21 Hockey Romance Books That Will Melt Your Heart
Welcome to the ultimate face-off in the world of literature where the thrill of the ice meets the heat of romance. Our curated list of the 21 best hockey romance books is the perfect blend for fans who crave the excitement of the game with the intensity of a love story. These novels score big, offering everything from the gritty competition of the rink to the passionate encounters off it. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or a romance novel enthusiast, these hockey romance books deliver heart-stopping moments both on and off the ice. Get ready to dive into stories where the clash of sticks and pucks is only matched by the clash of hearts, proving that love can flourish in the most competitive of environments.
1. He’s Not My Type by Meghan Quinn
Word to the wise, never become roommates with a girl you’ve been pining over for the better part of a year.
You’re probably wondering why I would do such a thing? Well, I didn’t.
It was my teammates.
The moment they found out Blakely White was single, they took it upon themselves to play cupid and instruct me on how I should win her over.
Don’t wear a shirt around her.
Make her dinner.
Lightly touch her shoulder when you say goodbye.
I’m so flustered, so overwhelmed, so madly in love with this woman who barely notices me, that I lose control of the situation and make one huge mistake: I offer to be her fake date for a wedding so she can make her ex jealous.
That means, for one whole night I get a free pass with her. I get to hold her, dance with her, kiss her…stare at her from across the room like she’s my entire world because she has been for months now.
But when the night comes to an end, I’m faced with two options: bring her back to my bedroom and show her how I really feel, or let her walk away, succumbing to the fact that I very well might not be her type.
2. The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
Gigi Graham has exactly three goals: qualify for the women’s national hockey team, win Olympic gold, and step out of her famous father’s shadow. So far, so good, except for two little things. Fine–a little thing and a big, grumpy thing. She needs to improve her game behind the net, and she needs help from Luke Ryder.
Ryder is six-foot five, built, opinionated, rude…and sexy as hell. But he’s still the enemy.
Briar’s new hockey co-captain has his reasons, though. The men’s team just merged with a rival program, leaving Ryder with an angry roster where everyone hates one another’s guts. To make matters worse, the summer coaching spot he’s angling for with the legendary Garrett Graham is out of reach after he makes the worst possible first impression on his hero. So, really, this compromise with Gigi is win-win. He helps her make the national team, she puts in a good word with her dad.
The only potential snag? This bone-deep, body-numbing, mind-spinning chemistry they’re trying to ignore. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing, but the risks just might be worth it.
3. Meet Your Match by Kandi Steiner
The headline says it all, and my bosses are over the moon when the opportunity of a lifetime lands in my lap. Of course, they aren’t aware that I’ve already met Vince Cool at an all-star gala – and that we were at each other’s throats the entire time.
It doesn’t matter that he’s the kind of hot that shows God has favorites – messy brown hair, heated hazel eyes, the smirk of a rockstar, and a scar over his eyebrow that makes every woman particularly feral.
He’s a rich, cocky playboy – a brand I’m all too familiar with, and one I’m determined to never be around again.
But after my coverage of the gala stirs up buzz, the team’s General Manager and my CEO strike a deal. To help fill the arena at home games, I’ll get up close and personal with Tampa’s new shiny toy. Whether he’s at practice, playing in a game, partying, or drinking coffee half-naked in his condo – I’ll be there for all of it.
Vince gets under my skin like no one else. It isn’t long before that paper-thin line between hate and lust blurs, and being around him every waking minute of the day leaves no chance to escape his devilish stare.
The air crackles between us. The tension is hot enough to melt my inhibitions.
But I know the way this story ends. I’ve lived it once before.
As much as I work to guard my heart, my body is a traitor – and if this man puts his hands on me, I know I’ll submit to desire.
I thought one month with Vince Tanev was a game I could win easily.
But I might have just met my match.
4. Offside Hearts by Nikki Lawson
Rule #1 for becoming an NHL team’s social media manager:
Don’t hook up with the star center in an elevator a week before starting your new job.
Uhh… oops.
Okay, so I already broke the first rule. But just because Noah Blake knows what my ‘O’ face looks like, that doesn’t mean he’ll ever get to see it again.
This job means the world to me, and I won’t risk it for anything—not even for a hockey captain with a crooked smile, a dangerously talented tongue, and gorgeous blue eyes that make my heart race.
Not even when he shows up at my door to comfort me in the middle of a thunderstorm.
Not even if he’s determined to show me just how incredible we could be together.
Falling for a hockey player was never part of my plan. The only problem is, there’s a little voice in my head that keeps whispering…
Maybe he’s right.
5. Bad Intentions by Mila Kane
Lily
His name was Cayden, and he was a golden boy, an instant hit with everyone I knew.
But the mask chipped and cracked in front of me, and I saw underneath.
If I hadn’t, maybe everything would have been different.
Maybe he would have let me go.
I guess I’ll never know.
I saw him, and I can never change that.
Most importantly…. he saw me.
Now, the Coach says he’s staying with us for the season, in the room right next to mine…
I’m locked inside with my bully, and he’s watching my every move.
6. Blind Pass by Teagan Hunter
What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there.
I would know. I’m coming home with a brand-new ring on my finger.
My wife? Ryan Bell.
We’re polar opposites.
She’s sunshine and happiness.
I’m grumpy and scarred—literally.
We could get it annulled and no one would be the wiser.
Only problem? We posted about it online, and it’s already making headlines.
I can’t afford to get that kind of attention and tank my career, and Ryan needs my help too.
We make a plan: stay married for one year, play our roles, and divorce amicably at the end. No harm, no foul.
Besides, there’s no way the beauty is going to fall for the beast…
Oakley Hutton, the hockey prodigy. The guy ready to grab the sports world by the balls and finally live his dream.
Octavia Layton, the girl unable to move beyond her broken past, fearful of her childhood betrayal following her through her new adult life.
Two polar opposites with only one thing in common. Their inability to stay away from each other.
Two people pushing the other in ways they’ve never experienced, forcing them out of their comfort zones and making them forget how different they really are after all.
There are a few things that life doesn’t prepare you for. Like what to do when a super-hot guy catches you sneaking around in his basement. Or what to do when a mysterious package shows up with tickets to a hockey game because, apparently, he’s a professional athlete. Or how to handle it when you get to the game and realize he’s freaking famous since half of the 20,000 people in the stands are wearing his jersey.
I thought I was a well-adjusted adult, reasonably prepared for life. But one date with Jackson Wilder, a viral video, and a “I didn’t know she was your mom” incident, and I’m suddenly questioning everything I thought I knew.
But he’s fun. And great. And I think I might be falling for him.
But I don’t know if he’s falling for me too, or if he’s as much of a player off the ice as on.
I met my dream girl.
That’s right. She’s stunning and the worst bartender I’ve ever seen.
I should have gone home and gone to sleep—dream girl or not. I had an early morning and the season was starting soon. But when she threatened me with boy band karaoke I couldn’t help myself. I went. The stars aligned.
I have never felt more alive or wanted anyone more than I want her.
When it’s time for me to head on my annual pre-season boys trip, I barely let her go.
It’s been a week and I can’t stop thinking about her.
Except there she is. Right here at the Wildcat’s kickoff party.
And as luck would have it, my dream girl is the coach’s youngest daughter.
But everyone knows the coach’s daughter is off limits. Right?
10. My Lucky #13 by Piper Rayne
Lucky.
The one adjective used to describe my entire hockey career. I prefer to call it hard work, at least I did until my game went to complete crap. I haven’t scored in eight games and the team owner is talking about trading me.
I’ve never believed in superstitions. Never needed one. I suppose I was “lucky” in that way. But now the best way to refer to me is desperate. I’d wear the same socks for an entire year just to be the high-scoring center I used to be.
Imagine my surprise when after spending New Year’s Eve with a woman, I score a hat trick in the next game—that’s three goals in one game for you non-hockey lovers. Now, I have to track her down and bribe her to do it again before every game. Get your mind out of the gutter, I’m not talking about it.
I find her and when I get to know her better, I end up spending more time thinking about her than my game, but she’s made it clear she wants no part of me. She’s going to learn that I didn’t become a professional hockey player without having to fight for what I want.
11. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
12. The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting
Lilah isn’t sure what hurt worse: the day Ethan left her to focus on his hockey career or the day he came back eight years later. He might think they can pick up just where they left off, but she’s no longer that same girl and never wants to be again.
Ethan wants his glory days back. And that includes having Lilah by his side. With her, he was magic. They were magic. All he has to do is make her see that.
Just when Lilah might finally be ready to let Ethan in, though, she finds out their reunion might have nothing to do with love and everything to do with improving his game. But Ethan’s already lost her once, and even if it costs him his career, he’ll do anything to keep from losing her again.
13. Pucking Around by Emily Rath
My name is Rachel Price, and two months ago I walked away from The Perfect Man—sweet, funny, and so sexy he should be illegal. We shared one magical night. No names. No strings. I never thought I’d see him again. I was wrong.
As it turns out, Mr. Perfect is the playboy grinder for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL’s hottest new hockey team . . . and thanks to the ten-month fellowship I just landed, I’m his new physical therapist. Imagine my anticipation as those familiar muscled legs walk towards me, the way my pulse races as he reaches out to . . . shake my hand. The jerk doesn’t even recognize me!
This is going to be the longest ten months of my life. Because now Mr. Perfect Mistake is determined to use his every seductive trick to win me back. Meanwhile, I also have to contend with his best friend the surly team equipment manager, and an exasperatingly stubborn, superstitious goalie who’s convinced I’m his good luck charm.
This is my chance to prove myself, and I’m not risking it for anything. But between one unexpected night, and one secret revealed, these men are ready to test all my limits. Still, I can’t fall for a player—let alone three. Or can I?
14. Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer
He’s the hot, grumpy goalie I had a crush on in high school… and now I’m his live-in assistant.
After my ex crushed my dreams in the music industry, I’m done with getting my heart broken. Working as an assistant for an NHL player was supposed to be a breeze, but nothing about Jamie Streicher is easy. He’s intimidatingly hot, grumpy, and can’t stand me. The guy has a massive ego. Keeping things professional will be no problem, even when he demands I move in with him.
Beneath his surliness, though, Jamie’s surprisingly sweet and protective.
When he finds out my ex was terrible in bed, his competitive nature flares, and he encourages and spoils me in every way. The creative spark I used to feel about music? It’s back, and I’m writing songs again. Between wearing his jersey at games, fun, rowdy parties with the team, and being brave on stage again, I’m falling for him.
He could break my heart, but maybe I’m willing to take that chance.
Carter Beckett is the NHL’s resident bad boy, top player both on the ice and in the bedroom, and quite possibly the sexiest man to ever grace my field of vision. But worst of all? He knows it.
He’s arrogant, self-centered, and the man doesn’t seem to know what a filter is, let alone how to use one. He’s had everything served to him on a silver platter, including endless strings of women, and apparently, I’m up next.
His only problem? I have no intention of falling for his shi—um, charm.
I have the solution to all my sexual frustrations in a drawer at home, and it’s far less complicated than Carter Beckett. Sure, he may be pretty, but he’s also a walking, talking reminder for you to wrap it before you tap it.
But then I start letting my guard down, and he starts showing me pieces of himself I had no intention of seeing. The bricks surrounding me may be tumbling down one by one, but I’m not sold yet, which means for the first time in his life, Carter’s the one begging.
For my time, my trust, for a single chance.
For me to just…consider him.
16. Until I Get You by Claire Contreras
3 years ago, she ruined my life. Now I’m going to return the favor…
My reputation at Fairview University preceded me. I was the projected number-one pick in the NHL draft and the fan favorite at the rink. People wanted to be me or be with me.
Except for Lyla James Marichal.
She didn’t look at me like I was her next meal. She eyed me with disdain.
Instead of vying for my attention, she ignored me and pushed me away.
She was completely unattainable, and I became obsessed with her.
When I finally got her, it felt like I was on top of the world. I was going to help the team win another championship, going into the draft, and had Lyla by my side.
And then, without warning, she left me.
Vanished.
It took me three bitter, angry, long years to find her, but I did, and now she owes me a lot more than just an explanation.
Three years ago, she ruined my life.
Now, I was going to become her worst nightmare.
17. Double Pucked by Lauren Blakeley
When I discover my boyfriend is cheating on me, I move out right away taking what I love most – my dog. As I fly out the door, I make sure to swipe the thing my ex loves best. The VIP tickets he won to a hockey game, complete with the chance to spend an evening with the city’s two biggest NHL stars.
I can’t wait to snap selfies with my ex’s idols and rub it in his face.
Except, when I head out with the two hockey studs, they have something else in mind besides sweet revenge. Would I like to spend the night…with both of them?
Talk about the VIP experience. That’s what I get for one knee-weakening, sheet-grabbing night. In the morning, I plan to return to my bestie’s house to crash on her couch with my dog.
But when they learn what happened with my awful ex, they ask me to be their temporary roomie for the week. Oh, and one of them needs my help with his grumpy reputation. The other? Well, he wants me to be his fake date at an upcoming wedding.
Looks like I’m about to get double pucked. Again.
18. Desire or Defense by Leah Brunner
I’m not the hero in this story.
I’m the villain…
The notoriously angry, grouchy, D.C. Eagles defenseman that just can’t keep his temper in check. The temper that leads to a fifteen game suspension from the NHL.
As if that’s not bad enough, I’m forced into a short term youth-hockey coaching gig. Which my manager swears will “rebuild my image.”
But what I didn’t expect was for a gorgeous, spunky blonde to stomp onto the ice on day one and lecture me about being rude to her little brother.
Something about this spitfire of a woman, and the boy she’s so protective of, has my defenses melting.
And if I’m not careful, I’ll burst into flames, forever melting the ice I’ve carefully kept around my heart.
19. The Pucking Wrong Number by C.R. Jane
One text to the wrong number…mine…and everything changed.
He won’t tell me his last name, and maybe that should throw up a thousand red flags, but 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.
The question is…is he still the wrong number, or can this hockey god prove he’s Mr. Right?
I never wanted to be a nanny.
That wasn’t part of my carefully crafted, five-year plan. The one I formulated after getting a second chance at life. Neither was losing my heart to the beautiful baby boy I’m taking care of. Even if I saw that coming the moment I laid eyes on him.
Falling in love with his father . . . now that, I didn’t see coming.
But I dare anyone to spend time getting to know the real Jace Kingston . . .
The man behind the hockey jersey, grumpy attitude, and panty-meltingly gorgeous face.
The one who sweetly sings his son to sleep . . . who holds him with such care.
The same man who knows exactly how to light every inch of my body on fire.
The one I can’t resist.
It was supposed to be one year of my life.
I’d pay off my student loans.
He’d get through his first season of pro hockey.
Then I’d help him find my replacement.
If only it was that easy.
Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn’t afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn’t so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy . . . not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.
As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people—like Alex, who’s been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team’s effort to clean up his image. What she doesn’t expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn’t one to cross professional boundaries—and besides, Alex doesn’t do relationships . . . or does he? The more she sees behind Alex’s bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.
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