Bal has done it again with Spiral. What's not to love about a fake dating-to-lovers trope! Elias and Sage were brilliant together and I loved every minute of their interactions.

4.5 ⭐️

I loved the first book in the series, but this one has managed to surpass it! A quick, lively, and engaging read, with two wonderful protagonists, a sizzling romance, and serious topics handled with sensitivity!

This was so cute! I loved the relationship at the centre of the book and exploration of topics not really covered in the romance genre. Will look forward to book 3!

I loveeeee these type of romance novels. they are such a feel good while hitting serious topics. Bal Khabra is gonna be an auto buy for me, I can tell!

4.5 stars

Hockey star Elias Westbrook is drowning in media attention, while ballerina Sage Beaumont struggles to get noticed. When an opportunity arises for them to fake-date for mutual benefit, they strike a deal. But as their pretend romance starts feeling real, their carefully drawn lines blur.

Spiral by Bal Khabra was SO good! Last year, I read Collide after seeing all the hype on Italian Bookstagram, and while I really liked it, I think I loved Spiral even more. Bal Khabra writes golden-boy characters so well, and I’m completely obsessed! This book was the perfect mix of cute and fun—no unnecessary drama, no annoying miscommunication, just good vibes. A ballerina and a hockey player? Say less, I’m in! I can’t wait to read more in this series because there are so many characters I need to know more about!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
A tense and emotionally raw debut that pulls you into the mind of a character on the edge. Bal Khabra explores mental health, family pressure, and identity in a narrative that spirals inward with intensity and honesty. The structure is bold and fragmented, mirroring the protagonist’s inner world, and the result is both unsettling and powerful. A brave and important read.

Spiral is a delightful fusion of sports romance and the world of ballet following Elias Westbrok, a rookie for the Toronto Thunder hockey team, and Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina aiming to join the prestigious Aurora Ballet. Their paths cross at a charity auction, leading to a mutually beneficial fake dating arrangement. However, as their relationship deepens, the lines between whats fake and reality begin to blur, resulting in a slow-burn romance.

Khabra's writing has improved a lot and this book shows a lot more character development and pacing. The chemistry between Elias and Sage and the found family combined with the personal challenges faced by both just adds to the story making it more than just a romance.

I enjoyed Collide and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed Spiral even more! This book really scratches that sports romance itch and I enjoyed the ballet element of it.

I read Collide by Bal Khabra the middle of last year and didn't think that I could love the characters more.. and then there was Spiral. I'm sorry Summer and Aiden.. you have been replaced at the top! I love Ellis and Sage with my whole entire heart, and being on their journey with them was so so special. Also anything that involves Fake Dating is always gonna be a 1000000 stars rating!!

I read a lot of hockey romance and this one hit the spot for a craving but wasn’t ’blow your socks off’ good. I liked the ballerina angle, it was a nice change from my usual read.

This was fine. As with Collide, it was a fun time but did nothing special. I liked the characters, the writing was fine. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series to be honest. These are good for palette cleansers but I don't LOVE them.

I loved this book so so much. First of Hockey x ballerina was a trope I didn't know i would love as much as I did. I love a fake dating trope and oh boy was this done good. I really related to sage and not letting anyone take care of her. While there is spice and I LOVE the spice the romance is what made this book so perfect. Also, I love any book that doesn't have a third act break up so this immediately got bonus points.

3.5/5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed the first book Collide in Bal Khabra’s Off Ice series and was excited to read the last book.

Spiral is a cute fake dating hockey romance. The characters Elias and Sage are really likeable and I found myself not able to put the book down.

I felt the ending was a little rushed and would have liked a wee bit more about Nina.

Overall a great read and I can’t wait for the next in the series.

Ahhh just loved this book!
Could not put it down, loved Collide too! Must read!
Definitely becoming a favourite author of mine.

I read the first book, Collide in January and immediately read this one after. I love a good hockey romance and thoroughly enjoyed this one. I LOVE Save and Elias, their chemistry was just perfect and I love them so much. The cover is also so pretty, I love the purple.

Spiral by Bal Khabra is an emotional, character-driven romance that artfully explores the ups and downs of love, trauma, and self-discovery. The story centers around two flawed but deeply relatable characters who are grappling with their pasts while trying to navigate the complexities of their relationship. Khabra does a fantastic job portraying the internal struggles of both protagonists, offering readers insight into how pain and vulnerability can either push people apart or bring them closer together.

The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, and their journey is marked by heartfelt moments of connection, as well as realistic challenges. The pacing is mostly strong, though a few scenes felt slightly rushed or underdeveloped. However, the depth of emotion and Khabra’s evocative writing more than make up for it.

For readers who enjoy contemporary romances with emotional weight, healing themes, and plenty of heart, Spiral is a rewarding and memorable read.

After reading the first of the series i was not expecting much, but i have to say that these two people warmed my heart.

I loved the hockey and ballet references, of course.

Eli is the best, can't wait to read the third book

This book has my heart! It’s so soft and emotional- perfect for the tender lovers. Her writing has grown and the characters are really developed. The plot was a bit weak and the ending could be refined a bit more but the characters just mean so much to me! I’m very excited about the next book already!

This is my first book by Bal Khabra but I loved it and will definitely be going back to read book 1. I can't wait to read Summer & Aiden's story because I loved their friendship in Spiral and how Summer took Sage under her wing.

I'm a huge fake dating fan and this one is done so well. I adored Sage's sassy side and the way she challenges Elias and calls him out. And I loved that Elias knew how to support Sage and knew what she needed even when she refused to ask for help. They work so well together, so damn cute.

The chemistry and the tension is perfect, the romance was so sweet and the character development was beautiful. Getting to know both of them and learning about their pasts and how it affected them made the characters so real. I also love that they both supported each other in their dreams.

Seeing Eli interact with Sage's little brother was so freaking cute. The epilogue was adorable and really cemented the found family.

I recently read Collide for the first time and found it enjoyable. Spiral was definitely better in my opinion and I connected to the characters more.
Sage is a ballerina. Training since she was a child, she works hard to provide for herself and her young brother after her parents left them. She is fierce, loyal and just hilarious to read. Her uncle is the coach for the Toronto Thunders, a hockey team where Elias has recently joined. We met Elias in Collide and it was really great seeing a different, deeper side to him. The media is painting the picture of a player, constantly sleeping around and taking advantage of his newfound fame. This couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s such a gentleman. With his position on the team in jeopardy and his public image under attack, Eli turns his initial meeting with Sage into a potential scheme to improve his media presence while making her more popular to get her dream role in Swan Lake.
The pair have amazing chemistry but their friendship and respect for one another is really great to read. They genuinely seem like partners throughout the book.
I know people loved Collide but I genuinely think Spiral was my favourite of the two. The characters individually, and together were really great to read.
I’m so excited to read Bal Khabra’s next book!