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Sports romance books always seem to be in the spotlight, but for some reason, hockey always steals the show.
I, for one, read The Deal a year ago for the very first time and was absolutely captivated – Elle Kennedy knows how to create characters that will make you fall in love (this is the first book on the list).
And in the other lovely hockey romance books on this list, you’ll find the most heartwarming love between two individuals who open themselves up to give and receive love.
One other thing I should mention is that aside from a majority of the names being hockey puns (there’s a book titled Laces and Lace – as in, the laces for their boots), most hockey romance books are in a series.
So, I’ve made the effort to include the names of the series, and while each book is very much a standalone, other books in the series will follow other teammates and/or friends.
1. The Deal by Elle Kennedy – Off-Campus Series
Hannah wants her crush to notice her, so she agrees to tutor the cocky hockey captain in exchange for a fake date.
Meanwhile, Garrett dreams of a hockey career, but his grades are dropping. He then helps Hannah to make another guy jealous, but they end up having amazing sex.
But then he realizes that he wants more than to pretend with Hannah, so he decides to convince her he’s the one she truly desires.
2. Pucked by Helena Hunting – Pucked Series
Violet couldn’t care less about the hockey players’ playboy reputations, but when she meets Alex, their team captain, she’s immediately stunned by his intelligence.
After a steamy encounter she thought was a one-night stand, Alex decides to full-on chase her, and this he does with calls, texts, and gifts and, soon, she also falls deeply in love with her.
3. Playing For Keeps by Kendall Ryan – Hot Jocks Series
Justin and Elise, his teammate’s sister, are attracted to each other even though they know they shouldn’t be. After winning the championship, they give in to temptation, but Elise runs away in shame the next morning.
Justin can’t forget their night together and realizes he wants more. Despite his efforts to move on, he knows Elise is the one for him. Now, he’s determined to prove he can be what she needs, even if she’s hesitant to believe him.
4. Garrett by Sawyer Bennett – Cold Fury Hockey Series
Garrett loves living life to the fullest, so when he meets Olivia, he sees her as his next fling but they soon start getting closer.
Meanwhile, Olivia is battling serious medical issues and isn’t keen on telling Garrett because she’s worried that he might run away and she’ll lose her only shot at love.
This is one of the most wonderful hockey romance books for adults that you absolutely, absolutely need to check out ASAP if you want a swoony sports romance book.
5. On The Surface by Kate Willoughby — In The Zone Series
Tim, an NHL player, is traded to the San Diego Barracudas after a PR disaster. Erin, a pediatric nurse, catches Tim’s attention when he defends her from a fan at a PR event.
Grateful, Erin agrees to accompany Tim to a press conference and charity event, and when their chemistry blooms, Erin starts worrying that her hockey player could ever have a genuine relationship.
6. Fair Play by Deidre Martin – New York Blades Series
Theresa avoids dating Italians, men from her old neighbourhood, and, in time, Michael, who’s a hockey player for the New York Blades, falls hard for her even though he knows her rule against dating hockey players.
And try as he might, Theresa remains adamant. When Michael then hires her to promote his family’s restaurant, sparks fly, but Theresa meets someone else. Now, Michael must up his game to win her over and show her they are soulmates.
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7. Face Off by Kelly Jamieson – Heller Brothers Hockey Series
Kyla and Tag grew up as siblings, but their unexpected sexual tension absolutely changes things. When they both reunite at a family gathering, they realise that their mutual attraction is still there (in fact, it never left).
But now, Tag is a cynical hockey player who always doubts women while Kyla is an attorney who’s trying to fit in at her office. Their summer week together, though, will change things for them in many ways and they’ll take the leap.
8. The Mane Squeeze by Shelly Laurenston – Pride Series
Gwen grew up on the Philly streets, so she’s as tough as nails, but her best challenge comes in the form of a sweet, suburban Jersey boy who’s also a massive Grizzly shifter with a penchant for honey.
Despite Lock’s intimidating appearance, Gwen finds him endearing and protective, but she’s unaware of a dangerous enemy targeting her.
Meanwhile, Lock, who’s used to those around him being scared, is drawn to her strength and beauty, so even though he doesn’t want to commit, he decides to stop ignoring his attraction to her and face it head-on.
9. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace – Maple Hills
Anastasia Allen has worked hard for a spot on Team USA. At the University of California, Maple Hills, she joins the figure skating team and clashes with Nate Hawkins, the hockey team captain.
She and Nate’s initial dislike for each other changes when she must enlist his help after her skating partner is unavailable and the more time they spend with each other, the more they realise they might not have known each other that well.
10. Laces and Lace by Toni Aleo – Nashville Assassins Series
Lacey and Karson had a perfect love nine years ago, but circumstances drove them apart. Years later, Lacey, a fighter and survivor, has everything but love, while Karson, who now plays hockey for the Assassins, regrets letting Lacey go.
They try their best to move on, but once they get into each other’s orbits again, they start doing what they can to fight for their happiness. This is yet another fabulous hockey romance novel that everyone honestly, honestly, needs to read.
11. Home Game by Odette Stone – Vancouver Wolves Hockey Series
Zoe is poor and struggling to survive when she crosses paths with Ryan Parker, a wealthy hockey player known for his generosity.
She doesn’t trust him at first (with good reason) but ends up accepting his offer when her luck dips and their slow, tentative friendship eventually blooms into the loveliest romance that helps them both grow.
12. Bound by Brenda Rothert – Fire On Ice Series
College senior Kate Camden has realised that she will have to face motherhood alone, but when heartache strikes, she finds herself barely floating above the cacophony of it all.
On the other hand, pro hockey player Jason Ryker looks like he has it all, but he has really been slugging through the devastation and wreckage left behind after a tragedy that rocked his world.
Joined by loss but separated by one too many obstacles, these two broken people try to carve out a slice of happiness for themselves. I always, always recommend this magnificent book to anyone who wants to read a mature hockey romance with depth for days.
13. Delayed by Sophia Henry – Aviators Hockey Series
After losing her soccer scholarship, Auden secured a job as a translator for a Russian hockey player.
But, their working relationship hits a snag when she realizes he’s the same guy who hit on her at a bar. And even though they don’t really get along at first, Auden starts to see a different side of Aleksandr Varenkov.
14. The Pilot & The Puck Up by Pippa Grant – The Copper Valley Thrusters
Zeus Berger, named after the king of gods, is tough, smart, and dominates the hockey rink. He’s known for his skills both on and off the ice, but one encounter leaves him wanting more and he is suddenly determined to prove himself.
Joey, the woman in question, keeps outdoing him. And even though it almost feels ill-fated since he keeps hitting snag after snag, he knows she’s the only one who can tame him.
15. Hot As Puck by Lilli Valente – Bad Motherpuckers Series
Libby asks her best friend Justin, an NHL star, to boost her confidence in the bedroom since she has had a string of bad luck in her dating life.
But, soon enough, their lessons start to blur the lines of friendship as their attraction grows and Justin realizes he wants more than just friendship with Libby.
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16. Breakaway by Lindsay Paige – Penalty Kill Series
Levi Carr, who’s captain of the Roxboro University hockey team, wants to mess with his rival, Trevor McCarthy, but ends up drawn to Presley McCarthy, Trevor’s sister.
On the other hand, Presley is trying to break free from her brother’s shadow and she soon discovers that Levi isn’t the bully she was led to believe.
17. Boyfriend Bargain by Ilsa Madden-Mills – Hawthorne University Series
Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan reluctantly bargains with hockey player Zack Morgan to get on his radar even though she dislikes arrogant athletes as a rule.
But the more they spend time together, the more she finds the lovely man beneath his bravado and her affection for him grows.
Now, Zack is determined to prove his sincerity, but Sugar still struggles to trust him due to his playboy reputation. Will their arrangement lead to love, or will it end in heartbreak?
18. Taking A Shot by Jaci Burton – Play by Play Series
Jenna Riley runs her family’s sports bar, but she’s uninterested in sports herself. And when pro hockey player Tyler Anderson walks in, she knows she’s attracted to him but she’s also hesitant to get involved with a jock.
Despite her reservations, Ty becomes a regular at the bar and encourages Jenna to pursue her own passions. As their relationship deepens, Jenna must decide what she truly wants and if she’s willing to take a chance on love, including with Ty.
This is another super steamy hockey adult romance book that I read once and I just know that anyone who reads will root for Ty and Jen from start to finish.
19. Blindsided by Victoria Denault – Moo U Series
Tate, a lifelong Vermonter, holds three beliefs dear: family farm first, hockey second, and a feud with the Todds next door. But, his illicit side job could jeopardize his hockey scholarship, especially now that Maggie Todd knows his secret.
Their families haven’t had a good relationship for a long time, but, somehow, Tate starts getting drawn to Maggie’s competitive spirit and allure.
But pursuing a relationship with Todd could ignite a dangerous conflict. Will they surrender to their feelings, or will their families’ feud tear them apart?
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20. Meet Your Match by Kandi Steiner – Kings of the Ice Series
Maven is tasked with covering Tampa’s hotshot rookie, Vince Tanev, for a month even though she doesn’t like him.
But, Vince’s irresistible charm and allure slowly wear down her reluctance and the more they spend together, the more the line between hate and lust begins to blur, and Maven struggles to guard her heart against Vince’s seductive advances.
This is another fantastic and beautiful hockey romance book with the most endearing and lovable characters and I loved every single bit of it.
21. Mile High by Liz Tomforde – Windy City Series
Zanders, the notorious bad boy of Chicago hockey, enjoys his role as the team’s troublemaker, but his disdain for the new flight attendant on the team’s plane quickly turns into a battle of wills.
Meanwhile, Stevie, the seasoned flight attendant, finds herself working for the egotistical Evan Zanders, and this challenges her vow to avoid athletes.
22. Cannon by Samantha Whiskey – Carolina Reapers Series
Canon, the NHL’s fastest and most feared skater, wakes up married to Persephone VanDoren after an insane night in Vegas.
They’re polar opposites, but they can’t deny the electric chemistry between them. And, Canon’s dark past and inner demons threaten their happiness.
Though their marriage is meant to be fake, Canon finds himself wanting to be with Persephone forever, even if it means battling their demons together.
23. Always Only You by Chloe Leise – Bergman Brothers Series
Ren has been drawn to Frankie since they first met, as he loved her deadpan humor and rare smile. But, Frankie’s role as the team’s social media manager keeps Ren at bay.
Even though she’s a natural grump, Frankie can’t resist Ren’s sunny disposition and hockey player physique but her many past disappointments have made her wary of getting involved.
When Ren learns Frankie plans to leave the team, he realizes he must work hard to convince her to give him a chance to win her heart before it’s too late.
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24. Harmless by Nicole Edwards – Pier 70 Series
Roan Gregory, one of the owners of Pier 70 Marina, hides a secret that he’s determined to keep under wraps. Meanwhile, Colton Seguine, a defenseman for the Austin Arrows, is hiding his own truth—that he’s gay.
When they meet, sparks fly, and their carefully guarded secrets start threatening to spill. As they try to make the most of their attraction, they must confront their inner demons and decide if their time together will be just a fleeting encounter or something more meaningful.
25. Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy – Him Series
Jamie lost touch with his best friend, Wes, after a drunken night at hockey camp. Now, years later, they reunite as coaches.
Jamie wants closure, but his feelings resurface when he sees Wes, and even though their past wasn’t the most beautiful, they wonder if a night together could ruin their friendship or lead to something more during their summer at camp.
This is another very lovely MM hockey romance book that featured two of the most lovely, most beautiful, and most adorable leads – I loved everything about them and I know you will, too.
26. Gravity by Tal Bauer
Bryce, the star player for the Montréal Étoiles, lives and breathes hockey and he keeps his secret desires tucked deep inside.
He is very focused on the game and winning the Stanley Cup, but, somehow, he finds himself falling for Hunter Lacey, a fellow NHL player, during All-Star Weekend.
Hunter, a less prominent player, is awestruck by Bryce and is thrilled by their unexpected connection. And when Bryce kisses Hunter, their worlds are turned upside down.
27. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid – Game Changes Series
Shane Hollander, captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, is focused on his hockey career and maintaining his spotless reputation.
His rival, Ilya Rozanov, captain of the Boston Bears, is confident and cocky, with undeniable chemistry between them. And even though they have the most intense attraction, Ilya is scared of the risks of pursuing a relationship.
The closer they get to each other, the more they struggle to keep it hidden, since they know the consequences of being discovered. But when their desire for each other surpasses their ambitions on the ice, secrecy becomes impossible.
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If you love hockey romance books as much as I do, then you probably know how important this list is. And, if you loved my recommendations or if there’s anyone I missed out on, let me know in the comment section below.
There are also so many other posts on the blog, but if you’d like to explore some second-chance romance novels where our leads fall in love for the second time, check them out here.
Or, you could also read this list of the most captivating steampunk romance novels you’ll ever read.
