The Winter Olympics of 2026 came to a close yesterday? If you watched the Olympics you saw the Curling events. And today, February 23, is National Curling Day.
If you're familiar with my Scottish Romances then you know how much I love Scottish history.
Curling began with medieval Scots sliding rocks across frozen ponds for fun and bragging rights. Even, Robert Burns played Curling.
Check Out These Old Scottish Curling Terms:
Cock —This refers to what we now call the tee
Guard — A guard is a stone placed in front of the house to block your opponent’s shot.
Still a common term in modern curling.
Draw —A draw is a precision shot meant to gently slide into the house and score.
Wick a bore — To wick means to lightly glance off another stone.
A bore (or “port”) is a narrow gap between stones.
So “wick a bore” means to angle your stone through a tight opening — advanced strategy even in the 1700s.
Rink —The rink is the sheet of ice.
Hog-score —This refers to the hog line — a line the stone must cross to stay in play. If it doesn’t make it? It’s removed.
Curling In America
Curling in America began in the 1830s when Scottish settlers brought the sport to Michigan. Nearly 200 years later, just last week, American Competitive Curlers made it to the podium in the 2026 Olympics. In Milan-Cortina, Team USA captured the Men’s Team Bronze and 🥈 Mixed Doubles Silver.
We all know how popular the sports sub genre of romance is so, for all you Curling Romance fans, here's a reading list of Curling Romances.
Curling Romances that will Sweep you away:
1. Fire & Ice by Rachel Spangler
Link
A disgraced reporter.
A rising curling star.
One icy assignment that refuses to stay professional.
This sapphic contemporary romance slides straight into that irresistible enemies-to-lovers lane. The tension? Sharp. The stakes? Real. The chemistry? Melting glaciers.
Tropes:
Women in sports
Forced proximity
Slow thawing emotional walls
Competitive fire on and off the ice
2. Throwing Stones by Avery Cockburn
A Canadian coach.
A rival Scottish curler.
History between them that refuses to stay buried.
This MM romance is deeply rooted in the sport itself — team politics, strategy, pride, national rivalry. It’s layered, character-driven, and beautifully slow-burn.
Tropes:
Rivals-to-lovers
International tension
Emotional restraint that eventually snaps
Real curling culture woven throughout
3. Must Love Christmas (Glasgow Lads on Ice #2) by Avery Cockburn
Holiday romance + curlers + Scotland.
While less centered on the sport mechanics than Throwing Stones, this one keeps you in that competitive curling world — teammates, tension, chilly Scottish settings, and warm holiday vibes.
Tropes:
Christmas romance
Team dynamics
Cozy sports settings
Emotional second chances
4. Pride, Prejudice, and Curling Rocks by Andrea Brokaw
Competitive curling meets Austen-inspired romantic tension.
This YA romance brings teen rivalry, regional championships, ambition, and awkward heart-flutters into the rink. It’s lighter, but still full of stakes and emotional sparks.
Tropes:
Tournament drama
Teen angst
Sports-driven coming-of-age romance
5. Knot Letting Go (OlympicVerse Book 4) by Thea Masen & Clover Holloway
Olympic curlers.
Figure skating.
Second chances.
High heat. High stakes.
This 18+ sports omegaverse romance blends Olympic-level curling ambition with figure skating glamour — and layers in pack dynamics, redemption arcs, and intense emotional chemistry.
Pack West wants gold — and public visibility for curling.
They don’t expect to collide with the omega they tormented in high school… now an Olympic figure skater representing Team USA.
When sabotage threatens everything, tensions skyrocket — on and off the ice.
Tropes:
Curling + Olympic setting
Bodyguard/client dynamic
Second chance romance
High emotional intensity
Adult, spicy themes (18+)
6. Curling and Curves (A Lil Love Book 2) by Tilly Tait
Former rugby league star turned amateur curler.
Curvy PR strategist tasked with putting curling “on the map” in Australia.
Forced collaboration. Reluctant hero. Sparks everywhere.
When a medical scare shakes up Australia’s Olympic qualifying team, Dylan unexpectedly lands a curling spot. Enter Crystal — the PR strategist who thinks she’s been demoted from glam sports to “men with brooms and rocks.”
He scowls.
She strategizes.
Neither plans on falling.
It’s playful, warm, and full of chemistry — proving curling romance isn’t just a North American or Scottish thing.
Tropes:
This one brings:
Athlete + PR heroine dynamic
Curvy FMC
Grumpy/sunshine vibes
Underdog Olympic qualifiers
Australian setting
7. Sticks & Stones: A Winter Olympics Novella by Jillian Arly
Team USA women’s hockey star.
Team USA curling skip.
Brother’s best friend.
One bed.
When Olympic Village housing gets messy, the curling team captain swoops in — and suddenly rules feel… flexible.
Tropes:
Female hockey heroine
Male curling captain
Brother’s best friend trope
One-bed forced proximity
Quick, flirty, and Olympic-level chemistry
One of these Curling romance is sure to glide straight into your heart.
Happy Curling Day.
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