A review by duckyreads
Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

At this point, Rachel Reid can do no wrong! I devoured Time to Shine in one sitting and I adored everything about Landon and Casey. Landon Stackhouse is called up from the Calgary developmental team as a backup goalie in the NHL and tries his best to shake his nerves even though he's terrified. Calgary's young superstar player Casey Hicks slowly charmed his way into Landon's life looking for a new friend to fill the void of his friends moving out of his giant house. After they become roommates, their friendship develops and slowly burns into a captivating romance, with the possibility of Landon being sent back to the developing league looming over them. 

Rachel is masterful at balancing hockey play and accuracy with developed characters and a thought-out romance. There are great conversations around sexuality, specifically labeling and self-identifying with different queer identities. The overall mood of the story is warm and comforting, and there are also conversations around grief, anxiety, and self-worth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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