spiral really is THAT girl. sage and eli are absolutely everything to me i want to give them both a hug. they’re such relatable characters who deserve everything and more. sage is also HILARIOUS.

thank you bal khabra & berkley for the arc! <3

i really really was liking this for like the first 70% of the book! sage and eli had such amazing chemistry and their story was genuinely so much fun! sage’s humor was perfect and her story as a whole felt so special to watch. truly loved seeing her grow and open up and find people to love (and let love her)! and elias elias elias!!! the thoughtful gentle baby boy that you are wow!!!!! i was rooting for him (with sage and also just in general) so so hard. truly adored them so much!

i unfortunately just felt like the last 30ish% of the book just really dragged. i was genuinely confused why they weren’t actually together when they so clearly both were very obvious about not wanting to fake it anymore?
the third act conflict was a little frustrating to watch, i do just hate! when a man thinks he knows best and tries to make decisions for the both of them (literally elias’ only flaw i’ll just pretend that didn’t happen i guess).
and the last 15% felt kinda pointless? i’m not sure? i really loved getting so see sage’s hard work pay off but all the drama that surrounded it felt unnecessary or just paced very weird.
(also the epilogue and everything that happened felt very sudden! i know everyone is on their own timelines but i think maybe 5 years instead of 3 might have been less jarring.)
(ok one more thing. i can’t stop thinking about that “i’m off to space on my little rocket ship” comment. and not in a good way. sorry. why????)

overall a super bingebale, fun, cutesy, hockey romance that i did genuinely enjoy! and would totally recommend!!!!

**thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!!**

4.7 ⭐️

A little note- ✧.*

I was lucky enough to receive this ARC of Spiral on NetGalley, I’m so thankful to Berkeley romance and NetGalley for the opportunity. This book was one of my most anticipated reads in 2025 and it truly lived up to my expectations. Bal Khabra delivers beautifully written stories for every reader to enjoy. I have always loved hockey romances and this one was so so special.💝

I can’t wait for people to fall in love with Eli & Sage, they were so sweet and I had a lovely time reading their story.

Review- ・❥・

This book felt like a warm hug to those whose love language is acts of service. I fell in love with the characters and how selfless both protagonists were to one another. The writing felt so effortless and it was beautiful written.

Elias Westbrook!!! the MAN that you are🥺 he was one of the sweetest mmc I’ve ever come across. The way he loves so deeply and just pours his heart out to every single person and thing he does made me feel so lucky to read his story. The way he cares for Sage is so beautiful and I just loved every scene they had together. One of my favorite lines he delivers is towards the end of Chapter 14 and it just shows you what kind of person he is. He has such a BIG heart!!! And him being hot and super tall and a hockey player is a big bonus as well…

Sage Beaumont was so lovely!!! She reminds me of the song mirrorball by Taylor Swift, she’s a character that does so much for others but doesn’t realize how deserving she is of having others love and take care of her. Sage has a very difficult life but she’s a fighter and a perfect example of overcoming difficulties to follow what you love. We see a selfless fmc, a great sister and an amazing niece. She is everything and more. I really loved that she was a ballerina and overcame so many fears and insecurities throughout the novel. She was SO deserving of being truly loved and taken care of, I’m so happy she got a happy ending!!

This story was truly filled with love, gratitude and found family. If you loved Collide by Bal, you should definitely read this book since we see so many past characters back and better than ever. Everyone got a cameo and my heart was SO happy!! The hockey was amazing, the spice was HOT, and most importantly the dedication “You are a light in this world, don’t waste it on those who can’t see it. Find the people who can” is the embodiment of this book. If you can’t tell I loved this book. Also the playlist was EVERYTHING. Ms. Bal Khabra you have impeccable music taste!! And of course I can’t forget the fake dating which was truly chefs kiss if I do say so myself, I don’t want to go too much into it since it’s the premise of the novel but I know every reader will LOVE IT!!

Spiral out January 28, 2025!! 💜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If I could give this book more than 5⭐️s then I would. It might be a bit presumptuous, but I think I could my favorite book of the year and it doesn’t even officially come out until next year.
You really get to know Elias better in this book. I honestly couldn’t remember much about him from Collide. And after getting to know him I don’t know how she’ll write anything better. This man is so Ryan Shay coded… a top book boyfriend for sure.
This book had such a delicious slow burn. And I wasn’t bored for a single second. Every chapter had me wanting to dive right into the next.
And let’s have a moment for Sage. Because what an amazing FMC. Maybe it’s because I feel like I relate to her. I was obsessed with them from the very beginning. And even though this book was quite lengthy, I still didn’t feel like it was long enough.
Loved alllll the cameos from our favorite hockey boys. Tons of Aiden content.
I will be thinking of this book often and the way this man…
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC (p.s. I won’t say no to a physical arc if you wanted to send one my way as well 🫶🏻)

I’m always a sucker for a hockey romance and this was no exception! I loved the chemistry between the two characters so much! Perfect winter read!

Sage Beaumont is a ballerina, and is used to rejection (but that doesn't make it hurt any less). When she misses out on a dream audition because her social media following isn't in the thousands, she's finally had enough. So when her NHL exec uncle calls for a last minute performance at an event, she agrees - bills to pay, and a teenage brother to support. Little does she know she'll be roped in to bidding on a date with hockey player Elias Westbrook, who later declares her his girlfriend to avoid the playboy rookie reputation the media claims he has. Turns out that having a fake NHL player boyfriend isn't so bad for Sage's follower count, and the two come up with rules and boundaries for their fake relationship. But when they unexpectedly become roommates, they find that rules might be meant to be broken.

💭 This was the perfect mix of sports, fine arts, emotional topics, banter, family first, and supportive friends. Sage and Elias had a lot to deal with. Elias, though brought on to the team for his scoring record, is yet to score any goals. Sage is raising her teenage brother, feels worthless and lonely, but continues to strive toward the principal ballerina role of her dreams. Their pasts, self doubt, and difficult family situations keep them from trusting each other fully and the slow burn was so perfect (and realistic). What I loved about their relationship was their ability to make each feel whole - worthy of staying, of being loved, of being trusted. I loved their self care nights, Dirty Dancing movie marathons, and Elias's cooking skills. He was an excellent boyfriend and cared about her dreams. Definitely recommend this one - releases in January!!

This was excellent! I love that it (although on a surface level) touched on the problems that stem from the current ballet atmosphere. I loved how emotional and vulnerable Elias was. I want more emotional and vulnerable male characters (in the way Elias was written, not that weird manipulative, toxic emotions that we often see from mcs). Anyway, I'm very pleased there wasn't a miscommunication trope. I'm not too fond of those.

I absolutely adored this one!! Sage & Eli’s story had me giggling and kicking my feet in the air, I loved them from beginning to end!!!

Sage is such a strong, relatable, enjoyable & well-written female lead. I loved her personality & sense of humor, her motivated & driven nature, and how deeply she loves & cares about those she’s close to. She has so much depth to her character that I think so many people can relate to in varying ways & I just want to give her a hug!!! I love her!!!

Eli, the man that you are!!! I absolutely LOVED him. He is a strong, caring, relatable, & well-written male lead! His depth is so well-done & dives into both family and hockey, which I loved. I think so many people will be able to relate to his desire to be in control, to stray away from change in order to prevent failure or disappointment. I love love love him!!!

Sage & Eli’s relationship was so cute, fun, and loving. Watching them both tear down each other’s walls, find comfort in one another was so special. Their relationship is filled with banter, tension, chemistry, and so much love & care!!! They’re so special & so perfect for each other, I absolutely LOVED them!!!

Cannot wait to see where Bal Khabra takes the rest of this series!!!

I loved this book. I found the romance to be so cute and I love the pairing being that of a ballerina and a hockey player because they are seen as so different from one another when it comes to their spots but both also share a skill and mindset with one another. I think their banter and conversations were cute and lively. I loved reading about them and this was a romance novel that just made my heart swoon and made me so happy. I think this is a great romance for people looking for a fun read.

I laughed, I cried, I swooned. A heart-warming ode to found families and real love. I can’t wait to see what else Khabra has in store for us!

I will literally never shut up about this book and I want to thank netgalley and berkeley for the e-arc!

Bal Khabra, the woman that you are!!! this book was absolutely EVERYTHING to me! I was screaming, giggling, squealing, and kicking my legs the entire time and now that it’s over idk what to do with myself!

Sage is your typical people pleaser who never wants to ask for healing even when she desperately needs it, in other words she’s me 🥲 she was genuinely the funniest character ever and I just wanted to hug her. Elias, my sweet boy, just wants to play hockey but the pressure he’s under is literally killing him and he doesn’t know what to do.

I love them both so much as separate characters but TOGETHER?!?! PERFECTION!!!! Sage allows Eli to break out of his shell and be himself while Eli reminds Sage it’s okay to be soft and be taken care of. I could write a ten page dissertation on the tension alone! OMFG it literally had me quaking! Eli definitely went to the hozier school of yearning cause good god, this man was DOWN BAD!

everything about this book was perfection! the fake dating! the banter! the spice! THE PINING! THE YEARNING! the found family! OUTSTANDING!

ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!! 😍 This is my first 5-star ARC read and I am so happy I was able to get this book it was so wholesome and I loved absolutely everything about it 🥹🩷. Sage is so unapologetically herself and wears her heart on her sleeve and I truly love that about her, then we have our cinnamon roll of a man Elias, he is the epitome of a gentleman. Hockey player x ballerina? fake dating? forced proximity? found family? literally all my favorite tropes!! and the slow burn was BURNING omg it takes time for me even invest in a slow burn but this was so worth it and left me so giddy, happy, and emotional, the way they were able to pen up to each other and be vulnerable with one another in ways they could not be with anyone else just made my heart explode. The tension, the push-pull chemistry, and the BANTER I lived for all of it. I 100% agree with Sage if Elias told me to bark I'm sure I would do it😍😍. It's unfair to all the books I've read so far in 2024 that this is one of my top reads now when this does not release until 2025 but NO REGRETS!! Elias has been added to my book boyfriend list and well I think that's all there is to say about that.

I also loved Sean idk I love his character and I want a book on him I want to see his side of things and the way the found family just radiated genuine love for him and Sage ugh my heart truly could not take any more emotion from this book!! 🥹

I cannot wait to have this book on my shelf!! 🩷😍

Absolutely fantastic. I love the mental health conversations and the focus on healthy relationships. Romance is always popular at my library. Looking forward to purchasing and sharing!

Such a sweet love story! I love a good fake dating trope and this was one of the best I've read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Bal Khabra and NetGalley for the E-arc of Spiral!

A meeting of happen stance between a hockey player and a ballet dancer lead to fake dating for both of their careers. Elias and Sage are realizing that none of their feelings are fake and I’m realizing that Sage is a powerful fmc.

She starts off as a manic pixie dream girl caricature but soon you’ll find that she’s got more depth and trauma in her pinky toe than most characters. Elias and her are dangerously cute. Forced proximity definitely lends a major hand to their relationship.

All in all this isn’t my favorite of Bal’s work (that belongs to her debut, A code for love). The beginning felt rushed and I think the characters could’ve used more time to develop their relationship. That being said, I love Sage’s personality and determination. She and Elias definitely deserved their happy ending!

Likes:
• Sage (just everything about her).
• The conflict between her uncle and Elias.
• Elias..duh.

Dislikes:
• Some minor plot holes (why does her uncle like her ex??).
• Needed more relationship building.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️

When I requested this, I did not realize it was a spinoff from Collide which I have not read, but I don't think you have to read it in order to understand what takes place in this book, This caught my attention because I thought a romance between a hockey player and ballerina sounded cute, plus I am a sucker for the fake dating trope. The banter between Sage and Elias was fantastic, and I really enjoyed that it was a slow burn romance.. At times the pacing was a bit slow, specifically towards the middle of the book, but overall it was still entertaining and I would recommend it.


Tropes
grumpy x sunshine
slow burn
sports romance
forced proximity
fake dating

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC.

I was once again, sucked into another one of Bal Khabras’ books! I received this book early, BUT If you loved her first book “Collide” then you will DEVOUR this one right up! (Might I say, I enjoyed it more)
-grumpy x sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Fake dating

**side note** if you know anything about Canadian WWE wrestlers, there’s a character in the book who is named Owen Hart! And I can’t help but wonder if his name was an coincidence or not haha


**Thank you SO much to NetGalley and publishers/Bal Khabra for letting me read your book ahead of time and allowing me to review it! It means the absolute WORLD to me! **

Honestly have no clue how to rate this because I didn’t really enjoy most of it and should’ve dnf’d it, but I was somewhat invested and powered through. Somehow it felt like there were too many tropes going on but nothing happening at the same time? I don’t know how to really explain it and I didn’t find myself super invested with this story and skimmed a majority of it but still had an understanding of what was happening. Could just be where my head is at right now, but it wasn’t for me.

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the arc in exchange of my review.

I am very easily swayed into reading hockey romances because there’s just something about them that gets me going!!🤭 I especially love it when the FMC is an athlete in her own right, so this book was a must read! This book was the perfect fluffy hockey romance, with the sweetest love interest (think Ryan Shay vibes), and a hilarious FMC with a dirty mouth. Like seriously though, Sage had me cracking up with all of her dirty jokes. I really enjoyed the relationship between Sage & Elias, mostly due to the fact that he was just the sweetest guy to her. Like the scene where he takes off her makeup for her?! So freaking adorable!! I also loved the cameos we got of summer and the other hockey guys, I can’t wait to see who’s book is next! I think my biggest critique for Collide was that it felt a little long, like it dragged on a bit- BUT Spiral was definitely an improvement on that front because this book flew by. Overall this was a fun read that you should read if you love:
-Hockey Romances
-Cinnamon roll love interest
-Slow Burn
-NO third act break ups
-Found family

This was so good! A wonderful feel good romance filled with growth and tension. I am in love with both Eli and Sage. I am waiting minute by minute for Khabra to announce her next book!

✨Fake Dating
✨Forced Close Proximity
✨Found Family
✨Sports Romance

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
🌶🌶🌶 3/5 spice level