15 Hockey Romance Books You Must Read

Welcome to the thrilling world of hockey romance, where the ice meets passion in a spectacular dance of love and sport. Imagine the chill of the rink, the roar of the crowd, and the heart-pounding action of a hockey game—now, add to that the heat of romance, the complexity of relationships, and the journey of finding love amidst competition and camaraderie.

Hockey romances offer a unique blend of athletic exhilaration and emotional connection, capturing the highs and lows of both the game and the heart. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or a devotee of romance, these stories promise to sweep you off your feet and offer a front-row seat to the drama on and off the ice. Lace up your skates, and let’s dive into tales where love scores the winning goal!

15 Hockey Romance Books (Sports Love Story)

Hockey provides a unique and exciting backdrop for a romance story. The sport’s fast-paced, physically demanding nature adds tension and excitement to the plot. The team aspect of hockey allows for complex relationships and interactions among the characters, including friendships, rivalries, and camaraderie.

Here are the 15 best hockey romance books. They explore the emotional struggles and challenges faced by the athletes and their love interests, adding depth to the story. Let’s play!

1. Off-Campus Series

I recommend the series because it’s an essential hockey romance. The first book is The Deal, the second is The Mistake, the third is The Score, and the fourth is The Goal. Elle Kennedy has new covers for the series, which feature all girls on the covers, which are pretty. There are also newer editions of these books.

The entire series follows a hockey team and a friend group. They’re all hockey players on one team. So it is a college new adult romance. The first book of The Deal follows Hannah, who has had bad luck with guys. She is currently crushing on a guy, and she wants him to notice her.

So she gets involved with this other guy named Garrett, who is helping her make this other guy jealous. Hannah is helping him study because he’s failing his classes, and they fall in love. It’s super cute, and I highly recommend the series. I love the series so much that I consider it one of my favorite hockey romance series.

Author: Elle Kennedy
Publisher: Elle Kennedy Inc.
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: College Romance, Humor, Abuse, Smutty, Playboy, Contemporary
Number Of Pages: 342
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

2. Pucked

This series is very different than your typical hockey romances. The series is very hockey, but the characters are so different and unique to anything else I’ve read in this genre. It is also a huge companion series. The books are Pucked, Pucked Up, Pucked Over, Forever Pucked, Pucked Off, and Pucked Love. There are quite a few novellas in this series as well.

Pucked follows legendary team captains Alex Waters and Violet Hall. Violet’s stepbrother is a famous hockey player, and she’s very familiar with playboys. Then she meets the team captain, Alex, a playboy, and they have one night together. Then Alex keeps texting her, calling her, and wanting to hang out. Things become cuter and fun. I highly recommend this if you love a good comedy romance because Violet is a different creature. I recommend it if you want something light and funny yet has a great hockey aspect.

Author: Helena Hunting
Publisher: Audible Studios
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Erotica, Comedy, Alpha-male
Number Of Pages: 380
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

3. Rookie Move (Brooklyn Bruisers)

This is another of the best hockey romance series I have ever read. There are five books out right now. They still all tie together and feature the same characters. The story follows Leo Trevi, a hockey player, and he and Georgia were high school sweethearts. Leo is her boyfriend from high school, her high school sweetheart. Then Georgia broke up with Leo after he was traded or drafted. He’s assigned to a new team. Georgia works as the PR representative for the team.

So this is a second chance romance. When the story begins, the new coach is arguing with the team owner about a brand new rookie that he has on his team. Georgia hears them arguing and tries to squash the fight before it gets out. So there is a struggle between the two past and present, and they still have lots of feelings for each other.

Author: Sarina Bowen
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Second-chance, Contemporary-romance, Arc, Beta-hero
Number Of Pages: 336
Available: Audiobook | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

4. The Good Luck Charm

This is one of the only hockey romances I’ve ever read that is standalone, but there’s no sequel featuring other characters. Also, it is another second-chance romance. We follow Lilah and Ethan, who were high school sweethearts. Ethan got drafted to a team shortly after high school and is in college. Because of the long distance, Ethan breaks up with Lilah.

Eight years later, Ethan is traded to his home city team and runs into Lilah. They start things back up together, and it’s super cute. It was one of my favorite books of last year and a solid second chance relationship with a great mix of hockey.

Author: Helena Hunting
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Tropes: Humorous Fiction, Fun, Women’s Fiction, Mental-health, Angsty, Second-chance
Number Of Pages: 384
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle

5. Alex (Cold Fury Hockey)

There are 11 books in the series, and then there’s also a spinoff series. These are all companion books, so you don’t have to read them in order either. But I do recommend that you do. It’s just fun that way. The books are Alex, Garrett, Zach, Ryker, Hawke, Max, Roman Lucas, Ven, Reed, and Marek.

The first book follows Alex, a very tough, closed-off guy who is taking a hit to the reputation that his management wants. So he has to take part in this social work situation. There, Alex meets our female character, Sutton, a social worker. She’s very informative with them. I enjoyed this book and the series, with great hockey storytelling and romance.

Author: Sawyer Bennett
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Social Abuse, Erotica, Action & Adventure, Friends-to-lovers, Strong-heroine
Number Of Pages: 293
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

6. A Lie for a Lie (All-In)

This is an accidental pregnancy story. The story follows Rook, who is one of the new players. He meets Lainey in Alaska. They’re spending a few weeks in this remote wilderness, and they are spending it together. Suddenly, Rook leaves, and Lainey doesn’t know how to find him because he never gave her his true name. She has his baby! Then he finds out later on when they accidentally run into each other. It is such a wonderful book as well.

One day,, Lainey meets Rook at a wedding. They’re both guests at this wedding and decide to hook up for the night. She ends up being pregnant from that one night. Then she lets them know what has happened and moves in with him. Rook wants to be a big part of his child’s life, and the forced proximity leads to their inevitable relationship.

Author: Helena Hunting
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Angsty-read, Contemporary, Romantic-comedy, Insta-love-lust, Single-mom-heroine, Baby-surprise
Number Of Pages: 285
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

7. The Year We Fell Down (The Ivy Years)

This is not too huge on hockey, but it is a hockey romance nonetheless. Our heroine, Corey, used to be a hockey player, and she has had an injury where she cannot walk anymore. She’s in this wheelchair, and she is going to college, and she has to dorm in the disability-accessible dorms. There, she meets Adam, who lives next door. He is temporarily disabled because he broke his leg. Also, he is a hockey player with a cast on his leg and walks with crutches. They meet and become a best friend.

So this is a friend to lover situation because he’s already in a relationship when they meet. But this book has hockey themes, and this is their love story. Even though the hockey themes weren’t as prevalent in this book, it was still technically a hot hockey romance. You can check it out.

Author: Sarina Bowen
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Disability, Emotional, Sweet-heroine, Strong-female-characters, Friends-to-lovers, Angst-overload
Number Of Pages: 274
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

8. Him

This is an empowerment series with a duet story. The story follows two guys who met at a hockey camp as boys. Every summer, they would go to hockey camp and meet each other there. They were best friends until something happened, and one of them disappeared from the other’s life. Then, they grew up, and they both went to different colleges.

Now they’re playing against each other for the championship game, so they start their friendship back up. Both agree to coach the hockey camp they used to go to when they were boys. They live very close together and spend every day together, which leads to their romance. I’ve wanted to reread it so bad lately.

Author: Sarina Bowen
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Tropes: LGBTQ+ Romance, Literature Fiction, Forbidden-scandalous, Friendship
Number Of Pages: 360
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD

9. Always Only You (Bergman Brothers)

Ren is a hockey player, and this is his romance with a friend, Frankie. She works for the hockey team as the social coordinator, running all of their social media. So, it is forbidden for them to have any official romance. But Ren is a very sunny character, and she is a grump. Frankie deals with a chronic illness, rheumatoid arthritis, and she walks with a cane, so she has to be careful about what she does.

Somebody breaks into her house, and while her home is being repaired, he offers her a place to stay. So she is staying with Ren. Ren has had a huge crush on Frankie for a long time. Then, this forced proximity draws them closer together. But there is that forbidden issue of them being unable to be together because she works for his hockey team. So, it is one of the best hockey romances for having many tropes and twists.

Author: Chloe Liese
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Comedy, Mental-health, Forbidden-romance, Grumpy-sunshine, Forced-proximity, Slow-burn
Number Of Pages: 355
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

10. Make It Sweet

This is about Lucian, who was a great hockey player. Then, he suffered a bad concussion on the ice, and the doctors told him he could not play anymore. If he played and had another injury, it could kill him. After that, he went to stay with his grandmother. She has an estate-type place where people can come and stay.

Lucian meets this actress (Emma) who is taking a break for a while. Also, Emma has a past tragedy, and she still deals with many mental issues. When they meet, they feel an instant attraction and start a relationship quickly. Their chemistry sparked in a way that caught my heart’s attention immediately.

Author: Kristen Callihan
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Emotional-feels, Family-dynamics, Famous-character, Steamy, Feminist-themes
Number Of Pages: 367
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

11. Deke (Fake Boyfriend)

The first book, Fake Out, is an MM romance that follows a hockey player. Then the second one is Deke, who follows Ollie. He is a hockey player and meets a sports reporter journalist, Lennon. He wants to get the scoop on him and his friends. They hook up, and then Ollie discovers this guy is trying to get a story about him and his friends. He doesn’t want anything to do with him. But this is their love story, and they fall in love.

Another book in that same series is Trick Play. This revolves around Matt, who plays on the same team as Ollie but is an older guy. He’s looking to retire soon, but he is a hockey player. It is his romance with his best friend’s little brother. So, there is an age gap in male-male hockey romance, and their connection is undeniable.

Author: Eden Finley
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: LGBTQ+ Romance, Fake-dating, Enemies-to-lovers
Number Of Pages: 310
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle

12. Bountiful (True North)

This is about Hockey star Dave taking a vacation in the off-season. He ends up in this small town and hooks up with the bartender. Then he leaves and comes back a few years later to return to the small town. Dave enjoyed his stay in this town and wanted to find Zara. When he finds her, she has a big surprise! She’s had a baby, and he finds out it’s his. So, it is a secret pregnancy romance.

Zara has been trying to find him this whole time. So Dave finds out he is a father to his daughter and wants a relationship with her. Their love story finally gets a happy ending. The love scenes with a hockey theme create a great thrill, and you will love Zara’s confidence. So check it out.

Author: Sarina Bowen
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Erotic, Strong-woman, Thriller, Single-parent
Number Of Pages: 315
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

13. Full Measures

Our main character’s name is December, and people call her Ember. Ember and her family are going through some bad tragedies. Her father has recently passed away in the war in Afghanistan. Ember has one younger sister, April, and then a younger brother, August. Ember is the oldest and most responsible sibling. So, she has decided to take care of her entire family. It puts a lot of pressure on her.

At the very beginning of the book, we meet Josh, a hockey star. He’s three years older than Ember. They went to high school together. She’s always had this crush on him. In contrast, Josh was always a bad boy who spent time with girls and had a reputation with girls. He sees Ember is buying a cake for her birthday. So he offers her to get a ride home, and their romance develops.

Josh is the coach of her little brother’s hockey team, and he helps her deal with August and get him to practice on time. That’s how they start to get to know each other. Throughout this book, Josh is hiding a big secret. This will be tough for Ember to overcome because she and Josh have this instant attraction, and they can’t stay away from each other. I suggest you pick this up because it’s a thrilling hockey romance.

Author: Rebecca Yarros
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: Military Romance, Angsty, Family-dynamic
Number Of Pages: 374
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

14. The Risk (Briar U)

This is book two in the Briar University series, a spinoff of the Off-Campus series. The story is about Brenna Jensen, the Briar University coach’s daughter. The off-campus series all took place at Briar University to made-up college. Also, those four books were about four hockey players. We are more focused on the girls. So that was always the boys, and we knew who they were, and they all always had a dual perspective.

Brenna did have a hookup with someone from the previous book on the prior team. But her romance is with Jake Connelly, the captain of the Harvard hockey team. They are enemies, and it is a forbidden romance. Brenna and Jake hate each other because they’re enemies. So, they like to push each other’s buttons and play because they’re rivals.

The first 25% of this book is about them pushing each other’s buttons. Brenna likes to show Jake what he’s missing and will never have. There’s no way she would date the captain of a rival hockey team. But Jake is super into her and likes letting her play her game. I recommend picking it up.

Author: Elle Kennedy
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: Erotic, Rom-com, Arc, Alpha-hero
Number Of Pages: 432
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

15. Puck Me Secretly (Vancouver Wolves Hockey)

Rory Ashford is going home to take over the family business. Max is a hockey player. They’re in a plane crash, and he keeps her calm throughout the ordeal. Then Rory confesses to him in the plane crash while they’re crashing, while she’s afraid that she’s going to die.

Also, she confesses to him that she’s never been in love. Why would you confess to a stranger? We do weird things when we’re going to die! Somehow, they survive! Max gives her one and then walks away. Then it turns out she is the heiress of the Vancouver Wolves.

This book gave me a lot of anxiety because of the nepotism aspect, with Daddy’s little girl coming on to manage the hockey team. Rory grew up doing the hockey thing. So she loves hockey, and she plays everything. I read this book to get to the next one because the next one was recommended to me. You see many tropes like workplace, possessiveness, and one-night relations. So you will love this hockey romance book.

Author: Odette Stone
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: Jealous-possessive-hero, Boss-employee-workplace, One-night-stand
Number Of Pages: 409
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD

5 Spicy Hockey Romance Books

Here are five recommendations that are sure to heat your reading list:

“The Deal” by Elle Kennedy (Off-Campus Series): This New York Times bestseller kicks off the Off-Campus series with a bang, featuring a college hockey star who needs a tutor and the smart, witty woman who agrees to help him… with a few conditions of her own. Their agreement takes them off the ice and into a series of steamy encounters that neither expected, blending humor, heart, and heat in equal measure.

“Pucked” by Helena Hunting (Pucked Series): Violet Hall can’t believe her luck when she starts dating the captain of the hockey team, but their relationship is anything but smooth. Known for its laugh-out-loud moments and sizzling scenes, “Pucked” offers a perfect mix of romance, humor, and steamy hockey action that will leave readers entertained and eagerly turning the pages.

“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: This standalone novel brings together two former best friends, now rivals, at a summer hockey camp. The competitive tension between them soon turns into a different kind of tension as old feelings resurface, leading to a passionate and complicated relationship. “Him” is celebrated for its depth, humor, and the chemistry between its leads.

“Alex” by Sawyer Bennett (Cold Fury Hockey Series): The first book in the Cold Fury Hockey series introduces readers to Alex Crossman, a star player with a bad reputation and a troubled past. His life takes a turn when he’s forced to work with a social worker who challenges him like no one else. Their fiery clashes lead to an undeniable attraction, making for a story that’s as heartwarming as hot.

“The Score” by Elle Kennedy (Off-Campus Series): Another hit from the Off-Campus series, “The Score” focuses on Dean Di Laurentis, a hockey star who lives life on his terms, and Allie Hayes, who’s on the rebound from a long-term relationship. Their unexpected hookup leads to a series of steamy meets and emotional developments that neither was prepared for, blending humor, steamy romance, and sports unforgettably.

5 Hockey Romance Books Kindle Unlimited

“Puck Me Secretly” by Odette Stone (Vancouver Wolves Hockey Series): This novel introduces readers to the intense world of professional hockey through the story of a rising star and the daughter of the team’s owner. Their secret romance is filled with passion, drama, and the high stakes of keeping their relationship away from the media’s and fans’ prying eyes.

“Blocked” by Elise Faber (Gold Hockey Series): This story centers around a female goalie breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport and the star defenseman who can’t take his eyes off her. Their on-ice chemistry is undeniable, but their off-ice encounters truly ignite the pages, making for a compelling read about breaking norms and finding love.

“Boarded by Love” by Toni Aleo (Bellevue Bullies Series): Follow the journey of Jude Sinclair, a college hockey star with NHL dreams, and Claire O’Connor, a young woman trying to escape her past. Their paths cross in an unexpected twist of fate, leading to a romance that challenges their goals and dreams.

“Destined to Fall” by Tamsen Parker (Snow and Ice Games Series): Although not exclusively about hockey, this sports romance features a winter athlete who finds unexpected love with a coach. The blend of snowy settings, athletic ambition, and steamy romance makes it a perfect pick for fans of winter sports and love stories.

“Home Game” by Odette Stone (Vancouver Wolves Hockey Series): Another hit from the Vancouver Wolves Hockey series, this novel dives into the life of a hockey player grappling with the pressures of his career and a newfound responsibility that turns his world upside down. The arrival of a compassionate and spirited woman offers a chance at love but also brings challenges.

5 Ice Hockey Romance Books

“The Deal” by Elle Kennedy (Off-Campus Series): This book introduces us to Garrett Graham, a star hockey player who needs to pass his ethics class to keep playing. He strikes a deal with Hannah Wells, who agrees to tutor him in exchange for a fake date to make her crush jealous. A simple arrangement soon evolves into a deep and unexpected connection.

“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: This novel features Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley, former best friends and hockey players who reunite at a summer hockey camp. Their friendship had ended abruptly during their last summer of hockey camp in high school due to an unacknowledged sexual encounter. As they rekindle their friendship and address past feelings, their relationship turns romantic, offering a mix of sweet, steamy, and heartfelt moments.

“Pucked” by Helena Hunting (Pucked Series): Violet Hall finds herself inadvertently thrown into the world of professional hockey when she starts dating the team captain, Alex Waters. Known for its humor and steamy scenes, the book explores their whirlwind romance filled with quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and the pressures of dating in the public eye.

“Alex” by Sawyer Bennett (Cold Fury Hockey Series): Alex Crossman is a star hockey player known for being cold and aloof. His world changes when he’s ordered to perform community service with a social worker, and he is drawn to her warmth and compassion. Their growing relationship forces Alex to confront his troubled past and opens the door to redemption and love.

“Breaking the Ice” by Julie Cross (Juniper Falls Series): In this young adult romance, Fletcher Scott, popular for his underperformance both in school and on the ice, gets a chance to change his reputation when he’s paired with Haley Stevenson, the perfect student and former figure skater, for a class project. Their partnership starts rocky but soon evolves into mutual respect and deeper feelings, set against high school drama and the competitive world of ice hockey.

5 MM Hockey Romance Books

“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: This novel follows Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley, two former best friends and hockey players who reunite at a summer hockey camp. Their friendship had ended on a complicated note years earlier, but as they spend more time together, old feelings resurface, leading them to explore a romantic relationship. The book is celebrated for its engaging characters, emotional depth, and realistic portrayal of coming to terms with one’s sexuality.

“Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid (Game Changers Series): The story revolves around Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two of the league’s top players portrayed as rivals in the public eye. However, their intense rivalry takes a different turn behind closed doors, leading to a secret and passionate affair. The novel covers the complexities of maintaining a hidden relationship in the spotlight of professional sports.

“Power Play” by Avon Gale (Scoring Chances Series): This installment in the Scoring Chances series follows Misha Samarin, a seasoned player turned coach, and Max Ashford, a former player transitioning into a coaching role after a career-ending injury. Their initial professional relationship evolves into a deeper, personal connection, exploring themes of mentorship, second chances, and the journey toward self-acceptance.

“Breakaway” by Avon Gale (Scoring Chances Series): Another entry in the Scoring Chances series, “Breakaway” centers on Lane Courtnall, a young, openly gay player who’s new to a minor league team in the South. His impulsive behavior on the ice leads to an unexpected friendship and more with veteran player Jared Shore. The novel tackles issues like coming out in professional sports, finding community, and the highs and lows of young love.

“Us” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: The sequel to “Him,” this novel continues the story of Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley as they face the challenges of their burgeoning NHL careers and their relationship in the public eye. The pressures of professional sports, personal insecurities, and health issues test the strength of their love and commitment to each other.

5 Hockey Romance Book Series

Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy: Starting with “The Deal,” this series focuses on the hockey players of Briar University and the women who steal their hearts. Each book offers a standalone story with new main characters while previous characters appear, creating a cohesive world rich in camaraderie, humor, and steamy romance.

Pucked Series by Helena Hunting: Beginning with “Pucked,” this series follows the members of the fictional NHL team, the Chicago Blackhawks, and their romantic entanglements. The series covers the players’ lives on and off the ice with strong, independent female leads and swoon-worthy hockey players in a mix of humor, heart, and heat.

Brooklyn Bruisers Series by Sarina Bowen: Starting with “Rookie Move,” the series introduces readers to the Brooklyn Bruisers, an NHL team, and the diverse cast of characters associated with it, including players, management, and the women they fall for. Bowen’s series is famous for its engaging plots, emotional depth, and the seamless blend of sports and romance.

Cold Fury Hockey Series by Sawyer Bennett: Kicking off with “Alex,” this series centers around the players of the fictional Cold Fury Hockey team. Each book explores different themes and challenges the players face, from dark pasts to unexpected love, creating a compelling narrative that’s as much about personal growth as it is about romance.

Aces Hockey Series by Kelly Jamieson: The series begins with “Major Misconduct” and follows the players of the Chicago Aces hockey team. Jamieson’s novels are famous for their engaging characters, emotional storylines, and passionate romances that develop amidst the pressures of professional sports.

These stories offer much more than just the thrill of the game. They weave together the raw intensity of sports with the profound depths of human emotion, creating a tapestry rich with passion, resilience, and the power of love. In the end, hockey romance reminds us that the greatest victories aren’t always won in the arena but in the moments of connection and love shared between characters who face the challenges of life and sport together.

So, whether the next time you hear the crack of a hockey puck against the ice or feel the flutter of romance in the air, remember the unforgettable journeys and heartfelt love stories that await within the pages of hockey romance novels. Until then, keep the spirit of the game alive in your heart, and may your next read be as exhilarating and moving as a championship-winning goal.

Read More Similar Books:

Sports Romance Books Like The Deal

7 Sports Books Like The Wall Of Winnipeg And Me

20 Playful Sports Romance Books

7 Off-Limits Football Romance Books

Basketball Romance Books

Baseball Romance Books

Soccer Romance Books