Spiral

Khabra’s cute but somewhat meandering second Off the Ice romance (after Collide) finds dancer Sage Beaumont ready to nail her audition for Canada’s National Ballet—only to learn that lately the troupe prioritizes dancers who already have large followings on social media. Meanwhile, hockey player Elias Westbrook goes from being a college superstar to a rookie underdog on the Toronto Thunder. He chokes under the pressure, leading to some bad press and potentially putting his career in jeopardy. After Sage bids on a date with Eli at the Thunder’s charity auction, she comes up with a scheme to both raise her online profile and help change Elias’s public persona: fake dating. Elias reluctantly agrees, with one fixed rule: do not fall in love. This proves easier said than done, however, when their attraction is so intense. The diverse cast is refreshing in a subgenre that is still overwhelmingly white and the leads are lovable. Unfortunately, the fake dating conceit quickly becomes flimsy and the romance feels less slow-burning and more painfully drawn out. Still, fans of book one will enjoy this steamy return to the rink. (Jan.)