Reviews with content warning for Car accident - Time to Shine

I really loved the aspec rep in this one!! I related to Landon so much in his attitude towards sex (except I'm ace and he's probably demi), and I could see my friend clearly in his attitude towards touching (I'd rec her the book if I didn't know she does not appreciate the genre :p). Overall incredibly sweet and well worth the read, as I've come to expect from Rachel Reid! I'd only discovered her earlier this year but I couldn't be more happy about it!

Content Warnings

3readingcircus's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Bi mmc rep! Autistic-coded mmc.

Content Warnings

garbage_mcsmutly's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.25

This was a really sweet story! Ace representation, lots of steamy scenes, and a very good performance from the narrator. Wrapped up kind of in a hurry though. I wish there had been more about Landon's personal growth (get him in therapy!!!)

Content Warnings

amy_in_the_city's review against another edition

Go to review page

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved both lead characters and their relationship. While he never actually labels himself this way, Landon's explanation of how he experiences attraction sounded demisexual to me. Casey was an amazing golden retriever type who was so patient with Landon, never pressuring him and always checking in with him to see if he was good with what was happening. I think this is the first romance I've read where one of the characters isn't into a common sex act, and their partner is absolutely fine with never doing that act with anyone ever again. That was so refreshing to see depicted.

I was initially frustrated with the third-act conflict because I thought Landon gave up on the relationship too quickly, but then I realized this was a case of "I'm in this photo, and I don't like it." As someone who also struggles with low self-worth making them give up on relationships too easily, Landon's actions made sense to me.

The development of this relationship felt realistic, and I found myself really cheering for the characters in a way I don't often do when reading romance novels.

Content Warnings

takarakei's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

hockey romance
teammates
forced proximity
queer discovery
opposites attract

Casey is the most golden retriever character I've read. But also, a bi-king! Landon's journey was also so heartwarming to read, he is definitely on the ACE spectrum of sexuality. Holiday romance, but not centered on the holidays (more-so hockey season). Just a really wonderful queer romance!

🌶️4/5

Content Warnings

rdebner's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

This story was so sweet!

Content Warnings

dododenise's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Such a cute book! This gave me everything I wanted! Landon and Casey have amazing chemistry. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a delight to read.

Content Warnings

wilybooklover's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

What lovely, cosy Christmassy vibes this book had! So fluffy and festive.

I absolutely adored these two characters; sweet, outgoing himbo Casey and reserved, awkward loner Landon were complete opposites yet balanced each other out beautifully. I really loved how they appreciated each other for who they were. You could see how much better they made each other with the more time they spent together. Landon being flustered by Casey's constant praise was so cute, and Landon telling Casey he wasn't stupid just warmed my heart. These two deserved everything!!

Another thing I loved was how the sex scenes played out. They were slow and exploratory

with the focus completely away from penetrative sex.

I loved how sex-positive and focused on consent Casey was — he really just wants everyone to have a good time. The perfect pairing for Landon,

who was a virgin who'd barely been kissed before.

The side characters were all fantastic here as well, from their families to their teammates and even Casey's one-night stands (Zach flirting with Landon the morning after was hilarious!). Seeing Landon start to heal his relationship with his parents was so heartwarming and the Christmas scenes in the 'cabin' were so fun! I'm not a big sports fan but the sports aspects were well-integrated into the story too, and never took away from the romance.

This whole book was just so soft and tender and I loved it. The perfect Christmas book.

Content Warnings

More...