Book Review: Spiral by Bal Khabra
Let’s get one thing straight—Elias Westbrook and Sage Beaumont own my heart. I went into Spiral with a bit of trepidation. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Collide, but it left me wary. Could Bal Khabra truly deliver on all the potential hinted at in her debut? Let me just say: not only did she deliver, but she wrapped it all up in an emotional gut-punch of a romance that left me breathless, giggling, and sobbing into my coffee.
“Sage is beautiful and strong, a ray of light in a field of darkness.”
The Setup
Elias, a newly drafted NHL player for the Toronto Thunder, is drowning in media scrutiny. The tabloids paint him as a playboy, but the truth is far from it—this man is a green-flag unicorn who hasn’t dated in years! Sage, on the other hand, is a struggling ballerina who needs more followers to land her dream role in Swan Lake. Their worlds collide (pun totally intended) at a charity auction, where a fake dating scheme is born.
What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement quickly spirals (see what I did there?) into something deeper. The fake dating trope leads to accidental roommates (thank you, apartment fire!) and a masterclass in the grumpy-sunshine dynamic done right. Sage isn’t just sunshine—she’s a beacon of warmth and strength. And Elias? This man doesn’t just speak my love language; he invented new ones.
Elias Westbrook: The Ultimate Book Boyfriend
Let’s talk about Elias, shall we? This man is perfection. From baking sugar-free cupcakes for Sage’s diabetic brother to Googling ballet moves so he can support her dreams, Elias is the epitome of thoughtful. When Sage’s apartment burns down, he doesn’t just offer her a place to stay—he makes her feel at home. When she’s drunk, he even does her skincare routine for her. And the way he handles his own struggles with such quiet maturity? Swoon.
Elias isn’t just a grumpy hockey player; he’s a man who sees Sage for who she truly is and fights for her in ways that matter. Oh, and did I mention the forehead kisses? Weaponized against me. Every. Single. Time.
Sage Beaumont: A Heroine Worth Rooting For
Sage is everything I didn’t know I needed in a heroine. She’s a people-pleaser in the best way—her sacrifices are born out of love, not weakness. Her relationship with her younger brother melted me. She’s raised him on her own, and the way he stands up to Elias to ensure his sister is being treated right? Pure gold.
Sage isn’t just sweet; she’s layered. She’s fierce, vulnerable, and has a lightheartedness that draws you in. Watching her become part of Elias’s tight-knit friend group and forge a friendship with Summer from Collide was genuinely heartwarming.
The Romance
Elias and Sage’s relationship is a slow burn that’s worth every second. Their love is tender, raw, and deeply emotional. Every milestone feels earned, every moment layered with trust and vulnerability. From their first “fake” date to the moment Elias tattoos a sage plant on his finger (yes, really!), their journey is one you feel in your bones.
There’s a scene where Elias bakes Sage two birthday cakes—one for them to share and another for her to celebrate with her brother. I had to put the book down and stare at my wall because HOW. IS. HE. REAL?
The Verdict
Bal Khabra has officially cemented herself as a must-read author for me. While Spiral ran a touch long in places, it’s so close to perfect that I’m more than willing to forgive it. This book isn’t just a romance; it’s a reminder of what it means to love deeply, selflessly, and unconditionally. Elias and Sage’s story is one I’ll carry with me for a long time.
Spiral left me grinning like an idiot, clutching my Kindle, and desperate for my own Elias Westbrook. (Seriously, where can I find one? Asking for a friend.) If you love fake dating, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and heroes who set the standard for thoughtfulness, pick this up immediately.
