These stories are sporty, steamy and so addictive
BY HARRIET CURZON, IMAGES BY HACHETTE UK, OAK TAB PUBLISHING AND ROARING BROOK PRESS
TV series Heated Rivalry has the internet in a chokehold. There’s something about the irresistible trope – rivals on the rink, lovers off it– that we just can’t stay away from. To keep you heated until the next episode drops, here are some steamy, sporty, sapphic books that give Heated Rivalry energy.
Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
Grace Henderson is the star football player of the US Women’s National Team, but when she is benched because of an injury, Phoebe Matthews takes her spot. They’re complete opposites in every way – except that they are both vying for the same position on the team. The line between rivalry and romance gets blurry after Grace makes a move on Phoebe, and they can’t stay away from each other. Now’s the time to read this book as it’s currently being adapted into a sapphic romance TV series.
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
When basketball player Scottie Zajac gets into a car crash with head cheerleader Irene Abraham, who also happens to be her sworn enemy, the pair end up in an unwilling carpool arrangement. Forced to spend time together, they grow closer, and the hostile dynamic softens into something passionate, tender and thrilling.
Breakpoint by Candi Tab
Jazmine Mason knows exactly who she is – the number one women’s US tennis player, and she wants it to stay that way. But Daniela Kappas, a newcomer, threatens everything she has worked for. When they are unexpectedly paired up for a doubles team, they must put their conflict aside to collaborate. A spark ignites between them, and what follows is an intimate story of ambition, love, and identity.
Playing To Win series by Reba Bale
This series features three standalone romcom books – Tumbling for Love, Racing for Love, and Spiking for Love. Each book follows sapphic athletes – gymnasts, marathon runners, and volleyball players, who have met their match as opponents and as lovers.
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