19 sport romance novels that are even steamier than Off Campus

Before I discovered Off Campus, I was completely hooked on Heated Rivalry – another amazing hockey romance! Honestly, 2026 is quickly becoming the year for sports romances, and as a reader, I am loving it.

19 best sports romance books

  • The Score by Elle Kennedy
  • Game Changer by Rachel Reid
  • Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen
  • Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer
  • On Thin Ice by S Rena
  • Power Play by Chelsea Curto
  • Hard to Handle by K Bromberg
  • Hat Trick by Chelsea Curto
  • Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
  • Red Card by Maren Moore
  • Everything for You by Chloe Liese
  • The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
  • How to Get the Girl by Anita Kelly
  • The Change Up by Meghan Quinn
  • All’s Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer
  • All to Play For by Josie Juniper
  • The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
  • The Marriage Effect by Karla Sorensen
  • The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan

The Score by Elle Kennedy

Who could be better to help you relive the magic of Off Campus than the author herself? Instead of rereading the book that season one was based on, we suggest jumping into the third book in the series, The Score. You already know and love Allie and Dean from the first season, so it’s the perfect way to revisit their story!

It’s supposed to be a simple fling, a way to take their minds off things. But after meeting the spirited and charming Allie, it’s clear that won’t be enough. Will she be able to change Briar, the town’s notorious womanizer? Can he prove to her that he’s capable of a genuine relationship? And can they ultimately find a way to make things right between them?

You’ll have to read to find out, and then binge the entire Off Campus series pronto.

Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Enjoyed Heated Rivalry season one and want more? You’ll be happy to know it’s actually the second book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changer series! That means there’s a first book you can dive into, and it includes characters you’ll recognize from the show.

Hockey star Scott Hunter is on a winning streak, and he credits a smoothie made by barista Kip Grady with turning things around. He’s not just hoping to recapture that good luck—he’s also really attracted to Kip and wants to get to know him better. They quickly start a secret relationship, but Scott is worried about his public image, and Kip is frustrated with having to hide.

Will Scott be brave enough to be true to himself? Or will the challenges of fame make him lose something he truly cherishes?

Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen

Still craving a hockey romance? Sarina Bowen’s New York Legends series continues with a fun second book! We follow Darcy, who works for the GM of the NY Legends. After a slightly embarrassing private message to the team captain, Eric, she discovers they’ll both be at the same wedding. To avoid gossip about their personal lives, they decide to pretend to date. What could possibly go wrong when work and romance mix? Probably a lot, actually.

If you loved the fake-dating trope in Off Campus, you’ll adore Big Stick Energy.

Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer

There’s a reason the ‘grumpy and sunshine’ pairing is so popular in romance novels – we all know people who have that dynamic! The contrast between a pessimistic character and an optimistic one is instantly appealing, and even better when those characters are forced to spend time together, highlighting their differences. It’s a combination that readers can’t resist.

Pippa lands a job assisting Jamie, a famous hockey player who she used to have a crush on in high school. He’s arrogant and expects her to be available whenever he needs her, even asking her to move in. However, as time passes, Jamie starts to change, becoming kinder and more supportive of Pippa’s passions. She rediscovers her love for songwriting, creating music that readers who enjoyed the creative aspects of Elle’s story in Off Campus will especially love.

But can things stay professional? Should they? Let’s find out.

On Thin Ice by S Rena

If you enjoyed the more intense moments in Off Campus and are looking for something even hotter, S Rena’s On Thin Ice is for you. Just be warned – it’s really steamy!

Yep, we’ve got a why-choose romance novel on our hands.

Power Play by Chelsea Curto

If you loved how Garrett helped Elle rediscover her confidence and enjoyment in Off Campus, you absolutely need to add Power Play to your reading list!

Hard to Handle by K Bromberg

Everyone loves a second chance at love, and this story delivers! Hockey superstar Hunter Maddox broke Dekker Kincade’s heart years ago. Now, Dekker needs to sign him as a client to rescue her struggling agency. Hunter, haunted by regret over losing Dekker, is determined to keep his distance. With both their professional lives and hearts at stake, things are sure to get complicated.

Hat Trick by Chelsea Curto

You’ve probably noticed there are a lot of hockey romance novels, so it’s great when one stands out. This book is more than just a love story about sports; it’s a touching tale about recovering from injury, figuring out who you are, and finding healing.

Riley Mitchell’s world is turned upside down in an instant. A car accident costs the professional hockey player his leg, forcing him to confront a life drastically different from the one he knew. Stripped of the sport he dedicated himself to, he must now redefine who he is beyond the rink and find a way to rebuild his life.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Anastasia Allen has always dreamed of representing Team USA. Her plans seem to be falling into place when she receives a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills, and makes the school’s competitive figure skating team.

Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.

As team captain, Nate’s priority is making sure his hockey team can practice, but a problem with the ice rink means they have to share it with the figure skating team—and Anastasia, one of the skaters, definitely doesn’t like him.

Anastasia might need Nate’s help when her skating partner’s career is put in jeopardy, potentially giving her a chance at her own dreams. This exciting sports romance is a must-read!

Red Card by Maren Moore

Let’s switch things up from ice skating to playing on the grass. Who’s up for a little fun and maybe getting a bit messy?

This popular novel tells the story of Rory St. James, who manages the rugby team’s equipment at Prescott College and happens to be the coach’s daughter. When a new, brooding British rugby player named Cillian Cairney arrives, Rory, who hasn’t had much luck with relationships, makes him a deal: she’ll help him fit in with the team if he teaches her how to attract a guy. It’s a familiar trope, reminiscent of characters like Hannah and Garrett, and soon Rory and Cillian find their undeniable connection making things complicated.

Everything for You by Chloe Liese

Looking for a queer romance with a sporty edge? This book has it! It features a queer relationship, a sports setting, and a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline. While it might remind you of the popular hockey romance ‘Heated Rivalry,’ this one takes place on the football field.

Gavin and Oliver have been teammates for two years, and haven’t gotten along at all. They’ve successfully avoided each other until they’re unexpectedly named co-captains. It soon becomes clear that their strong dislike might be masking something more—a hidden connection.

Okay, so I just finished reading this, and like “Off Campus,” the supporting characters really shine – they add so much to the story. And be warned, it’s a slow burn, folks. You’ll have to be patient to get to the really good stuff, but trust me, it’s worth it!

The Right Move by Liz Tomforde

Get ready for the classic fake dating storyline! It’s a popular theme in sports romances, and this time it features Ryan, the new captain of the Chicago Devils basketball team, and Indy, his sister’s best friend who’s just moved in with him. Everyone sees Ryan as a closed-off workaholic, so having Indy – outgoing and attractive – as a roommate seems like a great fix. Indy, however, needs a plus-one for a wedding where her ex will be – and he’s a huge Ryan fan! With them sharing a living space, can they keep their arrangement strictly friendly?

How to Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

Anita Kelly’s “How You Get the Girl” is a departure from her previous work, and it’s a welcome one. The story dives into the world of high school basketball, focusing on Coach Julie Parker. When a sassy teenager joins her team, Julie unexpectedly meets the girl’s new foster parent – a stunning former WNBA player who Julie has secretly been crushing on. Elle is self-assured and seems beyond Julie’s reach, but she accepts a position as assistant coach and quickly begins helping Julie navigate the dating scene and gain some confidence of her own.

It wasn’t long before the situation became unclear, and they realized they needed to get involved.

The Change Up by Meghan Quinn

Maddox Paige has a reputation as a tough guy on the baseball field, but he’s a total softie around his best friend, Kinsley. They’re complete opposites, and somehow, they’ve always clicked. When Kinsley needs a place to live, Maddox offers his home, and suddenly, he starts to develop feelings for her. He tries to distance himself, worried that pursuing something more could destroy their friendship. This story isn’t just about friends falling in love (and becoming roommates); it’s about finding someone who truly understands you, and the beautiful connection that happens when two different people fit perfectly together.

Oh, and it’s hot. Trust us, it’s hot.

All’s Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer

Enemies to lovers on the pickleball court? Your serve.

Bex Martin lives and breathes her racquet club, a business passed down from her mother. Lately, though, it’s been struggling. Everything changes when Nikolaus Karras, a once-famous tennis player known for his attitude and powerful serve, starts playing at the club.

Okay, so this movie throws you right into a high-stakes situation: she’s desperate for the cash prize, and he’s trying to rebuild his career after some kind of fall from grace. The catch? They’re pretending to be a couple, and they’ve teamed up as doubles partners. It’s a recipe for drama, and honestly, the tension is already building – you can practically feel the ‘match point’ moment coming. I’m hooked!

All to Play For by Josie Juniper

Love Formula 1 racing and romance? Josie Juniper’s “Frontrunners” series is a must-read! If you’re a fan who schedules life around races, you’ll be thrilled with the latest book, “All to Play For.” What makes it special? The story puts a woman in the driver’s seat – she’s the racing star, and the male lead is her off-track love interest.

Alexander Laskaris, a handsome and privileged journalist with a popular blog, appears to have a personal vendetta against Sage, the newest driver for the Emerald F1 team and the only woman competing. After a particularly harsh blog post, he’s forced to work for Emerald as a form of punishment, and his new boss turns out to be Sage. As they start to understand each other beyond public appearances, a connection forms. However, Sage is fiercely focused on making history as the first female Grand Prix winner and won’t let anything – or anyone – distract her from that goal.

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

The Marriage Effect by Karla Sorensen

Logan Ward is a talented football player, but he also has a big responsibility: he’s the legal guardian of his four younger sisters. When one of his sisters ends up in the hospital, his brother sees an opportunity to take custody of them. Logan’s lawyers tell him he has only one option: he needs to get married.

Paige McKinney recently quit modeling and unexpectedly showed up at the hospital, claiming to be engaged to a man just to give him back his phone.

They make a deal: a pretend marriage seems like the answer. But how long can they keep up the act? And what will happen when real feelings start to develop?

The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan

I get why some people are unsure about novels told through things like texts and emails, but honestly, I think it can be amazing for building suspense. It just feels so real, you know? In today’s world, it’s totally believable that a relationship could start and grow through just messages and emails – it actually makes the story more relatable and gripping for me.

Authors

Fleurine Tideman

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2026-06-10 18:13