Roller Derby Romance Books That Will Knock You Off Your Feet
Forget the classic ballrooms and moonlit walks; in this article, we’re talking about fierce heroines, adrenaline-pumping action, and love that rolls with the punches.
Whether you’re a derby die-hard or just a romance junkie looking for your next fix, these tales of love on eight wheels will have you falling head over skates. So, lace up, strap on your helmet, and get ready to speed into the heart-pounding, rink-side romance that’s anything but smooth skating.
King & Queen of the Roller Derby by Diane Michaels
Meet Amelia, whose roller derby team is her fortress – a place to channel her fierce energy and avoid the pitfalls of her past with men.
Now, imagine her fury when Declan, an ex-Olympic skater, rolls in as the new coach. The tension is thicker than a derby brawl as Amelia’s icy glares could freeze the rink.
Declan’s not just here to coach; he’s here to prove himself. Amid the bruises and battles, sparks start flying.
Can Amelia let her guard down and see Declan as more than just a male interloper?
False Start by Santana Knox
Cat Harvey is the undisputed queen of the Devil’s Dames Roller Derby league – until a botched start flips her world upside down.
Cat’s life, once a perfect whirl of skates and glory, now spins into chaos as she’s demoted in favour of a brazen has-been sporting a braid and shredded pantyhose.
The audacious rookie ignites Cat’s internal rollercoaster: a dizzying blend of hate, loathing, and obsession.
Love and hatred, they say, are just a heartbeat apart, but for Cat, they’re as close as a bump on the track.
Roller Derby Romance Series by Diana Morland
Step into the Roller Derby Romance Series, where love and lacerations collide.
In Crash Into You, Megan’s life is a high-speed chase until she meets the irresistible Gianna, a blocker who throws her sense of control into a spin.
Let’s Jam features Gayle, who harbours a secret crush on her unapproachable team captain, Shelly – until a steamy one-night stand shifts her world.
Head Over Wheels follows Mindy and Shayna, whose derby dreams are dashed by rejection and hidden pasts, yet their bond is undeniable.
Lastly, Knock Me Down introduces Tara, a determined captain who finds her heart racing not just from derby but from her unexpected feelings for a charming reporter, Val.
Fast-paced drama, sizzling romance, and plenty of roller derby thrills await!
The Roller Derby Darling and The Delinquent by Jennie Kew
With his eyes on his future, chauffeur and ex-con Edward wants nothing more than to open his own vintage auto garage and forget his tainted past.
However, the enticing roller derby darling Karen Walker could be the one thing that derails his carefully laid plans.
She’s from a family of overprotective cops, and he’s a felon with dubious ties – can these two make it work? Or will skating the rules cause more trouble for these lovebirds?
Loving the Lineman by Elizabeth Spaur
Deke Wright, a lineman both on and off the field, is set to tackle his past as he takes on a coaching gig at Cormac University. His focus? Rebuilding his life for his daughters and mending fences with his estranged brother.
Enter Emma Slater, a roller derby queen and business dynamo who’s juggling a bustling life and a brand-new team.
The two are as mismatched as a pair of football cleats at a roller derby, but fate has other plans.
As autumn chills into winter, their lives collide, proving that sometimes, love needs no schedule.
The Red Line by Nikki Jewell
Jackson, an easygoing, no-strings-attached hockey player, is known for his sunny disposition and fear of commitment. Enter Natasha, a fierce roller derby queen with a heart that is equally guarded.
When these two polar opposites collide, sparks fly – both on and off the rink. Natasha’s intensity and commitment issues challenge Jackson’s laid-back approach, making their chemistry both explosive and complicated.
As they navigate their way through their contrasting worlds, will they find a way to bridge the gap between their fears and their hearts?
The Arrival of Someday by Jen Malone
Eighteen-year-old Amelia Linehan, aka Rolldemort in the roller derby world, is known for her unstoppable spirit and lightning-fast skates. But when a rare liver disorder rears its ugly head, Amelia’s vibrant future – filled with college dreams, art projects, and potential love – suddenly hangs in the balance.
With the prospect of an organ transplant as uncertain as her own future, Amelia grapples with fear and hope.
Enter Will, a blast from the past who makes life feel a bit lighter and brighter.
This poignant novel is a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of living with an unpredictable fate, filled with humor, depth, and the warmth of its unforgettable characters.
Love and Skate Series by Lila Felix
In the Love and Skate Series, roller derby is the stage for high-octane romances and personal transformations.
In Love and Skate, tough-as-nails Nellie and emotionally scarred Owen navigate a tumultuous romance while confronting their pasts.
How It Rolls sees Reed, struggling with homelessness, find herself torn between Falcon’s well-meaning but risky attempts to help and the possibility of true connection.
Down ‘N’ Derby follows Maddox, on a quest to find his biological father, who meets Storey, a pin-up model with deep wounds, and grapples with their growing bond.
In Caught in a Jam, Nixon, now a father, must reconcile his past with his current responsibilities when Journey reappears in his life.
Lastly, False Start brings together Rex, haunted by a painful past, and Hayes, disillusioned by failed relationships, as they explore if their connection can overcome their troubled histories.
So Different by Ruthie Robinson
Mariah Sullivan, a tattooed, bruise-covered roller derby dynamo, is as tough as she is compassionate. Her no-nonsense attitude hides a heart of gold and an unwavering loyalty to those she loves.
Enter Adam Barnett Jr., a dentist who has come to Austin to take over his father’s practice while he recovers from an accident.
Fresh from ending an engagement, Adam is thrown for a loop when he meets Mariah at her dental appointment. Misinterpreting her bruises as signs of abuse, he attempts to intervene, only to be schooled by Mariah and Adam’s father on the dangers of assumptions.
As their paths cross, their initial misunderstanding gives way to a sizzling mix of sex, friendship, and, eventually, a deeper, unexpected love.
Music City Rollers Series by Elicia Hyder
In the Music City Rollers Series, roller derby serves as the backdrop for high-stakes romance and personal reinvention.
In Lights Out Lucy, Lucy Cooper’s life takes a wild turn when she crashes into West Adler, Nashville’s dashing philanthropist and roller derby sponsor. Determined to catch his eye, Lucy dives into the chaotic world of roller derby, where the risks are high, and love is even riskier.
Britches Get Stitches follows Grace Evans, who channels her post-divorce frustrations into the roller derby rink. As she rebuilds her life, her path crosses with Officer Jason Bradley, who, despite his connection to her ex-husband, becomes her unexpected ally. When her past threatens her newfound stability, Grace shows that she’s not just playing the game – she’s rewriting the rules.
Desk Jockey Jam by Ainslie Paton
Anthony Gambese’s picture-perfect life takes a nosedive when two formidable women roller-skate into his world.
With a stable career, a satisfying personal life, and a penchant for surfing, Anthony thought he had it all. Little did he know that his calm waters were about to be churned by the audacious personalities of these two derby darlings.
As his promotion slips away and his love life unravels, he’s left reeling from the realization that a roller derby doll could skate away with more than just his heart.
This novella, packed with rapid-fire action and fierce romance, is a standalone gem or a thrilling follow-up to Grease Monkey Jive, showcasing the irresistible collision of Anthony’s orderly life with the high-energy world of roller derby.
Taking a Knee by Sean Ashcroft
Noah’s life takes a sharp turn when he loses his job and faces deportation, jeopardizing his chance to compete in next year’s national championships.
Enter Jace, Noah’s straight “derby husband” and steadfast best friend, who proposes a fake marriage to secure Noah’s green card. As the duo navigates this unconventional solution, Jace starts questioning his own straightness, complicating their arrangement with newfound romantic feelings.
Amid rivalries, jealous exes, and a daunting mother-in-law, Jace must juggle his burgeoning emotions with his commitment to the team.
This standalone gay romance delivers on drama and romance. With its blend of roller derby action, heartfelt moments, and explicit romance, it’s a ride worth taking for fans of sports and steamy love stories.
The Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan
Tamara Morgan, Gretchen, aka Honey Badger Badgerton, a roller derby dynamo with a no-apologies attitude, finds her wild heart unexpectedly tamed by her new neighbor, Dr. Jared Fine.
Jared, a wealthy and charitable doctor, is smitten by Gretchen’s fiery spirit and striking body art when she helps him with a flat tire.
While he’s ready for a fresh start away from his polished public persona, Gretchen is reluctant to reveal her true self.
As their passion ignites, Gretchen must confront her fears of vulnerability and allow Jared to care for her.
Found by You by Victoria H. Smith
Worlds collide in a laundromat when Griffin Chandler, a college basketball star whose life is a public spectacle, meets Roxie, a roller derby enthusiast from Wisconsin.
Griffin is accustomed to the limelight and the adoration that comes with it, while Roxie is more at home, keeping her struggles under wraps.
Their casual, routine encounters at the laundromat shift dramatically when Roxie saves Griffin from a life-threatening situation. Intrigued by her bravery and mystery, Griffin is determined to uncover the truth behind her guarded exterior.
As their lives intertwine, they must confront their own secrets and vulnerabilities. Can they forge a love strong enough to withstand their personal battles and public pressures?
Derby Girl by Shauna Cross
In Derby Girl, the vibrant world of roller derby takes center stage in a high-energy coming-of-age story.
We follow Bliss Cavendar, a high school student who feels stifled by her small-town life and the beauty queen expectations placed upon her.
When she stumbles into the world of roller derby, Bliss discovers a new passion and a sense of empowerment that challenges the status quo. As she navigates the rough-and-tumble sport, she also confronts her own issues of identity and self-worth.
With witty dialogue and a fierce protagonist, Derby Girl delivers a compelling tale of personal growth and the thrill of finding one’s true self on and off the rink.
Bruised by Tanya Boteju
Daya Wijesinghe uses roller derby as her battleground for both physical and emotional pain.
Haunted by the loss of her parents, Daya finds solace in bruises, which she sees as a way to externalize her grief. Drawn to the sport’s chaotic energy and the promise of more bruises, she dives headfirst into the roller derby scene, where the intense physicality and rough camaraderie challenge her guarded heart.
As she skates deeper into the world of derby, Daya confronts truths about herself and the nature of healing, discovering that real strength comes from embracing vulnerability and forging connections.
Bruised is a powerful exploration of grief, resilience, and the unexpected paths to emotional recovery.
You’re My IT by C.N. Holmberg
Roller derby meets tech geekery in a contemporary romance that’s anything but predictable.
Blaine, a fierce roller derby player with a penchant for superheroes and a killer undercut, has spent two years pining for Lysander, the IT guy at work who’s as aloof as he is endearing. Despite her past disappointments in love, Blaine is ready to risk it all with a bold confession.
But as Lysander returns from a transformative stint in California – now leaner and, much to Blaine’s dismay, suddenly attractive to everyone – she fears her chance might slip away.
As the stakes rise, both in the roller derby rink and their hearts, can Blaine turn her fourth attempt at love into a win?
Roller Girl by Vanessa North
Tina Durham’s life is a mess – her personal training career is stalled, her friends are falling in love, and her kitchen is flooded. When a plumbing emergency lands her at the feet of Joanne Joe Mama Delario, a roller derby coach, Tina finds a surprising lifeline.
Joe’s not just great with pipes; she’s got a knack for spotting potential and invites Tina to join her roller derby team.
As Tina skates her way from floundering to fabulous, she discovers not only a fierce passion for derby but also a heated attraction to Joe.
Navigating secret love and self-worth, Tina must decide if she can handle a hidden romance while facing the challenges of her personal and professional life.
Runaway Roller Derby Bride by J.R. Raven
When a runaway bride meets her match in the catering van – that’s just the start of the roller derby drama!
Beth McDermott, aka Ginger Snaps, bolts from her own wedding and ends up in the back of chef Hunter Wolfe’s van. With smoldering looks and culinary skills that could make anyone swoon, Hunter’s all in for a love affair.
But just as things heat up, Beth’s past skates back into the picture in the form of her ex-fiancé, Derek, pushing her back to the altar and threatening Hunter’s safety. Can Beth juggle a high-stakes wedding and her sizzling chemistry with Hunter?
This romantic roller derby ride promises flirty thrills, culinary delights, and a dash of wedding drama.
Skid Marks Series by April Ryder
Get ready to laugh and cheer for Hayley, a plus-size roller derby rookie with a knack for creating chaos and a heart of gold.
In One Skid Mark, Hayley’s life flips after a breakup when she’s roped into roller derby with the Selby Slammers. Her tryout mishaps lead to hilarious encounters with a local hockey team, setting off a series of chaotic and heartwarming events.
Two Skid Marks follows Hayley as she tackles derby rivalries and romantic complications. Juggling team dynamics and personal drama, she navigates love and laughter in her new roller derby world.
Three Skid Marks sees Hayley dealing with the fallout of a steamy encounter and the return of her ex, all while preparing for the Auckland Roller Derby semifinals.
Four Skid Marks features Hayley’s fight for team victory amidst job losses and love triangles. Her journey blends comedy and resilience.
The Real Thing by Laney Webber
Allison McDonald’s life seems perfect with her successful massage practice and roller derby spot. However, her dream match on a dating app turns into a nightmare when she discovers she’s been catfished by someone using a photo of actress Virginia Harris, who stars as Geena in a popular web series.
Determined to address the deception, Allison contacts the dating site and Virginia.
Virginia, who hides behind her screen persona, Geena, finds her own life upended when the real Allison, a captivating woman, enters the picture.
Despite their undeniable chemistry, Allison struggles with seeing past the catfish’s image, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. As their relationship unfolds, they must discern what’s truly real and genuine.
Roller Girls Series by Megan Sparks
In the Roller Girls series, Annie adjusts to life in a small town through roller derby.
In Falling Hard, she joins the Liberty Belles, navigating rivalries and romantic interests from Jesse and Tyler.
Hell’s Belles sees Annie dealing with a sprained ankle and Tyler’s distraction with cheerleader Kelsey, while Jesse remains a supportive friend.
In a Jam explores Annie’s struggles as her relationship with Tyler strains her focus on roller derby, leading to being benched in a crucial bout.
Boot Camp Blues follows Annie’s heartbreak after breaking up with Tyler, who is now with Kelsey. As she competes for a spot on the all-star team during a tense boot camp, Annie faces challenges both on and off the track.
Kat & Mouse by Jacqueline Heat
Katrina Brooks is a talented photographer and a dedicated roller derby referee. Her professional focus rarely falters, except when it comes to Dorothy Mauser, aka Mouse – a penalty-prone skater with a fiery temper and a heart of gold.
Misunderstandings abound as Mouse believes Kat’s scrutiny is more personal than professional. However, when their worlds collide outside the rink, a surprising collaboration sparks mutual attraction.
As the playoffs approach, their newfound connection faces challenges from both on-track tensions and personal insecurities.
Navigating their complicated feelings, Kat and Mouse must decide if their rivalry is worth overcoming or if animosity is simply part of the game.
Robbery at the Roller Derby by Ellen Jacobson
Meet Mollie, a roller derby newbie who thought her biggest challenge would be the occasional bruise. Instead, she finds herself caught up in a mystery when a valuable item goes missing from the locker room.
While juggling suspects, a mundane temp job, and her roller derby practice, Mollie also meets a charming guy who makes her reconsider blind dates.
As Mollie delves into the investigation, her probing questions stir up trouble. Can she navigate the peril and find the thief before it’s too late?
The Billionaire Takes a Bride by Jessica Clare
Billionaire Sebastian Cabral is fed up with his family’s reality TV antics and his ex’s public pursuit. To escape the drama, he decides to fake a marriage with Chelsea Hall, a roller derby skater with her own fears and a strong aversion to dating.
As they plan a quick, fake wedding to dodge their respective issues, their pretend romance quickly becomes more genuine.
One kiss reveals that their staged relationship might just be the real thing they both need.
Act Your Age by Eve Dangerfield
Kate, a quirky roller derby skater and cupcake-baking engineer, secretly yearns for a Daddy kink. Her gruff boss, Tyler, is grappling with his own demons after a failed career and a broken engagement.
When an accidental mix-up throws them together, their unexpected chemistry tests their boundaries and challenges their assumptions.
As Kate balances her role on the roller derby team with her intense attraction to Tyler, both must navigate their unconventional desires and deeper emotions.
Their connection grows beyond fantasy, revealing a powerful mix of passion, vulnerability, and self-discovery.
Going in Circles by Pamela Ribon
Charlotte Goodman’s life is in disarray following a rocky marriage.
When her husband moves back in after a brief separation, Charlotte retreats to a small apartment, clutching onto The Plan to manage her overwhelming anxiety. The Plan is her safeguard against life’s unpredictability, but it’s proving insufficient as her internal turmoil mounts.
Enter Francesca, her daring roller derby-loving coworker, who introduces Charlotte to the rough-and-tumble world of derby. As Charlotte immerses herself in the sport’s chaos, she begins to confront her own fears and uncertainties.
Amidst the bruises and battles on the rink, Charlotte faces the ultimate challenge: finding the strength to heal and reclaim her independence.
False Start by Echo Grayce
Roller derby and romance collide with explosive results.
Maisy Flynn is determined to save her local children’s center from closure and convinces Cain, a former derby coach with a troubled past, to help. Despite his intention to stay out of the spotlight, Cain is drawn back into the sport he left behind.
The chemistry between Maisy and Cain ignites both on and off the track as they tackle their personal baggage and a high-stakes charity match.
With sizzling tension and well-researched derby details, False Start is a compelling blend of heart, healing, and roller derby drama.
