What a girl wants is Hockey Romance!
Published on 22 September 2025
It’s the new craze to take over the contemporary romance genre, but why is it so popular – especially in Australia where ice hockey’s not as wildly widespread for us sport loving Aussies?
Typically viewed as a sport that only thrives in colder climates like Canada, Russia, and the United States, ice hockey has been played in Australia for more than 100 years. However, it’s still considered to be a minority sport with fewer than 5000 players around the country according to the Australian Institute of Sport.
One could argue that the typical hockey player is certainly aesthetically pleasing, however although these stories generally follow a 6-foot-something muscled hunk, it’s the sassy, emotionally unavailable and often traumatised female lead who truly carries the plot of the story and how they’re won over by the surprising insightful sensitive and attentive hockey player.
Sure, the covers look cute with their happy cartoon people, however, don’t be deceived! This adult fiction is wrought with in-depth character development, back stories and turbulent emotions. The situations the characters face and relationships they maintain are a lot deeper and relatable then just some fluffy romance, aka guy gets girl, the end.
If you don’t believe me, try some of these titles from our collection and decide for yourself, because everyone needs a little more love and spice in their life, right?
Article written by Jen from Robina Library.