Review: ‘Revolve’ Is Steamy, Heartfelt, and Worth Clearing Your Weekend For

Despite never stepping foot near a skating rink, never watching a hockey game, and being completely unable to name a single NHL team, one might say I’m completely obsessed with the sport. For that, we can thank the fabulous corner of the literary world that is hockey romance books. Known for their brooding love interests, at least one or two swoon-worthy scenes where the main character gets sent to the penalty box, and enough steamy moments to thaw an entire ice rink, hockey romances are popular for a reason. But my most recent hockey romance read, Revolve, has taken my obsession to new heights.

You may recognize its author, Bal Khabra, as the USA Today bestselling author of Collide. She’s known for writing emotionally charged sports love stories full of chemistry, competition, and redemption. In her latest release, Revolve, we follow a fallen Olympian figure skater and a disgraced hockey player who find second chances—and each other—on the ice. After finishing the book, I’m on a personal mission to ensure it finds its way onto everyone’s bookshelf. Here’s my full review of Revolve by Bal Khabra.

My Review of Revolve

A love story born on the ice

The story starts with Sierra Romanova trying to get back on the ice after a career-ending accident left her with a fear of skating, no partner, and a long uphill climb to reclaim her top spot. Dylan, our hockey heartthrob, is similarly battling to redeem his reputation and career after a failed drug test leaves him sitting on the sidelines. The way these two characters handle their journeys is part of what makes the book so compelling. Where Sierra is all control and carefully planned steps, Dylan is reckless and impulsive. He’s overflowing with confidence while she’s full of fear, just trying to find the comfort on the ice she lost. That opposites-attract tension keeps you glued to every page, addicted to their dynamic.

While they may differ in their approaches to life, one thing both Sierra and Dylan can agree on is their shared love for skating. The rink is more than just a setting for this book—it’s a shared language and battleground that only the two of them can understand. They’re able to know each other so deeply through this shared love, and it’s the perfect backdrop for their love story to unfold.

Why I couldn’t put it down

This may be my new go-to book rec for anyone looking to get out of a reading slump because it’s so fast-paced. There’s just as much heart as there is heat, making it the perfect romance for readers who value emotional connection as much as spice. The chemistry between Sierra and Dylan is top-tier. Their banter and tension are addictive, but they’re also so vulnerable with each other. Khabra writes trauma and recovery with such realism that the romance scenes between the two actually feel earned. It’s emotional and angsty while also full of warmth.

Bal Khabra’s writing is heartfelt, sharp, and cinematic

I absolutely loved Khabra’s voice throughout the novel. It’s emotional but still very easy to read, which is exactly what I crave when picking up a romance novel. The alternating POVs also allow her to develop the characters so thoroughly that, instead of relying on Insta-love tropes or random miscommunication, you’re reading about fully dimensional characters who actually feel real. And no matter what your preferred romance tropes are, you’ll probably find them in this book. It has it all: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and redemption arcs. If you love authors like Elle Kennedy or Hannah Grace, Bal Khabra will definitely enter your romance author hall of fame.

Who should read Revolve?

I think any reader will enjoy Revolve, but it’s absolutely perfect for people who loved The Deal, Icebreaker, or Check & Mate. Fans of emotional sports romances, dual POV storytelling, and that irresistible enemies-to-lovers spark will want to pick this one up immediately. Though, be warned: You should probably clear your weekend schedule, because once you start it, you won’t want to stop. Revolve stands out because it’s not just about romance; it’s about rebuilding confidence and finding connection after loss. If you love a romance that makes your heart race as much as it aches, Revolve is your next must-read.

This post is sponsored by Penguin Random House but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

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