In this interview, we chat with Bal Khabra, the author of Spiral, a captivating hockey romance that delves into fame, pressure, and unexpected connections. The story follows Elias Westbrook, a newly drafted player for the Toronto Thunder, who is struggling to make his mark amid intense media scrutiny. Enter Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina trying to secure a lead role despite her lack of online fame. When they strike a deal to fake date, neither expects the chemistry that quickly ignites between them. Khabra takes us behind the pages of Spiral, sharing the inspiration behind the characters and the journey of bringing this heartwarming romance to life.
Spiral is the second book in the series and picks up right where Collide leaves off. This time, the spotlight is on Elias Westbrook, who readers might remember as Aiden Crawford’s fiercely loyal and reserved best friend. When Aiden signs with the Toronto Thunder NHL team, Elias isn’t far behind because where Aiden goes, Elias tends to follow. Spiral dives deeper into Elias’s world, showing his journey on and off the ice while weaving in characters and threads from Collide that fans of the first book will love.
Besides the main characters, do we see any crossover of other characters from Collide?
Absolutely! The entire friend group from Collide makes an appearance, bringing their familiar dynamics and banter to Spiral. Plus, readers will get to meet a few new faces who add fresh energy (and maybe a little drama) to the mix.
What inspired you to explore the world of ballet alongside the world of hockey?
I loved the idea of taking two worlds that seem so opposite and throwing them together. Ballet is all elegance and grace, while hockey is fast-paced and intense, but both require high levels of discipline, strength, and passion. I think having these professional careers add weight to the plot. The two worlds also lets us see how a graceful ballerina could be as strong as a hockey player and how a burly hockey player could become softer with the right person. It makes for a sweet, unexpected dynamic.
Hockey romance has grown rapidly over the past few years. How does the Off the Ice series stand out from other hockey romance books?
I think what sets this series apart is the diverse cast of characters—each with their own unique backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It’s not just about the sport, but about the characters navigating their careers, relationships, and having intense moments of personal growth. The Off the Ice series highlights different life stories, which gives the romance a depth and authenticity that feels real and relatable.
How do you ensure that each book in the series has its own unique identity?
It really depends on the characters themselves. Some characters come with such strong, distinct voices that their stories almost write themselves. Other times, I have to be extra mindful to make sure they don’t sound too similar. I think a lot of it comes down to editing and being aware of those little overlaps.
How do the themes of ambition and self-discovery manifest in Elias and Sage’s journey?
Ambition and self-discovery are central to both Elias and Sage’s journeys. For Elias, hockey has always been his life, but after nearly losing everything he worked so hard for, it forces him to question his path and what truly matters to him. It’s a turning point where he has to redefine what success means beyond just the game. Sage, on the other hand, is the embodiment of ambition—she’s driven, relentless, and pours herself into everything she does. But when she meets Elias, she’s forced to slow down and reflect on why she fell in love with ballet in the first place. Through their connection, both characters find a deeper understanding of themselves and what they really want from their careers and their lives.
How do you think the fake-dating trope enhances the story’s emotional depth?
The fake-dating trope deepens the emotional connection between the characters. It forces them into close quarters, where they have to navigate their feelings in ways they wouldn’t in a typical relationship. As they go through the motions under the pretense of being a couple, they end up intimate details about themselves that they might otherwise keep hidden. This vulnerability allows them to get to know each other on a much deeper level, and it creates moments of intimacy and trust that wouldn’t happen in a “real” dating scenario.
What do you hope readers feel as they follow Elias and Sage’s connection unfold?
I hope that as they read about Eli & Sage story, they recognize that if we can love these beautifully flawed characters and see them as people deserving of love, then we are too—no question about it.
What role does vulnerability play in the development of Elias and Sage’s relationship?
On the surface, Sage is happy and open about her struggles, but Elias, this sweet, internally conflicted hockey player, sees right through her. They both show they’re more than what’s on the surface—or the tabloids. For the first time in Sage’s life, there’s someone who wants to take care of her. And for the first time in Elias’ life, there’s someone he’ll take a risk for. Allowing themselves to be vulnerable helps their self-discovery and finding a safe place to land within their relationship.
What challenges did you face in portraying the contrasting pressures of fame in sports and the performing arts?
I researched and had some feedback to make sure the pressures aligned with how it is in the real-world for these to careers. For Elias, he’s a hockey player getting scrutinized by fans, by his opposition, and people who manage him. That weight is heavy and comes from all directions which is the catalyst. With ballet, the community is smaller, so the pressure tends to be more internal. Sage’s pressure comes not just from external expectations, but from herself and the constant comparison to others. She worries less about what others are saying about her, but the emotional and physical toll is just as intense. They both struggle with the spotlight in different ways, one who wants to desperately get away from it, and the other who almost craves it.
Can you share any specific moments or scenes from Spiral that you’re particularly excited for readers to see?
One scene I’m excited for readers to experience is when Sage goes to Elias’ first game. It’s such a pivotal moment for their relationship, and everything that unfolds afterward sets the stage for the rest of their journey. I think both of their personalities and internal struggles become very clear in this chapter. It’s a perfect catalyst that drives their connection forward, and I think it’s one of those moments where the emotional tension and stakes really kick in. It’s a turning point, and I can’t wait for readers to feel the shift in their dynamic.
What was your favorite scene to write, and why?
It would be hard to choose just one! I think by default since I like seeing my characters happy, I had a lot of fun writing the epilogue. Especially because I had no idea that’s where it would end up, and I can truly say the characters took the reins on that one. It wasn’t expected, but I do love where it ended up.
What impact do you want Spiral to have on readers who may be navigating their own dreams?
That if you want something bad enough, don’t let a “no” stand in your way.
In what ways does this book reflect your personal experiences or relationships? Do you see pieces of yourself in some of these characters?
All of these characters carry a piece of me. Whether it’s from me directly or the people in my life who have an influence on me. Many of the emotional moments are drawn from my experiences, helping me tap into the raw emotions the characters are navigating. It’s like they reflect parts of my own journey, allowing their stories to feel more real and relatable.
What can readers expect in the future for the Off the Ice series? Is there anything else you have in the works?
Right now, I’m working on book three, and I have to say, these characters have really captured my heart. I love all of them, but the two at the center of this next story feel like soulmates. It’s taken me the longest to truly understand them, and that’s how I know they’re special. There’s a lot more to come, but for now we’re still in the OTI universe.