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Christian hockey romance books
Are you a fan of romance novels and hockey? Then this list is for you! With the recent success of some sports-focused romances, there has been an increase in demand for clean hockey romance books. And luckily, there have been authors who have done a great job writing fantastic stories that focus on the sport and its characters.
Here’s a list of my favorite clean hockey romance books that other readers have also enjoyed. So grab your coffee out of the microwave, get comfortable, and let’s get into it!
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What is hockey romance?
Hockey romance is a type of romantic fiction that centers around the sport of hockey and its players, often with a happily ever after (HEA) conclusion. These books typically feature male characters who play or are involved in hockey and incorporate the game’s culture into their storylines.
The stories can involve lots of romance—all while exploring themes like family drama, adversity overcoming challenges, and personal growth. They offer readers an entertaining alternate view of life on and off the ice.
Best Clean hockey romance books
1 | The Breakup Project By Carolyn Miller
Christian Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.30 out of 5 stars
As the New Year begins, romance-loving Bree Karlsson makes a resolution to not date any athlete. But little does she know that her brother’s hockey playing best friend Mike Vaughan might just turn out to be Mr. Darcy and win her heart!
When they team up for a special project together, sparks fly until an unfortunate misunderstanding leads them into Valentine’s Day disaster – will their friendship survive or is it broken beyond repair?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? I recently read this popular Christian hockey book and was blown away by the amazing characters and dialogue. The story was so engrossing that I could hardly put it down. One of the things I loved most about the book was the swoon-worthy sweet romance between the lead characters.
2 | It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren
Christian Contemporary Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.32 out of 5 stars
Eden Christiansen is a hardworking sister who cheers on her younger brother Owen, an NHL rookie. She has ambitions of becoming a reporter but finds herself writing obituaries instead.
Meanwhile, Jace Jacobsen – the team’s veteran enforcer with his own notorious reputation – gets stuck in between them when Owen suffers from a career-threatening injury and Eden discovers something that could be her big break. As they help each other out through their struggles, both must decide if it’s worth taking risks to pursue their dreams or stay content where they are now.
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This book had me laughing and crying with the characters throughout the whole book. The characters were so relatable and they all experienced such great growth as the plot unfolded.
The plot itself followed a classic contemporary romance structure, but it was written so well that it felt fresh and exciting.
“We look at our own problems, and we say… why? Maybe we should look at our blessings and ask the same thing.”
― Susan May Warren, It Had to Be You
3 | My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Christian Contemporary Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.17 out of 5 stars
Kate Donovan is desperate for an escape from her mundane life, so she jumps at the opportunity to join her grandmother in restoring a grand old house in Redbud, Pennsylvania. But when she meets Matt Jarreau – the hired renovator and someone who appears wounded by his past – something else stirs within her heart.
As their interactions change into something more meaningful than either of them expected, will God finally answer Kate’s longing? Or will it require even greater sacrifice on her part?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? I absolutely love clean hockey romance books, and this one is especially great because of its sweet romance, relatable characters with growth, and its main character being a former hockey player.
4 | Wyatt by Susan May Warren
Christian Suspense Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.52 out of 5 stars
NHL Hockey Goalie Wyatt Marshall and Coco Stanley have a secret history that has kept them apart since they were teenagers. Although he loves her deeply, she left him without explanation years ago – until now.
When news reaches him that she’s been shot in Russia with an unknown fate, nothing can stop Wyatt from finding his one true love before it is too late—even if the truth of why Coco left threatens to destroy everything they’ve both hoped for. With danger looming on all sides, will their reunion cost them more than either ever imagined?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This book was truly amazing! Not only did it have so much suspense and angst that kept me up reading late into the night, but it also had a romance that swept me off my feet.
What truly made this book special though, were the characters. They each had an incredible depth, with unique motivations and personalities that felt incredibly real.
5 | Crossing Center Ice by Kimberly Rae Jordan
Christian Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.66 out of 5 stars
Avery Walker has achieved her dream of becoming a physiotherapist with the help of Max Zevardi’s scholarship. But when she is assigned to work full-time on Emily Callaghan, Kenton Callaghan – a professional hockey player – complicates things for her as he turns out to be too close for comfort given events in her past.
Despite being determined to keep it strictly professional between them, there seems something more than that beneath his aloof exterior which makes resisting him difficult yet necessary at all costs for Avery.
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This book is truly a great read because of the amazing main and side characters. Every character has their own personality and background, making them feel so real that I could almost touch them! The plot line also adds to the heartwarming feeling of the book, as it follows a realistic and relatable journey.
Even if you only read this one book, the plot line is strong enough to stand on its own. But if you read the whole series, then you’ll have even more appreciation for all of the amazing characters and their individual stories.
6 | Icing by Debra Sue Brice
Christian Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.27 out of 5 stars
Denie Shaw is a successful businesswoman and cupcake shop owner who seems to have it all – that is until she meets Tom Billingsly, right wing for the Cleveland Monsters hockey team. Despite her past bad relationship decisions, Denie must make a choice: will she allow fear of heartache to dominate or take a leap of faith in trusting God with her life?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? I’m a fan of romantic stories, and this clean hockey romance book is the perfect read for me. The story is sweet and light, with just enough plot to keep me interested and entertained. It has the perfect mix of romance, friendship, and dialogue that I love in my novels.
7 | Desire or Defense by Leah Brunner
Contemporary Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.79 out of 5 stars
D.C Eagles defenseman is known for his temper, resulting in a fifteen game suspension from the NHL and an unexpected youth-hockey coaching gig intended to rebuild his image.
When he meets a feisty blonde who stands up for her little brother against him, something about them melts away all of his defenses – leaving him vulnerable to truly opening himself up again.
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This book is great because it offers a closed-door romance full of swoon-worthy moments. It also follows the classic grumpy x sunshine trope, which is always fun to read and experience.
The banter and dialogue between the two main characters was especially enjoyable. There is some language in the book, but it is very minimal.
“Focus on what you can do in the situation. Not what you can’t control. Love is risky, Mitch. You can’t make someone stay. But you can put in the work, and you can communicate with her.”
― Leah Brunner, Desire or Defense
8 | Crossing the Goal Line by Kim Findlay
Contemporary Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.03 out of 5 stars
Mike Reimer and Bridget O’Reilly are two devoted athletes whose paths cross in an unlikely way. As their love begins to blossom, they must decide if a relationship is worth risking it all – especially for the widowed hockey pro goalie who has already experienced heartbreak on the ice rink. With playoffs quickly approaching, will he let his team down or follow his heart?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This clean hockey romance book has everything that readers look for in a great story. The characters are amazing and relatable, making it easy to connect with them through their stories and experiences. I was especially impressed with the connection and chemistry between the two main characters.
9 | My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh
Contemporary Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.33 out of 5 stars
Struggling with a failing restaurant, debt, and heartbreak, I am taken aback when an unexpected encounter leads to me posing as the girlfriend of hockey’s infamous bad boy Dallas Burke.
Much to my surprise his manager and grandmother have concocted a plan that involves us entering into a fake romance complete with contractual agreements – but beneath it all is something far more real…and if someone doesn’t tell my heart soon enough then it may be too late!
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? I absolutely love the fake dating trope, and this book does an amazing job of bringing it to life! The dialogue between characters is hilarious – I often found myself laughing out loud at the witty banter and funny moments.
It’s great to read around Valentine’s Day too, as it offers up a unique perspective on relationships in a lighthearted way.
10 | Redirection by Beth Scott
Contemporary Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4 out of 5 stars
Rebecca, an ambitious professional seeking a new job, unexpectedly meets Grant – a passionate ice hockey player – after being asked to teach a bocce class. Despite their divergent lifestyles and Grant’s relocation across the continent, they develop a strong bond that begs them to ask if it is worth risking her heart for this connection.
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This book is really good because of its friends-to-lovers trope. It’s a super sweet romance that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. The dialogue between the two main characters is also incredibly funny and witty. It makes for an enjoyable and lighthearted read that you won’t want to put down.
11 | The Offsides Dilemma: A Sweet Young Adult Hockey Romance by Michelle MacQueen
Young Adult (YA) Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4 out of 5 stars
Charlotte Morrison is a figure skater with an unexpected passion for hockey. When Jesse Carrigan, the popular star of the school’s hapless team, lands her in trouble at the principal’s office, he makes a deal to enlist her help and get his losing squad back on track.
With some practice under their belts (and hers!), it remains to be seen if she can trade up from ice princess status and actually play – especially since this coach happens to be none other than Charlotte’s own dad!
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? I absolutely loved reading this sweet YA romance with a fun hockey twist! It was such a heartwarming coming of age story, and I found it really relatable. The simple plot line made it an easy read, with characters that were realistic.
12 | Help Me, Hold Me by Barbara Gee
Christian Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.63 out of 5 stars
Vince Abbot, a talented hockey player whose career skyrocketed after attending the Full Heart Ranch Veterans Retreat Center last summer, has returned to volunteer at the center. He meets Callie and sparks fly between them despite numerous obstacles that stand in their way.
They must brave fear and make difficult choices as they navigate life together with love–and God’s guidance–as their guide.
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? The super cheesy and fluffy romance, coupled with the perfect balance of suspense and drama, made it an incredible read. The insta-love trope was handled exceptionally well by the author; they managed to create a believable romance within a short amount of time, with just enough detail to make it really enjoyable.
13 | If I Choose You by Barbara Gee
Christian Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.55 out of 5 stars
Avery Dane was abducted two years ago and feared to face the public again, so she changed her identity. Despite being in love with Noah Stevenson, pro-hockey player, she chose to keep him away from her as he could have his career ruined by associating himself with a victim of such violence.
She thinks it’s too late for redemption until her best friend believes otherwise and God nudges towards hope; then suddenly Noah appears at her door – can they save each other?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? The characters had such great depth and an amazing growth arc that made me feel like I was truly invested in their journey. Noah, in particular, was so sweet and lovable, and I found myself rooting for him and Avery throughout the story.
14 | Honor’s Reward by Mary Manners
Christian Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.59 out of 5 stars
Hockey star Matthew Bennett is thrown into chaos when his wayward nephew Grayson turns up on his doorstep, and soon he meets Laila Peterson. She has a heavy secret – she gave birth to a daughter at an early age but relinquished her rights for the child’s better future.
With Matt’s troubled nephew enrolling in Second Chances Day School – which was established by Laila as part of her healing process from past mistakes- they both are confronted with their own inner struggles that will ultimately decide if they can find love together despite their tumultuous pasts.
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This book is a great read, especially for those looking for clean hockey romance books. It has strong themes of forgiveness, hope, and second chances that make it a truly inspiring story.
The dialogue between the two main characters is especially compelling, and it was one of my favorite parts of the entire book. It is also a true reminder of God’s power in our lives.
15 | The Wooing of Jane Grey by C.E. Hilbert
Christian Contemporary Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.86 out of 5 stars
Jane Grey is a thirty-something woman who has grown comfortable with her predictable life, but finds herself feeling lonely and longing for something more. Just when she thinks it’s too late to make a change, two very different suitors appear – Practical Paul Wade the successful attorney and Lindy Barrett the pro hockey player.
With their help (and maybe some divine intervention!) will Jane be able find that elusive balance between heart and head as she chooses which one of them should win her love?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? This book is a great read because it has so much fun, and lightheartedness throughout. The characters are so relatable that I can’t help but root for them and understand their situations.
Everyone deserves a happy ending and this sweet romance provides just that. Also, it is set in Columbus, Ohio making it a fun book to read if you are going to or from that area.
16 | Only Her Hockey Legend by Cami Checketts
Contemporary Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.54 out of 5 stars
Quill Chadwick, a hockey superstar and recent victim of false accusations, returns to Mystical Lake for his family’s weddings. There he meets Cora Nelson – the writer who almost destroyed his career with an ill-informed article about him.
When they are unexpectedly snowed in together during their stay at Mystic Lake sparks fly between them despite everything that has happened before. Can Cora find it within herself to tell Quill the truth without destroying what could be a beautiful romance?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? I absolutely loved this book! Its sweet, swoon-worthy romance and unique take on the forced proximity trope was so captivating.
What truly drew me in, though, was the incredible writing style of the author. It had just the right amount of detail and description to keep me interested.
17 | Jade’s Match by Hallee Bridgeman
Christian Sports Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.47 out of 5 stars
Cora Anderson, a silver medalist and social media star, is approached by a cell phone company to launch an artificial media campaign with ice hockey prodigy Davis Elliott. Although their relationship starts off shaky, it eventually blossoms into something real as they engage fans around the world through social media.
But when Davis makes Team USA for the Korean Games he faces racism that Cora can never fully understand – leading to tensions between them just weeks before competition begins. Can this very public couple survive in spite of all odds or will they have to let go of each other once the Olympic flame has been extinguished?
🏒 Why you should read this hockey romance? As a reader, this book was a great experience for me. The novel surrounding the Olympics was well-researched and captivated me from start to finish.
I especially loved the fake dating trope that turned into something more; it was such a slow burn romance that left me wanting more. What’s even better is that the author didn’t shy away from tough conversations, which made the book even more amazing.
FAQs for hockey romance novels
What is clean romance genre?
Clean romance is a subgenre of romance that focuses on the development of love between two people without explicit sexual content. It’s typically a more innocent type of story, where the focus is on the character’s emotional journey and how their budding relationship blossoms over time.
Clean romances emphasize conversations and interactions between the protagonists as they move toward a loving, lasting relationship rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and trust.
What do you call clean romance books?
Clean romance books are typically referred to as wholesome romance or sweet romance, as they focus on pure courtship and the development of a relationship without any explicit content. Some may also refer to them as “closed-door” romances because the physical intimacy is only implied and never explicitly shown in the story.
Is there a market for clean romance novels?
Yes, there is a market for clean romance novels. There is a growing demand for romance stories that are not overly explicit or graphic. Publishers of these books cater to readers who may be more traditional in their tastes and want stories with strong characters, emotionally engaging storylines, and minimal profanity or suggestive content.
This type of romantic story appeals to all ages and can be enjoyed without crossing moral boundaries.
Did you discover the best clean hockey romance books?
Clean hockey romance books provide a unique and heartwarming experience for readers, combining the love of sports with the joys of falling in love. Whether you’re looking for something lighthearted or an emotionally-charged journey that follows two characters as they develop their relationship over time, these novels are sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
With so many clean hockey romances available on Goodreads and the market today, it’s easy to find one that will capture your heart and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! So if you’re ready to dive into a story filled with adventure, emotion, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments – grab yourself a copy of one of these amazing books today!
Thank you for this list! I cannot put this genre down, but am so turned off by the elicit scenes in other books.
That’s awesome, I’m so glad you’re into it! I totally get that feeling too! Oh, and speaking of great reads, I just read this amazing book called “Just Don’t Fall” by Emma St. Clair that has the hockey trope in it. It’s definitely worth adding to your list if you’re looking for more recommendations!