THIRTY LOVE
Coming March 10, 2026
Things heat up on and off the court for two tennis rivals in this steamy debut gay sports romcom perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Casey McQuiston.
American tennis star Leo Chambers is determined to win the US Open by 30, 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—considering 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 longtime 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 escape him.
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.
Ready? Play.
Thirty Love is a must-read for fans of queer sports romances.
PRAISE FOR THIRTY LOVE
“Vellner scores big with his outstanding debut . . . The emotions are heartfelt, and the characters leap off the page. This is an overhead smash.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“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.”
—Alison Cochrun, USA Today bestselling author of The Charm Offensive
“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.”
—Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of the Hockey Guys series
“An utterly charming and beautifully written enemies-to-lovers sports romance with a great sense of humor and an ending that induced tears of joy! A grand slam winner!”
—Blair Fell, USA Today bestselling author of Disco Witches of Fire Island
“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!”
—CE Ricci, USA Today bestselling author of Iced Out
“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!”
—Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge
“Filled with queer banter and slow burn shenanigans, Thirty Love explores how sometimes, we need to change our play style to reach the top of our game. Delightful from first serve to final match point.”
—Tara Tai, author of Single Player
“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.”
—Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You
MORE INFO
Literary agent: Bibi Lewis, Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
Publisher: Alcove Press, distributed through Penguin Random House
Cover artist: Débora Islas