Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - Time to Shine

Reviews tagging 'Injury/Injury detail'

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

23 reviews

binevolentbookworm's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring 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

4.0

as a self professed silly goose, i love a silly character that's done well, and Casey was 100% silly goose, which was perfectly balanced by his grumpy counterpart, Landon. this was an excellent depiction of how grumpy/sunshine isn't something you tell the reader, but is developed through the portrayal of and past experiences of the characters and it really worked in this.

i also loved how intimacy was approached in this book - an absolute masterclass in consent; Reid explores how communication in the bedroom isn't just about being sexy, but also about staying on the same page as your partner, and that sex doesn't always look the same for everyone.

i've only read two books by Reid now, but i know i'll be reading more by her, and she'll probably also become a new go to author rec.

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herelieshenry's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

This book is fine. It scratches a certain itch, kind of feels like reading a decent fanfiction late into the night, that kind of vibe. That said, it’s definitely made me realize I need my romcoms to lean way more into the romance side of things than the comedy. This one is very comedy-forward.

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levilore_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad 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? Yes

4.75

Once again, Rachel Reid writes an amazing gay hockey book that makes me cry. I really loved this book, especially the MCs. Landon and Casey were both complex characters who had their own unique flaws that I fell in love with.

I thought the ending was a bit rushed, but it did make sense for the story. Also! A unique MLM romance because there were great discussions of physical boundaries and sexual desire!

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mabellene's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

4.25

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3readingcircus's review against another edition

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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.

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figsofpeach's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

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garbage_mcsmutly's review against another edition

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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!!!)

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amy_in_the_city's review against another edition

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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.

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bookcheshirecat's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

"Landon smiled back at him. “We’re going to the playoffs together.”
Casey glanced around, then gave Landon a quick kiss. “We’re going everywhere together.”"

➽ I don't usually read sports romances, but Time to Shine was fun! It's about two hockey players falling for each other who couldn't be more different. Landon is an introverted, reserved person and the new backup goalie because another player got injured. It's a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Landon who is finally able to play in the NHL in a prestigious team. He's struggling with feeling like he's good enough and dealing with the effects of grief in his own family. Casey is an extroverted sunshine character and the son of a famous player. He's very energetic and intends to bring Landon out of his shell.

➽ For the most part, I enjoyed their dynamic! Landon becomes Casey's new roommate because the latter feels lonely in his huge house. I liked how different they were and yet still fit together. Casey is doing his best to make Landon feel welcome, even though his new roommate is pretty closed off. The audiobook was nice, so I really enjoyed listening to their banter and growing attraction!

➽ In the end, I wasn't completely sold on Time to Shine. The pacing was pretty slow at times and the ending dragged for me. I was also hoping for a more in-depth character Arc for Casey. His issues of being alone and insecurity about 'being dumb' were barely explored, which made him a bit more shallow compared to Landon, who had the storyline about his family's grief.

➽ I also wasn't the most comfortable with how Landon's demisexuality was portrayed. The word itself was never mentioned and though I'm sure the author had the best intentions, it didn't feel like she explored Landon's struggles with his sexuality well. I appreciated that Casey was supportive and willing to do what Landon was comfortable with! However, once Casey and Landon got together, it felt like his demisexuality was never brought up again. That was disappointing, as I wish Landon had the opportunity to figure out for himself how building an emotional connection with Casey might have affected his sexual attraction.

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takarakei's review against another edition

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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

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