15 of the Hottest Summer Olympics Themed Romance Books

Athens, 2024. Olivia Nkomo, ambitious and driven, has just graduated and is eager to land her dream job at the Summer Games. Her first step is securing an internship that puts her in the midst of the action, hoping to meet her favorite athletes. Ezekiel “Zeke” Moyo, Team Great Britain’s star runner, aims to become the fastest man in the world, despite his breakup with gymnast Valentina Ross-Rodriguez making headlines.

When Olivia and Zeke literally collide on the first day of training, sparks fly. As they grow closer, challenges from Zeke’s past and Olivia’s internship test their budding romance. Can they achieve their dreams without sacrificing love?

Note: After a bit of research, looks like this is a sweet and non-spicy romcom that’s just on the line between YA and adult. But this is a debut and I LOVE the cover, so I wanted to include it!

In this sapphic rivals-to-lovers rom-com, perfect for fans of Ted Lasso and A League of Their Own, two soccer teammates clash and fall in love as their team gears up for the World Cup.

Grace Henderson, a US Women’s National Team star, gets sidelined by injury, allowing bold newcomer Phoebe Matthews to take her spot. Grace, 26, and Phoebe, 22, couldn’t be more different—Grace is serious, while Phoebe is a gregarious jokester. Unexpectedly, Grace makes the first move, and their rivalry turns into a steamy affair.

As the World Cup nears, miscommunication complicates their relationship, but on the field, they realize they can succeed together. Will they choose love or the roster? Meryl Wilsner’s Cleat Cute combines humor and heat in a story of bravery on and off the field.

Avery Abrams wanted nothing more than to be an Olympic gymnast, having trained for her entire life to compete. When her gymnastics career is ended early by a disastrous performance, her best friend Jasmine goes on to compete in the Olympics and then betrays Avery by marrying their abusive coach.

Avery returns to her hometown, reeling from a breakup with her football star boyfriend. Ryan, the new gymnastics coach asks Avery to help train a promising young gymnast, and despite her reservations, Avery agrees. Sparks fly between Avery and Ryan, but a shocking scandal erupts, impacting Avery, Jasmine, and the entire sport of gymnastics in a profound way.

Professional soccer player Sal Casillas has dreamed of meeting her childhood idol, so she should be psyched when he becomes her coach, right? But once Sal meets the star athlete she idolizes, Reiner Kulti, she realizes that he’s a gruff and demanding coach who is killing Sal’s fiery spirit.

Despite this difficult start, Sal and Kulti start to develop a deep bond as they push each other to the limit, and their friendship blossoms into a deliciously slow-burning romance, redefining their lives both on and off the soccer field.

Hannah Montgomery needs a vacation, and what’s better than three weeks in New Zealand to fix her entire life? She’s determined to steer clear of romance, until she meets charming rugby player Drew Callahan, who wants nothing more than to break Hannah’s no-strings-attached rule.

Despite their incredible chemistry, Drew is hiding a big secret, and after Hannah returns home, she’s more careful than ever. Drew knows that he and Hannah are meant to be together, but winning her trust will be his hardest challenge yet.

(P.S. If you’re super into rugby, this is a 15-book series centered around rugby players!)

Small-town book store owner Hannah is nearly 30, painfully shy, and struggling to keep her store afloat. While she’s obsessed with book boyfriends (who isn’t?!), she’s never had one in real life. In desperate need of help, she asks local hot surfer Wyatt Rhodes to help her out.

Wyatt agrees to be Hannah’s relationship coach, and between surfing, embarrassing dates, and a store makeover, Hannah and Wyatt become friends. Until Wyatt’s jealousy gets in the way when Hannah finally starts dating other guys. While he never wanted a relationship, their chemistry is undeniable, and they begin to fall for each other.

P.S. I can’t be the only one who didn’t realize that surfing is an Olympic sport??

This is a short and SPICY novella following Sage and Fallon in a forbidden romance. Sage is a college freshman and aspiring Olympic water polo athlete. Fallon is a former Olympic water polo darling, and he’s now Sage’s coach. While Fallon is dedicated to helping Sage achieve her Olympic dreams, he never expected the strong attraction between them. As they navigate the intense world of Olympic water polo, their mutual desire complicates their professional relationship.

(This one is short and easy at less than 200 pages!)

When Tess Dunn has a beach mishap that leaves her in a compromising position, hot Swede Lucas Karlsson comes to her rescue, shielding her from embarrassment. Lucas is a charming former tennis pro recovering from some career mishaps, and despite their age gap (Tess is 40 and Lucas is 26), Tess and Lucas find themselves continuously drawn together.

Determined to move on from his past and forge a new future, Lucas embarks on a passionate journey with Tess, who is struggling with returning to her regular life in Virginia. Over two super intense weeks, they navigate challenges, take risks, and find out whether their chemistry is a one-shot wonder, or if they’re meant to be doubles partners forever.

Leah, recovering from a traumatic past, reluctantly connects with Paxton, a daring daredevil and leader of the Renegades. Her scholarship depends on tutoring, and who else could it be than Paxton, an X Games champion and daredevil influencer. Leah wants to hate him and his arrogant ego, but he stirs something deep within her.

Their chemistry is instant and intense, pushing them into a whirlwind of passion and self-discovery aboard a nine-month cruise. As Leah confronts her fears and Paxton navigates his own agenda, their dynamic sparks profound changes in both.

Wells Whitaker used to be golf’s golden boy, but now he’s more famous for hangovers and broken clubs (yikes!). The only bright spot? The gorgeous redhead cheering him on no matter how badly he plays. But when Wells quits in a dramatic fashion, losing his biggest fan feels like his worst mistake ever!

Josephine Doyle never stopped believing in the grumpy golfer, but after his epic meltdown, she’s starting to have doubts. Until Wells shows up one day with a crazy idea: Josephine becomes his caddy, helps him reclaim his game, and they split the prize money. When Wells starts winning again, Josephine discovers the sweet, thoughtful man beneath the rough exterior. But will their steamy connection survive, or is falling for him a ridiculous risk?

Olympic swimmer Reese King is a total heartthrob, known for his killer abs and cocky attitude. Enter Paisley Macall, his new and quirky assistant, whose only job is keeping Reese’s chaotic life in check. Sparks fly as Paisley navigates the madness of Reese’s world, dealing with his over-the-top ex and intense training schedule.

Their chemistry is off the charts, leading to hilarious, steamy moments that will leave you grinning! With its blend of humor, romance, and outrageous antics, this book is a fun and flirty read that will keep you hooked from start to finish!

Hunter Townsend is enjoying the peace of Shadows Landing after his Special Forces mission. The only disruption? Maggie Bell, an infuriatingly cute professional Olympic sharpshooter preparing to win gold again. Maggie loves letting Hunter underestimate her skills, letting him think he’s the better shot.

But when Shadows Landing becomes a target, their playful rivalry takes a backseat. As danger looms, Hunter and Maggie must team up to find the threat before they end up in the crosshairs.

Little Pine Hill, Texas, is buzzing with excitement as the USA men’s Olympic basketball team arrives to train. At the center of the frenzy is Ben Castillo—NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and ‘King of the Court.’ When Ben strolls into my small-town diner, I stay focused on my work, avoiding his piercing gaze. He might be used to charming city girls, but I’m not falling for it.

Taking care of Nan and scraping by on truckers’ tips is hard enough without getting involved with a superstar. Ben better realize we serve hash browns here, not heartbreak. Choose wisely, Benny-boy.

P.S. R.S. Grey has even more books dedicated to the Olympics and professional athletes!

A failing farm. His father’s debt. And a struggling college track team. Will Langstrom has too many responsibilities, and the last thing he needs is Olivia Finnegan, a beautiful but troubled new transfer student. A smart mouth. A strong right hook. And a secret that could destroy her.

Olivia is her own worst enemy, with a past she can’t seem to escape, and the last person she wants help from is a cocky track coach she can never seem to please. Refusing to be pushed away, Will is determined to save her. And determined to resist an attraction that could destroy them both.

Raine Smith faces the toughest challenge of her equestrian career—the Olympic Games. However, greater perils await her off the horse. Cord Elliot, trained to avert disaster, is assigned to protect Raine from threats at the Summer Games. From their first encounter, Raine senses that Cord’s ice-blue eyes are more dangerous to her heart than any sniper.

Falling for a man of intrigue with unshareable secrets means enduring broken promises, unexplained absences, and constant danger. Yet, the irresistible passion they share makes a memorable summer worth any risk.