Book Review – Revolve by Bal Khabra
Synopsis
The road to redemption is far from smooth as ice in this sweeping romance between a figure skater and hockey player from the USA Today bestselling author of Collide.
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.
My rating:
Review
I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Mid-mild spoilers included below as a warning.
This book frustrated me in parts because I enjoyed the first two more, but overall Dylan and Sierra’s story is sweet. I particularly liked Dylan’s decision even if I would have liked more exposition around it.
Sierra’s story made more sense to me as an arc, as she was challenged about dealing with her mental health and supported by those around her. However Dylan’s was largely a bit of a let down. He has friends he doesn’t really talk to, a sister he doesn’t really talk to, parents he doesn’t deal with (then tries to and then does a full 180 that is, a shock, never dealt with properly). It basically felt like he was there for Sierra’s story which would be fine if he hadn’t been given like five too many things to deal with and if any of them had been given the space to actually get dealt with not suddenly brushed under the carpet. So while I liked some of what he did, it felt wild to me this partying as boy whose head is a mess is suddenly not going out (without any exposition on this) and falling for someone. And I know romance can do this, but to see him go full all in on Sierra basically overnight felt like it didn’t fit either, there was no delving into it like you normally see.
I promise I did like it more than this makes it sound, it’s sweet and an easy read at face value. It just got to me when delving a little deeper. It’s a nice addition to a sweet series though.
3.25 stars.
Buy Revolve by Bal Khabra from Waterstones or Blackwells.
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