The Best Hockey Romance Books — According to BookTok

BookTok has seized control of the literary scene, and there’s a fascinating phenomenon emerging within the realm of romance novels: hockey. Yes, enthusiasts are devouring the sports romance sub-genre — and we’ve curated a selection of books endorsed by TikTok. Keep reading to uncover your next hockey romance book.

Ask any fan of romance books for a book recommendation, and they will most likely refer you to The Deal by Elle Kennedy — an author who is best known for the hockey romance niche.

Published in 2015, The Deal follows the love story between a star college hockey player named Garrett and Hannah, an intelligent wannabe songwriter.

The author told TODAY.com in November 2023, that she wrote The Deal as a break between the book series she was working on, something “just fun” for her. ICYMI, Elle was previously known for suspenseful adult romances, which included love interests who were mercenaries or Navy SEALs.

As she’s born and raised in Canada, she gravitated toward the sport and is a fan herself.

Thankfully, readers ate it up. Its success led to three more books, which followed a different player on the hockey team. Then came four more books which followed the hockey team’s younger members.

“I’m sure there are lots of different things that draw readers to (the sub-genre). I think hockey … it’s more physical. It’s fast,” she said of the genre’s appeal. “Readers like to imagine, ‘Oh, I’m the girl that this pro athlete is going to fall for, pick out of the stands.’”

The books have become so beloved on BookTok, fans are dying to see the love story between Garrett and Hannah come to life!

“So I am not allowed to comment on any of that,” the author teased of a possible movie adaptation. “Things are always happening. I will say also, there’s strikes going on, so a lot of things are on hold. But yes, I am hopeful, let’s just say.”

Elle Kennedy’s books aren’t just the only ones in the hockey romance sub-genre! Scroll through our gallery for some good hockey romance books that come BookTok recommended.

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‘Icebreaker’ by Hannah Grace

Plot: Anastasia Allen, determined figure skater aiming for Team USA, clashes with Nate Hawkins, the hockey team captain, when they’re forced to share a rink. Despite their initial animosity, circumstances push them closer together, sparking unexpected feelings and challenging Anastasia’s preconceptions about hockey players.

‘The Graham Effect’ by Elle Kennedy

Plot: In The Campus Diaries series opener, Gigi Graham, aspiring hockey star, strikes a deal with Luke Ryder, a rival co-captain, to improve her game. Despite their animosity, sparks fly between them, complicating their arrangement as they navigate attraction, rivalry, and the pursuit of their goals.

‘Shutout’ by Avery Keelan

Plot: In Shutout, a sudden cross-country move lands the protagonist with her brother and his hockey teammates as roommates, including her anonymous Halloween hookup, superstar goalie Tyler Donahue. They agree to keep their past a secret, but their attraction intensifies, leading to a no-strings arrangement that quickly becomes something more. As they navigate their feelings amidst the chaos of college life and hockey schedules, they find themselves breaking their own rules and falling for each other.

‘Famous Last Words’ by C.W. Farnsworth

Plot: In Famous Last Words, Harlow Hayes, a swimmer, finds herself at odds with Conor Hart, the cocky captain of the hockey team who thrives on ice. Despite their differences and a shared history, Harlow is determined to resist Conor’s charms. However, as they navigate their complex relationship, she discovers that her resolve may not be as strong as she thought.

‘The Good Luck Charm’ by Helena Hunting

Plot: In Lost and Found, Lilah is faced with conflicting emotions when Ethan, her former flame and hockey star, returns after eight years apart. While Ethan is determined to rekindle their magic, Lilah is wary of opening old wounds. However, as they navigate their past and present, Ethan must prove that his intentions are genuine, even if it means risking everything for a second chance at love.

‘Offside’ by Avery Keelan

Plot: In Heartbreaker, after a painful breakup, Bailey seeks solace in a night out, where she encounters Chase Carter, her ex’s rival. Despite an embarrassing mishap, Chase surprises her with kindness, leading to unexpected sparks between them. As they navigate their growing attraction amidst a bitter rivalry, she must choose between loyalty to her past and following her heart towards a risky but undeniable connection with Chase.

You're WelcomeAll of the Best Hockey Romance Books According to BookTok

‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy

‘The Fake Out’ by Stephanie Archer

‘Collide’ by Bal Khabra