ROMANCE

Spiral

Berkley. (Off the Ice, Bk. 2). Jan. 2025. 368p. ISBN 9780593818282. pap. $19. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
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This second installment in Khabra’s “Off the Ice” series, after Collide, offers a captivating fake-dating romance between Elias Westbrook, a rookie hockey defenseman, and Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina. Set against the backdrop of professional sports and performing arts, this novel deftly intertwines themes of family, ambition, and personal growth. Khabra crafts complex characters, each of whom is battling their own challenges: Elias grapples with adoption issues and an abusive biological father, while Sage balances her career aspirations as a woman of color and raising her younger brother. Their fake relationship, born of mutual benefit, blossoms organically into a genuine connection, keeping readers engrossed. This book is ideal for audiences who enjoy sports romances with emotional depth, fans of the fake-dating trope, and those who appreciate stories that explore family dynamics and personal growth alongside romance.
VERDICT Khabra’s skillful portrayal of her characters’ personal struggles and their growing bond makes for an engaging read that goes beyond the typical sports romance formula. Thanks to its well-paced narrative and ample steamy moments, readers will find themselves engrossed in this hockey-meets-ballet romance.
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