Review: Revolve by Bal Khabra
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I love a good hockey romance like the next reader and while I did enjoy this one, I think I might need a break from the college hockey romances. I liked this story, but there were parts that left me cringing and most of it was how male centric the romance seemed. I did love that it was a hockey player returning to figure skating and that his friends didn’t mock him for it. But when it came to how sex and the intimate scenes, I didn’t vibe with it. At one point in time , I might have enjoyed it just enjoy it. And I’ve read other books in this series and enjoyed them! But at this point in time ((February 2026), something about it just rubbed me the wrong way.
But, one thing I do love is that this series creates a diverse cast of characters, which is rare in hockey romances. I think if you're going to create any series about college hockey players and their love lives, make it this one.
Synopsis:
“Sierra Romanova was an Olympian figure skater before a life-altering accident on the ice left her with panic attacks every time she enters the rink. Now, back for her final year at Dalton University, she’s ready to reclaim the spotlight, with all eyes on her…including those of hockey player Dylan Donovan, whose audacious words goad her back into her skates to prove him wrong.
After getting kicked off his hockey team for his reckless behavior, Dylan is left with slim chances of making it to the NHL draft. But Dylan’s whole world revolves around the ice, and if hockey is forbidden, well at least there’s figure skating. Even better, it means more time at the rink with Sierra. Sure, he’s helping her rebuild her confidence, but pushing her buttons along the way? That’s just a bonus.
As the figure skating world awaits Sierra's comeback, she finds herself in need for a new pairs partner. The only person she knows who can match her skill on the ice is none other than the cocky hockey player who refuses to cut her any slack. Dylan's a wildcard, Sierra's a seasoned pro, but together, they might just be the perfect match on the ice.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Fun—The friend groups is so fun and cares so much about each other. I love that this book is FUN. It has it’s intense moments about recovering from injury/overcoming fears and anger issues, but for the most part, it was truly something to enjoy as brain candy.
The Friend Group—The draw of a college aged book is that it brings me right back to being with my friends in school. That period of time, living together and spending every waking moment with each other, is pure magic.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Written Through the Male Gaze—It felt like so much of intimate elements were written that way and it’s not something I’d pick up on a few years ago, but now it’s all I can see.
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 4/5 Overall Rating: 3/5
Content Warnings:
injury, anxiety, panic attacks, anger issues