{"title":"Lizzy's Top Sports Romance Picks","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"clt__card clt__list-maker-card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte clt__list-reason\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"metafield-rich_text_field\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"clt__intro rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom hockey to baseball and possibly some other sports too (I'm mainly here for the romance) - here are 15 of the sports romance titles that Lizzy has been loving lately or that are high up on her TBR. Warning - not just sports, there is plenty of spice ahead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"consider-me","title":"Consider Me","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the ice-hockey romance that has taken TikTok by storm, the ultimate player turns romantic in order to win over the woman he is desperate to be with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCarter Beckett is the NHL’s best player – both on and off the ice. His career is at its peak, his team is performing better than ever, and there’s no shortage of women to spend the night with. What more could he want?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOlivia Parker isn’t new to professional hockey players, thanks to her best friend’s boyfriend, but she has no interest in dating one herself – no matter how hot he is. And anyway, she loves working as a teacher and hanging out with her best friend, drama-free. Why would she want to spend her time stroking the ego of an arrogant athlete?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut once Carter meets Olivia, he can’t think of anyone else. Too bad for him, Olivia is hell-bent on keeping him at arm’s length, with no intention of giving into his charms. Perhaps it’s time for Carter to up his game … after all, nobody ever said he had to play fair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSparks will fly as Carter does whatever it takes for Olivia to consider him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBecka Mack’s\u003c\/em\u003e writing is endlessly sexy and funny. \u003cem\u003eConsider Me\u003c\/em\u003e will have you fanning yourself and googling your closest hockey team hangout. \u003cstrong\u003eHannah Grace, bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eIcebreaker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45685891072236,"sku":"9781761425820","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781761425820.jpg?v=1725457853"},{"product_id":"deep-end","title":"Deep End","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Love Hypothesis.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eDeep End\u003c\/i\u003e follows Scarlett Vandermeer, a junior at Stanford and a dedicated student-athlete who specialises in platform diving. Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and recovering from the injury that nearly ended her career. She has no time for relationships – at least, that's what she tells herself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnter Lukas Blomqvist, swim captain, world champion, and all-around aquatics golden boy. Lukas thrives on discipline, winning gold medals and breaking records with complete focus at every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey start an arrangement. As the pressure leading up to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. What was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling turns into something more. When staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realises that her heart might be treading into dangerous waters...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45711340994796,"sku":"9781408728888","price":21.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408728888_903eb34c-918b-4f87-9cd6-15a5558665d6.jpg?v=1733093733"},{"product_id":"rebel","title":"Rebel","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNo. 1 \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eFourth Wing\u003c\/i\u003e, Rebecca Yarros, takes readers on a thrilling journey with \u003ci\u003eRebel\u003c\/i\u003e, where love and danger collide on a nine-month cruise that will test everyone's limits.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe's the only woman he wants,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the only one he can never touch again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePenna Carstairs, also known as Rebel, is a force to be reckoned with. Named FMX-treme Magazine's sexiest female athlete of the year, Penna is renowned for breaking rules and shattering gender barriers in the world of extreme sports. Her daring personality and enigmatic allure make her unforgettable, especially to one man who can't get her out of his mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDr. Cruz Delgado, the youngest professor on campus, is thrown into turmoil when he discovers that the mysterious woman he shared an unforgettable night with is now sitting in his classroom. Bound by the ethical constraints of his profession and his own moral compass, Cruz is faced with an impossible situation: he must keep his distance from the one woman who sets his heart on fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs they sail across the globe, navigating the high stakes world of extreme sports and the even higher stakes of forbidden love, Penna and Cruz must confront their deepest desires and fears. With each new heart-pounding adventure, they are forced to question what they value most: their careers, their reputations, or their hearts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy do readers love the Renegades series?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A fantastic world of adventure in extreme sports, intrigue, steamy love, angst, and heart-wrenching family mystery.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Yarros definitely knows how to write a complete package of a book.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'An absolute must-read . . . you'll thank me later.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Pick this one up for a soaring, fast-paced ride that will leave you wishing there were more Renegades and yet completely happy and sated.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Rebecca Yarros once again doesn't fail the reader. This book kept me up all night.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'These Renegades are something special. They have this allure that I cannot resist.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Rebecca owns my soul. I'm not sure how she's able to create the swooniest heroes time after time, but she totally does.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A love story for the ages . . . it's the kind of book that makes you sit on the edge of your seat, curse the characters and then end crying.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDON'T RISK MISSING OUT ON MORE RENEGADES ADVENTURES:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWILDER\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNOVA\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eREBEL\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45712817324268,"sku":"9780349442594","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780349442594.jpg?v=1725991374"},{"product_id":"the-deal","title":"The Deal","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWelcome to Briar U!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGet ready for your newest obsession . . . Discover the addictive world of the Off-Campus series from The Queen of Hockey Romance, Elle Kennedy!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead \u003cem\u003eThe Deal\u003c\/em\u003e now for the perfect fake-dating romance!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShe's about to make a deal with the college bad boy . . .\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and \u003cem\u003emake\u003c\/em\u003e him take notice . . . even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, \u003cem\u003ecocky\u003c\/em\u003e captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e. . . and it's going to be oh so good\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realise that pretend isn't going to cut it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like \u003cem\u003ehim\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy fans love Elle Kennedy \u003cstrong\u003e⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐\u003c\/strong\u003e!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Delicious, complicated and drama-filled . . . I read it in one sitting, and you will, too' \u003cstrong\u003eL. J. Shen, \u003cem\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A deliciously sexy story with a wallop of emotions that sneaks up on you' \u003cstrong\u003eVi Keeland, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'This book had the ability to make me swoon one minute, put my heart in my throat the next, then literally make me burst right out laughing out of the blue' \u003cstrong\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'The best college romance I've read. It had epic banter, sexy romance, and fantastic writing!! I laughed, I swooned, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!!' \u003cstrong\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Elle Kennedy proves, once again, that she is the Queen of College Hockey Romance!!' \u003cstrong\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'5-Made My Heart Pitter Patter-Stars' \u003cstrong\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'One of the few authors who can instantly put a grin on my face as soon as I start reading her books' \u003cstrong\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45713663197420,"sku":"9780349440842","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780349440842_924dc105-9826-41d7-a69a-38280472f1f4.jpg?v=1732697894"},{"product_id":"the-striker","title":"The Striker","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe new must-read steamy sports romance from Ana Huang, the bestselling author of the \u003ci\u003eTwisted\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eKings of Sin\u003c\/i\u003e series.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eShe's the only woman he wants . . . and the only one he can't have.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAsher Donovan\u003c\/b\u003e is a living legend - the darling of the Premier League, the (arguably) greatest footballer in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSurviving 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe only problem? She's his rival's sister - and completely off limits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eScarlett DuBois\u003c\/b\u003e is a former prima ballerina whose career was cut short by a tragic accident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTraining, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy readers love Ana Huang\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Get ready for all the spice, all the build-up and all the sizzling tension' \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eGlamour\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003ci\u003eKing of Greed\u003c\/i\u003e? More like King of my Heart (Ana Huang's Version)' \u003cb\u003eLauren Asher\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'WE HAVE NO NOTES JUST LOTS OF HORNY FEELINGS' \u003cb\u003eAli Hazelwood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Ana did not come to play . . . it was giving everything I asked for' \u003cb\u003e@Aymanreads\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Ana Huang truly is the queen of billionaire romances' \u003cb\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Ana really said whether morally grey is your favourite OR NOT, let me give you someone to swoon over' \u003cb\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Ana Huang never disappoints. This was my most anticipated read of the month and it was EVERYTHING!!' \u003cb\u003eGoodreads Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45747859751148,"sku":"9780349442259","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780349442259.jpg?v=1726706749"},{"product_id":"the-favourites-by-layne-fargo-9781784745493","title":"The Favourites","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn epic love story that reimagines the tempestuous romance of \u003cem\u003eWuthering Heights\u003c\/em\u003e in the sparkling, savage world of elite figure skating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone thinks Heath Rocha was my first love. He wasn't. My first love was figure skating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe might not have a famous name, funding, or her family's support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUntil a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorised documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the 'real story' through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary. But she can't stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy either. So, after a decade of silence, she's telling her story—from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumours have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlternating Kat's own account of her dramatic rise and devastating fall with scandalous snippets from the tell-all film, and capturing the can't-look-away intensity of Emily Brontë's classic novel, \u003cem\u003eThe Favourites\u003c\/em\u003e is an exhilarating dance between passion, ambition, and what it truly means to win.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46121772482796,"sku":"9781784745493","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781784745493.jpg?v=1737448358"},{"product_id":"pucking-around-by-emily-rath-9781405963404","title":"Pucking Around","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the story that launched the international bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI can't fall for a player, let alone three.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMy name is Rachel Price, and two months ago, I walked away from the perfect man. We shared one magical night. No names. No strings. I never thought I'd see him again. I was wrong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt turns out my perfect man is actually the playboy grinder for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL's hottest new hockey team...and I'm his new physical therapist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis fellowship is going to be the longest ten months of my life. Mr. Perfect will do anything to get back on my good side. Meanwhile, his best friend, the surly new equipment manager, is always riding my case. Worst of all, I've got an uncooperative goalie who thinks I can't tell he's hiding an injury!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese men are ready to test my limits, but this is my chance to prove myself, and I'm not risking it for anything. I can't fall for a player, let alone three. But if love is a game, these guys are playing to win.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46235657732332,"sku":"9781405963404","price":23.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781405963404.jpg?v=1741132976"},{"product_id":"in-her-own-league-by-liz-tomforde-9781399746441","title":"In Her Own League","description":"\u003cp\u003eLiz Tomforde has brought you the best book boyfriends out there . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZanders.\u003cbr\u003eRyan.\u003cbr\u003eKai.\u003cbr\u003eIsaiah.\u003cbr\u003eRio.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut there's one man they've all looked up to...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou first met him in Caught Up. He first met her in Play Along...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, don't miss the completely standalone Windy City Series spin-off book, featuring:\u003cbr\u003eEmmett (Monty) Montgomery and Reese Remington\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46364141912300,"sku":"9781399746441","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781399746441_1.jpg?v=1763066526"},{"product_id":"long-shot-by-kennedy-ryan-9781728284965","title":"Long Shot","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForbidden romance takes the court in this emotionally rich NBA sports romance from award-winning author Kennedy Ryan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom award-winning author Kennedy Ryan comes the soul-gripping, unforgettable first instalment of the Hoops trilogy. \u003cem\u003eIris DuPree\u003c\/em\u003e meets \u003cem\u003eAugust West\u003c\/em\u003e in a sports bar during her last semester of college. It's the conversation of a lifetime and sends sparks flying in every direction. The connection is undeniable...but the timing is all wrong. August is poised for the NBA draft, and Iris belongs to another man—basketball's \"golden boy\" and August's long-time rival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe two go their separate ways, but they often recall that electric night and what could have been. While August has embarked on his all-star life, studded with wealth and fame, Iris's perfect public relationship has become a nightmare behind closed doors. A tarnished dream of fool's gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen August re-enters her life, the world seems briefly bright again, but Iris's darkest nights are not over yet. To survive, she must build her own strength and trust that her bond with August can endure after all this time. Even when her fraudulent prince has vowed never to let her go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46495155093740,"sku":"9781728284965","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9180283482803.jpg?v=1748470180"},{"product_id":"unbound-by-peyton-corinne-9781399756266","title":"Unbound","description":"\u003cp\u003ePaloma Blake is, at best, antagonistic. But beneath the hairspray, attitude, and promiscuity is a scared girl whose trauma runs deep. Still, the walls she's built are strong, ensuring everyone only sees Paloma's sexy fa ade. Everyone except for Bennett.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBennett Reiner, the carefully controlled, neurodivergent goalie, has his routines and sticks to them, which helps him keep a hold on his OCD compulsions and the crippling anxiety that comes with them. The quiet and meticulous Bennett sees everything, especially the girl beneath Paloma's ever-present masks. And he always has.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnbeknownst to their friends, Bennett and Paloma were each other's first real love, which ended in crippling heartbreak. Bennett still doesn't know what happened, and Paloma is determined to stay away from the comfort she used to find only in his arms. For years, Bennett has remained her protective shadow, coming to Paloma's rescue whenever she asked, keeping her as close and safe as she'll let him. But, like a tumultuous sea to a constant shore, Bennett and Paloma find each other once more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlternating between scenes from their past and present, Unbound contrasts the tentative tension and passionate beginnings of first love with the devastating loneliness and deep yearning of having that love ripped away from you without truly knowing why. As Bennett discovers the truth about Paloma's past, the threads to his careful control start to come unbound, and both begin to realize that letting go of everything else might be worth it, if it means they both get the real love they once shared again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46680463016172,"sku":"9781399756266","price":21.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/1429a13082457049faf100a145214fc7.jpg?v=1753137291"},{"product_id":"mile-high-by-liz-tomforde-9781399751926","title":"Mile High","description":null,"brand":"Gardners Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46779211219180,"sku":"9781399751926","price":21.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781399751926.jpg?v=1756708266"},{"product_id":"pitcher-perfect-by-tessa-bailey-9780063460508","title":"Pitcher Perfect","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#1 \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating sports romance about a playboy hockey rookie and the disciplined softball pitcher completely immune to his charms.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend and teammate, and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, a Division 1 softball pitcher, the girl least likely to take anyone’s bull...and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be \u003cem\u003edazzled\u003c\/em\u003e by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend\/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known, and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut it’s all just pretend...right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePitcher Perfect\u003c\/em\u003e by Tessa Bailey is a captivating romance that explores the thin line between pretence and reality, where hearts and desires become unexpectedly tangled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46779241890028,"sku":"9780063460508","price":19.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780063460508.jpg?v=1756719519"},{"product_id":"heated-rivalry-9781038979995","title":"Heated Rivalry","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBased on Rachel Reid's bestselling \u003cem\u003eGame Changers\u003c\/em\u003e book series, \u003cem\u003eHeated Rivalry\u003c\/em\u003e is now streaming in Australia on HBO Max and Sky in New Zealand.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Rachel Reid.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNothing interferes with pro hockey star Shane Hollander's game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow that he's captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won't let anything jeopardise that—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane's not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he's as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. Publicly, they're enemies. Privately, they can't stop touching each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe smart thing to do? Walk away, once a few secret hookups turn into a struggle to keep their relationship out of the press. The truth could ruin them both. But for Shane and Ilya, secrecy is soon no longer an option...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGame Changers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBook 1: \u003cem\u003eGame Changer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBook 2: \u003cem\u003eHeated Rivalry\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBook 3: \u003cem\u003eTough Guy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBook 4: \u003cem\u003eCommon Goal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBook 5: \u003cem\u003eRole Model\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBook 6: \u003cem\u003eThe Long Game\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47058637947116,"sku":"9781038979995","price":16.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/y648_1ab515f1-6e13-4631-835b-2817040c24b3.jpg?v=1764808344"},{"product_id":"love-in-the-fast-lane-by-laura-greaves-9781761353642","title":"Love in the Fast Lane","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet trackside for this steamy grumpy-sunshine F1 romance, perfect for readers of Lauren Asher and Simone Soltani.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLove in the Fast Lane\u003c\/em\u003e centres around Jack Garrett, the reigning world champion with a secret: he doesn't love Formula 1. Known for his cold-as-ice demeanour, behind the scenes, he's a man running out of reasons to race.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnter Kaya Beck, the team's new communications strategist and Jack's last chance to stay on the grid. Sponsors are nervous, headlines are ruthless, and Jack's behaviour is out of control. It's up to Kaya to keep him on track—literally and figuratively—if she wants to keep her own career intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Kaya gets to know Jack, she discovers there's more to the 'Jack Frost' persona than she originally thought. However, Kaya is hiding a secret of her own, one that could tear their relationship—and the whole team—apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47334855999724,"sku":"9781761353642","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781761353642.jpg?v=1772048389"},{"product_id":"abby-offsides-by-anna-mccallie-9781804998489","title":"Abby Offsides","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEmily Henry\u003c\/em\u003e meets \u003cem\u003eTed Lasso\u003c\/em\u003e in this wickedly funny and deeply heartfelt football romance from a must-read new voice in the romance space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne new job. One star footballer. One rule: keep it professional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbby McIntyre doesn't care about soccer—sorry, football. She only applied for the marketing job at Mersey FC to get away from her cheating fiancé in Boston. Now, she's in a new country with no social life and an Instagram feed full of men in tiny shorts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnter Lachlan Ramsey—a world-famous footballer with killer abs and a delicious Scottish accent. Abby's sure that all footballers are players, but Lachlan takes her by surprise. He's kind, funny, and a great listener. And he's lonely, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbby isn't looking for love, though. She's still reeling from her broken engagement, and besides, players are strictly off limits if she wants to keep her job. She's happy just being Lachlan's friend. But when Abby's evicted from her flat and Lachlan invites her to move into his penthouse, the sparks between them become harder to ignore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith her new life on the line, will Abby really keep playing with her heart and risk getting caught offside?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47582673436908,"sku":"9781804998489","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781804998489-abby-offsides.jpg?v=1777435363"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/lizzys-top-sports-romance-picks.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}