For someone who has been reading romance novels since my teens, it’s kind of surprising that sports romances are fairly new for me. Especially considering my unhealthy obsession with Tim Tebow back in his college days.
Though I read a couple of sports romances before it, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata was the first sports romance that made me really appreciate this subgenre.
I love how inspiring these types of novels can be, reading about how hard these athletes work to be the best in their sport. (And, let’s face it, if there is a novel about it, then obviously the athlete is the best.)
In honor of that, I’ve put together a list of my favorite sports romance novels. Keep in mind that I have not read a ton by a long shot, but these are my favorites out of the ones I have read.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
I consider this THE sports romance novel for people who think they don’t like sports romance novels (i.e. both of my sisters and my mom who rebelled against this suggestion from me until they read it and fell in love.)
Kulti by Mariana Zapata
Kulti is the perfect follow-up for Winnipeg because as soon as you finish Winnipeg, you’ll be jonesing for more. Enter: Kulti. Only, this time, we’ve left the world of football and have entered the world of soccer… a sport I didn’t think could be that interesting, however, I was proven wrong.
Pucked Series by Helena Hunting
Hello hot hockey boys! Anyone who has been following this blog since I first read this series knows that this is one of my all-time favorite series. Straight up. I adored every single book in this series, I laughed out loud with this series, I’ve cried with this series, I’ve swooned and everything in between.
From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
Much like Kulti, this book features a lead woman who is a badass athlete herself. Mix in some great banter and beloved figure skating and you have From Lukov with Love. Read it, then watch ______. You won’t be sorry.
Until it Fades by K.A. Tucker
This book surprised me in a lot of ways. This book is a little bit more intense than the others, but there wasn’t a single thing I would change about it!
HIM by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
This was my first m/m romance and it absolutely did not disappoint! M/M and hockey? So. Good. There is a lot of hype around this book and with good reason!
Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros
I totally stumbled upon this book and I liked it so much more than I thought I would. I keep meaning to re-read this one because I read it so long ago, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet!
I absolutely love everything Mariana Zapata has written! She is a master at romance novels. It’s not a sports romance novel but if you haven’t read Under Locke by her I highly recommend it! Also, I’m definitely adding Pucked to my TBR! Thanks for the recommendations 🙂
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I did read Under Locke and I loved it so much! I actually burned through ALL of her books last year after reading Winnipeg 😛
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She’s such an amazing author! I started reading Pucked by the way and I’m really enjoying it!
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OOooo! Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think!!
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I love how many books by Mariana Zapata you included here ❤ Her slowburn romances are the best and I adore her strong heroines as well 😊 I really have to read Him soon because it sounds really good and I’ve only seen positive reviews of it so far!
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OMG she is the queen of slow burns!
And yes! You should definitely read HIM – I’ll be stalking you for a review 😉
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I tried The Wall of Winnipeg and Me but it’s such a long book! But it’s so hyped I want to try it again at some point 😛 Pucked is also a really fun series, I’m excited for Charlene’s book 🙂
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OMG I cannot wait for Charlene’s book. I’ve been in love with Darren since Book One!
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Him is still one of my all time favorite romance novels, and fictional couples. The Wall of Winnipeg is haunting me. I really need to read it. I just feel like it’s so super long, lol!
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LOL! It does seem really intimidating at first, but it’s worth every page I swear!
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That’s what everyone is saying!
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I don’t have any in particular… but you’ve just shown me some juicy recommendations!
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yesssss they’re so good!
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Him is so good. I still need to read Us. My favorite is the off campus series by Elle Kennedy, Scoring Wilder is pretty good as well.
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I’ll have to check out that series! I haven’t read Us yet, either, but I’m hoping to get to it this month!
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I wasn’t into Sport Romances before because I’m not into sports… I’m like the least athletic person ever so I can’t relate which is way I never bother with them. BUT, I have read quite a few that were really GOOD, so now I’m on the hunt for more. Going to add these beauties to my list!
Great post Bree!
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Thanks! And I totally understand LOL! I didn’t think I’d like sports romances either.. and then Mariana Zapata happened and changed my mind.
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nice blog
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Thanks!
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