The beloved ice hockey romance, Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, just became a TV series and the acclamation in North America is louder than a goal horn when the biscuit is in the basket. Ice hockey can be sweaty, brutal and profane, but when it comes to sports romance, we can’t seem to get enough. It is overwhelmingly the most popular sport in romance, bar none.
Heated Rivalry follows the lives and love of fictional professional ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as they face their mutual attraction, their growing feelings, and the pressure of professional sports to hide their sexual orientation.
We have yet to see a professional male ice hockey player come out in real life, but female ice hockey players have been out for a while. Ironically, in this time when the Professional Women’s Hockey League is setting records across North America, lesbian hockey players in romance are few and far between. This is ironic because there are swoon-worthy examples of real-life Sapphic ice hockey romances. Take for example, Julie Chu and Caroline Ouellette. Julie was the captain of the USA women’s Olympic ice hockey team. Caroline was the captain of the Canadian women’s Olympic ice hockey team. Both forwards absolutely dominated the game and played during some of the peak years of rivalry between the USA and Canada. And yet, they fell in love and navigated a lot of what you see in Heated Rivalry. Eventually their romance became publicly known and they claimed their happily ever after. Today they’re married with two children. Sounds like a great premise for a romance novel.
But when it comes to gay men, Heated Rivalry isn’t the only book in the subgenre. In fact, Reid herself has written an entire series about gay hockey players, which is providing inspiration for the TV show. Gay men on ice abound, and there’s sure to be an ice hockey series sure that will deliver the action, thrills and romance you’re looking for. Grab your jersey and sharpen your blades. Here are some ice hockey series you don’t want to miss.
Him Series by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Bowen and Kennedy have popular ice hockey series written independently, but together they’ve created Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning, a couple with serious Shane and Ilya vibes. After years of being best friends, Ryan convinces Jamie to take a dare that changes their relationship forever. The three books in the series, Him, Us and Epic follow Ryan and Jamie at different points in their lives as their relationship blossoms, and they discover what happens when they open their hearts to one another and share their relationship with the world. Epic, the final book in the series, has a resolution that’s not to be missed.
Ice Hockey Duology by Tal Bauer
When it comes to intense emotion, few writers can match Tal Bauer. While his two ice hockey romances aren’t officially a series, they are in a shared universe. In Gravity, Hunter is a middling player surprised to be invited to All-Star Weekend where he can meet his hero, Bryce, the league superstar. An unexpected connection on and off the ice leads to monumental decisions for both men.
The Rest of the Story follows Morgan, a journeyman hockey player traded to the worst team in the league. This veteran player doesn’t get involved and doesn’t do relationships, so it’s a shock when he’s made co-captain of the Outlaws. He’s even more shocked when his co-captain kisses him, and he must decide who he wants to be.
Crashing and Hat Trick Series by Samantha Wayland
Wayland’s universe centers around the Morrison family ice hockey dynasty, their offspring, and the people they pull into their orbit and become found family. This series is worth reading in order so you can watch how the characters and their relationships evolve. Each book feels like catching up with old friends and being welcomed back into the family. And if you ever wanted to read a romance about a veteran superstar and an English earl getting together to build a hockey team, Wayland’s got that, too.
Punk as Puck Series by E.M. Lindsey
Some gay ice hockey series take place in a universe where men can be openly gay. This series takes it a step further and creates a universe that has professional para and blind ice hockey. The characters are gritty, tough and tender, and their personal growth and healing is an integral part of their development as athletes and their search for love.
Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series by Emily Rath
Most hockey romances bring the heat, but if you like them hot enough to melt the ice, the Rays are your guys. Not only are these books extra steamy, several books have characters in committed polyamorous relationships. But don’t let the spice fool you—Rath brings a deep understanding of relationships, and how love strengthens us and enriches our lives—all against fast-paced ice hockey action.
Puck Struck Series by Kate Cochrane
While this sizzling Sapphic series features former female ice hockey players, the emphasis is on their lives off the ice. Both books feature engaging characters and witty banter. Here’s hoping the success of the Professional Women’s Hockey League inspires more books about women playing the game and finding love.