Book Review: Revolve (Off the Ice, #3) by Bal Khabra
There’s something intrinsically magnetic about a story that manages to weave humor, emotional depth, and sports into a beautifully crafted narrative. So, when I saw Bal Khabra’s Revolve popping up on my radar, I leaped onto the opportunity to dive back into the fiery world of Dylan and Sierra. As a long-time admirer of Khabra’s work, I was eager to see how she would navigate the intricacies of connection, trauma, and self-love in her unique style. Let me tell you, she did not disappoint.
Revolve is the third installment in the Off the Ice series, and it perfectly encapsulates the dance of figure skating and hockey, both literally and metaphorically. At its heart, the narrative revolves around Sierra, a figure skater grappling with her own insecurities and past traumas, and Dylan, the reformed playboy hockey player proving that he’s more than just a pretty face. Their dynamic is electric, and I loved witnessing the chemistry that Khabra paints so vividly on the ice—plus, who doesn’t love a good ‘skating partners’ trope?
From the get-go, Khabra challenges us with themes of healing and self-acceptance. Sierra’s journey is one that many can identify with, and her internal struggle is rendered with such authenticity; I found myself oftentimes reflecting on my own battles. As she notes, “sometimes, it takes a while to finally love yourself enough.” This sentiment echoed throughout the book for me—each page imbued with a gentle reminder to embrace our flaws.
Khabra’s writing style is nothing short of delightful, blending humor with intensely poignant moments that had me alternating between giggles and tears. The dialogue felt fresh and authentic, especially the banter between Dylan and Sierra. There’s a lovely back-and-forth that pairs laughter with genuine emotional connection. One of my favorite moments is when Dylan says, “you’re the only person I’ve ever wanted to hug.” I mean, if that doesn’t make you swoon, I don’t know what will!
Dylan Donovan is an absolute dreamboat, and I loved watching him evolve throughout the story. His reassessment of priorities when Sierra enters his life is refreshingly honest. I appreciated how he pushes through her walls, showcasing the type of love that is patient and supportive. His complexity—struggling with self-doubt while also embodying this charming exterior—really humanizes him. Khabra really understood how to blend humor and depth in Dylan’s character, making him all the more relatable and endearing.
And let’s not forget the side characters! Kian and Summer’s sweet moments brought a smile to my face, reinforcing the importance of found family. Each character plays a vital role in the narrative, making the world feel rich and alive, where connections authentically thrive.
In conclusion, Revolve unleashes a beautiful concoction of humor, angst, and romance, making it a recommended read for fans of sports romances, mental health representation, and heartfelt character journeys. If you’ve ever felt lost in the chaos of life, struggling to find love—especially self-love—this book will resonate with you. I couldn’t help but walk away feeling uplifted, hopeful, and with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of love. Thank you, Bal Khabra, for another amazing addition to the Off the Ice series. I’m already counting the days until the next story drops!
So grab your skates and prepare for some giggles and tears—you won’t want to miss this one!
💖 Revolve will be released on October 14. Make sure to add it to your TBR!
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