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!

Overview: yeah, was alright.


You want a bit more detail? … fine.

We have Elias & Sage - hockey player & ballerina- who are fake dating to help their careers.
Sages uncle is big boss at Elias’ hockey team.
Sage has a younger brother (I can see a spin off coming for him after these main boys have their story).
And she also has ex who has now joined Elias’ team… not sure why this story line was needed in all honesty. Felt like it could’ve been left out and the book still would’ve been fine.

Character building, even for a second interconnected book, was so good. We had lots of visuals for the characters, including those we had already met in book one (haven’t read book one yet but it doesn’t feel like I’ve missed out on the story. But I will go back to read it).
What I didn’t like was that it just went on and on! I feel as though quite a bit could’ve been taken out, or at least condensed down. Characters repeated themselves - and at times each other - unnecessarily. Gave it a feel of a student trying to hit their word count in an exam.

But all in all the book was cute. Cute little story. Cute characters.

Cute.

I don't even know how to begin explaining how this book felt for me, as reading it was one of the greatest highlights of my whole month! This book felt like a warm hug, like coming home after being away for a while, like meeting an old friend after time spent apart. It's so comforting and inspiring in a way — it's very sweet and cozy. I feel like it's best read when you're sitting at home with a huge cup of tea, enjoying a cozy evening indoors. This book was absolutely amazing, and I feel forever grateful for bringing me comfort when I desperately needed it.

From the very first page, I couldn't put this book down because of how relatable and real it felt. I won't lie, I was kind of curious about how Eli's story would turn out after seeing him in Collide, so I started reading this book with high expectations. And it didn't ruin my experience — it only made me love it more. Seeing glimpses of Aiden and Summer healed something in me, and I realized how much they had changed since the beginning of their own book. However, seeing Sage and Eli's story unfold — seeing how they were into each other from the very first moment and how they needed to grow individually to finally be together — was so perfect for me!

I loved how the story focused on both Eli and Sage's internal struggles, how both were fighting their own fights but also being there for one another. Those sweet scenes when one person encouraged the other, when they showed up for each other's important events, when they became each other's anchors — I will forever cherish those moments.

This book makes people-pleasers feel so seen — at least it made me feel so seen because I was able to relate to Sage so much. Her entire arc in this book hit so close to home, and I really loved every bit of the development that Sage experienced here. It was so inspiring to see her open up and welcome people into her life, to see her finally find her own place among Eli's friends, among her group of people. It was even more inspiring to see how she re-discovered herself in terms of her career goals and plans.

I can't even begin to tell you how inspiring it was when Sage finally realized her worth and when she started to open up to other people—not only to Elias, but to Summer as well. I swear, their friendship is one of the best things that happened in this book! I can't wait to see more of them in the next books, too. Sage's bond with her uncle and her brother also warmed my heart because, after everything that both Sage and Sean went through with their parents, seeing how Marcus basically changed his whole life for them made me sob. He's amazing, and I wish we had more scenes with just the three of them as a family. Maybe in the next books, who knows?

Bal Khabra has a talent for writing the most comforting men ever! I swear, both Aiden and Eli turned out to be the greenest flags I've ever seen! They are incredibly well-written, and I feel like they make real men feel bad in comparison. 🤭

I absolutely enjoyed getting to know Eli and reading about his story. The thing that happened four years ago shocked me so much! I didn't expect that twist, but it made sense as to why he was acting the way he was. I love how complex his character was, and how he was not shy to communicate things with Sage when she asked him questions. Seeing him open up to Sage, seeing how he embraced their bond, and finally found a person who could love the good, the bad, and the ugly—it was so incredibly inspiring.

From the very first moment, the chemistry between Sage and Elias was mesmerizing. One of my favorite underrated things in books is when the characters have that feeling that the other person is going to become someone important in their lives, and this book once again made me realize how much I love that trope. From the first interaction, both Sage and Eli felt that pull toward each other, and the way that pull wasn't forced, but came naturally along with their undeniable chemistry? One of the best things ever!

Eli was so patient with Sage, and in return, she was so patient with him. It was so refreshing to see the progression of their bond, how naturally it turned into something more, and how that progression didn't feel like it came out of nowhere. That bond was always there, from the very first moment, and I feel like that was one of the things I liked most. Along with that pull, I can't avoid mentioning the support that both Sage and Eli provided for each other, and how they let their love for each other blossom. Eli became Sage's number one fan, and along with that, he also showed up not only for her but also for her brother. He became a part of their family so easily, and in return, Sage became a part of his. That moment when they were visiting Eli's parents? Aw, that was incredibly sweet and very cozy!

I could talk about them for hours and hours, as the love between Eli and Sage is now one of the most comforting loves I've ever read about!

If you didn't guess it by now, I absolutely enjoyed this book! It's not promoted as a Christmas read, but I definitely recommend reading it this winter if you're looking for something cute and cozy to read after the holiday hype, or if you just want to have that cozy stay-in night. I loved these characters so, so much, and I can't wait to see which character is going to be the lead in the next book!

[please let it be Kian, please let it be Kian, please let it be Kian.]

Well crafted story with lovable characters. Really enjoyed the depth Eli got in this book and the two MCs relationship was just adorable. It wasn't just a hockey romance, it gave me wonderful fictional people to gush over.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

elias is havig a hard time as a rookie on the nhl, the press is going crazy and crateing rumours about him and what's worse, he hasn't scored a goal yet. sage is not having her best year neither, her biggest dream is to star in the production of th swan lake yet she is being rejected left and right, it appears her social media presence is not strong enough. they cross paths and decide to fake date: sage gets the attention she needs and eli stops being seen as a playboy.
i loooved sage. she is witty, funny, down to earth... and well, she is an elder sister so you know she is gonna be protective and mature. eli is more reserved but he is not a bad boy which i loved, he was sweet and gentle and idk he was not a red flag. they matched eachother so well, they understood eachother like they were fated to be together yet it didnt feel forced or something that you only see in books or media idk how to explain it. i am not the biggest fan of fake dating to be honest, yet i loved it in here.
i liked this much better than the first book and i cant wait to see what the author comes with next, i know their books will get better and better. ( can't wait to see if we get a sean book)

Sage my sweet baby, she deserves the world!! And Elias is going to give it her, there's nothing sweeter than just reading about two characters who are so obviously meant to be together. I loved both of the main characters, their banter was off the scale and hockey playerXballet is iconic, as well as having an insight into Sage's relationship with her brother (this helped to flesh her out a bit and maker her feel like a real person).

It did feel slightly rushed in parts, especially towards the ending but I honestly didn't mind that because I just wanted everyone to just get their HEA!!

SAGE AND ELIAS DESERVE THE WORLD!!!!

Ok, sorry I had to get that out the way first and foremost, but I adored this book! The second book after Collide, Spiral suprised me and hooked me in from the start. It's tone, it's vibe is very different from the first book, but its heart is still beating throughout the pages. Throw into the mix my all time favourite trope of fake dating and this was immediately a winning formula for me. Heartfelt, funny, full of slow burn feelings and internal pondering, this book was a dream from start to finish I couldn't recommend it more.

This is such a refreshing take on fake dating and hockey romance. The main character is very relatable and her and the love interest are vey fleshed out.

It's a very tender slow burn romance and a compelling story. I loved reading about Sage's progress In ballet and Elias' growth. Loved how the relationship between Sage and her little brother was written, it felt very realistic.

Thank you Netgalley, Bloomsbury publishing and Bal Khabra for the arc!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for an eARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this book. Fake dating hockey romance? Sign me up. I adored Sage and Elias together. Their chemistry was palpable, their banter was great and I just really loved both main characters.

The one thing that was slightly frustrating was that it felt like some storylines were either unfinished, rushed or just not fully fleshed out (Eli's bio-dad's random heart attack?, relationship dynamic with Owen and a few more).

Overall, this was a solid 3.5 stars from me- I enjoyed the book for the main couple but would have loved more from certain elements!

3.5 ⭐️

This was an enjoyable contemporary read. The characters were likable, and the story was fast-paced and easy to follow. I really enjoyed the banter between Elias and Sage—she brought the flirt, while Elias balanced things out with his caring nature, like cooking for her and offering her a place to stay.

What to expect
Fake dating
Hockey Player x Ballet Dancer
MC suffers from nightmares
Found family
Forced proximity
Acts of service - He cooks for her
Cameos - book 1 characters

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkeley Publishing and the Author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.