hockey
A hockey romance favorites that combines fake dating, sharp humor, and undeniable chemistry. When a star athlete and an ambitious student strike a deal to help each other out, neither expects their arrangement to become something much more complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After She Falls<\/em> by Carmen Schober<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udc96<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> MMA
This emotional sports romance explores healing, faith, and second chances. With a compelling blend of personal growth and romance, it’s a story about learning to trust again after life takes an unexpected turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Long Game by Elena Armas<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udd25<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Soccer
When a disgraced soccer coach is sent to a small town to rebuild her career, she finds herself facing new challenges, unexpected friendships, and a romance she never saw coming. Charming, funny, and full of heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Bromance Book Club<\/em> by Lyssa Kay Adams<\/a>
Scale:<\/strong> \ud83c\udf36<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Baseball
A struggling marriage, a secret book club, and a group of men determined to learn the language of romance make this a standout read. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, it’s a refreshing take on love and relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Puck & Prejudice<\/em> by Lia Riley<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udd25<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Hockey
A modern sports romance with a nod to a classic love story. Hockey, family expectations, and opposites-attract chemistry come together in a fun and entertaining read filled with plenty of sparks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let the Games Begin<\/em> by Rufaro Faith Mazarura<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udc96<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Track and Field
Set against the excitement of the Olympic Games, this romance captures the thrill of competition and the complexity of falling in love on the world’s biggest stage. A vibrant story about ambition, identity, and connection.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chasing the Ring<\/em> by Lauren Rowe<\/a>
Scale:\ud83e\udd75<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Football
A professional football star finds himself chasing more than championships in this emotional and passionate romance. Packed with chemistry, humor, and heart, it’s a story about finding what truly matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dream Girl Drama<\/em> by Tessa Bailey<\/a>
Scale:\ud83e\udd75
Sport: <\/strong>Hockey
Full of humor, heat, and lovable characters. With big emotions and irresistible chemistry, it’s a fun read that balances laughter and romance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hot & Cold<\/em> by Tegan Phillips<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udd25
Sport:<\/strong> Hockey
An engaging hockey romance filled with tension, attraction, and personal growth. As opposites collide on and off the ice, both characters must decide whether they’re willing to risk their hearts for something real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Evening the Score<\/em> by Lexi Lafleur Brown<\/a>
Scale: \ud83d\udd25<\/strong>
Sport: <\/strong>Hockey
This romance balances competitive tension with heartfelt relationships. Readers looking for swoon-worthy moments and a satisfying emotional journey will find plenty to enjoy.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Canadian Boyfriend<\/em> by Jenny Holiday<\/a>
Scale: \ud83d\udd25<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Hockey
A charming and funny romance that plays with the classic “imaginary boyfriend” trope before turning it into something very real. Filled with humor, heart, and hockey-adjacent charm, it’s a delightful story about self-discovery and taking chances.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heavy Hitter<\/em> by Katie Cotugno<\/a>
Scale:\ud83d\udd25<\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Baseball
A sharp, character-driven baseball romance that blends ambition, friendship, and complicated feelings. This book delivers and emotional story about growing up, chasing dreams, and navigating the messy territory between love and loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Backhanded Compliments<\/em> by Katie Chandler<\/a>
Scale: \ud83e\udd75<\/strong>
Sport: <\/strong>Tennis
Juliette Ricci and Luca Kacic are rivals on the tennis court, competing for the number one rank. Months of anticipation have brought the two together to face-off in their first ever match at the Australia Open. After a long and difficult match, the two shake hands and discover the two are soulmates. In this world, people are born with the name of soulmates on their wrists. After meeting each other, the name turns from a faded color to black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two struggle to label their relationship as either rivals or soulmates. Luca\u2019s anxiety is determined to believe that Juliette is just messing with her to throw off her game, and Juliette struggles with her jealousy of her rival\u2019s tennis skills. As professional tennis stars, the world is watching their every move which forces them to have to decide what is most important – their love for each other or the love of the game.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

See You at the Finish Line<\/em> by Zac Hammett<\/a>
Scale: \ud83d\udd25<\/strong><\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Rowing
This enemies-to-lovers story is set at Cambridge University. American George has come to Cambridge to be on the rowing team and is so talented that he gets preferential treatment despite not being the best at school. Lucas is the overachiever who has the best grades but lacks in his love life. The pair strike up a deal that Lucas will help George study and ace his tests if George helps Lucas land a date with his crush.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You Should Be So Luck<\/em> by Cat Sebastian<\/a>
Scale: \ud83d\udd25<\/strong><\/strong>
Sport:<\/strong> Baseball
Set during the 1960 baseball season, this story follows the worst year of two characters: Eddie O\u2019Leary and Mark Bailey. Eddie is a professional baseball player who is having no luck on the field or off it. Mark Bailey is a reporter who has recently lost a partner that he couldn\u2019t be public with and now he has to write for the sports section of the struggling newspaper he works for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spending time together, the two grow closer, but Mark refuses to be someone\u2019s secret again while Eddie can\u2019t be out as a professional athlete during this period of time. They\u2019ll have to decide what is most important to them – each other or a comfortable life in the time they live in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How we have rated these books: This rating system is from Fable. If you are not familiar with Fable check it out. It is a great place to track your reading and find like minded readers. \ud83d\udc96 No Spice; PG Romance with no suggestive dialogue \ud83c\udf36Some Spice; Closed-door romance with suggestive dialogue but no intimate scenes \ud83d\udd25Spicy; open-door romance with some explicit descriptions of intimate scenes \ud83e\udd75Extra Spicy; open-door romance with strong emphasis on explicit intimate encounters One on One by Jamie HarrowScale:\ud83d\udd25Sport: BasketballA Charming rivals-to-lovers romance featuring former college basketball stars reconnecting years later. The chemistry builds steadily alongside plenty of emotional growth and witty banter. Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. WildeScale:\ud83e\udd75Sport: FootballA second-chance romance packed with chemistry, banter, and unresolved feelings. When old sparks reignite between a professional athlete and the woman who never quite forgot him, readers are treated to a heartfelt story about love, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the person who feels like home. Hawk by Heidi McLaughlinScale: \ud83c\udf36Sport: BaseballLife in professional hockey isn’t always glamorous, especially when love enters the picture. Hawk blends fast-paced sports action with emotional depth as its hero navigates the challenges of fame, family, and the relationships that matter most. Grand Slam by Heidi McLaughlinScale: \ud83c\udf36Sport: BaseballSet in the world of professional baseball, Grand Slam delivers romance, ambition, and plenty of heart. As careers and personal lives collide, this story explores what happens when taking a chance on love becomes the biggest risk of all. Hearts on Thin Ice by Katie KennedyScale:\ud83d\udc96Sport: HockeyThis charming hockey romance skates the line between sweet and swoony. filled with memorable characters, emotional growth, and plenty of icy tension, it’s a perfect pick for readers who enjoy heartfelt romance with a sports-filled backdrop. Only When It’s Us by Chloe LieseScale:\ud83d\udd25Sport: SoccerA witty and heartfelt college sports romance featuring a fiercely independent soccer player and the teammate who refuses to stop getting under her skin. Full of humor, emotional depth, and unforgettable banter, this story proves that sometimes the best relationships start as rivalries. The Deal by Elle KennedyScale:\ud83e\udd75Sport: HockeyA hockey romance favorites that combines fake dating, sharp humor, and undeniable chemistry. When a star athlete and an ambitious student strike a deal to help each other out, neither expects their arrangement to become something much more complicated. After She Falls by Carmen SchoberScale:\ud83d\udc96Sport: MMAThis emotional sports romance explores healing, faith, and second chances. With a compelling blend of personal growth and romance, it’s a story about learning to trust again after life takes an unexpected turn. The Long Game by Elena ArmasScale:\ud83d\udd25Sport: SoccerWhen a disgraced soccer coach is sent to a small town to rebuild her career, she finds herself facing new challenges, unexpected friendships, and a romance she never saw coming. Charming, funny, and full of heart. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay AdamsScale: \ud83c\udf36Sport: BaseballA struggling marriage, a secret book club, and a group of men determined to learn the language of romance make this a standout read. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, it’s a refreshing take on love and relationships. Puck & Prejudice by Lia RileyScale:\ud83d\udd25Sport: HockeyA modern sports romance with a nod to a classic love story. Hockey, family expectations, and opposites-attract chemistry come together in a fun and entertaining read filled with plenty of sparks. Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith MazaruraScale:\ud83d\udc96Sport: Track and FieldSet against the excitement of the Olympic Games, this romance captures the thrill of competition and the complexity of falling in love on the world’s biggest stage. A vibrant story about ambition, identity, and connection. Chasing the Ring by Lauren RoweScale:\ud83e\udd75Sport: FootballA professional football star finds himself chasing more than championships in this emotional and passionate romance. Packed with chemistry, humor, and heart, it’s a story about finding what truly matters. Dream Girl Drama by Tessa BaileyScale:\ud83e\udd75Sport: HockeyFull of humor, heat, and lovable characters. With big emotions and irresistible chemistry, it’s a fun read that balances laughter and romance. Hot & Cold by Tegan PhillipsScale:\ud83d\udd25Sport: HockeyAn engaging hockey romance filled with tension, attraction, and personal growth. As opposites collide on and off the ice, both characters must decide whether they’re willing to risk their hearts for something real. Evening the Score by Lexi Lafleur BrownScale: \ud83d\udd25Sport: HockeyThis romance balances competitive tension with heartfelt relationships. Readers looking for swoon-worthy moments and a satisfying emotional journey will find plenty to enjoy. Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny HolidayScale: \ud83d\udd25Sport: HockeyA charming and funny romance that plays with the classic “imaginary boyfriend” trope before turning it into something very real. Filled with humor, heart, and hockey-adjacent charm, it’s a delightful story about self-discovery and taking chances. Heavy Hitter by Katie CotugnoScale:\ud83d\udd25Sport: BaseballA sharp, character-driven baseball romance that blends ambition, friendship, and complicated feelings. This book delivers and emotional story about growing up, chasing dreams, and navigating the messy territory between love and loyalty. Backhanded Compliments by Katie ChandlerScale: \ud83e\udd75Sport: TennisJuliette Ricci and Luca Kacic are rivals on the tennis court, competing for the number one rank. Months of anticipation have brought the two together to face-off in their first ever match at the Australia Open. After a long and difficult match, the two shake hands and discover the two are soulmates. In this world, people are born with the name of soulmates on their wrists. After meeting each other, the name turns from a faded color to black. The two struggle to label their relationship as either rivals or soulmates. Luca\u2019s anxiety is determined to believe that Juliette is just messing with her to throw off her game, and Juliette struggles with her jealousy of her rival\u2019s tennis skills. As professional tennis stars, the world is watching their every move which forces them to have to decide what is most important – their love for each other or the love of the game. See You at the Finish Line by Zac HammettScale: \ud83d\udd25Sport: RowingThis enemies-to-lovers story is set at Cambridge University. American George has come to Cambridge to be on the rowing team and is so talented that he gets preferential treatment despite not being the best at school. Lucas is the overachiever who has the best grades but lacks in his love life. The pair strike up a deal that Lucas will help George study and ace his tests if George helps Lucas land a date with his crush. You Should Be So Luck by Cat SebastianScale: \ud83d\udd25Sport: BaseballSet during the 1960 baseball season, this story follows the worst year of two characters: Eddie O\u2019Leary and Mark Bailey. Eddie is a professional baseball player who is having no luck on the field or off it. Mark Bailey is a reporter who has recently lost a partner that he couldn\u2019t be public with and now he has to write for the sports section of the struggling newspaper he works for. Spending time together, the two grow closer, but Mark refuses to be someone\u2019s secret again while Eddie can\u2019t be out as a professional athlete during this period of time. They\u2019ll have to decide what is most important to them – each other or a comfortable life in the time they live in. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2523,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,26,1159],"tags":[55,414,295,40,69,71],"class_list":["post-2520","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fiction","category-romance","category-sports-romance","tag-campbell-county-public-library","tag-ccpl","tag-ccpls","tag-fiction","tag-romance","tag-sports-romance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2520","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2520"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2520\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2729,"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2520\/revisions\/2729"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2523"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2520"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2520"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccpls.info\/true\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}