Books Like “Icebreaker”

Wildfire

Hannah Grace

2023

In Hannah Grace's contemporary romance, *Wildfire*, a star hockey player finds himself unexpectedly sharing a small apartment with the team's new, fiercely independent physical therapist. Their forced proximity ignites a slow-burn tension fueled by witty banter and the undeniable pull between them, all while navigating the pressures of college athletics and their burgeoning feelings. Told from dual perspectives, this New York Times bestseller explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and the sweet relief found in someone who champions you, even amidst the chaos.

Hayley Wickenheiser

Elizabeth Etue

2014

In this book, simple text and full-color photographs describe the amazing life of Hayley Wickenheiser! Hayley is a Canadian women's ice hockey player who was the first woman to play full-time professional hockey in a position other than goalie. She is also a member of the Canadian women's national ice hockey team, and has won several golds for Canada at the Olympic Games.

The Scandal: Published in the U.S. as Beartown

Fredrik Backman

2017

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove returns with Beartown--an instant New York Times bestseller--about a forgotten town fractured by scandal, and the amateur hockey team that might just change everything. People say Beartown is finished. A tiny community nestled deep in the forest, it is slowly losing ground to the ever encroaching trees. But down by the lake stands an old ice rink, built generations ago by the working men who founded this town. And in that ice rink is the reason people in Beartown believe tomorrow will be better than today. Their junior ice hockey team is about to compete in the national semi-finals, and they actually have a shot at winning. All the dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys. Being responsible for the hopes of an entire town is a heavy burden, and the semi-final match is the catalyst for a violent act that will leave a young girl traumatized and a town in turmoil. Accusations are made and, like ripples on a pond, they travel through all of Beartown, leaving no resident unaffected. Beartown explores the hopes that bring a small community together, the secrets that tear it apart, and the courage it takes for an individual to go against the grain. In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world. "Like Friday Night Lights, this is about more than youth sports; it's part coming-of-age novel, part study of moral failure, and finally a chronicle of groupthink in which an unlikely hero steps forward to save more than one person from self-destruction" (Kirkus Reviews).

Hockey the NHL Way

Sean Rossiter, Paul Carson

1996

This book offers young readers an inside look at the fundamental skills and strategies of professional ice hockey. It breaks down key positions like goaltending and defense, explaining the techniques and tactics used by NHL players. Through clear explanations and likely illustrations, it aims to educate aspiring players and fans on how the game is played at its highest level.

Jean Béliveau

Jean Béliveau, Jean Beliveau, Chrys Goyens, Allan Turowetz

1994

Few professional athletes have been as loved and respected as Jean Béliveau, captain of the fabled Montreal Canadiens during the team’s glory years in the 1950s and 1960s. His career on ice was followed by an equally successful career in the Canadiens' front office. First published in 1994, this classic biography has been fully updated to reflect the events of the past decade, from his battle with cancer to his frank assessment of the game today, including the consequences of expansion and the fallout from a cancelled season.

The Chase

Elle Kennedy

2018

In Elle Kennedy's *The Chase*, Hannah Wells, a determined graduate student, finds herself unexpectedly entangled with college hockey captain Jake "McNasty" Mclntrye when a prank gone wrong forces them into a shared project. As they navigate their academic and personal lives, the initial animosity between them gradually gives way to undeniable attraction and burgeoning feelings. The narrative explores the complexities of their relationship amidst the pressures of college sports and academic ambition, ultimately focusing on their journey towards understanding and commitment.

Game Changer

French Edition by RACHEL REID

2018

In this contemporary MM sports romance, hockey star Alex "The Rocket" Rossi finds his carefully constructed life disrupted by the arrival of a new, openly gay teammate, Liam. As they navigate the intense pressures of professional hockey and the public eye, their undeniable chemistry ignites, forcing them to confront their feelings and challenge the expectations of their sport and themselves. This novel explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the courage it takes to pursue love and authenticity in a demanding world.

That One Night

Emily Rath

2023

Read the spicy prequel novella that launched the international bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series! "Tonight, we're just two people lost in a city not our own." My name is Rachel Price, and the sky is officially falling. Imagine being at your brother's wedding brunch when you get an email that crushes all your dreams. I didn't win the Barkley Fellowship. My rising career in sports medicine has just come crashing down. So here I sit, alone in this swanky hotel bar, ready to drown my feelings in bitters and bourbon. Then suddenly, in walks...him. THAT ONE NIGHT is the spicy prequel novella to PUCKING AROUND, a 'why choose' hockey romance. For a list of tropes, tags, and content warnings, please check my website.

Mile High

Spanish Edition by Liz Tomforde

2023

In Liz Tomforde's "Mile High," aspiring sports journalist Natalie discovers her dream internship with the Chicago Blackhawks is complicated by a steamy, anonymous hookup with a player. When she realizes her new hockey star crush is the very same person, she must navigate the blurred lines between professional ambition and undeniable attraction. This contemporary romance, part of the Windy City series, offers a witty and passionate look at the challenges of forbidden office romance within the high-stakes world of professional hockey.

Pucking Around

Emily Rath

2023

Si el amor es una competencia, ellos juegan para ganar. Me llamo Rachel Price y hace dos meses me alejé del hombre perfecto tras una noche inolvidable, sin nombres ni ataduras. Pensé que jamás volvería a verlo. Me equivoqué. Él es el jugador estrella del nuevo equipo de hockey en el que trabajaré como fisioterapeuta. Su mejor amigo, el jefe de equipo más antipático del mundo, no deja de estar encima de mí. Y el portero se cree capaz de ocultarme su lesión. Todo cambia tras una inesperada noche y un secreto que sale a la luz. Los tres miembros del equipo están dispuestos a poner a prueba todos mis límites. No puedo enamorarme de un jugador... y mucho menos de tres.

Pucking Wild

Emily Rath

2023

FEATURING NEW EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT! Discover the internationally bestselling, off-the-charts sexy, inclusive, poly, kink-friendly, hockey romance that helped make the Jacksonville Rays a Tiktok sensation - now with exclusive, never-before seen material! Sparks fly when fiery plus-sized corporate lawyer and a hot-shot young hockey star rehabbing an injury are forced to play roommates in a story that proves age is just a number! In the latest spicy novel in the bestselling TikTok hockey romance series, age is just a number, size doesn’t matter, and love is love is love . . . My name is Tess Owens and my life is officially on fire. I never thought dancing at my best friend Rachel’s wedding would be the match to ignite the flame. But with one lingering touch, one longing look . . . and one sneaky caterer with a camera phone, my almost ex-husband is ready to torch me, professionally and personally. So I do what I do best: run. Straight into Rachel’s arms in Florida, where she’s the team doc for the NHL’s Jacksonville Rays. Star forward Ryan Langley is out with an injury and in need of a place to rehab. I get the surprise of my life when he shows up at my door—declaring himself my new roommate. I came here with six weeks to launch a new business and fight for my freedom. Now I have to fight my mutual attraction to this charming All-American sweetheart too. Did I mention Ryan is ten years younger than I? He doesn’t need my drama. But it’s getting harder to deny the way he makes me feel. Wild. Fun. Free. I want to believe that our pasts don’t define us forever. But first, I have to face my fears. Because with one innocent dance, it was Ryan who helped me start this fire. What if, together, we’re meant to burn?

Good Boy

Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy

2016

In this heartwarming hockey romance, rookie defenseman Rhett has his sights set on a promotion, but his focus is challenged by the arrival of his new, incredibly attractive roommate, junior player Finn. As their forced proximity ignites unexpected sparks and playful banter, both men must navigate their budding feelings while striving to maintain their professional careers and avoid team drama. This story blends the intensity of the ice with the sweet, humorous development of a relationship that might just be their biggest win.

Him

Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy

2015

This M/M sports romance from the "Him" series follows the developing relationship between two hockey players, Jamie and Ryan, who navigate the complexities of their friendship evolving into something more. As they face the pressures of their professional careers and the potential fallout of a public romance, they must confront their own fears and desires. The story explores themes of coming out, team dynamics, and the challenges of balancing personal happiness with public scrutiny.

Full Measures - Flight & Glory #1

Rebecca Yarros

2014

A deeply emotional and angsty New Adult crossover series from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing. [Bokinfo].

The Year We Fell Down

Sarina Bowen

2014

In "The Year We Fell Down," twins Jamie and Jess move to Vermont, hoping for a fresh start at a prestigious college. Jamie, a hockey player, grapples with the pressure of a scholarship while navigating a complicated relationship with his childhood friend, while Jess discovers her own path, finding unexpected romance and personal growth amidst the challenges of university life. This contemporary New Adult romance explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the complexities of young love within the backdrop of college athletics.

The Year We Hid Away

Sarina Bowen

2014

Pourriez-vous tourner le dos à l'amour de votre vie afin de sauver l'enfant qui dépend de vous ? Autrefois, j'étais comme les autres joueurs de hockey de Harkness, uniquement intéressé par le prochain match ou la prochaine fête. Mais tout a changé le jour où je suis devenu le protecteur de ma petite soeur. Si nous voulons avoir une chance de survivre à cette année, il faut que je garde Lucy cachée et que j'assure dans tous mes cours. Et puis, j'ai rencontré Scarlet, qui voit en moi plus qu'un sportif vedette ou un fêtard invétéré. Je suis fou d'elle. Or Scarlet aussi est suivie par ses propres ombres. Quand son passé éclate au grand jour, une terrible vérité m'apparaît: je ne peux pas sauver tout le monde. Pourtant, je ne cesserai jamais d'essayer. Si vous aimez les héros forts, les héroïnes intrépides et le prestige des grandes universités américaines, Notre Année Cachée est fait pour vous. La série Ivy Years, de Sarina Bowen, est ma série New Adult préférée de tous les temps ! Elle Kennedy (The Deal), auteur de best-sellers classés au New York Times.

Game Misconduct

Evan F. Moore, Jashvina Shah

2021

Those who have been lured by the sound of skate blades slicing into fresh ice, by the incomparable speed, split-second decisions, and everything-or-nothing attitude of the game know that hockey can seem like its own world. It's all-consuming and exhilarating, boasting its own language and complex morality code. Yet in another light, that tight community can turn insular; the values of teamwork and humility can manifest as collective silence in the face of abuse and discrimination, issues which have been brought to the forefront of the sport as many share their stories for the first time. In Game Misconduct, reporters Evan Moore and Jashvina Shah reveal hockey's toxic undercurrent which has permeated the sport throughout the junior, college, and professional levels. They address the topic with a level of passion that comes from being rabid hockey fans themselves, and from experiencing its exclusivity first-hand. With a sensitive yet incisive approach, this necessary book lays bare the issues of racism, homophobia, xenophobia, bullying, sexism, and violence on and off the ice. Readers will learn about notable players and activists fighting for transformation as well as those beyond the spotlight who are nonetheless deeply affected by hockey's culture of inaction.Both a reckoning and a roadmap, Game Misconduct is an essential read for modern hockey fans, showing the truth of the sport's past and present while offering the tools to fight for a better future.

Pick

The Hockey Dad Survival Guide

Donna Freitas

Written like the things you would have wanted someone to say in week one, not in year four after the money is gone.

The game

Ben Butterworth

1983

Ken Dryden's "The Game" offers an intimate look at the 1970s Montreal Canadiens dynasty from the perspective of their star goaltender. Through Dryden's insightful prose, readers experience the pressures of professional hockey, the dynamics of a legendary team, and the personal journey of a player navigating fame and introspection. The memoir delves into the camaraderie, rivalries, and the sheer dedication required to achieve unparalleled success in the National Hockey League.

The Hockey Mystery

Gertrude Chandler Warner

2001

When the Box family takes over running a struggling skating rink, they uncover a puzzling series of mishaps that threaten to close it down. The resourceful Alden and Benny, along with their sisters, must use their keen observation skills and love for hockey to investigate who is sabotaging the rink and why. Their determination to solve the mystery leads them onto the ice, where a thrilling hockey game becomes the backdrop for the final reveal.

The Deal

Elle Kennedy

2000

Hannah is a pragmatic graduate student struggling with her academics, while Garrett is a cocky hockey player facing academic probation. To help Garrett pass his classes, Hannah agrees to a fake dating arrangement, but their initial animosity slowly melts away as they spend more time together. What starts as a transactional agreement blossoms into genuine feelings, blurring the lines between their pretend relationship and their undeniable chemistry.

Franklin Plays Hockey (A Franklin TV Storybook)

Sharon Jennings, Paulette Bourgeois, P., Clark, B., Jennings, S. (Tv Tie-In) Bourgeois, Brenda Clark, John Lei, Mark Koren, Jelena Sisic

2002

L'equipe de Benjamin perd depuis qu'Eloise en fait partie. Jouer au hockey devient soudain beaucoup moins amusant! Et tant que capitaine de l'equipe, Benjamin doit maintenant prendre une grande decision : laisser jouer Eloise ou pas!

Dancing Carl

Gary Paulsen

1983

Dancing Carl, Gary Paulsen's first novel, was a ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a Notable Children's Trade Book for the Language Arts. In the winter, life in McKinley, Minnesota, revolves around the rinks, where kids play hockey and grown-ups skate to scratchy phonograph records. Then, the year Marsh and his best friend, Willy, are twelve, Carl appears at the rink, wearing a battered, old leather flight jacket and doing a strange dance that is both beautiful and disturbing to watch. It is Marsh and Willy who discover the terrible secret behind Carl's dance, a secret that threatens to destroy him. But a small miracle occurs, and Carl's dance becomes a fragile and tentative expression of hope and the healing power of love.

Home sweet home

Mordecai Richler

1984

Mordecai Richler's *Home Sweet Home* offers a collection of essays and articles that delve into his multifaceted identity as a Canadian writer and observer of society. Through witty and often sardonic prose, Richler reflects on his childhood in Montreal, his experiences as an expatriate, and the complexities of Canadian culture, frequently touching upon his lifelong passions for hockey and baseball. This work provides a personal and insightful look at the author's evolving relationship with his homeland and his sharp commentary on civilization's absurdities.