Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I loved this book so much. Rachel is the queen of MM romance. This is my third book by her and she did not disappoint.

Casey and London were absolutely amazing delightful characters. I enjoyed reading their story so much. There was so much tension and chemistry between these two. The slow burn romance was absolutely incredible. I love them.

Loved everything about this book. Their parents and teammates were great side characters. They added so much value to the story and to London and Casey’s love story development.

I’m so glad Rachel wrote this book. I’ll read anything she writes.

4.5 stars. I have been wanting to read this book since Rachel started teasing it so I was thrilled when it showed up on my Kindle. While still set in the world of hockey, this book is a departure from the Game Changers series. Landon arrives in Calgary as the backup goalie when the team’s regular goalie is injured and becomes roommates with Casey. Landon and Casey are opposites. Landon is quiet and reserved where Casey is the enthusiastic life of the party. The pair develop a friendship that leads to feelings which leads to a relationship but the threat of Landon being sent back to his home team is always a looming threat that can tear them apart physically.

This book was a wonderful little escape. The book starts in mid-fall and goes through Christmas so it can technically be considered a holiday read. While I knew this was a stand alone, I still found myself looking for the familiar names of the Game Changers but they were not to be found. I found both Landon and Casey to both be charming while being compete opposites from one another. I liked that both were not only respectful of the other’s boundaries but they were enthusiastic about them. As with all of Rachel’s books there is found family amongst the teammates. I liked that the team was excited when Casey and Landon got together rather than having the two deal with homophobia. Overall this book just made me happy and that’s about the highest compliment i can give the books I read.

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

Any queer sports romance has got my attention immediately. It made me so happy to see demisexual representation too! Where I feel this fell a bit short is in the differences between Landon and Casey. By that, I mean that Landon's character felt very fully developed, between his sexuality and his family trauma. Meanwhile, I felt like it was emphasized that Casey was "stupid" and I think that characterization made the author fail to give an equal amount of attention to Casey's character. I felt like Casey's perspectives read as much younger than Landon's, although I think they are supposed to be about the same age?

I still loved this book overall, and I loved reading about Casey and Landon's relationship. Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores for the ARC!

If Rachel Reid is writing a queer hockey romance, I'm dropping everything to read it. This latest sunshine star winger / grumpy, shy goalie romance was everything a queer hockey fan could want. Reid perfectly balances a story that is sweet, sexy, silly, and sincere--touching on serious mental health topics without losing the charm of a Christmas time romance. Stick taps all around!

This book was amazing! I haven’t loved a book this much in quite a while. The way the author approaches sexuality, death, and the decisions the characters need to make through out the book felt so incredibly real to me. I really felt connected to the characters and represented in a way I don’t often see.

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely has a different feel than the Game Changers books, but it is still 100% Rachel Reid. I really liked both characters, Casey and Landon. They each has some stuff in their pasts that they needed to work on, and while it didn't magically go away when they got together, they helped each other deal with it.

There are some things about Landon's identity that aren't really spelled out and labeled, but I actually kind of liked that. And on the whole, I think Reid did a good job writing a character with that identity. Some aspects may have been a bit stereotypical, but then everyone experiences things differently, and just because it can be a stereotype, doesn't mean it's not necessarily true? Trying to careful work my way around this without actually saying anything, as I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

Throughout the book, though, Casey is always calling himself dumb, and while Reid did try to counter that, I don't feel like it was done quite as successfully as it could have been. But then maybe that's just me?

What I especially loved about this book is that there really isn't any homophobia. Which, being a fictional version of the NHL, is pretty fantastic, because hockey is a pretty homophobic sport.

And one of the reasons that I will read pretty much anything Rachel Reid writes is that SHE GETS THE HOCKEY RIGHT. I have read a few other authors who have written hockey romance, and they truly just don't get anywhere near to as accurate as she does (I'm sorry Tal!!!). Being a big hockey fan for all of my life, playing hockey, coaching hockey, etc, it is always really clear to me when the author doesn't actually know hockey, and it completely pulls me out of the story. So, thank you Rachel, for writing a sport you know.

Very much enjoyed this book and look forward to any other hockey romances she wants to write for us!

DNF @ 40%.

This whole marketing package for this book is a bit deceiving. We've got a cartoon/illustrated cover and the blurb calls it "merry and bright". I was expecting a fun little Christmas romance and there is that. BUT. This book is also wildly depressing. While, yes, the NetGalley page and the ARC itself has a content note, it is very much a part of one character's story and I just felt myself getting more and more depressed while reading this book. I know that there's a happy ending and I trust Rachel Reid to give that to her readers, but the journey there shouldn't make me feel this miserable, should it?

And look. I love the characters. I think Landon and Casey are great and a good match for each other. They have their own anxieties and fears that they're trying to deal with on their own and they FEEL so human. I love them and I want to find out what happens to them. They have great banter with one another and they're just really lovely characters. I really like what I've seen so far of the demisexual rep (Landon).

I even like the secondary characters. I know the author said she wrote this purposefully to be a standalone and so there shouldn't be characters where you'd root to get their own book, but I don't know about that. I wouldn't mind books with a few characters, if the author wrote m/f.

This story has a lot of hockey because the characters are hockey players. I don't think there's actually that much hockey playing time in this book that I would've liked to see but that's just a personal preference because I don't think most hockey romance readers feel the same way. I think what's included/excluded will be enough for most readers.

What's next is a bit of a spoiler for what ultimately caused me to DNF this otherwise wonderful book. [Landon is dealing with a lot of grief from his sister, Erin's, death 8 years previous. This death is not on the page and happens before the book starts. He was 16, she was 18 and ready to head off to college. Landon had just gotten an opportunity to join a junior hockey team (I think that's what happened) and he took that opportunity to leave and bury himself with hockey and not having to deal with what happened with Erin. He feels a lot of guilt for leaving his parents when he's their only surviving child. He hasn't talked about any of this with anyone, and it sounds like his parents haven't seen any grief counselors either. Every interaction between Landon and his parents (so far only over the phone or text) has been filled with so much sadness and grief. (hide spoiler)].

All of this was just a LOT to read about and I truly just was NOT prepared for how emotional and devastating this story was going to be and what it would do to me mentally? I just started feeling depressed every time I tried to pick up this book to read, and I just have to call it quits. I want romance books that make me happy, you know? I don't want to read a book that starts wrecking my mental health.

And I'm sure not everyone is going to feel this way about the book. It looks like other early reviewers have really enjoyed this book. And I do want to say this book does have it's funny laugh-out-loud moments.

It was just everything else that started killing me and I just cannot finish this book.

***Thanks so much to the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book on NetGalley***

I never thought I'd love another Rachel Reid book - or any book - more than I loved Heated Rivalry, but this book did it! It was an absolute delight from start to finish. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading it. I ADORED both Landon and Casey. The dialogue was snappy and adorable, there was just the right amount of tension and angst without being overpowering. There was demisexual representation!! Which I cheered for! I'd give this ten stars if I could.

Mein Leseerlebnis

Auf die neue m/m sports romance von Rachel Reid habe ich mich sehr gefreut, denn ich liebe alle ihre bisherigen Liebesromane. Glücklicherweise konnte mich auch das neue Buch der Autorin begeistern. “Time to shine” enthält eine schöne, humorvolle und größtenteils süße Liebesgeschichte zwischen zwei Helden, die ich beim Lesen ins Herz geschlossen habe.

In Bezug auf die beiden Helden ist es sehr spannend, dass Casey und Landon recht unterschiedlich sind. Sie gehen ihr Leben und vor allem zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen ganz unterschiedlich an, gleich sympathisch waren mir beide interessanterweise von Anfang an. Es war faszinierend zu sehen, wie sie zunächst als Freunde und später als Paar zusammengekommen sind und ihre Unterschiede überwinden konnten.

Das Buch ist genauso einnehmend geschrieben wie die anderen Liebesromane der Autorin und es brachte mich oft zum Lachen und Lächeln. Zusätzlich konnte mich die Beziehung berühren, da ich die Gefühle zwischen den Helden spüren konnte.

Der Grundton in der Liebesgeschichte ist größtenteils locker und leicht. Es werden allerdings auch ernste Themen angesprochen, diese liegen aber nicht wie eine dunkle Wolke über dem Roman. Das hat für mich sehr gut gepasst.

Am Ende des Buches hätte ich gerne noch mehr über das Leben der beiden Helden als Paar gelesen und vor allem mehr von ihnen in ihrem Alltag gesehen. Einen längeren Epilog hätte ich daher super gefunden. Davon abgesehen hatte ich mit der Geschichte eine schöne Zeit.

🖤🖤🖤🖤1/4

Für wen?

Wer schöne, eher ruhige Liebesromane mag, in denen sich Menschen mit ziemlich unterschiedlichen Charakteren ineinander verlieben, sollte sich das Buch unbedingt näher anschauen.

Soooo cute! Omg this was so fun! i love a sports romance and this one delivered! It was wholesome and the characters were easy to love. I really like Rachel Reid's writing as well!

People expecting something like the Game Changers series from Rachel should temper their expectations with this book as it's nothing like those.

For one, this is a new adult story, with both men in their early 20s, but it feels more like a YA as there's not a lot of steam (which works perfectly for the narrative, so it's not a disappointment).

It's also a festive setting, taking place in the run up to Christmas although it's much longer than novella length. It looks, in roundabout ways, at the effects of trauma on young people.

***SPOILER***


Personally I wouldn't have described this as a merry and bright romance as there are some moments where things get pretty serious.

Landon deals with grief over the death of his sister Erin in a car accident when he was just 16 and she two years older, guilt that he left his family to go play ice hockey as a junior, and Casey lives with how he processes anxieties and a crippling fear of the dark.

***ENDS***

Now, that's not to say this whole book is doom and gloom!

On the contrary, it's a really beautiful friendship which develops into love and, while it's never explicitly stated, I think it's clear Landon is demi-sexual or possibly aromantic, he doesn't often have sexual thoughts, he's had fleeting crushes on men, he's got hang-ups about touch and intimacy.

One thing this book does exceptionally well, is how how he comes to trust Casey with letting out his feelings, but also with his body autonomy, their hesitant growth into hugs, then kisses and finally into slow, sexual exploration, is gorgeous to read.

There's a great sense of team here too, the locker room scenes are full of banter, but also genuine feelings and support, they want Landon to feel involved, not just the backup goalie but a valued member.

I also loved both families, we don't really get to meet either of them properly until later in the story, but Landon's parents are lovely people who realise things went awry after his sister's death. Casey's parents and his sister are fab, his dad was an ice hockey star but he's down-to-earth, supportive of his son and not an arse.

The story is charming as a whole, even though it feels like the world is ending when Landon's shift as backup comes to an end, Casey is determined to not let something precious slip through his fingers and Landon's parents give him a heart-to-heart that has him re-examining his future.

Together they're a perfect partnership, Casey's exuberance draws Landon out of his shell, while his steady presence comforts the over-excitement of the younger man.

Overall, this was a read in one go book and I did enjoy it, especially as I had already got the idea it wouldn't be like Rachel's other ice hockey works.

I hope people don't compare it and just enjoy it for what it is, a beautiful coming of age romance where two young men find their potential lifelong happiness together.

This was such a marvelous read! Absolutely adorable! So cute, fun and heartwarming, and with the sweetest main characters that completely stole my heart from the very first page. I stayed up all night to read this book, completely hooked!

Time to Shine is the new MM hockey romance by Rachel Reid, who has written many great ones, but this is a sweeter story and closer to YA in the writing style. Which I loved! It was such a perfect slow burn romance that focused on the main characters truly getting to know each other and build the trust in one another to dare to fully open up and be vulnerable before getting physical. But don’t worry, there were some precious steamy moments worth waiting for!

The story is about the two hockey players Landon Stackhouse and Casey Hicks, who on paper are as different as one can get. Where Landon is shy, introvert, dealing with grief and guilt after the loss of his sister, having proximity problems and not making friends easily, Casey is the complete opposite; an all star player thriving in the spotlight, easy and outgoing, loving people and flirting. His only problem is that he’s afraid of the dark and of being alone. So, his offer to let the new called in backup goalie stay in his house is actually more for his own benefit than a pure act of goodness.

The way the awkward roommate situation turns into a bromance that turns into something else was so heartwarming. Casey was such a cinnamon roll, so sweet and kind and always focused on making everyone feel happy, always up for a party and never ashamed of the mess he creates on the way. I loved the way he cared for Landon and adapted to Landon’s need for privacy and his inexperience. And Landon was so precious. My heart ached for the way he grieved and blamed himself, not letting himself live his life fully. Until Casey came along. I absolutely loved how the two of them brought out the best in each other! And their banter… pure gold! This story was full of humor, witty humor and comradery with the wonderful and supportive side characters.

All in all, this was a completely adorable, sweet, tender, witty, thoughtful and heartwarming story about falling in love, dealing with grief and guilt and finding your place and yourself and allowing yourself to be happy. It’s a story that deals with difficult topics in a both honest and fun way at the same time, and I cannot recommend it enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores & Harlequin for the ARC of the book, which I have voluntarily reviewed.

An absolute delight. I loved Landon and Casey and the rest of the Calgary Outlaws. I had a blast reading this and I already look forward to rereading it next holiday season.

I love Rachel Reid. I have read the entire "Game Changers" series twice, and "Heated Rivalry" and "The Long Game" 3 or 4 times each... So, I was pretty (extremely) excited to see she had a new book coming out.

If you are a Game Changers fan, you'll love this too - a lot of the same vibes, but a couple of young players, battling with different challenges. In particular I LOVE Landon's character, his personality, how he's coming up to get his chance at the NHL, his way of speaking (he just has a great quiet straightforward way of talking - he doesn't say much, but says what he means when he does.) He and Casey are wonderful together as their relationship grows. The communication is phenomenal & refreshing compared to so many romance-genre books.

As Reid has written, it's set in a similar world to Game Changers, but just a little kinder/less homophobic one, which is nice. There are definitely echoes of Game Changers' series characters and scenes in here -- but who minds that?! (e.g. Casey's random ramblings/no filter remind me of Hazey the goalie from Game Changers, just turned up to 11; and there's one scene (you'll know it when you read it) that reminds me of the scene between Shane and Ilya the night Ilya won the award in Las Vegas....)

Anyway - it's more of wonderful Rachel Reid, the characters are lovely, the teammates are fun, the world is sweet, the hockey is awesome - I really like how Reid gives Landon the success he's worked so hard for - but doesn't overdo it (i.e. he falters, works hard, comes back, builds his reputation as awesome, but the team doesn't win it ALL.). I think the only thing this lacks that Game Changers' series has, is that depth that comes from getting to know more of the people & relationships in this world -- so what I'm saying is, I'm hoping for five more books in Casey & Landon's world....

Rachel Reid has gifted us all with yet another gem of a romance. Tender, disarming, and charmingly funny. I smiled through my entire read, even through the thought moments.

Landon gets called up to Calgary from the farm team. He’s a good goalie, but he’s got his own personal struggles after the loss of his older sister at a young age. He meets Casey who is loud, funny, and never ever stops talking. The opposite of London in almost every way. When Landon’s stay on the team becomes longer, Casey invites him to stay in his way too big house because Casey hates to be alone and hates silence and a roommate should help right? From there is a slow burn tender friends to love story that I didn’t know Rachel had it in her to write. Slow burns aren’t always my thing, but it worked perfectly here. I won’t say why because spoilers, but their slow progression from teammates, to roommates, to friends, to lovers, was absolutely perfect. Their teasing banter was the absolute best. Nothing mean about it, just teasing and flirting and sweetness.

<b><I> “Y’know, you were the first person I tried not to flirt with, because I liked you too much.”

“That doesn’t make sense.”</I></b>

I loved how they brought out the best in one another. Casey made Landon laugh, made him open up, made him fearless. Landon kind of taught Casey how to be human Lmao. Brought him down to earth. There is so much more I want to say but this is an arc review and the book won’t come out for months but, Rachel tackled some big things in this holiday romance and she did it well. Important things. I think for a romance from someone like her (with the kind of reach she has) to tackle those topics, as understated as they are, was important. I’ll just leave it at that :)

I can’t wait for everyone else to read this! I will say all though this is a “holiday romance”, the holidays didn’t play a huge part in this book. So really this will be an easy reread any time of year for me. I love Casey and Landon, they’re at the top of my Rachel Reid faves now. They’re a pure shot of joy and happiness in a sometimes rather bleak world ♥️

I love Rachel Reid's hockey romance books. This was just excellent. Pining, one bed used among a million beds available, finding your person, facing your fears, opening up to someone, seeing that you are more and you deserve more.
Casey is just a sweatheart. He talks a lot, doesn't know how to cook, is messy and has fears he hasn't told anyone until Landon comes to live with him.
Landon, temporary backup goalie, is introverted, he couldn't be more different than Casey yet they fit perfectly together. Sparks literally fly, there's so much tension everytime they're together but none think they have a chance with the other. Lack of communication for fear is present in the book and while it bothers me a bit and I wanted them to just talk freely, I liked their journey from teammates, roommates then lovers.
And I liked a lot how their private lives where handled. They were very honest and open about what they wanted. They were just so sweet.
I loved both their personalities and how different they were. I swooned. They were really so sweet!
Another excellent book by Rachel Reid!

I have been looking forward to this book since the minute it was announced.

Landon is a goalie in the AHL who gets pulled up to play in the NHL until a goalie comes back from an injury. He's not in a great place mentally. Anxiety, grief, and self-doubt are making it hard for him to connect with people so he's incredibly isolated. When he makes it to his new team, he's almost immediately adopted by an affectionate golden retriever in human form who just happens to be into one word answers, thank you very much.

Landon is very, very hard on himself and can't always see when his words cut other people. He doesn't always mean for them to but he's not great at apologies either. Casey is so good at being the life of the party that no one can see that they are actively hurting him with their comments about how he talks too much, is stupid, or simply is just too much.

I read this thing in a single day with a smile on my face because the banter was so cute. Well, Casey's banter mostly. Part of this book happens over the holidays but it's not overly a Christmas book so you can read it whenever.

Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.