These 9 Hockey Romance Books Will Hold You Over Until “Heated Rivalry” Season 2

Book influencer and Penguin Random House content creator Kimmy Nwokorie says that this book is not only one of her favorites, but also serves as one of the most classic hockey romances out there, making it a must-read. College student Hannah Wells plans to tutor the captain of the hockey team, Garrett Graham, to gain her crush’s attention. However, things don’t exactly go as planned, and they may just end up falling for each other. The book has even been turned into a television series, named Off Campus, which will premiere later in 2026 on Prime Video.

This title will really feed Heated Rivalry stans. It focuses on the friendship-to-lovers trope, with Bowen describing it as a “real page-turner.” Ryan had a moment at hockey camp with his best friend, Jamie, that shook him to his core—so much so that he cut himself off from his best friend. Six years later, the pair is back together, coaching at the same hockey summer camp, reigniting old feelings Ryan tried to bury. Bowen says that you’ll learn nothing about hockey in this “hot” and “sweet” story, “other than how hot the men can get.” Consider us sold.

In the wise words of Nwokorie: “Who doesn’t love a fake dating, ex-rivals romance?” How else are you supposed to get back at your ex, than with flaunting a new fake boyfriend named Rory Miller, a professional hockey player? Not so surprisingly (and most deliciously), the romance turns out not to be fake after all. This is a popular BookTok title that’s received over 138,500 ratings on Goodreads, focusing on tropes like the golden retriever hero, boy obsessed, forced proximity, and, of course, fake dating. It’s a “fun” read that you’ll speed through.

Talk about a power couple. This Black romance, recommended by Nwokorie, consists of one male (Sam) and one female (Aderyn) hockey captain—both of whom are clearly competitive. Sam is a resident playboy who makes a bet with Aderyn that he can’t be a one-woman kind of guy. Sam then finds himself skating through the bet, as Aderyn makes him rethink everything he’s wanted thus far. Read on to find out if these opponents turn this fake dating scenario into a whirlwind romance.

Bowen describes this book as a “swoonworthy, delicious hockey romance that punches your face with feelings — without even giving you a mouthguard first.” The main character, GiGi Graham, is set on qualifying for the women’s national hockey team and winning the Olympic gold medal, apart from her father’s shadow. Luke Ryder is willing to help her improve her game, but with nothing less than a cocky attitude. With the chemistry that festers between the duo, we’re pretty sure you can guess what happens next!

If you love a classic bad boy, look no further than Consider Me. Carter Beckett is arrogant, self-centered, and undeniably sexy. A woman would never fall for his charm—that is, until she lets her guard down, and Beckett shows glimpses of himself that no one else has ever seen. Nwokorie says it’s the perfect option for those who “love a found family feel” (the concept where an isolated person seeks belonging, safety, and love).

Nwokorie cites this title as the “spiciest” book on the recommended list, but advises that just because the scenes have a tendency to get hot and heavy, doesn’t mean that there isn’t “good depth” showcased within the main characters. Competitive figure skater Anastasia Allen has worked hard to be considered for Team USA, and not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins, is about to stand in her way. When they’re forced to share a rink after a facility misunderstanding, things become, well, complicated.