Embrace by Bal Khabra 😍
My full review:
4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
✨ Slow burn, coach’s daughter, tutor x athlete, friends to lovers
What can I say? I am absolutely a Kian girl! Every book in this series has made me laugh, cry, and wiggle my toes but I think Embrace and Kian have my heart. Kian is full of green flags, so much love, and kindness. His character is hilarious without trying. I loved reading his inner monologues and thoughts.
The #deaddadclub bits were incredibly relatable and I found Kian’s grief so similar to my own. As a member of the #deaddadclub , sometimes it’s really hard to read books with a parent loss but I felt like this topic was so well written throughout the book and every word about Kian’s dad pulled my heartstrings. “I wish you could have met him.”.
I also found myself relating to Scarlett and her past. The way she struggles to open up, her need to constantly appear polite and keep people happy, feeling like she’s always being tested, her struggle with facing confrontation, and the way she loves her people & just wants to be loved in return. “She was a person too, and I won’t let you be mean to her.”
Finally, I loved the blips of previous characters and seeing what happened on the opposite side of specific moments from the other books (ex. in Revolve when Dylan spills the drink on Scarlett at the party and Sierra yells at him). It really brings the series to a full circle. Also, I laughed so hard every time Dale Thunderman was mentioned. “Please don’t ban me from talking. That sucked last time.”
What didn’t work for me:
I feel like Scarlett’s character lacked a bit of dimension. The book felt more like Kian’s book rather than Kian AND Scarlet’s book- which isn’t necessarily a problem, I just wanted a little more of her. However, I do kinda think this added to the effect of how hard it is/was for Scarlett to open up. So maybe it worked in her favor?
Additionally, I occasionally felt like I was missing details while reading. I’d go back and reread, wondering “when did that happen?” or “how did we get here?”. I noticed this mostly with spicy scenes and Scarlett passages.
Thank you Net Galley & Berkley Publishing for sending me an early copy of Embrace!
Reading Embrace by Bal Khabra truly made me appreciate how romance novels can sensitively intertwine heavy themes like grief and mental health with heartfelt, tender relationships. As someone who resonates deeply with the experience of losing a parent—much like the #deaddadclub that the book references—I found Kian's journey particularly compelling. His grief felt authentic and was portrayed with respect, allowing me to connect with the emotional nuances Bal Khabra embedded throughout the story. The dynamic between Kian and Scarlett, framed as friends to lovers and tutor x athlete, added layers of realism to the romance. Scarlett's struggles to open up and her desire to be accepted reminded me of many quiet battles people face internally, making her character more personally relatable. While some might wish for more focus on Scarlett's perspective, I saw how her reserved nature emphasized the challenges of vulnerability in relationships. The slow burn pacing allowed the characters’ emotions and bonds to develop naturally, inviting readers to savor each moment. As a fan of sports romances, the hockey backdrop and coach’s daughter trope were refreshing and well-executed, offering an engaging setting without overwhelming the emotional core. Another highlight was the seamless incorporation of previous series characters and events, which brought a sense of community and depth for returning readers. It added a satisfying dimension by showing multiple sides of familiar scenes, enhancing the overall reading experience. One personal tip when enjoying Embrace is to be patient with the subtler plot details and character moments, especially around the spicy scenes and Scarlett’s chapters. Re-reading these parts can help unravel some nuances that might initially seem elusive. Overall, Embrace offers more than just romance—it presents a poignant exploration of love, loss, and healing that stays with you long after the last page.