She's a ballerina who dreams about becoming the lead dancer but with her brother's medical bills, being the only provider, and constantly being rejected by dance companies... life isn't looking up until she meets the newly drafted hockey player who is the social media star despite it being against his will and he's willing to do anything to get himself out of it and just focus on not getting kicked off the team, cue the perfect deal: a fake relationship... thats not feeling fake at all. Sage Beaumont is an aspiring ballerina who dreams about making it in the Aurora ballet Theatre... but her lack of popularity on social media leaves her at a huge disadvantage of actually scoring the lead role. Sage's life is filled with: looking after her brother, paying for all the bills, and avoiding the fact that everything is slowly crumbling around her. Cue, Elias Westbrook, the newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder who has become the main sensation for the media (despite it being against his will). The media has made it their main mission to constantly put Elias under it's scrutiny and with the constant papers writing absurd things about his dating life and his lack of actually scoring on the ice, it's left him on thin ice with his team. Elias is willing to do anything to get the media off his back and to finally score on ice so he's not transferred off the team.... and when his friend asks Sage to bet on him during the annual hockey player bidding date auction he' intrigued. When Sage offers him a deal: he helps her get all the social media popularity she needs since he's filled with it and she gets the media off his back by having him appear like he has a stable girlfriend rather than being a player. Yet the more time they spend together the more they begin to fall together... but they both have so many things on their plates and so many other obstacles... could they ever consider a real relationship or does this fake relationship expire after they both get what they want? Oh how i've loved this world that Bal has written. The romance, the humor, the tear jerking moments... this series is just so good. I adore all the characters so much and they just feel so real. Sage and Elias are both going through so many things, their difficulties and struggles are so real, but they are also so supportive and caring of one another. Their kindness towards each other was so sweet and I was rooting for them from the get go. i loved the spice but I also adored all the sweet gestures and moments between them. I can't wait for the next book and I would highly HIGHLY recommend this series!!!

Release Date: January 28,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Am I the only one who before this book has never read a sports romance?
I have seen an increase in the popularity of sports romances in the past several years but was never tempted to pick one up until I threw caution to the wind and decided to see what the big hoopla was all about. This may tell you something about me. Yes, I enjoy romance books a lot but a subgenre of sports well, not what I could see myself reading because I don't really care about sports.

A newly drafted hockey player and an inspiring ballerina. They've each been involved in their perspective filed for a long time, but will all that practice finally have them seeing the big time?
Though she's a ballerina she's been around hockey players for a long time as a family member is involved in the hockey league.

How will the public receive it when these two let it be known they are dating but it's actually fake dating? She needs the publicity dating him will ensure, he can't help falling but either can she.

Dynamic conversations with lots of humor. I loved seeing the interracial dating represented and boy was the sexual tension steaming.
This couple tries to keep it casual and he's the grumpy with her being the sunshine. He holds out the longest in keeping it casual.

They each have an unexpected background that they are working on, because of course they do. Have to add in that drama. Funky, fun fresh and I'm convinced that I'll be looking for more sports romances now.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I read this book in less than 24hrs! I adored the characters right from the beginning Sage & Eli's story had me giggling and kicking my feet.

Sage ,my girl. I love her so much, and I don’t even have the words to tell you how I understood while reading about her. She is such a strong, enjoyable well written character. She shows fierce love to those she cares about. There were so many times I just wanted to give her a hug.

"she hides her guarded heart beneath a cloak of openness that not many have the privilege to pull back."
"it's like no matter what i do, no matter how much i try, i'll always be scraping by."

Eli, the man you are! I loved him. I also felt connected to him and relate to his desire to be in control, to stray away from change in order to prevent failure or disappointment. He is strong, caring, and the way he loves Sage melted my heart. He googled her dance moves for her performance right before so he could understand them bette



Sage & Eli's relationship was so full of care, fun, and love. Being able to see them both bring down each other's walls, find comfort in each other was special. Filled with banter, tension, and chemistry! They're so special & so perfect for each other, I LOVED them with my whole heart!!!

SO excited to see what Bal Khabra does with this series 💜🩰⛸️

I was excited to read this book—the cover is adorable, and I love fake dating stories! Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters, found the pacing uneven, and was disappointed by some of the stereotypes presented.

4.25⭐️ reading this reminded me why I love fake dating romance books so much!! Elias and Sage were everything 😭😭

This is a romance between a rookie hockey player and a ballerina. Both characters have personal struggles. Eli is trying to get out of the media spotlight and Sage is the guardian to her younger brother and trying to book an audition. They end up fake dating AND end up roommates and when I tell you the tension was everything!! Eli had me melting and is literally the sweetest man ever 😭 and the mouth on him during the spice oh my!

I personally thought this book was so much better than Collide and couldn’t put it down.

🩰 hockey player x ballerina
🏒 fake dating
🩰 forced proximity
🏒 slow burn
🩰 tension
🏒 he has piercings 🤭

I loved Collide and was surprised to love Spiral just as much! We follow Elias (who we know from Collide, being Aiden’s best friend for so long) and Sage - who’s the hockey team’s General Manager.

Sage has never had it easy in life. Her parents dipped, leaving her to fend for her little brother because they were struggling with their addiction issues. Her uncle Marcus was more than ready to step in and help in any way possible, but Sage is stubborn and likes to do things on her own terms. Only ever accepted help if it was for her brother. And ballet is her entire life and what she’s working so hard for.

Then there’s Elias, who can’t make a goal now that he’s in the NHL, and the tabloids continue to run stories about him being a playboy (even though he’s celibate!). After a hockey player auction, Aiden convinces Sage to bid on Elias so his crazy stalker doesn’t win. They go on their “date” and tabloids spark up about them and Sage watches her social media start to bloom.

Because of that, she finally has a chance for the big time ballet she’s wanting - where they strive on a strong social media presence to ensure their shows are sold out. Because of this, the pair start fake dating because they think it’s the best way to help both of them.

Add in some forced proximity to our fake dating after a fire, and I’m absolutely SOLD.

A hockey romance, got what I expected. It was cute and kept me in it but I didn’t love love it. Sometimes it feels like they’re trying very hard to make the characters deep and have hard backgrounds and sometimes it feels a little too much to me. But it was cute overall and I’d recommend it to someone who likes this genre.

"I realize that no matter what, I'd spend my entire life trying to be good enough for her."

I would be crazy if I didn't fall in love with another fake dating to lovers trope between a hockey player and a ballerina😏

Elias Westbrook, who has just been drafted for the hockey team, Toronto Thunder, has still not scored his first goal. He knows he's only getting one step closer to being traded off, every time he misses a chance to score. The media has labeled him as a player, often taking pictures of him with other women in mislabelled situations, when that's not even who he is at all. Meanwhile, Sage Beaumont, a ballerina who dreams of being a part of Aurora Ballet Theatre, can't even audition because she does not have "online popularity". After a frustrating moment where her audition gets cancelled because she is a "nobody", she goes to perform at an auction her uncle is hosting, and Uncle Marcus is none other than the general manager of Toronto Thunder. At the auction, Sage wins a date with Elias (because Elias' best friend Aiden wanted Sage to go out with Elias and not that creepy stalker who had been following Elias everywhere). After this date, and many dilemmas, Elias and Sage come up with a plan: they will fake date for the media. That way, the media will stop labeling Elias as a player, and Sage will get more online popularity, which will help her score an audition of her dream role. This will work out, because Sage will never fall for a hockey boy again after her last relationship failed, and Elias will never trust a woman again, after what happened to him in college. So there's nothing to worry about, right? WRONG. As the two spend more and more time together, boundaries start to blur between what is fake and what is real. But I can honestly say, Sage has become one of my favourite characters. I have not been able to read about someone like her in a long time. The way she cares about everyone, and always puts her loved ones before herself, showcases her strong personality. AND YES OF COURSE I THINK ELIAS IS A TOTAL HOTTIE, I WAS DROOLING OVER HIM FROM START TO END.

Started my hockey romance era this year with Spiral and what an amazing start it was 🏒❤️

Bal Khabra has once again captured my heart with Eli and Sage's story. The very *chef's kiss* tension-building and witty (and very naughty I tell you djfksjfhI) banters between them are so addictive I ate it up! I can't count how many time I've giggled and swooned over this two 😍

Sage is such a wonderful character, I have a very soft spot for eldest daughter/sister in books and she's an example of another well-written big sis for me 🥹 the way I relate to her over anything that concerns his brother really hits home for me.

And Eli, I adored him so much because of his reserved and quiet vibes in the first book BOY OH BOY HE REALLY OWNED HIS BOOK 🤭 This man exceeded my expectations in so so many levels. It's always the reserved mfs who are the freakiest. We are not prepared for this man I'm telling y'all 🤪

Seeing Summer and Aiden from Collide really makes me so so happy (I miss them sm 🥹) as well as Kian and Dylan!

Will definitely look forward for the next book in the series, Revolve is going to be AMAZING that's for sure ✨️

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and PRH Audio for the ARC/ALC.

I really enjoyed this swoonworthy and sexy romance. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Tessa Bailey or Emily Henry. I thought that Nia Serge and Aaron Shedlock did a FANTASTIC job with the narration of the audiobook. Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the representation of Type 1 Diabetes, which is a condition I have lived with for 20 years.

If you are looking for a book with a lot of humor and heart, then I definitely recommend this book to you!

I’m new to this author but this book was right up my alley! If you love a good hockey romance, this is very much for you. I loved the chemistry and especially the side characters, they really gave the story that unique touch. This was a great read

This is the ultimate fake dating + found family romance! The heartwarming story follows Sage, a ballerina down on her luck, and Elias, a hockey player struggling with his newfound fame and career. When the two meet at an auction and Sage reluctantly bids on a date for Eli, they both quickly realize that a fake relationship would solve their problems. However, that is easier said than done when their feelings start to feel anything other than fake; and both must decide if they are willing to let their romance spiral into something real.

This was the sweetest and most caring hockey romance I've read to date! The love and attention Eli gave to Sage was so adorable, the two were just absolutely smitten for each other. Their whole relationship was so healthy and I loved all the communication and reassurances. Add in the wholesome found family and slow burn, and I was in heaven from beginning to end. This romance just delivered everything I wanted, the balance of raw emotion, humor, tension, and steam will be in my head for months to come!

Oh my gosh!!! Can you say swoon-worthy??? I loved Collide but I think Bal Khabra has outdone herself with Spiral!! I immediately adored Sage from her first appearance on page. Everything from her determination, strength, softness, empathy and passion for ballet truly shines though. And Elias??? Wow, adding him to the roster for hockey book boyfriends stat because he truly loves with such a big heart and shows his concern for others. Also the found families really tugged at my heartstrings and brought such a beautiful element to this story. It was also good seeing Aiden and Summer and their interactions with our main couple. Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Berkeley for the arc of this fantastic read!!

“I do things for someone I love, but not for myself. I try to squash the thought. It’s a terrifying revelation to think you don’t love yourself the way you love others.”

He’s on the edge while she’s 𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦 in Spiral, a fake-dating sports romance and book 2 in the Off The Ice series. Oh man do I appreciate a book with a strong, yet flawed, badass hockey player male main characters that is still honorable, chivalrous, and sweet. *swoon*

The chemistry between these two athletes was jumping off of the page! The audiobook, with dual narrators, really places you in the story. I loved how they were both so flawed but dealt with each other in the most tender way. A very healthy dynamic!

Thanks for the free audiobook @PRHAudio #PRHAudioPartner and to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The follow up to Collide did not disappoint. I immediately loved Sage as our FMC. She’s so funny and just all around a person who loves so hard, and she reminded me of myself a lot! And then Elias.. omg. I adored him!! He is acts of service through and through. Their story started off with fake dating but it grew to be so much more. I loved how we also saw characters from the last book, and got to meet some new ones like Sage’s brother Sean who is quite lovable too! All in all, a solid read and I’m already counting down the days until the next one in the series.

I absolutely adore the fake dating trope, and when it's combined with a hockey romance, well, that’s a winner for me. Author Bal Kahbra brings two characters together who are incredibly relatable in their everyday challenges, making it easier for readers to connect. Though the initial goal of having Sage and Elias dating was to improve Elias’ image, the more they spent together, the more their attraction grew. I loved Elias’ predicament. It ultimately made his time with Sage more special. The build-up in “Sprial” was slower than I usually read, but the way the author paced it didn’t bother me.

Elias and Sage had enough tension building throughout the story. There were enough touches of steamy and sweet moments sprinkled as it started building. And that’s how I love a slow burn to be.

When a tabloid report inaccurately labels them as a couple, ballerina Sage and Hockey Rookie Elias decide that fake dating can help both of their careers. When those feelings start to turn real, will they take a chance on each other?

This romance is practically cozy, but only because the deep seated traumas that both Sage and Elias hold are never properly addressed. They are skated over and mentioned, but never truly unpacked or dealt with. This is especially true when it comes to Elias's so called celibacy. Both characters could have benefited from therapy.

Despite these flaws, the story is sweet overall, with some charming side characters helping to move the story along. The spice is minimal, and not overly detailed. Not quite fade to black, but not overly descriptive either.

I loved Khabra's first book, Collide, and I was so excited to get a chance to review Spiral! It didn't disappoint. Elias and Sage are so much fun together; Sage is hilarious with her confrontations and spunkiness and pushing Eli out of his comfort zone. Can't wait for the next book in this sweet series!

5 stars and my thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!

"And the girl wonders why I buy her fucking flowers. I'd empty an entire flower shop just so she could decide on her favorite."

Y'all. I say this a lot, but I truly wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. I was so afraid it was going to be one of those fake dating books where the two characters hate each other, but they were fucking obsessed with one another from the jump.

Sage is a hopeful principle ballerina who needs some social media attention to gain some traction in the ballet world and Eli is the newly drafted rookie for the Toronto Thunder hockey team with a ice rink's worth of tabloid gossip and rumors behind him. To solve their respective problems, they agree to fake date.

I think what really set the stage for such a great book was how the two of them grew as individuals as well as partners. Sage was able to stand up for herself by the end the book and Eli was able to do the same.

I requested this book without realizing it was a sequel and I never felt lost or confused. I might go pick up Summer and Aiden's story if it's as good as this one!

Thanks Berkley for sending me a NetGalley ARC widget of this book to review.

I'm giving this review a disclaimer that I did read this as an ARC and do not have access to a finished copy so the things I experienced may not exist in the final version that comes out on the 28th.

*deep sigh*

Okay so I've been waiting for this book for months. I really enjoyed Spiral. I read it when it was a indie published KU novel. I was so excited to a hockey romance that feature an FMC who wasn't white written by an author who wasn't white. I loved Summer and Aiden's story so much. When I saw that she was writing a romance that featured a black ballerina, I got really excited. I knew it may not hit as hard as if the author were black, but I figured that being POC, she might have some shared experiences and that it would come across in a well rounded character. Well friends, it didn't.

*CAUTION mild spoilers ahead*

I was put off by Sage's parents being drug dealers on the run to avoid felony charges. Drugs aren't an issue that's specific to one race, but by now we all know that is a common negative trope with black characters.

Because of her parent's actions, Sage is now a parentified eldest daughter. Again, not an issue that's specific to one race, but add that one top of the parents and we're painting a certain picture here.

Sage goes on to choose to ignore the pleas of her wealthy hockey team owning uncle to help her, but she does accept his help enough to send her brother to a solid boarding school while she's in college.

At times Elias' character definitely comes off in a white savior-esque setup, specifically around her apartment and the things that lead her to live with him.

Sage is having issues securing a role at a ballet company she admires and honestly that would've been a fine storyline to carry her through. I expected there to be a bit more about how tough it is being a black ballerina. Early on she mentions really looking up to Misty Copeland, but not much else. Every once in a while she mentions how being in ballet can be hard on a person's body image, but doesn't really speak to how different it can be being in a black body in that sport/art and not matching the body types of lithe white women.

It just felt like Sage's race only mattered in giving her trauma, but not in the rest of her life. It's also never really clearly stated in the book, except in one part where it mentions her brother clearly looking half Moroccan because of their parents. And then mentions of her brown skin, once while her boyfriend is rubbing watermelon scented product into it. Queue the heavy eye rolling.

I had more issues in this story, like Elias' celibacy but willing to compromise it in other ways, but I don't want to rant further. I wish Bal Khabra hadn't written Sage as a black character initially if she was going to do her like this. I wish she hadn't made reels to market this interracial romance leaning into the storyline of her drug addicted parents. I wish this had turned out differently.

There are so many solid quotes showing intimate moments between Elias and Sage where they're clearly healing each other through their love and support, but that's not enough to get past all the damage done.