I’ll admit it—I stumbled into Revolve, the third book in Bal Khabra’s Off the Ice series, completely unaware that it was part of a trilogy. I received it as an ARC and dove in without checking the series order. But here’s the thing: it didn’t matter. Revolve pulled me in so completely that I didn’t feel lost. Instead, I felt intrigued. I wanted to know more about the world, the characters, and the stories that came before. So, naturally, I bought the first two books immediately and binge-read them in a weekend. No regrets.
This series is a warm, emotionally rich escape into the world of professional hockey, but it’s not just about the sport. It’s about the people behind the jerseys, their relationships, their struggles, and their growth. Khabra has created a world that’s easy to get lost in, with characters that feel like friends and storylines that tug at your heartstrings. If you’re a romance reader who loves character-driven stories with depth and chemistry, this series is for you.
Let’s break it down book by book, no spoliers…
Book 1: Break the Ice
A guarded hockey player meets his match in someone who refuses to let him hide. Sparks fly, walls crumble, and vulnerability becomes strength. It’s a slow burn with emotional payoff and a satisfying arc.
This book sets the tone for the series. It introduces the world of the team, the locker room dynamics, and the emotional weight these characters carry. The romance is tender and believable, with just enough tension to keep you hooked. Khabra’s writing shines in the quiet moments—the glances, the hesitations, the internal battles. You feel the characters’ growth, and you root for them every step of the way.
Book 2: Shatter the Ice
A second-chance romance that’s both fiery and tender. Two people with history collide again, and the emotional stakes are high. Misunderstandings, regrets, and longing fuel a story that’s impossible to put down.
This one hit me hard. The emotional depth is intense, and the chemistry between the leads is electric. Khabra doesn’t shy away from the messiness of love she embraces it. The characters are flawed, but their journey is beautiful. You want them to find their way back to each other, and when they do, it’s incredibly satisfying. The pacing is tight, and the dialogue is sharp. It’s a romance that feels real, with all the complications that come with it.
Book 3: Revolve
A raw and real story of healing, connection, and unexpected love. It’s about finding someone who sees you, even when you’re not sure you want to be seen. Emotional, honest, and deeply moving.
This was my accidental starting point, and I’m so glad it was. Revolve is the kind of book that stays with you. The characters are complex and layered, and their relationship unfolds with authenticity. Khabra’s writing is at its best here—nuanced, empathetic, and emotionally resonant. You feel like you know these people. You care about them. You want good things for them. And when they struggle, you feel it in your chest.
Why This Series Works
What makes the Off the Ice series so compelling is the way Khabra writes people. These aren’t just characters, they’re fully realised individuals with histories, fears, and dreams. The hockey setting adds texture, but it’s never the focus. The relationships are the heart of the story, and they’re handled with care and depth.
Khabra’s dialogue is natural and engaging. The banter feels real, the emotional conversations hit hard, and the pacing keeps you turning pages. There’s a balance between light and heavy, fun and serious, that makes the books feel grounded. You get the swoon-worthy moments, but you also get the quiet ones, the ones that make you think, reflect, and feel.
The series also does a great job of building a community. The recurring characters, the team dynamics, the friendships, they all add layers to the story. You feel like you’re part of something, like you’re sitting in the stands cheering them on. It’s a world you want to return to, and that’s rare.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a romance series that’s emotionally rich, character-driven, and deeply satisfying, Off the Ice is a must-read. Whether you start with Break the Ice or accidentally dive into Revolve like I did, you’ll find yourself pulled into a world that’s warm, real, and full of heart.
Bal Khabra has a gift for making you care. Her characters feel like people you know, and her stories make you want to see them happy. It’s the kind of series that makes you smile, tear up, and stay up way too late reading “just one more chapter.”
So grab your copy, settle in, and get ready to fall in love. On and off the ice.
One More Chapter 