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There’s something irresistibly swoony about ice hockey romance books, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the blend of brute strength and soft-hearted vulnerability. Or maybe it’s the image of a rough-and-tumble athlete, all scuffed knuckles and cocky grins, falling hard—really hard—for someone who sees past the fame, the pressure, and the persona. Whatever the magic ingredient is, the hockey romance trope has carved out a big, cozy space in our hearts—and in our bookshelves.
The hockey player’s love interest has a special kind of appeal. These heroes are used to life on the ice, where everything is fast, intense, and physical. But off the rink? That’s where things get interesting. Maybe they’re emotionally guarded, a little damaged, or carrying the weight of the spotlight. Maybe they’re arrogant stars who’ve never had to chase anyone—until now. Or maybe they’re the golden boys of their teams who melt into absolute puddle-of-goo boyfriends when they fall in love.
The best hockey romance books give us all that and more—banter that zings like a slapshot, slow-burn steam that builds until it bursts, and love stories that go deeper than any penalty box drama.
Whether you’re into steamy opposites-attract setups, angsty enemies-to-lovers slow burns, or sweet and spicy fake-dating tropes, there’s something in this subgenre that’ll melt your heart like spring ice.
And let’s be honest: we don’t just come for the romance—we stay for the locker room chaos, the found-family dynamics, the protective teammates, and the behind-the-scenes glimpse of life as a pro athlete. There’s something intoxicating about that blend of raw masculinity and emotional vulnerability, especially when it’s wrapped in a jersey and paired with a killer sense of humor.
So whether you’re already a fan of sports romance or just dipping your toe into the world of swoony hockey heroes, this list has you covered. These hockey romance books are packed with chemistry, charm, and characters you’ll fall head over skates for.
Grab your Kindle and a cup of something cozy—we’re diving into a lineup of stories that are just as heart-pounding as a sudden-death overtime.
Ice Hockey Romance Books
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team. Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Two months ago, I walked away from the perfect man. Sweet and funny, and so hot it should be illegal—we shared one magical night. No names. No strings. I never thought I’d see him again. I was wrong. It turns out Mr. Perfect is the playboy grinder for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL’s hottest new hockey team…and I’m his new physical therapist.
Stick Handled by Vitina Rose
Avery’s home from college and living next door with her brother, my best friend and team captain. She’s still the shy, bookish smokeshow I remember. She wants to break out of her shell and sharpen her flirt game — on me. Her idea of flirting? Clumsy. Adorable. And completely dangerous. I may be obliterating the Bro Code, but our scorching secret nights are worth every risk.
Brutal Obsession by S. Massery
He shattered my leg, and now he wants to ruin the rest of me. Greyson Devereux is a menace–but only to me. To everyone else, he’s charismatic. He’s the son of a senator and the star of the university’s hockey team. When all I want is to be invisible, he drags me into the spotlight. He wants my blood, my fear, my attention. Resisting him only worsens his obsession.
The Pucking Wrong Number by C.R. Jane
When I’m all alone in a new city and struggling to make ends meet, his texts are the lifeline I’ve been desperate for. But I never would have answered that text if I’d known that Lincoln Daniels, superstar hockey player extraordinaire was the one sending them. He’s trying to sweep me off my feet now. He says he’s obsessed. He wants me wearing his number…permanently.
Consider Me by Becka Mack
Olivia Parker isn’t new to professional hockey players, thanks to her best friend’s boyfriend, but she has no interest in dating one herself—no matter how hot he is. And anyway, she loves working as a teacher and hanging out with her best friend, drama-free. Why would she want to spend her time stroking the ego of an arrogant athlete?
The Flirty Forward by A. J. Manney
Sebastian Hart, the flirty forward for the Green Thunder, has mastered the art of keeping women at arm’s length with his carefully crafted player persona. But when he crosses paths with Stephanie, a no-nonsense history teacher, sparks fly in a way he never expected. Convinced she’s the one, Sebastian makes a bold move that backfires.
Collide by Bal Khabra
An ultimatum from Summer Preston’s thesis advisor thrusts her into an unexpected collision with the hockey team’s captain, Aiden Crawford. She’s caught between conflicting desires of fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a sport psychologist. And once she meets Aiden—well, let’s just say he confirms all her worst assumptions about hockey players.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Hannah Wells has finally found someone. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.
Make It Sweet by
The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation. Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond.
Unsteady by Peyton Corinne
Rhys Koteskiy is back—at least, he’s supposed to be. During last year’s Frozen Four, the Waterfell University hockey captain and NHL legacy took a brutal hit that left him with a concussion and a new discomfort on the ice. Plagued by nightmares and panic attacks every time he attempts to skate, Rhys wonders if he’ll ever play again—or if he’ll ever want to.
The Boyfriend Goal by Lauren Blakely
In the morning, I learn the filthy-mouthed man with the talented hands is not only the hotshot new hockey player on my brother’s team: he’s also – wait for it – my brand new roommate. I’m a good student turned good librarian. A rule-follower. I’m not the kind of girl who does complicated flings. So we agree to another rule: friends-only. Soon, I’m falling hard for my brother’s teammate.
Triple Power Play by Jessica Lyn
When I bump into Aurora out of the blue, it feels like destiny. She’s pregnant and alone, and I’m more than willing to be the man she needs. Everyone believes the baby is mine, and as much as I wish it were true, it’s impossible. Turns out, it’s Ethan Blackwood’s, my overbearing head coach, and he’s refusing to walk away. So, I play the game.
Lost in You by Brenda Rothert
The two of us are the unlikeliest of partners when we find ourselves stranded in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. My hockey playing skills are of no use here, where the bitter cold is my new opponent. And Trinity Lorenzo? She’s about as warm as a block of ice. I get it, she’s fleeing an abusive boyfriend and she and I are strangers. But I always keep my word.
Fierce Obsession by S. Massery
Knox Whiteshaw is my husband. He’s also an egotistical psychopath who refuses to divorce me—even when I ask nicely. It doesn’t matter that I’m trying to move on with the goalie of his NHL team. Knox is dead set on ruining everything. My upcoming wedding, my future, my sanity… The man can hold a grudge like no other, and I am public enemy number one.
Is there anything better than the slow unraveling of a grumpy hockey player’s heart? Or watching a bold, take-no-crap heroine put a cocky athlete in his place—only for him to fall absolutely, irrevocably in love with her? That’s the beauty of hockey romance books: they give us tough exteriors, tender moments, sizzling tension, and all the vulnerable undercurrents that make a love story unforgettable.
Whether you’re into spicy steam, deep emotional arcs, or just want to live vicariously through all the banter, game-day adrenaline, and off-the-rink shenanigans, there’s something here to make you swoon.
From steamy college dorms to glittering professional arenas, these stories bring the full package—raw passion, messy feelings, and characters you can’t help but root for. And the best part? There’s always room for more on your TBR shelf, because hockey romance is one of those tropes that never gets old. Every author brings a fresh spin, every story skates its own line between sweet and spicy, and every book reminds us why we fell in love with this genre in the first place.
So, whether you’re a seasoned romance reader or new to the world of hockey hunks and the people who love them, I hope you found a few new favorites to add to your stack.
And if you’ve got a beloved puck-wielding book boyfriend I didn’t mention? Let’s talk in the comments—because I’m always, always ready for another hockey romance recommendation. 💙⛸️
