8 Best Ballerina & Athlete Romance Books Like The Striker
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If you loved The Striker by Ana Huang and are looking for more ballerina and sports romance books with swoony athletes, passionate dancers, and high-stakes chemistry, you’re in the right place. Whether you enjoy fake dating, forbidden romance, or the thrill of an athlete falling for a dancer, these books deliver all the tension, emotion, and slow-burn heat you’re craving.
About The Striker
Premise
The Striker follows a ballerina and a professional athlete whose worlds collide in an explosive romance. With the pressures of their respective careers, a practice arrangement brings them closer than either expected, leading to undeniable chemistry, intense emotions, and life-changing decisions.
Tropes
- Sports Romance
- Ballerina/Athlete Pairing
- Slow Burn
- Forbidden Love
Why You’ll Love It
- A beautifully crafted romance balancing passion and ambition
- A strong, determined heroine with a love for dance
- A swoon-worthy hero navigating the complexities of fame and love
Books Similar to The Striker
1. Surprisingly Us by Erin Hawkins
Premise: A passionate ballerina and a reformed ladies’ man enter a fake relationship to help each other’s careers, but as their arrangement turns from practical to personal, their emotions spiral out of control.
Tropes: Fake Dating, Friends-to-Lovers, Slow Burn
Why You’ll Love It: A heartfelt romance with sizzling chemistry and a couple who must figure out if their connection is real or just an act.
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2. The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
Premise: Bree has been in love with her best friend, NFL star Nathan Donelson, for years. When a drunken confession puts them in the spotlight, they agree to fake-date—but resisting real feelings becomes the biggest challenge of all.
Tropes: Fake Dating, Friends-to-Lovers, Slow Burn
Why You’ll Love It: A lighthearted yet swoon-worthy romance with humor, heart, and a quarterback who’s all in.
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3. The Comeback by Rebecca Jenshak
Premise: When Mak moves in with her brother’s best friend, football star Archer, their undeniable attraction creates tension. What starts as banter turns into something neither of them can ignore.
Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend, Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance
Why You’ll Love It: A brooding athlete hero, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to follow the rules.
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4. Spiral by Bal Khabra
Premise: A rising hockey star and a talented ballerina agree to fake-date for career advantages, but their carefully set boundaries soon crumble as emotions get involved.
Tropes: Fake Dating, Sports Romance, Opposites Attract
Why You’ll Love It: A steamy and emotional sports romance where fame, ambition, and love collide.
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5. The Knockout by Bella Matthews
Premise: A broken ballerina and a troubled hockey player with a bad reputation form an intense bond that defies all expectations.
Tropes: Sports Romance, Forbidden Love, Slow Burn
Why You’ll Love It: A story of healing, passion, and the undeniable pull between two people who weren’t supposed to fall in love.
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6. With a Twist by Staci Hart
Premise: Lily has always prioritized ballet over romance, but when she realizes her longtime crush isn’t the guy she thought, she turns to her best friend, West—who may just be the love she was looking for all along.
Tropes: Friends-to-Lovers, Slow Burn, Dance Romance
Why You’ll Love It: A beautifully written ballet-centered romance with deep emotions and undeniable chemistry.
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7. Broken Boys Can’t Love by Micalea Smeltzer
Premise: A forbidden romance between a dancer and her brother’s best friend who’s known for breaking hearts. But what if this time, he’s the one falling?
Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend, Slow Burn, Forbidden Romance
Why You’ll Love It: A high-emotion romance with strong character development and plenty of tension.
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8. All In by Bella Matthews
Premise: Natalie is determined to avoid the distractions of football players, but Brady—her brother’s teammate—isn’t backing down. As their connection grows, so do the challenges in their way.
Tropes: Sports Romance, Brother’s Teammate, Protective Hero
Why You’ll Love It: A swoony, heartfelt romance with a determined hero ready to prove he’s worth the risk.
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Looking for More?
If you’re still searching for your next read, check out these related posts:
- Ana Huang’s Reading Guide – A complete breakdown of her books and where to start.
- Books Like the Twisted Series – More recommendations for Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies.
- Books Like the Kings of Sin Series – Find books similar to King of Wrath, King of Pride, and more.
- Authors Similar to Ana Huang – Discover more authors who write steamy, high-stakes romance.
Conclusion
If you loved The Striker, these books offer a mix of ballerina and athlete romance, slow burn tension, and unforgettable chemistry. Whether you enjoy fake dating, forbidden love, or opposites attracting in high-pressure sports worlds, these recommendations will keep you hooked. Happy reading!