The Thriving World of Hockey Romance Novels: A High-Scoring Genre

Strategic Insights -

As the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff run may have come to an end, fans can take refuge in an alternate universe where the roster is perennially stacked with jacked-but-emotionally-evolved-stars who worship the feisty women they fall for. The sports romance genre, specifically hockey romance novels, has seen a surge in popularity, with 70% of bestsellers in the category being about hockey in 2024, up from 30% the year before. Authors like Bal Khabra and Becka Mack are riding the wave, crafting stories that not only capture the intensity of the sport but also explore themes of vulnerability, trust, and redemption.

Key Takeaways:

  • The sports romance genre posted its highest ever sales going into 2025, with 70% of bestsellers in the category being about hockey in 2024.
  • Authors like Tessa Bailey, Bal Khabra, and Becka Mack are leading the way in the hockey romance genre, with novels like "Collide," "Playing For Keeps," and "If You Need Me" climbing the bestseller lists.
  • Hockey romance novels often feature tropes like "wear my jersey" and bold, bad-boy characters, but also explore deeper themes of vulnerability, trust, and redemption.
  • Readers are drawn to the comradeship and camaraderie between hockey players, as well as the tension and intimacy created by the high-stakes sport.
  • The genre is not without its challenges, as authors grapple with the darker side of hockey culture and the importance of representation and diversity.
  • The ongoing Hockey Canada sexual assault trial has forced readers and writers to confront the ugly underbelly of hockey culture, but also highlights the importance of telling stories that showcase the complexities of the sport.

Statistics:

  • Searches for "hockey romance" on Amazon Canada are up 20% year-over-year.
  • The sports romance genre posted its highest ever sales going into 2025.
  • 70% of bestsellers in the sports romance category in 2024 were about hockey.
  • 30% of bestsellers in the sports romance category in 2023 were about hockey.
  • The top-selling sports romance novel of 2024 was "Collide" by Bal Khabra.

Sources:

  • Toronto Star
  • Amazon Canada
  • Amazon UK
  • Bal Khabra (Instagram)
  • Becka Mack (BookTok)
  • Helena Hunting (BookBub)
  • Jenny Holiday (Goodreads)