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herri1je's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Rachel Reid for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To preface, I am not a romance reader. The exception to this is Rachel Reid! I love her character development, the pace of her novels, and the style of her writing. This book was so different than her other books; it was a slower pace and a more cozy story. The would be a perfect book to cuddle up with on a snowy evening before Christmas. It's really a warm "gingerbread" book, equally sweet and spicy!
However, none of these things were my favorite things about this book. This book describes the loss of a family member and the reverberations that grief casts on a family long after the initial loss. I lost my mother this year and her description felt like someone reached into my heart and pulled my exact feelings out. It was palliative for me to read this and not feel alone.
The other thing I really enjoyed was the diversity displayed in this book. As a gay person, I like to read stories with queer characters. However, things tend to be redundant and showcase a traditional range of sexuality. I liked that this book showed a more diverse and real range of sexual expression. Consent and boundaries were clear and nothing was presented as a work up to an ultimate goal of penetrative intimacy. It was refreshing that everything was real and healthy while showing the spectrum of gay relationships. This is a pattern that was also demonstrated in her book Tough Guy, which I also loved.
Finally, although I received an ebook, I did purchase a physical copy because I liked it so much. I was happy to see it published in trade paperback rather than mass market paperback. I like a nice substantive book!
To preface, I am not a romance reader. The exception to this is Rachel Reid! I love her character development, the pace of her novels, and the style of her writing. This book was so different than her other books; it was a slower pace and a more cozy story. The would be a perfect book to cuddle up with on a snowy evening before Christmas. It's really a warm "gingerbread" book, equally sweet and spicy!
However, none of these things were my favorite things about this book. This book describes the loss of a family member and the reverberations that grief casts on a family long after the initial loss. I lost my mother this year and her description felt like someone reached into my heart and pulled my exact feelings out. It was palliative for me to read this and not feel alone.
The other thing I really enjoyed was the diversity displayed in this book. As a gay person, I like to read stories with queer characters. However, things tend to be redundant and showcase a traditional range of sexuality. I liked that this book showed a more diverse and real range of sexual expression. Consent and boundaries were clear and nothing was presented as a work up to an ultimate goal of penetrative intimacy. It was refreshing that everything was real and healthy while showing the spectrum of gay relationships. This is a pattern that was also demonstrated in her book Tough Guy, which I also loved.
Finally, although I received an ebook, I did purchase a physical copy because I liked it so much. I was happy to see it published in trade paperback rather than mass market paperback. I like a nice substantive book!
gray_inbetween's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
4.75
kaylamarieestes's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
eloisearchangelobooks's review against another edition
4.0
Rachel Reid never misses. Not only is Reid the author of one of my all time favorite romance novels, Heated Rivalry (& The Long Game) but Reid also nailed Time to Shine.
This was a cute hockey romance between Casey, the I-want-to-be-friends-with-everyone golden retriever of a man, and Landon, the more closed off goalie with hidden depth.
Grumpyxsunshine worked so so well in this book. The plot felt framiliar but also fresh as well.
When Landon is called up to the NHL, Casey invites him to stay in his home and the romance happens from there.
One last thing I really loved about Tome to Shine was the sex. There wasn’t too much of it, but what was there really hit the spot for me.
Go read this book, it’s so worth it.
This was a cute hockey romance between Casey, the I-want-to-be-friends-with-everyone golden retriever of a man, and Landon, the more closed off goalie with hidden depth.
Grumpyxsunshine worked so so well in this book. The plot felt framiliar but also fresh as well.
When Landon is called up to the NHL, Casey invites him to stay in his home and the romance happens from there.
One last thing I really loved about Tome to Shine was the sex. There wasn’t too much of it, but what was there really hit the spot for me.
Go read this book, it’s so worth it.
akinnunen's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
katekatiekait's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Car accident
emilia_reads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.5
elizakay's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
rainbowbrarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
dsauriol1991's review against another edition
5.0
Another round with Landon & Casey this time as an audiobook. I loved this just as much the second time around. As with all Rachel Reid books the mental health rep is top notch. Landon’s journey to accepting happiness in life is just beautiful. Casey learning that he’s more than what others think is also fantastic. The fact they help each other to these conclusions is perfect!