6 Must-Read Hockey Romance Books Recommended by Rachel Baldwin
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If you’re living in your hockey romance era, you’re not alone. These icy settings, broody players, and swoony storylines are stealing the hearts of romance readers everywhere. In a recent episode of the What to Read Next podcast, bookstagrammer Rachel Baldwin (@fitteacherrachel) joined us to share her favorite hockey romance book recommendations—ranging from spicy enemies-to-lovers reads to golden retriever NHL heroes.
Whether you’re a longtime sports romance fan or just curious what all the hype is about, this list is guaranteed to heat things up.
Why We’re Obsessed with Hockey Romance
There’s just something about hockey players in romance novels. It might be the fast-paced action, the gruff exteriors hiding soft hearts, or the undeniable team camaraderie that amps up the tension. Even if you don’t know a single rule about hockey, these stories deliver.
Rachel put it best: hockey romance is top-tier sports romance. Let’s dive into her favorite recs.
Rachel Baldwin’s Top Hockey Romance Recommendations
Puck Me Secretly by Odette Stone
This was Rachel’s introduction to the genre and a sentimental favorite. It’s fun, sexy, and full of the playful energy that makes sports romance such a blast.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll enjoy the light-hearted tone, the undeniable chemistry between characters, and a storyline that draws you in even if you’re new to hockey. It’s a great place to start if you’re exploring this genre for the first time.
Iced Out by C.E. Ricci
Enemies with benefits, two hockey players on the ice and off, and plenty of heat—this male/male romance is one of Rachel’s all-time favorites. It’s spicy, emotional, and packed with hockey action.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love high-stakes rivalry, emotional tension, and open-door scenes with lots of heat, this book delivers. The dual hockey player perspective is a standout. Bonus: it’s getting an audiobook and has a special edition cover curated by Rachel herself.
Consider Me by Becca Mack
This NHL-based romance features a true golden retriever hero who is completely obsessed with the heroine. Rachel describes it as long but incredibly bingeable and filled with romantic gestures.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for fans of cinnamon roll heroes, slow-burn chemistry, and hockey set in a professional league. If you like your male leads sweet, persistent, and head over heels, this book is for you.
Powerless by Elsie Silver
Part of the Chestnut Springs series but fully enjoyable as a standalone, this book converted even friends-to-lovers skeptics. With a road trip, mutual pining, and a long-simmering connection, it’s one of Rachel’s highest-rated reads.
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a standout for readers who want more than just steam—it offers deep emotional connection, character growth, and top-tier storytelling. It’s also a great example of how to do friends to lovers right.
Rachel’s Top Hockey Romance TBR
Offside by Avery Keelan
While Rachel hasn’t read this one yet, it’s been generating buzz across BookTok. She’s seen nothing but glowing reviews and has it at the top of her to-be-read list.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book is for readers who enjoy emerging voices in hockey romance, newer authors with fresh takes, and the excitement of discovering your next favorite read before everyone else does.
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
This romance features a grumpy hockey player and a flight attendant heroine who isn’t afraid to put him in his place. It’s packed with tension, sass, and forced proximity.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re into strong female leads, slow-burn attraction, and antagonistic banter with a payoff, this one will keep you flipping pages. It’s ideal for fans of enemies-to-lovers with a travel twist.
About Rachel Baldwin
Rachel is a bookish content creator and mom who shares her favorite reads, trope roundups, and custom reading spreadsheets on Instagram and TikTok under @fitteacherrachel. You can also find book box updates, blog posts, and curated reading lists at rachelbaldwin.com.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
For more behind-the-scenes details on Rachel’s special edition project, why she ranks hockey romance above all, and bonus discussion of tropes, listen to the full episode on the What to Read Next podcast.
Listen now: What to Read Next Podcast