Originally published on 1/9/26

When Rachel Reid started writing Heated Rivalry, the second book in her bestselling Game Changers series, she had no idea just how beloved the queer hockey romance would become. In fact, she initially only started sharing the series on a fanfiction site to combat her writing anxiety. “Most of it was written in the dark on my iPad, when I was able to steal a few minutes while waiting for my sons to fall asleep,” she shared on her website. “Because I had zero confidence about my writing abilities, I decided to write a fanfiction version. I posted it one chapter at a time on AO3—I was blown away by the support the story got there.” Fast forward eight years, when the anticipated book-to-screen TV adaptation of Heated Rivalry hit screens—and became an overnight phenomenon. The series shot to the #1 spot on HBO Max and was swiftly renewed for another season. So if you’re impatiently waiting for the second season or need to scratch your Shane and Ilya itch, you’re in the right place! To tide you over, we combed through dozens of hockey romances—from M/M (male/male romance) to M/F (male/female romance) and more—and rounded up the 10 must-read books like Heated Rivalry. 

If you’re in the mood for a book that’s heavy on hockey and romance, pick up Winging It by Ashley Kane and Morgan James. More in the market for an unexpectedly emotional romance set in Seattle? Try Blindside Hit by Tierney Rose. And for Heated Rivalry fans that want a sneak peek of season 2, we highly suggest diving into The Long Game by Rachel Reid. Keep reading for the rest of our picks!

‘Heated Rivalry’ by Rachel Reid

In the novel that inspired the hit TV series, pro hockey star Shane Hollander believes nothing can throw him off his game—not even his dangerously sexy rival Ilya Rozanov, who is just as cocky as he is talented. On the ice, the two are bitter enemies battling for dominance. But off the ice, their chemistry is impossible to ignore. A swoon-worthy enemies-to-lovers romance packed with tension, passion and heart, Heated Rivalry will have readers falling head over hockey stick.

What readers are saying: “I actually read this because of the show. Waiting a full week between episodes became unbearable. I needed to know what happened next! What started as curiosity turned into something I genuinely didn’t expect: I picked up the book thinking I’d skim and instead I absolutely devoured it. I couldn’t put it down. I came for answers because I couldn’t wait a week. I stayed because Heated Rivalry gave me one of the most compelling, emotional and passionate love stories I’ve ever experienced, on screen and on the page.” 

‘The Long Game’ by Rachel Reid

The final book in Reid’s Game Changers series brings readers back into Shane and Ilya’s world—this time with everything they love on the line. When Ilya decides he can no longer hide who they are, Shane is forced to choose between true love or his carefully crafted public image. 

What readers are saying: “I was so excited to return to Shane and Ilya because while they had a seemingly happy ending in Heated Rivalry, there was so much more to learn about them. I loved how this book felt even heavier than the first book—and we were able to dive even deeper into these beloved characters.” 

‘Offside’ by Avery Keelan 

Fans of Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace will flip for Offside. The plot follows Bailey James, who decides to get involved with her ex-boyfriend’s biggest enemy, Chase Carter, after being dumped on her 21st birthday. The only hitch? He isn’t as rude as he seems. Now Bailey must decide whether Chase is truly trying to win her heart—or just trying to get back at his rival team. 

What readers are saying: “This is my first book by this author, and all I can say is Avery Keelan is a QUEEN when it comes to hockey sports romance!  Chase Carter is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. He’s confident, sweet and has a mouth on him that never fails to have you laughing, blushing or swooning. Bailey James’ transformation throughout the book is so fun to watch. She grows and discovers who she is and it’s such a beautiful and important thing to see, it was also nice to see some of Chase’s confidence rub off on her.” 

‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy

This book remains a reader-favorite novel in Romancelandia—and just like Heated Rivalry, it’s getting a TV adaptation on Prime in 2026! This swoon-worthy story follows Hannah Wells, who is desperate to get her crush’s attention, but has no idea how. Enter the confident and charismatic hockey player Garrett Graham. Garrett has one goal: to make it to the NHL. The problem? His grades are terrible and his graduation is at risk. Desperate for help, he asks Hannah to tutor him—and in return, he’ll help make her crush jealous. It’s the perfect plan…until one kiss changes everything. As Garrett and Hannah begin to fall for each other, they discover that despite their differences, nothing is going to tear them apart. 

What readers are saying: “Seriously, I cannot wait for you guys to meet Garrett. He is one of the best heroes I’ve read so far. He’s definitely arrogant and can be quite a handful, but he’s also the sweetest and the most loyal hero ever. I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful this character is. Truly a standout hero in my opinion.”

‘Him’ by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

From bestselling authors Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy comes a must-read romance featuring a tattooed hockey player with a broken heart. Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out why he and Ryan Wesley aren’t friends anymore. So what if they were a little drunk at a hockey camp and sparks flew? It meant nothing. Or did it? Meanwhile, Ryan has always felt horrible about the bet he coaxed his Jamie friend into. Now, their college teams are set to face off at the national championship. What follows is a story of friendship, romance and unexpected love.

What readers are saying: “The audio for this book was really, really excellent, and a good audiobook always bumps up my rating and improves my feelings about a story. There are two narrators for this story: Teddy Hamilton, who did the voice of Jamie Canning, and Jacob Morgan, who did the voice of Ryan Wesley. I preferred the narration of Jacob Morgan for his sexy, understated performance, but both guys did a phenomenal job.”

‘Winging It’ by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James

If you’re a fan of the “teammates-to-lovers” trope, you’ll adore Winging It. After being outed, hockey star Gabe Martin is convinced his life is over—until the unexpected happens. His fun-loving teammate Dante Baltierra steps in to comfort him, but that doesn’t mean he has feelings for him…right? At first, it’s just two teammates spending time together. Or is it? Hilarious, heartfelt and impossible to put down, this novel is a must-read for hockey romance fans.

What readers are saying: “This book was filled with wonderful characters in addition to a lot of information about what goes on off the ice, injuries, trades and a look at what the players go through. I have no doubt that anyone who loves hockey would definitely love this book, but that wasn’t what held my interest; it was Dante. Dante is the most amazing character who is open and honest about who he is and is always the life of the party.” 

‘Icebreaker’ by Hannah Grace

With more than 1 million ratings on Goodreads, Icebreaker by Hannah Grace took BookTok by storm when it was released in 2022. The plot follows figure skater Anastasia Allen, who is forced to share a rink with the very cocky—yet very handsome—hockey star Nate Hawkins. Right off the bat, the two don’t get along, but after an incident forces Hannah’s skating partner off the rink, she has no choice but to turn to Nate for help. Can they put their feelings of hatred—and their attraction to each other—aside for a chance at the trophy? Only time will tell. 

What readers are saying: “After reading this, I see why book girls are obsessed with hockey players. I put this book off for a long time because I had never read a sports romance and I didn’t think it would be something I would enjoy. Once I started reading them, though, I decided it was time to read Icebreaker. I cannot believe that I put this book off for so long! It was 1000 percent worth the hype!” 

‘Blindside Hit’ by Tierney Rose writing as Michaela Grey

This 2020 novel by Michaela Grey follows hockey star Adam Caron, who finds himself shaken after a single drunken night with Etienne Brideau. Etienne, however, isn’t confused—he knows he likes Adam, but fears the feeling isn’t mutual. That all changes when Adam reaches out, and the two soon find themselves entangled in more ways than one.

What readers are saying: “I’m on a hockey roll for some reason and this hit Every. Single. Spot. The dynamics were fun and amazing. The main characters were easy to like and then to love. No real team issue, while that does have its place, I feel it can be overused, but not with this one. Major kudos to the author for finding a much better conflict.” 

‘The Au Pair Affair’ by Tessa Bailey

From bestselling author Tessa Bailey comes a single dad romance that’s impossible to put down. When Tallulah agreed to be a nanny for the handsome hockey star Burgess, she had no idea what she was signing up for. Now she lives in a super nice neighborhood with a brooding older man and his introverted tween daughter, Lissa, who just wants her parents to get back together. If only her dad’s chemistry with the nanny wasn’t getting in the way. Now Tallulah must decide if she should follow her head and leave the family alone or follow her heart and potentially get everything she’s ever wanted in life. 

What readers are saying: “If you told me I’d fall in love with a man named Burgess, I’d cackle at you… but here I am. I loved every part of this book. I loved Burgess as a person, his inner monologue, his rude awakening. I loved his teammates just as much. I really felt connected with Talulah and her feelings throughout the book.” 

‘Double Pucked’ by Lauren Blakely

When it comes to popular romance tropes, roommates-to-lovers is an absolute fan-favorite—and Lauren Blakely’s Double Pucked executes it excellently. After discovering her boyfriend is cheating, Trina moves out of their apartment—and takes his most prized possessions with her. This includes his VIP hockey tickets, which land her in the same room as Ryker and Chase, two of the world’s biggest hockey stars. Soon, the three find themselves living together and caught in a love triangle no one saw coming. Can Trina choose who she wants to be with? As it turns out, she might not have to. A very spicy story that will have romance and hockey fans swooning!

What readers are saying: “What’s better than one boyfriend? Two boyfriends! Trina is one lucky girl. Ryker is bearded and tattooed and sexy, while Chase is protective, ripped and sexy. I love how they treat Trina and that they put her needs first. I mean, sharing is caring and these boys care. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.”

Written with Melissa D’Agnese

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/steamy-hockey-romance-books