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Hockey Romance Is Having a Moment
Hockey romance is absolutely having its time to shine — and for good reason. It gives us high-stakes grit on the ice and tender vulnerability off it. In our latest episode, Double Shot, we dive into two standout stories that bring that perfect blend of heat, heart and humor:
Both books hit in different ways. One is rooted in college ambition and family legacy. The other in adult responsibility and second chances. Together, they remind us why sports romance works so well: discipline and teamwork colliding with big dreams and the messy, beautiful ways people learn to love.
First Up: One Shot by A.C. Wonderland
This slow-burn college hockey romance refuses to gloss over trauma. The heroine, Lauren, is rebuilding after a devastating loss derails her plans. Her unexpected spot on a university’s PR team thrusts her back into the world she used to dream about.
Then there’s Lucas, the young captain with pro ambitions and a calm that says, “yeah, I know everyone’s watching.” Their chemistry isn’t just about banter — it’s the way they see and advocate for each other.
We talk about scent language (woodsy cologne and clean linens — yes please) and how Wonderland builds intimacy without rushing the payoff. We also touch on trigger warnings for emotional and physical abuse. The story handles them with care but we acknowledge that lived experience can amplify the impact.
If you like your hockey romance with heart, honesty and a touch of angst, One Shot delivers.
Then There’s Stay by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen
If One Shot is the slow burn, Stay is the warm hug that sneaks up on you. It’s got celebrity anonymity, single dad sweetness and the kind of texting banter that makes you grin into your drink.
Haley co-runs a discreet concierge service called Fetch, and her mystery client, Sniper87, might just be the hockey player she’s been crushing on for years. A dog-walking mishap throws them together and what follows is pure serotonin.
We loved the opera “date” that becomes a running joke and that texting-on-the-couch scene that nails the anxious excitement of new connection. Add in the divorced-dad angle — co-parenting schedules, trying to do right by your ex, showing up for your kids — and you’ve got a romance that’s realistic, kind and still plenty sexy.
Let’s Talk Spice
You know we couldn’t skip this part.
- One Shot earns a Habanero on our Spicy Scoville Scale — rink-side heat, brash vocabulary and big emotional payoff.
- Stay lands at a Jalapeño — playful, steady and sweet with just the right kick.
We compare how both books use setting — penalty boxes, VIP suites, coffee shops — to mirror mood and tension. We also laugh our way through college girl going-out antics, nacho debates and how modern communication (texting, social media, PR classes) reshapes romance.
Our Big Takeaway
At the end of the day, both One Shot and Stay remind us of one truth:
The best sports romances let lovers chase their own goals while cheering each other on.
Dreams don’t have to compete when respect, effort and a little heat show up every day.
Listen & Play Along
🎧 Listen to our “Double Shot” episode of Romance on the Rocks Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Or click here for our in-house podcast player.
And we made a Hockey Romance Drinking Game to go with it. It’s right on our episode page.
Grab your favorite cocktail, take your sips (or shots), and join us for some laughs, spice, and serious book talk.
Get the Books
One Shot by A.C. Wonderland
Stay by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen
Have you read either of these hockey romances? What did you think of them? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you. To learn more about romance author A.C. Wonderland, click here. And be sure to check out our interview episode with her here! And to learn more about Elle Kennedy click here, and Sarina Bowen here. Want to listen to the podcast episode? We’re available on all your favorite podcast streaming services. Or you can visit our podcast player page here.
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