Collide – Bal Khabra

When people say that sometimes a book finds you at the perfect time, I can easily say that with Collide. I started this book because I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Spiral, book two in the Off The Ice universe. As an avid hockey romance girly, I knew I’d love this series, but I didn’t know how relatable and how gripping these stories and these characters would be. 

Plot 

Summer Preston is applying to masters programs for sports psychology and to complete her application for Dalton University, she has to create a project about burnout in athletes. The unfortunate guinea pig of this project? Aiden Crawford, Dalton’s ice hockey captain. 

Summer’s icy exterior is no match for Aiden’s golden retriever energy and as the two complete the project, Summer is thawing from the outside in. 

Characters 

Summer Preston, the character that you are. Summer is probably the most relatable character I’ve ever read. Her motivation and drive to prove everyone around her that she can do everything she puts her mind to is so… me. I found bits and pieces of myself scattered throughout Summer’s type A personality. Her five year plan had me feeling second hand embarrassment because she’s so me. Not to mention the Indian heritage, the family issues, the clear need for academic validation and lack of fun experiences throughout her undergrad. She was hilarious and sassy and everything I needed from a main character. She’s even applying to masters degrees in, get this – psychology! Same as me. It was almost scary that there was such a huge resemblance there. 

“When I hold her like this, I realize my entire world fits in my arms.”

Aiden Crawford, my god. As a huge fan of Mr. Garrett Graham, Aiden Crawford gave me similar vibes. Golden retriever, soft boy, brown hair and captain of the hockey team? I adore that man. He’s also so chill and despite his serious burnout, he’s taking care of everything and everyone around him – including Summer. 

I want to mention Kian because he cracked me up the entire book. I was literally laughing my ass off at some of his texts and his adorable banter with Summer. I’m pretty sure almost all of my quotes are just Kian saying something stupid or teasing Summer about her smutty romance books. 

“You want to take care of me?”
“As long as you’ll let me.”

Writing 

The beginning of this book was a little slow which is why I rated it .5 stars lower than I would have, however, once they really got working on the project and getting to know each other, I was HOOKED. I couldn’t put the book down and it’s topsy turvy twists were everything. 

“I forgot how much you feel like home.” Home. She thinks I feel like home.”

Final thoughts 

I’m so glad I read this and it was my first read of 2025! It was such a fun and lighthearted read that honestly spoke to me in the best ways possible. I’m so excited to read more of this universe and maybe see some Summer and Aiden cameos! 

P.S. when Kian’s book comes out you’ll catch me screaming 

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️