Interview with Belle Bailey
Inside the World of Contemporary Hockey Romance: An Interview with Belle Bailey
In the exciting realm of contemporary romance, Belle Bailey has made a name for herself as the go-to author for fans of hockey romances. Her books bring the fast-paced world of the rink to life, paired with heart-melting love stories that leave readers swooning. Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Belle and dive into what inspires her, her love for the sport, and her journey into writing contemporary hockey romances.
Belle Bailey
Belle Bailey is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic comedy and romantic fantasy. Her romantic comedies include the All’s Fair, Never Date, and Cade Brothers series. She also writes romantic fantasy under B. Bailey in the Halven Rising series Library Journal calls ”…an exciting new fantasy adventure.” Whether she’s writing about steamy men in Lake Tahoe or a Fae world embedded in a college campus, Jules spins addictive stories filled with heart and humor.
When Belle isn’t in her sweatpants writing and rewarding herself with chocolate, she spends her time with her husband and two children in their small hometown in the Pacific Northwest. She credits herself with the ability to read while running on the treadmill or burning dinner.
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Romance Brew: Hi, Belle! Thanks so much for joining us today. To start, what drew you to write contemporary hockey romances?
Belle Bailey: Thanks for having me! I’ve always been a huge hockey fan—there’s just something about the speed, intensity, and the players’ dedication that I find fascinating. And when you combine that with romance, it’s pure magic. There’s a certain vulnerability under all the toughness that hockey players exude, and I love exploring that softer side while still maintaining the rugged, competitive edge that comes with the sport.
Romance Brew: That’s so true! Hockey players are often seen as tough and gritty, but you manage to balance that with the romantic side of your characters. How do you develop your heroes?
Belle Bailey: I try to give each of my heroes a complexity that goes beyond their careers as athletes. Yes, they’re physically strong and driven, but I always want to dive deeper into their personal lives—their insecurities, past heartaches, or even the pressure of living up to expectations, whether from family or fans. By doing this, I can create characters who are relatable and flawed but also intensely loyal and passionate when it comes to love.
Romance Brew: That’s what makes your books so engaging! Do you find that hockey itself lends something special to the dynamics of your love stories?
Belle Bailey: Absolutely. Hockey is fast-paced, and there’s this raw energy in the sport that mirrors the passion in romance. The dynamics between the players—whether it’s camaraderie or rivalry—always bleed into my stories. Plus, there’s the physicality of the sport. My books often highlight that intense physical connection, whether it’s on the ice or in more intimate settings.
Books by Belle Bailey
Romance Brew: Speaking of intimate settings, your fans love the chemistry between your characters. How do you ensure that spark feels authentic?
Belle Bailey: Chemistry is everything in a romance! For me, it’s about building tension between the characters gradually. They may be drawn to each other immediately, but there’s often something standing in the way—maybe a personal conflict or the pressure of being in the public eye as a professional athlete. I like to explore how these challenges force my characters to confront their emotions and ultimately make their love feel earned.
Romance Brew: You’ve written several books now, all within the contemporary hockey romance niche. Do you have a favorite story or character?
Belle Bailey: Oh, that’s such a tough question! Each story holds a special place in my heart, but I’d say my favorite character to write was Quinn Parker from Skating on Thin Ice. He’s a team captain who’s always in control on the ice, but when it comes to his love life, he’s a bit of a mess. Watching him unravel and then pull himself together was really satisfying to write. Plus, his love interest, Emma, doesn’t let him off the hook easily, and I love writing strong heroines who challenge their partners.
Romance Brew: I’m sure your readers appreciate that strength in your female characters. What advice would you give to aspiring romance authors, particularly those interested in sports romance?
Belle Bailey: I’d say immerse yourself in the sport you want to write about. Understanding the game itself, the players, and the culture surrounding it will help you create an authentic experience for your readers. But above all, focus on the emotional journey. Whether it’s hockey or any other sport, at the heart of every great romance is the relationship and how two people come together despite their differences or obstacles.
Romance Brew: Fantastic advice! Finally, can you give us a sneak peek into what you’re working on next?
Belle Bailey: I’m currently writing a new series featuring a rookie player who’s trying to prove himself in the league while falling for a journalist who’s determined to expose a scandal in the team. It’s going to be a fun ride with lots of drama, sizzling chemistry, and, of course, hockey!
Romance Brew: That sounds amazing! We can’t wait to read it. Thank you so much for chatting with us, Belle. We’ll be eagerly anticipating your next release!
Belle Bailey: Thanks so much! I can’t wait to share more with my readers.
If you’re a fan of hockey, romance, and unforgettable characters, Belle Bailey’s books are a must-read. Check out her latest releases and dive into the world of hockey romance today!
