Thirty Love
On sale
2nd July 2026
Price: £10.99
Things heat up on and off the court for two tennis rivals in this steamy debut gay sports rom-com, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Rachel Reid – a must-read for fans of Heated Rivalry.
American tennis star Leo Chambers is determined to win the US Open by thirty, the age when many players feel retirement looming. He’s just a year away from that dreaded birthday, but he can’t find his focus – he hasn’t told anyone he’s gay; he’s clashing with his strict coach (who also happens to be his dad); and he still can’t figure out how to beat his long-time nemesis on tour, Gabe Montoya, who, well, hits different. Gabe is playing better than ever, and Leo can’t seem to escape him – and maybe he doesn’t want to . . .
Leo’s other obstacle is Sascha Volkov, a Russian legend who has such a powerful influence on the tennis world, he would destroy Leo’s career if he found out that he’s gay.
No distractions, Leo reminds himself. But when Gabe makes a shocking announcement, Leo is thrown off his game – in more ways than one.
✨ Tropes ✨
🎾pro tennis
🌈 gay romance
👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽 rivals to lovers
👥 forced proximity
😮💨 slow burn
✨ queer joy & found family
🥵 locker room scenes
✈️ travel porn (nyc, melbourne, paris, london)
💕 Why readers can’t get enough of Thirty Love . . . 💕
‘A fun and fresh rivals-to-lovers sports romance, perfect for fans of Heated Rivalry and queer love stories’ Alison Cochrun
‘Electric on the court, tender off it . . . a queer romance grand slam‘ Sarina Bowen
‘Thirty Love brings the rivals-to-lovers tension and heat we all adore‘ Chip Pons
‘An utterly charming and beautifully written enemies-to-lovers sports romance‘ Blair Fell
‘Not only pure rivals-to-lovers bliss but also a masterclass in what it means to be your own champion’ Matthew Hubbard
‘Filled with queer banter and slow burn shenanigans . . . delightful from first serve to final match point’ Tara Tai
American tennis star Leo Chambers is determined to win the US Open by thirty, the age when many players feel retirement looming. He’s just a year away from that dreaded birthday, but he can’t find his focus – he hasn’t told anyone he’s gay; he’s clashing with his strict coach (who also happens to be his dad); and he still can’t figure out how to beat his long-time nemesis on tour, Gabe Montoya, who, well, hits different. Gabe is playing better than ever, and Leo can’t seem to escape him – and maybe he doesn’t want to . . .
Leo’s other obstacle is Sascha Volkov, a Russian legend who has such a powerful influence on the tennis world, he would destroy Leo’s career if he found out that he’s gay.
No distractions, Leo reminds himself. But when Gabe makes a shocking announcement, Leo is thrown off his game – in more ways than one.
✨ Tropes ✨
🎾pro tennis
🌈 gay romance
👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽 rivals to lovers
👥 forced proximity
😮💨 slow burn
✨ queer joy & found family
🥵 locker room scenes
✈️ travel porn (nyc, melbourne, paris, london)
💕 Why readers can’t get enough of Thirty Love . . . 💕
‘A fun and fresh rivals-to-lovers sports romance, perfect for fans of Heated Rivalry and queer love stories’ Alison Cochrun
‘Electric on the court, tender off it . . . a queer romance grand slam‘ Sarina Bowen
‘Thirty Love brings the rivals-to-lovers tension and heat we all adore‘ Chip Pons
‘An utterly charming and beautifully written enemies-to-lovers sports romance‘ Blair Fell
‘Not only pure rivals-to-lovers bliss but also a masterclass in what it means to be your own champion’ Matthew Hubbard
‘Filled with queer banter and slow burn shenanigans . . . delightful from first serve to final match point’ Tara Tai
Reviews
A stunning, romantic debut that seamlessly balances dedication to family, the deepest love for athletics, and - most importantly - being true to oneself. Readers won't be able to stop themselves from rooting for Leo and Gabe, both on and off the court!
Tom Vellner's debut is an ace! Thirty Love brings the rivals-to-lovers tension and heat we all adore but shines through its tender portrayal of queer joy
One of the best romantic novels of the year
Electric on the court, tender off it. Thirty Love is about choosing yourself - and then choosing each other. Vellner's insight crackles and the writing truly delivers. Leo and Gabe's journey is a queer romance grand slam
Tom Vellner's debut is not only pure rivals-to-lovers bliss but also a masterclass in what it means to be your own champion. Leo's journey on and off the tennis court will grip your heart and refuse to let go until you're smiling with tears in your eyes and cheering as though you're there in the stands - a grand slam of a novel!
Filled with queer banter and slow burn shenanigans, Thirty Love explores how sometimes, we need to change our playstyle to reach the top of our game. Delightful from first serve to final match point
Vellner scores big with his outstanding debut . . . The emotions are heartfelt, and the characters leap off the page. This is an overhead smash
Emotionally satisfying . . . A particularly well-crafted sports romance from a talented new voice. Readers will be clamouring for more from Vellner
Thirty Love is a fun and fresh rivals-to-lovers sports romance, perfect for fans of Heated Rivalry and queer love stories. Vellner's debut is a sparkling treat
An utterly charming and beautifully written enemies-to-lovers sports romance with a great sense of humour and an ending that induced tears of joy! A Grand slam winner!