Reviews

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

tacoshark's review

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

A very satisfying, well paced and solidly written hockey romance. Casey in particular is a refreshing character for this genre. Very enjoyable. 

spicyreadsandheas's review

First let me say - if Rachel writes it, I'll read it. Every time. Heated Rivalry and The Long Game are my top hockey romances, no contest. Her entire Game Changers series is fantastic. That being said, this one didn't quite meet my expectations.

thehireader's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

Rachel Reid is out here doing the lord’s work giving us these sweet hockey bbs that are truly so special and dear. Casey’s earnestness and gregariousness was such a lovely match for Landon’s soft-spoken and shy sweetness. And the way that Landon saw Casey as more than just a golden retriever goofball and respected him—ugh, my heart.

stephennc2's review

4.5

This is my third Rachel Reid book and I’ve absolutely loved them all. Great f*cking book. No notes.

hammock_and_read's review

5.0

Now this is a hockey romance! I feel like the Candians just do it better :) you get the feel for the games, locker room, life as a hockey player so well with this one! These two!! Landon and Casey are opposites attract with some forced proximity with being roommates. This one made me so happy but I also cried with Landon’s sister. I really enjoyed how supportive Casey was of Landon but also all the other players for them both. The team was big in this one! Also, loved we got both their families with this one as well.

I can’t wait to read more of this author and go back to her other hockey series! This is a great MM romance!

aliclare's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

tanja_reads_'s review

hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

This was a fun and lighthearted slow burn romance. The characters were a fun pair to follow around and the opposites of the stoic goalie Landon and the bubbly forward Casey was perfect. I also liked that both men had flaws and weaknesses that could be supported by the other. 

The slow burn was also great as the boys did not admit feelings and have sex until about 2/3 into the book - which was fine as the plot was good enough to keep me engaged. Then all the spicy scenes that followed were quite hot. 

Overall a fun and spicy romance that is a perfect summer read. 

kristenraeham's review against another edition

5.0

Hockey romance + teammates/roommates + caretaking!

Landon is called up as a back-up goalie to an NHL team from a farm team.

Casey immediately considers Landon a friend, and when Landon needs a place to stay, Casey offers his house.

Being both teammates & roommates turns to more, but they both know Landon’s time in Calgary is limited.

Read if you love…
🏒hockey romance
✨teammates/roommates to lovers
🫶🏼dual perspective 
✨forced proximity
💬texts on page
✨opposites attract
🔥open door
✨cooking lessons
👏🏼caretaking

I had several people all but demand I read this one and I’m so glad I did because I freaking loved every second of it!

Landon & Casey are just everything. I love them so much!

The cooking lessons were chef’s kiss.
The forced proximity as both teammates and roommates was so freaking good.
The indirect caretaking had me a melted puddle of feelings on the floor.
The side characters in siblings and teammates were stellar.

As someone who is both bi & demi, I absolutely loved the demi rep and how Casey not only helped Landon learn more about himself but ultimately respected Landon being demi.

While not heavy in tropes, this one absolutely slayed with character development, queer rep, and the implied ADHD rep!

📍Calgary
✨Representation: bisexual MC; implied gay & demisexual MC (never explicitly labeled); implied ADHD
‼️Content: death of a sibling, past; grief; injury/injury detail; panic attacks

ciara_isreading's review against another edition

2.5

This was just okay for me. It read YA, minus the spicy parts. The main characters acted more like high schoolers vs men in their mid 20s. But, I didn't hate it. I liked the hockey aspect.

heatherv's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• 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

4.5