The Perfect Spiral: Part 1 of the Galatea Stories Viral Sports Romance Hit

by Ashley Constantine

A Galatea Stories original, The Perfect Spiral is a binge-worthy sports romance packed with the tropes readers can’t stop searching brother’s best friend tension, celebrity NFL drama, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and fiercely protective family chaos. A BookTok romance fan favorite, it’s addictive, steamy, and full of twists—where one secret can blow everything up.

Alex Thompson is working on her third master's degree, she has three very protective older brothers, and she's never thought of herself as the "hot friend." Oh yeah, and her brother's best friend is Knox Carter, an NFL quarterback and the Sexiest Man Alive. She and Knox have always hated each other, but has that conflict been hiding deeper feelings?

Genres: Romance, New Adult

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

Reviews

[Glenna Doss-Etzwiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

As other reviews have said, this book has serious potential but is a bit repetitive and frustrating at times. It kept me invested though which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 3. I enjoyed the banter and obvious love between the characters and their families and related to the main female character in a few different ways as far as her inner monologue and insecurities go.

This story will make you mad. I did not like that there was cheating (without spoilers, everything is not as it seems) and constant ploys to make the other jealous.
Also, the older brothers being so protective of their sister, is that normal? I don’t have older brothers but it seemed a bit excessive to me. I can see being weary and looking out for your sibling and even letting the guys know but It was definitely over the top in this book. Kyle was down right violent towards anyone who looked at Alex with any amount of interest and I would be worried too that guys would be afraid to talk to me. He even got mad at Alex for who she talked to and how she chose to dress at times which I found annoying.

Knox being so hot and cold and not very forthcoming with his true feelings was not good for Alex and her insecurities. He has her convinced he hates her for most of the book but then scares away anyone else who shows any interest which doesn’t seem fair to her. If I were Alex I would think he was a jerk too.

Besides that, I did end up having a soft spot for Knox and it does end in a happy way with everything pretty much resolved and explained. If you like slow burn, enemies to lovers, and/or brothers best friend trope(s) you will probably like this one. And the characters are actually adults. I am 36 and new to sports romances and have found it hard to find them with characters 21+ years of age.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

if i hear the words “baby doll” again after reading this bs i think ill jump of a cliff also the pick me character “im not like other girls” i had to stop reading after that line.

[Matt Lammel · Rating 3 out of 5]

thumbs down

This book has potential, but sadly it fell flat. The author has yet to give a visual description of the main character, Alex. Made it through the entire book and couldn’t tell you anything physical about her other than she is 5’ 1” and use to have some weight on her, but now has toned legs and a nice butt from surfing. Other than that zero description of her, yet every male in the book gets a detailed Adonis description. Her age in relation to her brothers and other characters isn’t revealed until the first chapter (freebie at the end of this book) when she trauma dumps on a stranger. We literally discover more about the main character in that one chapter than all of book one. Alex is suppose to be a genius working on her third masters degree, but isn’t smart enough to put together that a guy likes her. The cat and mouse game is inevitable in books like this, however you expect it to end with the conclusion of a relationship. Instead the author drug it out the ENTIRE book and it has a sequel where I guess they finally get together. However, Alex seems to hookup with every one of her brother’s friends and strangers along the way, but wants to constantly point out that her love interest is a man whore. It’s just comically bad. Then 3/4 of the way through the book we discover a major trauma for Alex that seems so over the top to introduce 3/4 of the way through, that it makes no sense other than to try and give her character depth. Again, falls flat. In conclusion, this book had potential for a predictable yet sappy love story, but fell short.

[Kaycee]

3.5 ⭐️

The Perfect Spiral by Ashley Constine was such an addictive read that I literally paid for a subscription just to finish it. It definitely gave Wattpad energy which is not necessarily a bad thing, just not the strongest writing. I love the best friend’s brother trope, so I was immediately hooked, even if the plot felt repetitive at times. The ending left me a little disappointed after all the buildup, but I can’t deny I was fully invested the whole way through. Overall, The Perfect Spiral is far from perfect, but it sure is undeniably fun.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was great really enjoyed the characters and the story of Knox and Alex. At times the will they won't they gets a bit repetitive. Gutted to not have found out the ending or how there journey ends.

The reason for the stars is solely because I paid for what I thought was a whole book which turns out to be only part of the story. A lot of it kept separate due to being a part of some subscription service. so don't waste time buying it as it's not a complete story.

[Deanna Strickland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasted potential

1. The dialogue reads like a string of text messages in a group chat.
2. It's set in America, but fails to use American terms (jumper instead of sweater, footballer instead of football player, etc).
3. Individual parts of the storyline could be great, but it seems like the rewrites and the original were just layered in, no real cleanup.
4. Alex is a mess character-wise, which could work, but the disjointed writing is preventing it.

[Angela Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book, but it's something I probably would not revisit as much as the other books I read. There was really nothing that made the book "it" for me (and this is coming from a mainly fantasy reader, used to high-stakes). I felt like I was just reading about a drama. Things were repetitive, and descriptions of emotions and situations were used repeatedly. So, there were parts where it lost its punch. But I was pretty satisfied with the ending :)

[Julie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out so good! But just fell so flat! 9/10s of the book was the “will they, won’t they” game, but then it just abruptly ends in the middle of a date. Just left feeling very unsatisfied, wanted more of a real outcome. There’s so much potential for the story to continue, so I was disappointed. I liked the characters, even though it seems unlikely that so many people ages 23-28ish would be able to have an entire summer off, I guess rich people don’t have to work?

[Andrea Spigelmoyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line overall was amazing. Lots of twists that tie the beginning to the end- but in the middle- some of the “thoughts” were long winded and could totally be shortened. The book could have been 10 chapters shorter and still got the same feelings. I really liked how the story did not end right as they finally became a couple. There was 6 more chapters and really helped the story conclude without a bunch of questions lingering.

Would love more on this couple in novellas!

[Ellie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!!
It left me on the edge of my seat every single chapter. I do wish that the author described all of the characters better, especially Alex. I also wish she left out the parts of Alex’s Dad, it was little too much for me. I read the 1st half of the book on Kindle & the other half on Galatea, which was kind of annoying.

Other than that, the book was intriguing & I would love for a 2nd book to follow up on Alex & Knox’s relationship. So steamy!!

[Rachell Nuñez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

I can’t lie, I almost DNF this book… it was so repetitive and long and it was actually driving me insane! I liked the story and I kept going because I wanted to know what happens, however, the FMC was a pain to read over and over again. I guess I can understand with the trust issues and all but it got to a point that it was too much. I started skimming through halfway through the book. PLUS i wanted an epilogue for god’s sake… all of that and no epilogue!!!! ugh whatever 💚.

[Stella Baily · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started off okay, but the FMC got really annoying after awhile. She’s supposed to be smart, but she can’t figure out the obvious. The ending was ridiculous. Absolutely no resolution. You can tell that the story was made as a pay for each installment. After a while, the plot just needs to move on.

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning, I would give this a 3 for some inconsistencies. I enjoyed most of the book overall but there were some parts that didnt really add much and were just there to fill space and for a little drama. So, probably a 3 there. but the ending was super cute and it kept me interested so I gave it a 4 overall.

[Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

slow burn

Slow burn perfection. The bantering is perfect between the characters, the protection from the siblings and others. Great read, can’t wait to read the rest

[Natalie Holdren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very repetitive and drags on way too long and found myself loosing interest in what was happening during the book. Has potential but the plot was boring

[Georgia Tsouristakis ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, this felt like watching trashy reality tv. Fun but terrible

[Lauren Barnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started good but was all over the place. Should’ve stayed on wattpad.

[Keri · Rating 2 out of 5]

fun

2.5. Plot was there but needs some serious editing. Can barely tell who is speaking half the time. Also sucks because you can’t buy part 2

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the full story

As of Jan 31 2026 this is not the full story which is disappointing as it is not fully disclosed & was purchased thinking it was the full story.

[Danielle M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars- I love a good brothers best friend romance. It was a whirlwind following Alex and Knox. Definitely a good read if you love enemies to lovers and a sports romance with football.

[Lauren Karl · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was painful to read and my guess is AI generated.

[Jennifer Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst book save your money
I feel dumber after reading it

[Hollee Archibald · Rating 4 out of 5]

not me being annoyed theres a part 2 and I cant find it anywhere or a potential release date 😒

[Breannaa · Rating 1 out of 5]

perhaps my first 1 star rating