I have heard good things about this author and do think the writing is decent however it was so slow paced that I got bored very easily.

Spiral got me hooked from the very first page. Elias and Sage captivated me in every single page, and it was amazing to see how much their relationship evolves, going from strangers to friends to lovers.

Also, both characters own storylines are amazing. Seeing how much Sage cares for others, and puts everyone's need in front of her truly resonated with me (older sister here) and how much Elias's past weighs on him was heartbreaking.

This book is able to encapsulate everything so perfectly that it was impossible for me to put it down, even when I was screaming at my Kindle because the tension was through the roof.

Spiral is about Elias Westbrook who is a newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder who has been struggling with the challenges of all the media scrutiny of things completely out of his control, it's no surprise that all he wants to do is escape the spotlight. Enter aspiring ballerina, Sage Beaumont. When hoping to secure the role of her dreams, her lack of popularity on social media puts her at a major disadvantage. When their paths cross and they find a solution that could solve both of their problems, their rules soon begin to spiral out of control and the pair have to decide whether to take the jump together or call it quits.

Sage and Eli are the perfect match for each other; the way Elias courages Sage to step out of her comfort zone and is always there for her, and the way that Sage is the light to his darkness. They didn't need each other to achieve their goals, they always supported the others, showing up when they needed them the most. They were so cute together. Also can we talk about Eli buying Sage different flowers every week until he finds her favourite one? Swooning.

Individually, they're both amazing characters as well. I loved reading about both of their character developments, seeing them both open to each other about their past experiences and how it shaped them towards the end of the book. Sage welcomed more people in her life, finding a place within Eli''s friendship group and her own group of people while Eli learned to let go of he past and embraced the bond that he had with Sage because of it.

I can't wait to read the next book, give me Dylan's book already!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I had enjoyed Collide, but this one just hit the right spot and I loved this. Elias and Sage were great characters and I loved that Sage was a ballet dancer and she was really struggling to gain employment and things just went from worse to worse for her, until she meets the up and coming hockey star Elias. You can tell from the start of their fake dating that they destined to be together, their morals and lifestyles are really compatible and they both just deserve the best.

Elias Westbrook, a newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder, is facing the challenges of fame and media scrutiny. The tabloids are reporting on his every move, including which woman he was last seen with, but all he wants to do is escape the spotlight.

Enter from stage left Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina whose lack of popularity online has put her at a major disadvantage for securing the roles she dreams of. When Sage finds herself with the chance to change her luck by fake-dating Elias, she takes her shot.

Soon enough, the flimsy rules they set in place fall away. But before things can spiral out of control, Sage and Elias will have to decide if they're willing to take the leap together or if they'll have to call it quits.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an e-arc for review.

Spiral is a fake dating trope book between an Ice Hockey Player and a Ballerina. Both characters are older that the typical college kid ice hockey books that there are so this is a bit more mature when it comes to the real life elements.

I really enjoyed the plot behind the characters, I felt that they were a really great match and that the chemistry between them was on fire. I loved the banter, the heart to heart moments and how the characters didn’t have to fight each other to be together in the third act.

I felt that Elias was more likeable but that’s most likely down to knowing more about him from reading Collide. However Sage was likeable, it just felt a little odd to me how against other people’s help she was, especially her Uncle who pretty much wanted to take his niece/nephew under his wing. Overall both characters were likeable and it was great seeing them evolve together.

I think one of my favourite parts of this book and the previous is that it has a messaging that even if you have to do long distance or that relationships are hard, it shouldn’t matter for that small period of time so long as you’re both together which I loved how important this was to them getting together.

I’d say my only gripe is that this book was a bit longer than it needed to be and lost momentum at parts. I felt like some of the sex scenes didn’t need to be in there when this book I felt was more about the meaningful connection opposed to the physical.

Overall a great romance to read!

I loved Bal Khabras debut book and so that's why i requested this one... but i loved this more.

The romance was steamy, but deep and i feel like there was the perfect mix of found family and romance- which i adore in a romance.

Please keep them coming!

✨5 stars✨

I loved this book so much! I related to both of the main characters which definitely increased my enjoyment of this book.

There were multiple times where I found myself wanting to laugh out loud of the humour between Sage and Elias but also feeling for them both deeply when we delved into their struggles and their pasts which made them into the character they are!

Loved this one more than Collide so would definitely recommend to all fans of romance and ice hockey/ballerina romance in particular.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Thank you!

(i gave it 3.5 stars)

this was such a cute read and it was refreshing to get to know a little more about eli! loved the addition of sage to the group dynamic, especially her friendship with summer. however, i would’ve loved to get more friend group moments of all the boys, it was lacking compared to the first one (which was one of my favorite parts of book 1).

their relationship was so cute and loved their development! ballerina x hockey player never fails me!

Thank you to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for the opportunity to rad this book early.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I felt like there were too many parts of the story that were underdeveloped and even some points in the book it felt like there were entire scenes/chapters missing.
I'm not sure if I'm just growing tired of the Fake Dating Trope at this point but I didn't like the way that trope was done in this book at all.

I had high hopes for this after reading Collide but this just didn’t hit the spot for me sadly. There’s a few parts where I felt the plot was a bit jumbled or the characters would say things like “I’ve faced my first rejection” and then on the next chapter they say they’ve spent their whole life being rejected. The chemistry was great though, I loved the back and forth between the characters

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing, and Bal Khabra for an advanced copy of Spiral, the second book in Khabra's Off the Ice series, in exchange for an honest review.

I will say, that I did enjoy Spiral a lot more than Collide but overall the series is not doing anything ground-breaking. It doesn't have to be unique but for a hockey romance to stick in my mind, it needs something that sets it apart from all the others.

This isn't to say I didn't enjoy it and there were a lot of sweet moments between Sage and Elias but I found the celibacy plot really quite weird. It felt like Elias was constantly stringing Sage along but as soon as she reciprocated he would retreat without explanation. It didn't really feel fair to her, and it did drag on for so long that it started to get on my nerves.

Thank you NetGalley and Bal Khabra for the chance to read this book early.

I love a good fake dating book, and this did not disappoint me. This was also more of a slow burn than collide was and I couldn’t get enough of it. Elias was such a shy, resevered but so gentle and protective towards Sage, whereas she was so confident, flirty and fun despite her people pleasing tendencies.

Neither of them had the easiest start to life but they didn’t let it get in the way of trying to peruse those dreams, but I loved how when they both had professional setbacks, they were relying on each other to help them through it instead of suffering alone.

Their relationship had so many turbulent moments but they were exactly what the other needed and they were such a perfect fit. From the very first date i could see how well matched they were and how they both just needed someone to show up and love them unconditionally, so the fact they could be that for each other had me swooning and Elias going right to the top of my book boyfriend list.

I am so excited to see where the rest of this series is going and also who got the other dares pulled out of the hat in the hockey house,,, but lets just say… Elias I was not expecting that from you but it was very welcomed!! (IYKYK)

Thank you @bloomsburypublishing and @BalKhabra for the opportunity to read this book. I gasped when this popped into my email as I absolutely loved Collide.

First of all I just want to acknowledge I loved the South Asian representation in these series, as I have not read many books within this mainstream..

This book had everything and more Fake Dating, Sports Romance, loveable characters Sage a ballerina and Elias A hockey player, bringing Individual vulnerability and growth to the book. Loved reading how their romance helped each other to a better version of themselves. All I can say is Elias you are the perfect book boyfriend you throw everyone else out the water. The Epilogue at the end of the chapter is exactly what I needed to end a perfect story.

The only slight change I would like to see.. is not relying on popularity or “instagram famous” to follow your dreams or making things happen. As I hope Sage got her role as a dancer on her own merit…However this did not change my view on this book it was beautiful read and I would recommend everyone to read it.

Thank you to Bal Khabra and Bloomsbury Publishers for providing me with an advance reader copy.

This story is heartwarming, focusing on a people pleaser who finds someone who makes them feel safe and allows them to be themselves. The main male character develops into a man who learns to trust the people around him and can live his life free from the burdens he has been carrying.

The romance unfolds nicely and progresses without feeling rushed. However, I felt that the adult content near the end seemed to be included just to satisfy reader expectations rather than serve the storyline. But that’s just my opinion.

I would recommend reading this book. It’s a lovely sports romance with a deeper storyline.

Spiral by Bal Khabra deserves the spotlight. 🌟

First of all, the setup? A perfect blend of tension, chemistry, and heart. Sage and Elias’ worlds are so different, but when they collide (get it?😜), it’s like a beautiful mess you can’t look away from. 🩰🏒

The fake dating trope here isn’t just a gimmick—it’s layered. Sage is trying to make it in the cutthroat ballet world, where her talent alone isn’t enough (seriously, the commentary on social media’s grip on success is so on point 👏🏼). Meanwhile, Elias is dodging fame's pitfalls, trying to keep his heart and reputation intact. Together, they’re the perfect balance: Sage brings lightness to Elias’ heavy life, and Elias gives Sage the courage to step out of her comfort zone. These two were literal magic together. ✨

Now, let’s talk about those rules they set for their arrangement—so flimsy, you just knew they were doomed to fail. 😂 But the slow unraveling of their walls? Chef’s kiss. Watching them go from strangers with a deal to two people who can’t imagine life without each other was SO satisfying.

They got me all up in my feels. Elias buying Sage different flowers every week so she can find her favourite? 🥹 Stop it, I’m melting. And Sage unknowingly becoming Elias' anchor, his home, without even trying? Perfection. The chemistry between them was so real, raw, and vulnerable. You could feel their struggles, fears, and growth as individuals and as a couple.

And the epilogue? Ugh. Full-on tears. 😭 Seeing how far Sage and Elias had come, facing their demons and still choosing each other every time, was everything. Plus, Sage’s little brother Sean getting his moment? Love that for him. It felt like a teaser for his own book, and I am so here for it. Also, can we talk about how hyped I am for Dylan’s story? Bal Khabra better bring it because topping this one won’t be easy.

Final thoughts? If you’re into fake dating, hockey, and ballerinas with a side of heart-melting romance and personal growth, this book is for you. And don’t even get me started on the banter—it’s next-level. 🤌🏼 Run, don’t walk, to grab this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!!

Wow. What an amazing read! Bal Khabra does it again. I loved this book. The depth. The non sexual intimacy. The connection. The banter. Her determination. Their backstories.

I cannot recommend this book. Such a good take on an all round hockey romance!!

I really enjoyed Spiral. I loved Collide so knew when the next book came out I would definitely enjoy it. Whilst the book was a typical sports romance, I would say that it’s much more fast paced and has a more interesting plot line than other similarly themed books! I never felt the need to take a break or roll my eyes and I was genuinely interested in the plot.

The characters really held this book together also. I loved Sage. She was a very confident and sure of herself character. Elias is dealing with his own demons and trying to overcome a career block when they meet. What I liked is that both these characters didn’t need each other to achieve their goals by meeting each other they supported and elevated each other.

All in all. It was a cute read. Interesting plot with strong characters. Definitely a book to add to your sports romance list.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC

Sage and Elias were very cute and I loved reading about ballet and ice hockey. I didn’t love the plot of her ex joining the team but it was all over a really cute book.

this was cute!! i really became attached to the characters, with Sage becoming one of my favourite FMC's i've read about in a long time!

thankyou to NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review!