Absolutely loved this one. Bal Khabra is a romance genius, and I will eat up every single one of her books. I loved all of the tropes in this one and I can't wait to see what Bal writes next!

Sweet like candy, creamier than whipped cream, and as bright as a gem on a ballerina's cheek.

Not going to lie, if the way I was I reading this book wasn't a factor (i.e. a constantly dead kindle paperwhite) I would have eaten this book up faster than you could say "dipped in chocolate." The dialogue was smooth and rich, the character development as satisfying as opening a new carton of ice cream, and the angsty hurt something to salivate over.

(Okay, that's a enough food references.)

It's enough to be said that I enjoyed <i>Spiral</i> immensely and was hooked on every word.

I loved Sage and Eli's relationship, the way it developed and the epilogue scene we got that was just the cherry on top.
Eli's celibacy was an interesting choice, one that took a second to process but was actually really nice after a while - it broke all of the cliche stereotypes of the men in fictional books being super experienced and the women only being mildly, not saying Eli wasn't experienced because apparently he still rocked in the bedroom (sorry mom) but it was a nice change of pace and show of self-control. Even if it was dictated by some trauma.

I loved Sage's hopes and dreams as well as her jobs and struggles. I did find it interesting that there was hardly ever a mention of Sage having darker/brown skin until about 2/3 of the way through the book, even though the cover depicted her that way. Obvious applause from me on not making it another book about the injustices of color but instead the injustices of social media followers - yet another break in the clique that was so freaking refreshing.

I could relate to her struggles as an older sister, empathize with her selflessness and the stress of caring for not only herself, but a younger sibling with medical needs and an insurance who won't pay squat.

Do I think it was the most perfectest bestest book ever? No, but I doubt I could write anything better.

I will say, however, that there were a couple things that bugged me a bit. Nothing super big, but a little tweaking could have gone a long way.

Things like all of Elias's perfect words - come on, let's be real, those words made my stomach erupt in butterflies not unlike a monarch migration but they also irked me because they were TOO perfect - ain't no real life man going to actually say anything like that. Which yes, is what makes it a fictional book, but gosh dang, he was just a little too perfect in the smooth category.

While I loved the storyline, thinking back I'm a little confused as to what the big climax was - there wasn't much drama, fanfare, or gore that announced anything, no misunderstood wording or meaning, just...nothing huge? Which is totally fine, I don't mind it too badly, it was just different. More of a comfort read with some spicy scenes. Like a mild read? How would you categorize that in Cheeto levels of spicy?

And I think my final little complaint was that the first part of the book felt slightly different when compared to the last part.

And I know, I KNOW, that's how stories go. You have a start, stuff happens, you have an ending. But like, we went from a weird auction date with awful paparazzi and tabloid interference, to absolutely no paparazzi, negative new articles, or even any mention of Eli's Hockey career. Sue me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure this is a book about both of them, and should include both of their equally important careers - have Sage at more games of Eli's just like the huge chunks of glorious chapters where He is at her Ballet performances. Let Sage give him more emotional peace, let them be equal instead of Eli playing mother hen over the love of his life. I don't know. Maybe I'm too passionate about this.

All in all, it was a great book, one I've thought about for day afterward and will probably continue to think about for more.

<i>A HUGE thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! You guys are the best!</i>

Content guide:
Contains themes of sexual intimacy between consenting adults, trauma, unwanted media attention, false media stories, problems with healthcare, unstable homing, divorce, death, tragedy, adoption, house fire, negative inner narratives, some body dysmorphia, mild injury, and sabotage. Contains mild mentions of substance abuse, parental distrust, and more. Read responsibly.
Spicy: 3.5 (detailed but relatively few in number and vanilla)
Language: 3.5
Dishes I want to try from Eli's masterful culinary hobby: 14+

Thank you NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed the relationship between Sage and Elias. They Sage is more like a black cat vibe that struggles her way through life and her career while Elias has it a little easier and has the fame and fortune of being a famous rookie hockey player. Sage ends up rescuing Elias from a potential disaster with a crazed fan while winning a date through a bidding auction. Sage isn't interested in Elias's fame or hockey, but they end up helping each other by fake dating to help Sage's ballet career and to stop bad rumor's of Elias being a playboy.

This is a hockey romance with a twist. I love the fact that her being the coaches daughter was a part of the story, but I really did understand how it was complicated because her father was Indian and really had more to prove than other coaches. The relationship between her and him was fun and captivating and complicated at the same time because of the circumstances. I really liked how he helped her regain her confidence as well.

I feel like I maybe should have read the first book in the series? That's my fault, but they don't make it seem like you have to. I couldn't really connect with the characters, but I did love the sports romance.

First off I want to say I LOVED Collide (the first book in this series). It’s actually one of the first books I read that got me into sports romance and it’s still one of my most treasured and favorite books.

When I saw there was a sequel, I was so excited! And this did not disappoint!

SPIRAL tackled a lot of serious topics while still having some major slow burn romance as its plot.

I love how supportive Elias and Sage are to each other from the first moment they meet. There are a lot of different ways to show you support and love someone and these two showed it in so many different ways before saying the “I love yous.”

Side note, I loved how Elias also loved Sean and thought and supported his well being too. Making him sugar free cupcakes specifically because Elias knows Sean is diabetic was such a sweet and heartwarming moment! I loved this show of support and love so much!

I think the book could’ve been finished around the 80% mark but the last 20% was still very impactful and dramatic compared to the previous parts. Both characters were tested and their love for each other and their selves stood the test of time.

Overall, loved this book. Only complaint was it could’ve ended sooner but I still enjoyed the last extra bits. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series as it comes out!

Spiral was such a fun continuation of the world of Dalton hockey. I loved getting to learn more about Eli and his past. And we meet Sage, who needs a break, and to be kinder to herself. While their relationship seems a little rushed (they moved in real early in it), it was fun to watch it grow and develop from fake to very real. They both have some parental issues in the past, and they each help the other work through the issues that the past brings. The character development in both characters was good, and I feel like the plot was drawn out at an appropriate speed.

Elias is struggling with his rookie position on the Toronto Thunder hockey team and unearned playboy reputation he's garnered. Sage is struggling to make it as a professional ballerina when all anyone seems to care about is social media following, rather than talent. Enter a solution: the two fake-date, showing the press that Elias is off the market, and garnering Sage the publicity she unfortunately needs. But misunderstandings, pesky feelings, and Sage's Uncle (who happens to be the team's GM) make what seemed like a simple plan all the more complicated.

I actually read book three in this series, then book two (this one), and am waiting for my library hold of book one to become available--so all out of order! But I have really enjoyed this series thus far, and am sure I'll enjoy book one, as well. The books give me major Elle Kennedy vibes, in a good way, as she is a master of new adult, steamy, hockey romance. New adult books can be hit or miss for me, as the characters can often seem immature or encounter unrealistic problems, but this book takes our characters out of school and into real adulthood, and they'd seem more mature even if that weren't the case. I've definitely become a Khabra fan, and look forward to reading more of her books.

Thanks to Berkley for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

piral by Bal Khabra is a deeply emotional and compelling sports romance that blends the fast-paced world of professional hockey with the grace and discipline of ballet. As the second installment in the Off the Ice series, this story follows Elias Westbrook, a media-scrutinized rookie struggling to find his place on the Toronto Thunder, and Sage Beaumont, a fiercely ambitious ballerina yearning to break into a leading role at the Aurora Ballet Theatre. Their lives intertwine when Sage wins Elias in a charity auction and proposes a fake-dating agreement to mutually boost their public images: what starts as a calculated arrangement quickly spirals into something real.

Khabra masterfully develops both characters with emotional nuance. Elias, often misunderstood as a shallow playboy, is revealed to be gentle, introspective, and kind: particularly in his quiet acts of care, like baking birthday cakes or showing up for Sage’s diabetic younger brother. Sage is equally well-drawn: strong, soft-hearted, and determined, managing family responsibilities while chasing her own dreams. Their chemistry is undeniable and tender, rooted not just in attraction but in trust, vulnerability, and mutual healing. The fake-dating trope here is more than a plot device, it becomes a space where both characters feel seen and safe.

What makes Spiral stand out is its emotional depth and commitment to authentic representation. Khabra doesn’t shy away from tackling themes like public pressure, performance anxiety, and the struggle to find identity beyond labels. The pacing may feel slow in places, but the payoff is rich with quiet, emotionally satisfying moments that build organically toward a heartwarming and steamy conclusion. Though Spiral can stand alone, reading Collide first enriches the experience, offering deeper insight into the characters' backstories and the world they inhabit.

With vibrant writing, believable dialogue, and a romance that’s both swoony and sincere, Spiral is a heartfelt exploration of ambition, image, and intimacy. Fans of slow-burn, grumpy-sunshine pairings, and layered fake-dating stories will find themselves fully immersed. Khabra proves once again that she’s a voice to watch in contemporary romance—delivering stories that are as emotionally satisfying as they are passionate.

I should have just not even started this book, I made it through Collide, liked the friend group and came around to the pairing even though parts made my eyes roll. This book started off strong and I was so hype because fake dating is my favorite trope. This just did not do it for me. The characters were not fleshed out, and it felt unbelievable at times. Sage was stubborn and it bothered me so much that she didn't take money from her uncle. I did not believe them together and thought there was more chemistry between her and the love interest from Collide. I won't be reading another book by this author. I also think I'm just over hockey/sports romances, particularly set at colleges.

This was such a cute read! I also love that there is not really a third-act break-up. I really just love an MMC that is down bad for the FMC!

Elias Westbrook and Sage Beaumont come from different worlds, but could they maybe find a way to bring them together and move their careers forward? Spiral is a cozy romance set in the world of professional athletes, giving readers a realistic look into the pressures athletes of all kinds face. Elias and Sage are both relatable and charming, sure to tug at your heartstrings. While the characters find themselves in some intense situations, Khabra adds just the right touch of humor to lighten the mood. Overall, it's a warm-hearted and delightful romance to enjoy.

Fake dating, and grumpy sunshine tropes are always an insta-read for me. This book was cute but nothing life altering. The FMC is a little annoying, but otherwise the story line is good.

I’m going to start this off by saying that this was a highly anticipated release for me for 2025. I really enjoyed Collide when I read it last year and was hoping for the same when I read this one.

I felt like this book had all the elements of a cute and fun romance but in my opinion, didn’t live up to its potential. 85% of the book was the fake dating plot and the last 15% had some additional plot threads that should’ve been used from the beginning and i think that would’ve given more depth to the book. Since the last part of the book felt so rushed, it did feel like I was reading 2 different stories.

I really enjoyed seeing the friend group cameos and interactions! I genuinely love the characters together as a whole. In this book however, I didn’t feel like I connected much with either character and that was pretty disappointing for me.

Bal Khabra does not miss.

Sage and Elias have chemistry right from the beginning. They have cheeky banter and flirty dialogue that was a delight to read. Sage makes Eli blush constantly. It’s a “it was never fake for me” situation and I ate that shit up.

There was one element of Elias’s story that I found to be cringe and annoying but I won’t go into detail because it was sort of “revealed” like it should be a plot twist.

The ending dragged on a bit and I thought this could be at least 40 pages shorter and just as effective.

I would give this book 4.5 stars!

Spiral is the second book in the “Off the Ice” series, but I feel like this can be read as a standalone! This story is about hockey player Elias Westbrook and dancer Sage Beaumont. They both agreed on fake dating for their personal gains. However, their chemistry definitely flourished overtime. They faced a lot of obstacles together and really supported each other. The ending was probably the most interesting part of the book, with the ballerina drama and all. I really enjoyed the sense of found family in this book, especially in the epilogue!

To be honest I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I’ll definitely try and read Collide sometime!

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for a copy of this book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦.”

AHHHHHH! I am screaming. I absolutely love this book and it's just as good as the first one. Easily one of my quickest five stars of 2025.

This book has everything; smut, depth, character development, and cameos from the first book. I definitely recommend reading the first book so you get to truly enjoy the cameos, however you technically don't *have* read it if you just want to dive right into this one.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes:
○ fake dating
○ sports romance
○ slow burn
○ found family
○ forced proximity
○ sleeps better together
○ witty banter

I love Sage. She's such a fun, quirky, sarcastic girly. She's so strong and I love watching her grow & learn to love and trust.

Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and Berkley for the gifted e-book! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

Read this book if you like: Hockey, dancer, fake dating

Love this so damn much! I love them as a couple right away. I was rooting for them the whole time. I love how everything in this book unfolds. It is so organic and real. I highly recommend this!

I devoured this book in about a day and could not put it down. I loved the instant connection and the love story was done well. I have always loved the world of ballet and seeing it mixed into the world of hockey is so brilliant. I can't wait to read the next of the series.

FIVE STARS!

Dare I say it was better than collide? And I absolutely LOVED collide!

Tropes:
Fake dating
Slow burn
Found family
Hockey x ballerina romance

This story follows Sage who is a ballerina who is try to land any ballet job but mostly a lead role. And Eli who is a professional hockey player who is trying to get his first NHL goal and trying to stop the media from labeling him as a play boy.

Sage blew me away with how resilient and funny she was. I loved how she was very blunt and unfiltered. I laughed so many times throughout the book with the things that she said. She is probably my favorite fmc I’ve read in a romance book.

Eli had me fall head over heels from the very beginning. He was very thoughtful and caring no matter the situation and paid attention to the little things.

I never skip an epilogue and this one was so heart warming and I loved then story coming to an end the way that it did. Made me tear up a bit with Nina!

Overall it was an amazing story with great character development and banter and spice.