6 SOCCER ROMANCES TO READ BETWEEN WORLD CUP MATCHES
The World Cup is here, which means the world is watching soccer, and I’m over here reading about soccer players and their future WAGS.
SO, if you’re in the mood for fierce competition, team rivalries, plenty of tension, and romances that score every time, I’ve rounded up seven soccer romances that are perfect for World Cup season.
Whether you’re here for the sport or just the hot athletes, these books deserve a spot on your TBR.
DEFENDING HER HEART
( CLEARWATER UNITED #1 )
BY CATALINA VOSS
He's the most hated man in professional soccer. She's the physical therapist who refuses to give up on lost causes.
Maverick Rodriguez had it all—until one bar fight defending a teammate destroyed his career and left him exiled to a small-town team in Florida. Angry, bitter, and convinced he's toxic to everyone around him, he's not looking for salvation.
Especially not from the sunshine-bright physical therapist with gentle hands and stubborn determination.
Sophia Hartwell didn't move to Clearwater Bay to save anyone. She came for a fresh start, meaningful work, and a chance to build something that matters. But the gorgeous, brooding defender with secrets in his dark eyes and walls around his heart isn't just another patient.
He's a challenge she can't resist.
Every therapy session crackles with tension that neither can ignore. Every stolen glance threatens the professional boundaries she's sworn to maintain. Every moment they spend together proves that some risks are worth taking—and some people are worth fighting for.
But Maverick's past isn't finished with him yet. When his world crashes down again, will he finally fight for the woman who believes in him?
Or will he prove that some men really are too damaged to love?
Maverick Rodriguez had it all—until one bar fight defending a teammate destroyed his career and left him exiled to a small-town team in Florida. Angry, bitter, and convinced he's toxic to everyone around him, he's not looking for salvation.
Especially not from the sunshine-bright physical therapist with gentle hands and stubborn determination.
Sophia Hartwell didn't move to Clearwater Bay to save anyone. She came for a fresh start, meaningful work, and a chance to build something that matters. But the gorgeous, brooding defender with secrets in his dark eyes and walls around his heart isn't just another patient.
He's a challenge she can't resist.
Every therapy session crackles with tension that neither can ignore. Every stolen glance threatens the professional boundaries she's sworn to maintain. Every moment they spend together proves that some risks are worth taking—and some people are worth fighting for.
But Maverick's past isn't finished with him yet. When his world crashes down again, will he finally fight for the woman who believes in him?
Or will he prove that some men really are too damaged to love?
STEALING FOR KEEPS
( FROST LAKE HIGH # 1)
BY REBECCA JENSHAK
Frost Lake High's new soccer star, the team captain's ex-girlfriend, and a dare that changes everything.
When Austin Keller's family moves across the country for his chance to play with the prestigious Frost Lake soccer team, he's ready to seize the opportunity. But on his first night out with the team, a dare to kiss the team captain's ex-girlfriend sets in motion a rivalry that threatens his future.
When Austin Keller's family moves across the country for his chance to play with the prestigious Frost Lake soccer team, he's ready to seize the opportunity. But on his first night out with the team, a dare to kiss the team captain's ex-girlfriend sets in motion a rivalry that threatens his future.
THE DEFENDER
(GODS OF THE GAME #2)
BY ANA HUANG
As the captain of Blackcastle Football Club and one of the highest-paid athletes in the game, Vincent DuBois should be on top of the world.
But when his fame brings danger to his doorstep, he finds himself in a nightmare scenario―sharing a flat with his coach’s daughter, knowing full well she’s far too big a temptation for him to resist.
When his new living arrangements escalate into a bet that throws them even closer together, he realizes he’s in deeper trouble than he thought.
He’s always played to win―but for her, he might just risk it all.
***
As a sports nutritionist and the daughter of a legendary coach, Brooklyn Armstrong is used to dealing with hotshot athletes.
However, no player gets under her skin like Vincent, her best friend’s infuriatingly cocky (and gorgeous) brother. She left California hoping for a fresh start, and he’s the kind of distraction she doesn’t need.
Now, he’s sleeping in the room next to hers while her career is up in the air and her defenses are crumbling.
But no matter how many sparks fly between them, a relationship between the captain and the coach’s daughter could never work…could it?
But when his fame brings danger to his doorstep, he finds himself in a nightmare scenario―sharing a flat with his coach’s daughter, knowing full well she’s far too big a temptation for him to resist.
When his new living arrangements escalate into a bet that throws them even closer together, he realizes he’s in deeper trouble than he thought.
He’s always played to win―but for her, he might just risk it all.
***
As a sports nutritionist and the daughter of a legendary coach, Brooklyn Armstrong is used to dealing with hotshot athletes.
However, no player gets under her skin like Vincent, her best friend’s infuriatingly cocky (and gorgeous) brother. She left California hoping for a fresh start, and he’s the kind of distraction she doesn’t need.
Now, he’s sleeping in the room next to hers while her career is up in the air and her defenses are crumbling.
But no matter how many sparks fly between them, a relationship between the captain and the coach’s daughter could never work…could it?
RELATIONSHIP GOALS
BY BRITTANY KELLY
An infamously grumpy star soccer player is forced to fake date a Hollywood starlet, only to develop real feelings for her—just as she learns he was pretending and vows to get even.
Abigail Hunt’s Hollywood dreams could best be described as slow burn…but she’s about to graduate from TV sidekick to dramatic actor. When the esteemed director of what she’s hoping will be her breakout role suggests she do a deep-dive for her part by shadowing the director of a struggling pro soccer team, she jumps at the chance to prove she’s ready.
She wasn’t expecting notorious grump and gorgeous star player Luke Wolfe to ask her out, though, and suddenly her research is getting a lot more…hands-on. Their relationship quickly sets social media on fire, and Luke seems determined to prove he’s more than his villainous reputation. But just when Abby is happier than ever—her name in the spotlight and heart in good hands—the other cleat drops: Luke
was coerced into faking their relationship.
Furious, Abby refuses to give him the satisfaction of dumping him—she decides to get even. It’s only a matter of time until she pushes the right buttons.
She just didn’t expect him to keep putting up with it—or to say I love you.
Abigail Hunt’s Hollywood dreams could best be described as slow burn…but she’s about to graduate from TV sidekick to dramatic actor. When the esteemed director of what she’s hoping will be her breakout role suggests she do a deep-dive for her part by shadowing the director of a struggling pro soccer team, she jumps at the chance to prove she’s ready.
She wasn’t expecting notorious grump and gorgeous star player Luke Wolfe to ask her out, though, and suddenly her research is getting a lot more…hands-on. Their relationship quickly sets social media on fire, and Luke seems determined to prove he’s more than his villainous reputation. But just when Abby is happier than ever—her name in the spotlight and heart in good hands—the other cleat drops: Luke
was coerced into faking their relationship.
Furious, Abby refuses to give him the satisfaction of dumping him—she decides to get even. It’s only a matter of time until she pushes the right buttons.
She just didn’t expect him to keep putting up with it—or to say I love you.
THE STRIKER
( GODS OF THE GAME #1 )
BY ANA HUANG
Asher Donovan is a living legend―the darling of the Premier League, the (arguably) greatest footballer in the world.
But his reckless antics and recent team transfer have caused much controversy, and when his feud with his rival-turned-teammate costs them a championship, they're forced to "bond" during off-season cross-training.
Surviving the summer shouldn't be hard…until Asher meets their new trainer. She's beautiful, talented, and no matter how hard he tries, he can't take his mind off her.
The only problem? She's his rival's sister―and completely off limits.
***
Scarlett DuBois is a former prima ballerina whose career was cut short by a tragic accident.
Now a teacher at a prestigious dance academy but still haunted by the ghosts of her past, the last thing she wants is to spend the summer cross-training Asher Donovan, of all people.
She swore she would never date a footballer, but when her brother leaves town for an emergency, she finds herself thrown into dangerously close proximity with the gorgeous, charming striker.
Training, she can deal with. But falling in love? That's out of the question―especially when he's the only person with the power to break her heart.
OFFICIALLY YOURS
BY JEN ATKINSON
She’s not a woman. She’s an official.
At least, that’s what Lucca tells himself every time Maggie hands him another yellow card.
Lucca Cruz—Brazilian, Red Tail soccer star, chronic flirt, and all-around menace to referees—has never gotten along with Maggie, the one official immune to his charm and allergic to his attitude.
Until the day he’s forced to mentor her little league soccer team. He quickly realizes he doesn’t dislike Maggie at all. He just doesn’t know her.
And now that he’s starting to–he’s falling fast.
Maggie McCrae, on the other hand, feels absolutely nothing admirable about Lucca. He’s cocky, dramatic, impossible, and easily her least favorite soccer player in the league.
So when Lucca suddenly starts being… nice, she’s suspicious. When does she find herself enjoying his attention? She’s alarmed.
Because this can’t happen.
Maggie is a referee. Lucca is a player. It’s unethical, forbidden, and a career-ending mistake. She already gave up her dream once—walking away from the U.S. Women’s National Team. She won’t do it again.
But Lucca is persistent. And surprisingly sweet. He’s great with her nephew, sentimental over his grandmother, and swears he only wants to be friends.
Which would be fine… if only Maggie believed him.
At least, that’s what Lucca tells himself every time Maggie hands him another yellow card.
Lucca Cruz—Brazilian, Red Tail soccer star, chronic flirt, and all-around menace to referees—has never gotten along with Maggie, the one official immune to his charm and allergic to his attitude.
Until the day he’s forced to mentor her little league soccer team. He quickly realizes he doesn’t dislike Maggie at all. He just doesn’t know her.
And now that he’s starting to–he’s falling fast.
Maggie McCrae, on the other hand, feels absolutely nothing admirable about Lucca. He’s cocky, dramatic, impossible, and easily her least favorite soccer player in the league.
So when Lucca suddenly starts being… nice, she’s suspicious. When does she find herself enjoying his attention? She’s alarmed.
Because this can’t happen.
Maggie is a referee. Lucca is a player. It’s unethical, forbidden, and a career-ending mistake. She already gave up her dream once—walking away from the U.S. Women’s National Team. She won’t do it again.
But Lucca is persistent. And surprisingly sweet. He’s great with her nephew, sentimental over his grandmother, and swears he only wants to be friends.
Which would be fine… if only Maggie believed him.
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From professional players chasing championships to second-chance romances worth rooting for, these books bring all the chemistry, tension, and swoony moments you could want during World Cup season.
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