Looking for more thrilling literary adventures like Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker? Look no further! This article explores some of the best sporty romance books that will capture your attention with their storytelling, character development, and captivating plot.
Icebreaker has been praised for its seamless blend of suspense, intrigue, and emotions, making it a favorite among countless readers. And for those who also enjoy sports, this article will delve into similar books that will satisfy your cravings for more.
1. Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter
Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter is a novel published in 2022, which tells the story of Olivia Marshall, a woman who feels cursed with bad luck in every aspect of her life. The book is 352 pages long and centers around a series of electrifying messages that Olivia receives from an unknown number.
The story takes a turn when Olivia’s brother’s best friend, Colin Beck, unexpectedly moves in with her family. Initially, Colin sees Olivia as nothing more than his friend’s annoying sister. However, as he spends more time with her, he finds himself increasingly captivated by her transformation into a mature woman.
Fate quickly intervenes when Colin realizes that Olivia is the unintended recipient of his earlier steamy messages. Now faced with a dilemma, he must decide whether to pursue a romantic relationship with his best friend’s younger sister or halt their connection before things become uncomfortably complicated.
The novel’s plot revolves around the themes of love, fate, and the consequences of one’s actions. It explores the complexities of relationships and the challenges that arise when one finds themselves in a morally ambiguous situation.
Overall, Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter is an engaging and thrilling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the thrill and uncertainty of a new romance.
2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Sally Thorne’s 2016 novel, The Hating Game, tells the story of Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two executive assistants at a prominent publishing company who share a deep-seated animosity towards each other. Their daily interactions are characterized by passive-aggressive rituals that provoke frustration and irritation.
Lucy despises Joshua’s unwavering commitment to his job, which she perceives as a lack of fun. Conversely, Joshua finds Lucy’s constant optimism and love for colorful clothing unappealing. The tension between them reaches a climax when they both apply for the same promotion, leading to a series of passive-aggressive maneuvers that jeopardize Lucy’s dream job.
Despite their mutual animosity, Lucy gradually begins to see Joshua in a different light. She starts to question her initial feelings of hatred towards him. Similarly, Joshua’s attitude towards Lucy changes, revealing a newfound appreciation for her unique qualities.
The Hating Game is 384 pages long and is a compelling romantic comedy that explores the dynamics of office relationships. It is similar in tone to Icebreaker, another novel that explores the theme of love-hate relationships. Sally Thorne’s writing style is engaging, witty, and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.
Overall, The Hating Game is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of office relationships.
3. The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
The Love Wager, published in 2023, is the second book in the Mr. Wrong Number series by Lynn Painter. Although it has a unique storyline and introduces new characters, it shares some interconnected elements with the previous book.
However, prior knowledge of the first book is not necessary to understand the story. The novel is 320 pages long and is told from a dual perspective, alternating between the characters Hallie Piper and Jack.
Hallie, who is recovering from a breakup, decides to turn her life around by getting a new apartment, a sleek haircut, and upgrading her fashion style. In a moment of impulsiveness, she has a one-night stand with a stranger in a hotel room.
Jack, on the other hand, is Olivia’s friend from the first book. After sharing his story of a drunken encounter with a random bartender, he signs up for a dating app at Olivia’s suggestion.
Fate brings Hallie and Jack together when they match on the dating app. However, instead of dating, they decide to help each other find their perfect partners. They bond over text conversations, sharing experiences, and indulging in delicious tacos.
Their relationship deepens when they pretend to be a couple at a wedding, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. As they explore their feelings for each other, they wonder if their friendship has evolved into something more.
Overall, The Love Wager is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of modern dating and relationships. Painter’s storytelling skills shine through as she weaves a tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The alternating perspectives of Hallie and Jack add depth to the story, allowing readers to experience their journeys firsthand.
4. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Kiss Quotient is a novel written by Helen Hoang in 2018 that follows the story of Stella Lane, a math prodigy who excels professionally but struggles with romance due to her Asperger’s syndrome. The book spans 323 pages and introduces readers to Stella’s journey of self-discovery and love.
In the novel, Stella hires Michael Phan, an escort, to teach her the art of dating, including kissing and lovemaking. As she progresses through her love-learning checklist, Stella discovers an unexpected yearning for the sensations Michael elicits within her. She realizes that her emotions are evolving and that her passion for mathematics pales in comparison to her newfound adoration for love.
The Kiss Quotient is a heartwarming novel that showcases the complexities of love and the struggles of individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. The book has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its unique storyline and authentic portrayal of characters.
5. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory’s novel, The Wedding Date, follows the story of Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols, who meet unexpectedly in an elevator and hit it off. Drew invites Alexa to be his plus one at a wedding, which happens to be the next day, and the twist is that his ex-girlfriend is the bride. Despite the awkward situation, Alexa and Drew have a great time together at the wedding.
After the wedding, they part ways, but they can’t stop thinking about each other. They decide to try a long-distance relationship, which proves to be challenging for both of them. The novel explores the ups and downs of their long-distance romance and whether they have what it takes to make it work.
Published in 2018, The Wedding Date spans 336 pages and is similar to the book Icebreaker. Guillory’s writing style captures the essence of the characters’ emotions and experiences, making it an enjoyable read for those who love romance novels.
6. Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a captivating novel that tells the story of Naomi Witt, who finds herself in an unexpected situation after her twin sister, Tina, leaves her own wedding. The novel is 570 pages long and was published in 2022.
Naomi’s journey takes her to Knockemout, a small town in Virginia where she discovers that her sister has become a mother and leaves her niece in Naomi’s care. While in Knockemout, Naomi meets Knox Morgan, a man who hates drama but can’t help but be drawn to Naomi’s problems.
The novel explores themes of family, love, and the unexpected turns life can take. It also highlights the importance of being there for the people we love, even when it means putting our own lives on hold.
In Things We Never Got Over, Lucy Score creates a world that is both familiar and unique, drawing readers in with her vivid descriptions and relatable characters. The novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good romance with a healthy dose of drama and humor.
Overall, Things We Never Got Over is a well-written and engaging novel that leaves readers wanting more.
7. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
The Spanish Love Deception, a novel penned by Elena Armas, gained immense popularity after going viral on TikTok in 2021. The book is a romantic comedy that centers around Catalina Martín’s attempts to find an American boyfriend in just four weeks to accompany her to her sister’s wedding in Spain.
Catalina’s lie about having an American boyfriend to avoid questions about her single status spirals out of control when the wedding guests express their excitement to meet her new beau. Her desperation to find an American boyfriend increases as the wedding day approaches.
Enter Catalina’s pompous American coworker, who unexpectedly volunteers to be her fake boyfriend for the occasion. Although she doesn’t like him, she agrees to his proposal as she has no other option.
As the story unfolds, Catalina begins to question her initial judgment of her coworker’s character as they spend more time together. The book is 487 pages long and is similar to the author’s previous work, Icebreaker.
Overall, The Spanish Love Deception is a lighthearted and entertaining read that explores the consequences of telling a white lie.
8. Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev
Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors is a novel written by Sonali Dev in 2019, with a captivating story spanning approximately 481 pages. The book is similar to Icebreaker in terms of its multicultural themes.
The story revolves around the life of an Indian family who immigrated to San Francisco, United States, from India and descended from royalty. Dr. Trisha Raje, the central character, is the daughter of immigrants and is hailed as one of the city’s most renowned neurosurgeons. Despite her exceptional intellect, her family continues to treat her as an outcast.
Trisha’s family has three rules that everyone must follow: do not trust any outsiders, avoid doing anything that could tarnish her brother’s political reputation, and never defy the family’s wishes. Trisha inadvertently finds herself violating all three rules at various points in her life, much to her family’s dismay.
DJ Caine, a chef who has overcome a chaotic past, is introduced as a character who perceives Trisha as arrogant and judgmental. However, he soon realizes that Trisha may hold the key to saving his sister’s life. As the sole neurosurgeon capable of the task in the entire city, Trisha and DJ must set aside their differences and work together to rescue an innocent life.
Overall, Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors is a story of redemption, family values, and the power of love and forgiveness. The book delves into the complexities of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the challenges of assimilation in a foreign land.
9. First Down by Grace Reilly
First Down is a romance novel written by Grace Reilly that was published in 2022. The book has 310 pages and is set in McKee University, where two individuals, James and Bex, are the main characters.
James is a star quarterback who transferred to McKee University to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. Bex, on the other hand, is a hardworking student who is not interested in dating athletes.
The two characters are forced to take a writing class together, which neither of them wants to attend. James is struggling in the class and needs help, so he turns to Bex for assistance.
Initially, Bex is reluctant to help, but she agrees to assist James when he offers to go out on a few dates with her. The plan is to make her ex-boyfriend jealous and show him that she has moved on.
As they spend more time together, their fake relationship starts to feel real, and they begin to develop feelings for each other. However, they both try to deny their emotions and continue with the fake relationship.
The book is a classic romance novel that follows the story of two individuals who are initially fake dating but eventually fall in love. It is a perfect read for those who enjoy sports romance novels and light-hearted stories about love and relationships.
10. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a captivating novel by Jenny Han that was first published in 2009. The book spans 304 pages and is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of Isabel ‘Belly’ Conklin during her summer vacations spent at Cousins Beach.
Belly eagerly awaits the summer months so she can return to Cousins Beach, where she spends time with her mother, brother, and her mother’s closest friend and their sons, Jeremiah and Conrad. Belly has known the boys since childhood, and this year she finds herself consumed with anticipation to go to the beach house with them.
However, as the summer unfolds, Belly’s relationship with the boys begins to shift, and she finds herself grappling with unfamiliar emotions that make her question everything about them and herself. Through Belly’s experiences, readers are taken on a journey of personal growth and discovery.
Jenny Han’s writing is exceptional, and The Summer I Turned Pretty is a page-turner that is perfect for beachside reading. The novel is filled with excitement and intricacy, painting vivid pictures of the magic of summer and the complexities of young love.
Overall, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a must-read for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories. It is a timeless novel that continues to captivate readers with its unique tale and relatable characters.
11. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
People We Meet on Vacation is a captivating novel written by Emily Henry. The book is a romantic story that spans 400 pages and centers around two main characters, Poppy and Alex. Poppy is an adventurous and free-spirited person who loves to travel, while Alex is an introvert who enjoys the comfort of his home and reading books.
Despite their different personalities, Poppy and Alex have been best friends since college. Every summer, they go on a vacation together, a tradition that they have maintained for ten years. However, their yearly vacation was stopped two years ago due to an unfortunate rift that left them estranged and distant.
Poppy realizes that she has not been happy since the last time she went on vacation with Alex. Determined to fix their fractured relationship, she asks him to go on one last vacation together. Unexpectedly, he agrees, granting her a mere week to try and fix everything that went wrong between them.
The novel is a delightful story of opposites attracting. It is a perfect read for people who enjoy romantic stories with a touch of adventure. Emily Henry’s writing style is engaging and keeps readers glued to the pages. The book has received equal adoration from readers as her previous work, Beach Read.
12. Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
Love on the Brain, the second novel by Ali Hazelwood, presents a captivating story that combines science and romance. The novel follows Bee Königswasser, a brilliant physicist with a passion for Marie Curie, who receives an offer from NASA to lead a groundbreaking project. However, Bee’s path becomes intertwined with Levi Ward, her long-standing rival from graduate school, who is now her co-lead on the project.
Despite Bee’s initial distrust of Levi, she finds herself drawn to him as they work together on the project. Throughout the novel, Bee faces numerous challenges, including setbacks with the project and personal struggles, such as her belongings vanishing and her voice going unheard.
As Bee’s feelings for Levi grow, she contemplates taking a leap of faith and risking her heart. The novel explores the question of what Bee Königswasser would do in this situation and how her guiding principle of “What would Marie Curie do?” might guide her decisions.
Love on the Brain offers a unique blend of science and romance, with a captivating storyline and well-developed characters. The novel is 368 pages long and is a departure from Hazelwood’s first book, The Love Hypothesis, while still including the scientific essence that readers loved.
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Summary
Books like Icebreaker are a great way to dive into the world of suspense and mystery. These books are perfect for readers who enjoy a thrilling plot with unexpected twists and turns.
Some popular books in this genre include “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, and “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides. These books are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats and leave them wanting more.