1. Wrath by Ella James
If you’re into stepbrother romances with a bit of football drama, this one’s for you. Josh and Ezra are both dealing with some baggage, and at first, they absolutely cannot stand each other. But guess what? That hate slowly turns into something much deeper, and before you know it, they’re crossing lines they never thought they would
2. Follow the River by CE Ricci
This book is a rollercoaster. You’ve got River Lennox, a quarterback who’s struggling with his past, and Ciaráin Grady, a teammate with a chip on his shoulder. They start off as complete opposites, but their rivalry? Yeah, it eventually leads to some seriously steamy moments. It’s one of those slow-burns where the tension really builds before it explodes
3. His Rival by Holly Myers
This one’s another one of Holly Myers’ hits, focusing on two guys who are total rivals on the field. They argue, they compete, and they butt heads constantly—but deep down, there’s an undeniable connection. It’s definitely one of those “you can’t fight the attraction” kinds of stories
4. The Playbook by Amy Daws
If you love a college sports setting, this one brings the rivalry between teammates to life. These two players start out with serious animosity, but of course, that eventually shifts into something way more intense. It’s got the angst, the competition, and the chemistry that makes the enemies-to-lovers trope so addictive
5. The Jock by Tal Bauer
This story is a classic enemies-to-lovers football romance. The main characters, a star football player and his rival, start off with a lot of tension between them. Their competitive nature only fuels their mutual dislike, but as they spend more time together, that animosity turns into something more passionate. It’s got the perfect mix of sports drama, emotional moments, and a sizzling romance
