Looking for clean sports romance book recommendations? Here are 9 no spice, swoon-worthy stories with witty banter, loveable characters and happy endings.
Growing up in rural Alaska, my sister and I were blessed to be a part of a close-knit community that prioritized playing sports. Parents volunteered to maintain the ice rinks, make meals and chaperone trips. Frankly, the weather was an issue for me. I didn’t love playing hockey when the thermometer hovered around -25 (or colder). Frigid temperatures plus a couple of concussions motivated me to find some indoor sports, and I played basketball and volleyball until I graduated from high school.
I wasn’t particularly talented but I was surrounded by skilled teammates, good coaches and supportive parents. I wouldn’t be the person (or the author) I am today without the principles gleaned from youth sports: Showing up when I didn’t feel like it. Trusting teammates. Losing gracefully (okay, mostly gracefully). Celebrating hard-earned wins together. We often went to camp in the summer, where I was taught the value of embracing a positive mindset, as well as trusting the outcomes to the Lord.
These days, my family and I bond over sports. We watch hockey, football, baseball and tennis. Rooting for one’s favorite team is steeped in tradition and sometimes rivalries get a bit heated …especially here in the South. Whether the team I’m pulling for wins or loses, I’m always keeping an eye out for an interesting detail that I can weave into a future clean sports romance.
Why I Love Writing and Reading Clean Sports Romance Books
Before we get to the list of book recs, let me share a few reasons why I enjoy this genre so much. For me, there are tried-and-true hooks/tropes that grab my attention every time. Here are some of my favorites:
- Opposites attract: often the hero and heroine are opposites in almost every way, which adds plenty of delicious tension
- Forced proximity: think road trips, small towns, shared PR obligations and athletic training rooms for treating injuries
- Friends to more: the slow-burn kind that makes you clutch your Kindle and kick your feet
- Witty banter: when it’s well-written, I simply can’t get enough
- High-stakes moments: championship games, career-defining decisions, hearts on the line…give me all of it!
- Team camaraderie and fan support: because a great sports romance isn’t just about two people; it’s about a whole community rallying around them
Without further delay, let’s get to the books. Please note that the remainder of this post contains affiliate links. Should you choose to make a purchase using one of these links, Amazon might pay me a modest commission at no additional cost to you.
9 No Spice Books to Add to Your TBR
The One with the Kiss Cam by Cindy Steel: a sweet, stand alone rom-com with incredible chemistry and witty banter. Loved it!
First Love Second Draft by Becca Kinzer: a second chance romance with a baseball hero and a heroine who is a writer? Yes please.
Her One and Only by Becky Wade: this inspirational romance features a professional football player who needs a bodyguard. Such a juicy dynamic! Loved the Porter Family series so much and this book remains one of my favorites by Becky.
Don’t Cross the Blue Line by Susan May Warren and Sarah May Warren: this inspirational clean sports romance has it all…secret identity, forced proximity with a hint of danger plus some laugh-out-loud moments. Very enjoyable!
What If We Broke the Rules by Tara Grace Ericson: book 1 in the Heart of Nashville series and an injured hero/physical therapist heroine scenario, which I am absolutely here for. This is a Christian hockey romance and currently enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
Hometown Home Run by Annie Rains: how sweet is this? I love a baseball romance, especially a secret baby, second chances situation. I’m so thrilled that my publisher, Love Inspired, is embracing the clean sports romance genre.
Ava Enters the Group Chat by Emma St. Clair: this is an early 2027 release …hate to brag but I got my hands on an ARC and it’s delightful. I really enjoy the premise + the writing style.
One Last Shot at Christmas by Heidi McCahan: I’m beyond excited that I get to publish a clean hockey romance that’s also set in small-town Alaska AND includes a Christmas lights festival.
His Alaskan Comeback by Heidi McCahan: for the longest time, I was so nervous to write a book featuring sled dogs and a musher. It’s just not a topic I knew much about. I’m glad my editor encouraged me to give it a whirl because I’m super proud of this one.
If you’re building your TBR for fall and winter reading, I hope this list gives you a starting point. And if you fall in love with the Alaskan hockey vibes in One Last Shot at Christmas, or you find yourself rooting for Sawyer St. James in His Alaskan Comeback, I’d love to hear about it.
By the way, if Pinterest or a social media post brought you here, thanks so much for stopping by. If you’re curious about my books or my writing life, please consider subscribing to my newsletter. I share book recs, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes bookish fun every month. All new subscribers receive a free copy of a clean small-town romance called More Than Words. It’s my way of saying thank you for signing up.
Happy reading, book lovers!
