I’ve told anyone who would listen that I love Hockey Romance and most have had the same response: how is Hockey Romance a thing? I can’t really describe why I’ve always been so drawn to it. Maybe it’s a love for hockey, maybe it’s the love story between an often gruff guy who doesn’t know himself and another who knows himself well. I have a few favorites I feel compelled to mention in case anyone stumbles into the genre. Obviously everyone’s heard of Heated Rivalry by now, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
My Top 3 (So Far)
Heated Rivalry
By Rachel Reid
Published by Carina Press
This is one of those rare instances where the second book in a series captured the attention of the world more so than the first. The story of Ilya and Shane is so compelling as you follow a decade of their lives defined as much by career success as by the growing love they share on the edges of their very public lives. It’s extremely spicy while being incredibly romantic, and it’s one of my favorite romances.
Him
By Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Published by Tuxbury Publishing LLC
This is the novel that started it all for me. It’s a deep lost love reunited story between two guys who didn’t understand their feelings for each other and are overwhelmed when they reunite in adulthood. The story takes place over a summer thanks to a forced proximity roommate situation at the camp where they first met as teens. It’s steamy, romantic, and especially exciting when you read the two sequels.
The New Guy
By Sarina Bowen
Published by Tuxbury Publishing LLC
This starts off another MM hockey romance series by Bowen, centering on an oft-traded hockey player who has never had love in his life. He’s afraid of that part of himself and when he finally allows himself to fall for one of the team’s trainers, we see love bloom that ends up defining both of them. It’s romantic, intriguing, and features a solid showdown with the haters in his life.
A Few More Favorites
The Genre Nerd 
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