Sports romances are all the rage right now/ Hockey, soccer, football, and rugby are incredibly popular, but if you’re not into “sports ball” they can leave you feeling left out. But the thrill of a competition or event, the high stakes and emotions that come with it, and the discipline that all sports involve make for an incredible backdrop for a fun and thrilling happily ever after. Nontraditional sports romance books can give you the vibes without the sports that don’t interest you.
Here are five niche sports romances for the nerds, the unsporty, and the fun loving.
Cross The Line by Simone Soltani
Vroom-vroom! Cross The Line is the first book in Simone Soltani’s Formula 1 racing romance series. Willow needs a job after college, and things aren’t working out well. Luckily for her, her brother’s best friend and F1 driver, Dev, is in desperate need for someone to reform his image. Unluckily for her, the close proximity is making it hard for her to ignore her childhood crush on him AND the fact they kissed last year. This nontraditional sports romance includes BIPOC FMC and MMC, as well as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome rep.
From the blurb:
At a party in Monaco, he bumps into the woman who can fix it all. There’s just one problem: she’s his best friend’s little sister. And, okay, maybe there’s another problem—he kissed her last year and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about it since.
You can read it on KindleUnlimited, paperback, or on audiobook on Audible, Libro.FM, and others.
Sparks Will Fly by Laurel Holl
Sparks Will Fly by Laurel Holl features an nontraditional sport—combat robotics. This slow burn, rivals to lovers romance dials up the nerd in “sports nerd” as a STEM romance. The plus size female main character, Mari, is burnt out. She’s been taking care of her family for years. When she gets a chance at the most famous competition in the world, she’s now in forced proximity to her childhood friend and the man who betrayed her, Jacob. This “it’s always been you” romance features disability rep, hurt/comfort, and plenty of spice.
From the blurb:
When Jacob tries to make amends by offering assistance, Mari must decide if giving him access to her robot means a chance to win it all, or a chance to get hurt all over again.
You can read it on KindleUnlimited, paperback (Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble), or on paperback directly from Laurel’s store. You can also request it from your library!
The Wrong Roommate by Alby Blake
Queen of the nontraditional sports romance, Alby Blake‘s The Wrong Roommate is the first book in her Tea City Rollers series. Roller derby babe Sera needs a roommate, but things are going south when that new roommate happens to be her arch workplace nemesis Jakub. This book has some of the best tropes: There’s only one bed, jersey wearing (he wears hers!), and forced proximity. Not only does it have roller derby for Sera, but Jakub is into art battling—the sports of painting a masterpiece in a limited amount of time. This is perfect nontraditional sports romance for artsy people.
From the blurb:
As storm season drags on, Sera can’t continue to deny that Jakub is kind of hot, and not completely the worst. It’s even possible she doesn’t actually hate him. They might even be able to become friends…or more.
You can read it on KindleUnlimited or paperback.
She’s an Anchor by Tember Sapphire
Did you love track and field day as a kid? She’s an Anchor by Tember Sapphire covers the sport of Athletics, which includes track & field, cross country, and similar stuff. This second chance romance starts with a wild bachelorette party and a one night stand and picks up years later with the added drama of a secret baby. Now? FMC Mary-Louise is a single mom and a track star and getting ready to compete in the biggest competition of her life. One thing she couldn’t prepare for, though, is the her biggest rival’s coach being her former fling and father of her child. This book features reformed playboy/playgirl, primal play, a Carbbean FMC, and French MMC. It’s the third book in Tember’s She Can Play series.
From the blurb:
Our chemistry is still off the charts. But we’re on opposing sides. And I have a secret that will change everything.
You can read it on KindleUnlimited or paperback.
The Recovery Run by Melissa Whitney
The Recovery Run by Melissa Whitney Own Voice romance (written by someone with the lived experience of one of the main characters) features a visually impaired female main character. At thirty, Jensen has yet to hit her stride in life. When she decides to take on a family tradition, running a marathon, she must find a guide runner she trusts. Her brother’s best friend Garret is just the man for the job. This grumpy/sunshine romance will take you through the trials of preparing for the marathon, as well as the trials of falling in love.
From the blurb:
But marathon training, just like life, is a mental game, and the obstacles they face may trip them up before they even reach the starting line.
You can read it on KindleUnlimited, audiobook, and paperback!
There are so many more great non-hockey sports romances to fill up your TBR. So go forth and enjoy your sporty, nontraditional TBR!
