Hockey romance books blend the excitement of sports with the warmth of romance, where the ice is cold but the chemistry is hot. These stories feature fierce, passionate characters navigating love and life’s challenges. Perfect for anyone who loves sports, humor, and emotion, they’re an ideal mix of fun, intensity, and heartfelt connection.
TOP 20: best Hockey Romance Books
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy
- Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
- Pucked by Helena Hunting
- Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
- Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan
- Consider Me by Becka Mack
- Mile High by Liz Tomforde
- Offside by Avery Keelan
- Right Man, Right Time by Meghan Quinn
- Pucking Around by Emily Rath
- The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen
- A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting
- Garrett by Sawyer Bennett
- Room for You by Beth Ehemann
- The Risk by Elle Kennedy
- Pucked Over by Helena Hunting
- Alex by Sawyer Bennett
- The Mistake by Elle Kennedy
- The Score by Elle Kennedy
- Taking Shots by Toni Aleo
1. The Deal
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: This story follows Hannah, a smart, relatable college student who agrees to tutor hockey team captain Garrett in exchange for a fake date, which unexpectedly stirs up real feelings.
- Style of writing: Witty, conversational, and lighthearted with depth in character development.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: High—this one sticks with readers for its blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
- Difficulty level: Easy; a casual read that flows well.
- Why read it: It’s an engaging mix of romance and personal growth with a memorable, fun dynamic between the main characters.
2. Him
- Author: Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
- About: Jamie and Ryan, former hockey teammates, reunite at a summer camp, rekindling old feelings in a story that explores friendship and romance in a fresh, LGBTQ+ perspective.
- Style of writing: Emotional, honest, with a focus on character introspection.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Very high—poignant and impactful, especially for its heartfelt representation of love and acceptance.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; emotionally deep but not challenging in language.
- Why read it: This book is deeply moving and relatable, offering a refreshing romance with rich emotional layers.
3. Pucked
- Author: Helena Hunting
- About: A humorous romance between Violet and hockey star Alex, blending fame, romance, and plenty of laughs in an unconventional love story.
- Style of writing: Comedic, edgy, and unapologetically bold with humorous dialogue.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Moderate—it’s more lighthearted but still memorable for its comedic moments.
- Difficulty level: Easy; straightforward, casual reading.
- Why read it: It’s funny, flirty, and different—perfect if you enjoy humor with your romance.
4. Icebreaker
- Author: Hannah Grace
- About: Figure skater Anastasia is forced to share a rink with hockey captain Nate, sparking a heated rivalry that leads to romance.
- Style of writing: Smooth, descriptive, with a focus on character chemistry and sports tension.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: Moderate; memorable for the chemistry between characters and the sports rivalry aspect.
- Difficulty level: Easy; a well-paced read that’s not overly challenging.
- Why read it: Ideal for readers who love a good sports romance with strong, competitive personalities.
5. Playing for Keeps
- Author: Kendall Ryan
- About: Justin, a professional hockey player, falls for his best friend's sister, Elise, making for a complicated and heartfelt romance.
- Style of writing: Engaging, with straightforward language and plenty of romantic tension.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Moderate; touching without being too intense.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: It’s a sweet, close-to-home romance with lovable characters and a satisfying storyline.
6. Consider Me
- Author: Becka Mack
- About: Carter Beckett, a well-known NHL player, meets Olivia, a teacher, challenging his notorious playboy lifestyle.
- Style of writing: Romantic, warm, and with an emphasis on character transformation.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: High; a lasting read with heartfelt growth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: It’s a relatable story about change and growth with an addictive, romantic plot.
7. Mile High
- Author: Liz Tomforde
- About: Zanders, a hockey player, and Stevie, a flight attendant, have a turbulent romance that tests both of their wills.
- Style of writing: Bold, intense, and fast-paced.
- Length: Approximately 125,000 words.
- Year written: 2023
- Emotional impact: High; exciting and memorable for its high-energy romance.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; quick pace with rich character dynamics.
- Why read it: It’s a thrilling, whirlwind romance with high stakes and humor.
8. Offside
- Author: Avery Keelan
- About: Bailey, a college student, crosses paths with Chase, a hockey star, leading to a romance that must navigate various challenges.
- Style of writing: Light-hearted yet intense, with a mix of humor and drama.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Moderate; fun and engaging with moments of depth.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: It’s a relatable college romance with a forbidden love angle that keeps readers hooked.
9. Right Man, Right Time
- Author: Meghan Quinn
- About: Oliana enters a fake relationship with hockey player Silas, which quickly grows into something real.
- Style of writing: Fun and humorous with a hint of emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words.
- Year written: 2023
- Emotional impact: Moderate; entertaining and satisfying.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: It’s an enjoyable fake-dating story with plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.
10. Pucking Around
- Author: Emily Rath
- About: Rachel, taking a new job with the Jacksonville Rays, finds herself involved with three hockey players in a love story with multiple romantic angles.
- Style of writing: Bold, romantic, and slightly unconventional.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: High; memorable for its unique take on relationships.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: It’s a unique, multi-angle romance that keeps readers on their toes.
11. The Year We Fell Down
- Author: Sarina Bowen
- About: Corey, sidelined from hockey by an injury, and Adam, her neighbor, find comfort and love in each other.
- Style of writing: Poignant, character-driven, with a strong emotional core.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: High; a touching story that resonates.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; thoughtful and well-paced.
- Why read it: This is a heartwarming story of resilience and romance, perfect for fans of character growth.
12. A Lie for a Lie
- Author: Helena Hunting
- About: RJ’s unexpected romance with Lainey takes a turn when secrets come to light, challenging their relationship.
- Style of writing: Light and humorous with emotional twists.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Moderate; emotional yet fun to read.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: This is a feel-good romance with lovable characters and a touch of drama.
13. Garrett
- Author: Sawyer Bennett
- About: Garrett Samuelson’s carefree hockey star lifestyle is turned upside down when he meets Olivia.
- Style of writing: Romantic and fun with a focus on character transformation.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Moderate; a satisfying read with character depth.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: It’s a sweet story of personal change with a feel-good romance.
14. Room for You
- Author: Beth Ehemann
- About: Single mom Kacie’s life changes when hockey player Brody takes refuge at her inn during a storm.
- Style of writing: Cozy and heartfelt with a small-town feel.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words.
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: High; warm and touching.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: It’s a comforting romance with family themes and a likable hockey hero.
15. The Risk
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: Brenna, a coach’s daughter, starts a secret romance with Jake, captain of a rival team.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced and flirty with strong dialogue.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Moderate; fun with elements of depth.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: It’s a witty, forbidden romance with strong chemistry and plenty of banter.
16. Pucked Over
- Author: Helena Hunting
- About: Lily and Randy start a no-strings-attached fling that quickly turns into more.
- Style of writing: Humorous and easygoing.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Moderate; entertaining with a touch of romance.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: It’s light-hearted and perfect for readers who enjoy playful romances.
17. Alex
- Author: Sawyer Bennett
- About: Alex Crossman, a hockey star with a rough reputation, meets social worker Sutton and starts to open up.
- Style of writing: Emotional, character-focused.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: High; relatable with meaningful themes.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: It’s a heartfelt story with characters who learn and grow together.
18. The Mistake
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: John Logan, a hockey player, tries to win over Grace after a mistake that nearly ruins his chance with her.
- Style of writing: Light-hearted with emotional undertones.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words.
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Moderate; a blend of humor and heart.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: It’s fun, flirty, and relatable with a memorable romance arc.
19. The Score
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- About: Allie and Dean agree to a no-strings arrangement that quickly gets complicated.
- Style of writing: Bold and funny with emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words.
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Moderate; memorable for its balance of humor and romance.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: It’s a funny, steamy story that’s hard to put down.
20. Taking Shots
- Author: Toni Aleo
- About: Photographer Elli Fisher falls for hockey captain Shea Adler, testing her insecurities.
- Style of writing: Romantic and tender, with a strong focus on character growth.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year written: 2011
- Emotional impact: High; heartwarming and empowering.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: It’s a sweet, relatable romance with endearing characters.
Conclusion
I think hockey romance books are the perfect blend of game-day excitement and heartfelt love stories, delivering passion, resilience, and humor in every chapter. Among my top picks are The Deal, Him, and Pucked. Each one brings its own unique twist—from witty banter to deeply emotional connections—and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a romance as intense as a championship game. Whether you’re a sports fan or just love a great love story, these books offer the ideal mix of heart and excitement.
