1. "Him" by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
If "Heated Rivalry" hooked you with the competitive tension between opposing players, "Him" will feel instantly familiar. Two former hockey rivals reunite, and suddenly every unresolved feeling is back in play. The chemistry simmers beneath the competition before boiling over in the best way.
2. "Winging It" by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James
Two pro hockey players, one unexpected team-up and a rivalry that turns personal fast. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is undeniable and the emotional growth feels well-earned by the time you reach the final page.
3. "Wake Up, Nat & Darcy" by Kate Cochrane
This slow-burn romance focuses on two people stuck in a cycle of misunderstandings and emotional distance (bring on the angst!) while working together on a hockey broadcast. As Nat and Darcy are forced to confront their shared history, the book peels back layers of insecurity and deep pining that hit all of the major emotions you want from a romcom.
4. "The Prospects" by K.T. Hoffman
Set in the world of minor league baseball, this novel examines ambition, identity and the sacrifices needed to chase your dreams. The characters grapple with vulnerability, a previous history together and how to feel those emotions in an environment that rewards toughness. It is a perfect choice for readers looking for romance with a hefty side of introspection and baseball puns.
5. "Cleat Cute" by Meryl Wilsner
This upbeat sapphic soccer romance brings together two driven athletes whose lives overlap on and off the field. The story blends humor, competitiveness and genuine emotional development as their connection deepens. Not to mention, the banter between Grace and Phoebe is top tier.
6. "The Deal" by Elle Kennedy
A college hockey player and an ambitious student enter a mutually beneficial agreement that quickly becomes more complicated. As they spend time together, their guarded exteriors begin to crack, resulting in a book that is fast-paced, engaging and endlessly rereadable for romance and hockey lovers alike.
7. "Puck and Prejudice" by Lia Riley
Now for a sillier one, but personally, I like my romcoms on the silly side. In this delightfully strange time-travel romance, a pro hockey goalie is suddenly transported from the present day to 1812 England where he meets a witty young woman determined to secure her independence. The two strike a marriage-of-convenience pact to help each, but it quickly grows complicated as real feelings get involved.
8. The Rest of the "Game Changers" Series by Rachel Reid
Really can't get enough "Heated Rivalry?" Lucky for you, the original series from Rachel Reid contains five other hockey rom-coms, including another that follows Ilya and Shane's story. Each book in this series follows a different player navigating love, career pressures and personal identity. While the settings and some characters overlap, every story focuses on a distinct relationship and emotional arc.