After skipping last week’s post because I was up to my eyeballs in work-related stuff, I wanted to come out with a really strong pick for this week’s The Thursday Three. But, once again I got bogged down in other things and ran out of time to brainstorm. I won’t say I’m phoning it in because these are three very good books, but “sports romance” is a pretty broad topic. So let’s say these are more “sports romance where there’s some sort of childhood connection between the characters”. That’s just an awful lot to put on a graphic. 😉
I love sports romances, but I am also super picky about the ones I read. I have very little interest in books where the sport the protagonist(s) plays is merely a mention without being fleshed out fully in the story. I know I might be in the minority on this, but I want to read about the sport. I’m here for the details. I want to be able to feel what they go through — on and off the field. Each of these books do just that, which is definitely why they’re some of my favorites.
Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Goodreads | Amazon | My Review
Two of my favorite authors teamed up to write one of my all-time favorite books.
✔️ Two hot hockey players who used to be best friends
✔️ Friends first + unrequited (or are they) feelings
✔️ Smoking hot, with plenty of feels
Once you finish, you will undoubtedly want to read Us and Epic. Wesmie 4EVA!
Kulti by Mariana Zapata
Goodreads | Amazon | My Review
Y’all know Mariana Zapata is my #1. That’s no secret. Kulti is tied for my favorite of her books.
✔️ Female soccer player + her childhood soccer crush turned assistant coach
✔️ Super slow burn enemies to friends to lovers
✔️ THE BEST book dad EVER
Focused by Karla Sorensen
I was legit obsessed with Karla Sorensen’s Ward Sisters series earlier this year. Read them all!
✔️ Grumpy, driven football player + childhood neighbor (who works for his team!)
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Second chance vibes
I’d also recommend reading the Washington Wolves series. The Ward Sisters series is a spinoff and while it’s not necessary to read these before, I think you’ll appreciate the background.
Let’s Chat
What are some of your favorite sports romances?
I’ve wanted to read Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy, glad to hear their books are good. And I like Karla Sorensen, I need to check that book out though. I don’t care if there is a ton of sports in the actual story, but I do like it, I think it definitely adds something to it. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa Loves Literature