Debut Author Hannah Bicknell Shares Her Favourite Sports Romance Books
- Anita
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
From tennis rivals to hockey heartthrobs: the debut author behind Her Advantage shares her favourite summer romance reads
With Wimbledon fast approaching, there's no better time to dive into a sports romance. To celebrate the publication of Her Advantage by debut author Hannah Bicknell on 2 July, we've partnered with Pan Macmillan to bring you Hannah's ultimate summer reading list.
Packed with sizzling chemistry, fierce competition and unforgettable love stories, Her Advantage combines everything romance readers love: enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, luxury settings, plenty of spice, and a tennis superstar hero. At its heart is Leo James, a determined heroine whose life collides with that of tennis sensation George Hampden in a romance that's as thrilling as the sport itself.
Before Her Advantage hits bookshelves this summer, we asked Hannah to share the sports romance books that have inspired, entertained and stayed with her long after turning the final page. From rival athletes and hockey stars to cowboys and show-jumpers, these are the sports romances she recommends adding to your summer TBR.
Hannah Bicknell's Summer Sports Romance Books Recommendations
1. Her Advantage by Hannah Bicknell
With the grass season well and truly in swing. I invite you to meet Her Advantage's heroine Leo James and tennis superstar George Hampden.
My Debut Novel. I've combined everything I love, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, spice, luxury lifestyle, and of course, tennis. Writing my first book, creating these characters and their world, has been an absolute dream, and I can't wait to share it with everyone.
2. The Open Era by Edward Schmit
I read the entire thing in one sitting - the first book in a long-time that I've stayed up until 2am to finish!
I loved Austin's humour and determination, alongside Diego's outward confidence, although both are hiding their inner vulnerabilities - Schimt's depiction of mental health is intelligently handled. And, of course, I can't get enough of the tennis. Rivals to lovers always hits the spot, and this is seriously one you cannot miss this summer.
3. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Ok, not technically a summer sport, but I haven't been able to leave The Cottage all year...
Like many, I came to Rachel's books after the tv series, but have since re-read both this, and The Long Game numerous times. Seriously, I've lost count how many. I just adore these two characters, whether yearning for each other, or desperately in love, they just feel right.
4. The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Long before they made it to Prime, Garrett Graham was one of my OG book boyfriends; he's even mentioned in my acknowledgements.
My first foray into "hockey boys", I instantly fell in love with his cocky, yet caring attitude. I'm also an absolute sucker for fake dating - I love the uncertainty and the tension you can play with. To top it off, the main character is called Hannah, and she has green eyes... I fear the similarities end there, but I've definitely been inspired by the way she not only takes no shit from Garrett, but handles her past trauma.
5. Reckless by Elsie Silver
Does bull riding count as a sport? I certainly hope so, because Theo Silva and Winter Hamilton's romance is one of my favourites.
I love the fire and ice vibes between them; it translates into some of the hottest spicy scenes. And who doesn't love a cowboy? Especially one so determined to make you feel loved and cared for. Swoon.
6. Riders by Jilly Cooper
The glamourous world of show-jumping was really only the backdrop to my first ever naughty book.
I stumbled across it in a dusty library of a rented house during a family holiday, and snuck it back to my room, devouring every page, and falling in love with one man, Rupert Campbell-Black. I can confidently pinpoint this exact moment as the beginning of my love for romance novels; my journey started right then! Thank you Jilly.
Ready for your next sports romance obsession?
From hockey stars and tennis rivals to cowboys and show-jumpers, Hannah Bicknell's recommendations prove there's a sports romance for every reader this summer.
If you're looking for even more competition-fuelled chemistry, enemies-to-lovers tension and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, keep an eye out for Her Advantage, Hannah's debut romance novel, publishing on 2 July.
About Hannah Bicknell:
Hannah Bicknell is a debut romance author whose writing combines swoon-worthy romance, compelling character dynamics and a love of sport. Drawing inspiration from some of romance's most beloved tropes, including enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity, her debut novel Her Advantage introduces readers to a glamorous tennis world filled with ambition, rivalry and passion.
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