Oh my god, I needed this book. Incredibly sweet and endearing, this was the perfect fluffy, low angst read. I adored Caseys sunshine personality and I loved seeing Landon slowly open himself up to him. I was rooting for these two every step of the way.
This was my first time reading a book by Reid, and I’m started her series, GAME CHANGER! It’s been on my tbr for a while, and I need more of her writing in my life now.

5 stars, TIME TO SHINE by Rachel Reid is available September 26! Thanks to Carina Press and Netgalley for the chance to read an eARC.

3.5/5
This was a fun new novel by Rachel Reid. One of the better holiday romances I’ve read and that’s probably because it was light on the holiday elements. The characters only really spent a few chapters doing Christmas-related activities. The grumpy and sunshine pairing here worked well and each character had a good amount of depth and baggage they each brought to the relationship and had to navigate. This was also definitely more slow burn than Reid’s other stuff. I do have a bone to pick though with Reid’s choice to end all her books in an engagement or wedding. This is particularly frustrating when the proposals happen after as little as a year. Also, I know that this is not a book written for or by gay men, but the emphasis on happily married bliss screams “made for straight women.” Overall, not Reid’s best but far from her worst.

I should know better than to be worried about anything Rachel Reid puts out. I'm not sure if it was the cover, or perhaps the fact that it was described to me as a holiday romance, but I was bracing myself for a significant tone shift from her previous series. It was a bit, definitely fluffier, but it was still really enjoyable in it's own way.

Characterization first, because it's the most important to me, Casey and Landon are both excellent characters and you really root for them. Casey is the superstar son of a former NHL star and social heart of his team, and Landon is the call-up goalie, only expected to play for a bit until the back-up is healthy again, but Casey, ever the social butterfly and motivated by a phobia of the dark and being alone, offers up one of his too-many guest rooms to the quiet, almost reclusive goalie. Their personalities are extremely different, but they compliment each other, and "get" each other spectacularly well. They come together so naturally, the team nearly realizing before them that they are basically already together (which is one of my favorite tropes), but they are both plagued by personal doubts. I won't spoil it, but I would have loved to see the resolution of those delved more in depth because they were really interesting and had a lot of potential. Both were resolved with a single conversation. Additionally, I really enjoyed the exploration of Landon's sexuality, He's "probably" gay, a virgin, and generally uninterested in sex, and that combined with Casey's considerate experience made for some wonderfully creative sexual encounters. I also loved how supportive Casey was for all of Landon's hockey anxieties. the gentle distraction dialogue was very well-written.

The side characters are great, the hockey scenes are so exciting. Spoiler, Landon plays SUPER well when he's called up and has a spectacular shoot-out game in front of his parents, I was vibrating!

Also, I'm not sure if this is a concern for others, but there was much less focus on the "holiday" than I was expecting. I've read a lot of Christmas romances and this was very refreshing in that it felt more incidental that it took place over Christmas than it was ABOUT Christmas, things like the team wrapping gifts at the mall, a team Christmas party, visits from their parents because it's the holiday season, etc. I really liked it.

Hockey romances have a talent for shutting my brain off (in a good way). I used to religiously follow the NHL, which probably explains why I've been gravitating towards books like this recently. Pair some high-stakes sports matches with a decent slow burn romance and I'm sold.

Casey and Landon were a great instance of opposites-attract, one being an antisocial backup goalie, the other being a chatterbox winger. Their chemistry was palpable from early on! I loved seeing Landon grow more comfortable with himself thanks to Casey's gentle encouragement and wit. Learning about the fears they keep close intrigued me even further; Casey's loneliness paired with Landon's guilt–and the way both athletes gradually open themselves up to each other–was so well done. Their romance was so sweet.

I wasn't initially a fan of Reid's writing, though the narrative began to flow much more smoothly as the book progressed. The pacing was perfect, I don't think Landon and Casey's romance budded either too fast or slow. I'm glad to have read this one!

Told in dual perspectives, Time to Shine is a unique play on a hockey romance (a tale of two teammates) and forced proximity and friends-to-lovers tropes. Rachel Reid writes with such compelling language that draws me in, and immediately I'm invested in their stories. Time to Shine is a slow AF slow burn, so as long as you don't like a rushed romance than you'll enjoy this one. And, for the record there is A LOT of spice if that's not your scene, for a fair warning. It was cute, yes, and that HEA was definitely adorable.

Time to Shine was sweet, funny, and deep. It dealt with real feelings of losing a sibling, finding self-worth, and first love. It was a gift to read and I can't wait to do it again. Highly recommend, 5/5, binged it in one sitting. So wonderful.

I wasn’t getting immersed in the story. I felt like there was a lot of narrative distance and it was exposition heavy to start out. Some of the beginning could have been cut out to have a tighter story. I stopped at 5% in.

I’m embarrassed by this but I didn’t realize it was two men on the cover. The blonde hair is longer, they are significantly shorter, and we just see their backs. I totally thought the person on the left was a woman, and Casey is even a gender neutral name (I saw hockey on the cover and only skimmed the blurb). I want to share specifically because I realize met expectations can make or break a book.

I’ve been all about the hockey romance since high school (yes, their thighs and glutes ARE in fact the sexiest things ever). I’m excited we are getting LGBTQ+ rep in hockey romance. It’s well past time for it. Even though this one missed the mark for me, I have to say: keep it coming!

This book is like finding the elusive Christmas Captain Crunch. It's exactly what you want, you consume it faster then humanly possible, and you are sad when you finish the box. But none the less, you are so happy to have had the opportunity to enjoy it while it lasted. This book was a delight, Rachel Reid is always is an instant read for me. Landon and Casey's story, which includes Christmas Captain Crunch, is a great read.

Such a cute story and I love how Landon is giving me demisexual / asexual spectrum rep, even if it's not specifically named. I love that, it's so rare to see, especially done this well. And Casey seems like he might have ADHD, though again I don't remember seeing that stated. I would buy this for my small rural library except it still has more explicit scenes that I think will limit crossover appeal. The main audience will love it, though! It kept reminding me of the graphic novels Check Please! v.1-2 in such a good way.

This is it. This is everything I’ve ever wanted in a romance. Holy - please forgive the pun - puck. This was fantastic.

Adorable chatterbox himbo (I say himbo lovingly - he is a very emotionally intelligent man and could probably provide me with therapy) X Reserved loner with anxiety (who is also most likely on the ace spectrum somewhere and for that alone I would kill for this man)

These characters were not only both likable and endearing on their own, but they balanced each other out both in writing and in life on page. Casey and Landon’s strengths and weaknesses complimented one another in a wonderful “opposites attract” dynamic that never felt forced or uncomfortable.

Now, Landon is your typical introvert with anxiety. Often I see the introverted characters in books being treated like something that needs fixing. As an introvert I struggle not to take that personally. But Landon and his dislike for crowds and too much social interaction at one time was treated kindly and carefully by his counterpart Casey. I appreciated that though Casey encouraged Landon to come out with him to parties/bars/just general hangouts, he never pressured him and if Landon did agree, Casey made sure to keep a tab on him and check in to confirm he was comfortable and was never made Landon feel bad for having to leave early if his social battery ran out. As I’m sure can be perceived from this little spiel, Lance is a character after my heart. Ace spectrum ✅ Touch aversion ✅ Anxiety ✅
I absolutely adore - ADORE- how Lance’s sexuality - or lack thereof- was handled here. Perfection. Chef’s kiss. This asexual right here (me) is chuffed.

And I forgot to mention - HOLIDAY THEMED. HOLIDAY THEMED HOCKEY ROMANCE.
Rachel Reid, as absolutely expected, did not disappoint and I am so grateful to have been able to read this ahead of release date so that I will have adequate time to shove it in everyone’s face as soon as it is released.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I'm so glad to live in a world where Rachel Reid graces us with her impeccable hockey romances. Where would we be without the Game Changers series, I ask you, where?

With Time to Shine, Rachel gives us a whole new set of characters to fall head over heels in love with.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Landon and Casey but also their individual characteristics.
Landon is very much struggling with the pressure of finally having his shot to be one of the great hockey players, he internalizes a lot of his feelings and often doesn't know how to communicate what he wants. Meanwhile Casey is the fun-loving, constantly talking guy who is the life of the party but feels incredibly lonely and can't be on his own without fears and anxieties creeping in. I loved how much the both of them helped and supported each other and just how much they started to lean on the other throughout the story.
There are quite a few tough times in the cards for them and the inevitable break-up because of the distance nearly drove me up the walls but also just showed how, if you've found the right person, it's worth it to work through the obstacles and give it your best shot to have the love of your life in your, well, life.
Beyond that, we have an incredible cast of characters that are fun, engaging and that I hope to see more of in the future (maybe...other characters will get their HEA as well ehem cough cough most of these team mates have so much tension give them their spotlight please).

An absolutely entrancing read that proves that it's always Reid's "time to shine" when it comes to unforgettable, life-affirming and cathartic romances.

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

CW: death of a loved one (car crash, off-page, past), grief, fear of sleeping in the dark

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/m hockey romance
-roommance
-virgin hero
-I sleep better with you
-holiday romance
-sunshine/grump
-opposites attract

This was just the cozy holiday romance I needed. Rachel Reid just writes my favorite hockey romances. Landon and Casey were just the perfect fit for each other. Opposites attract, Chaos sunshine and the loner grump joining the hockey team.

I adored how they became friends first, Casey force friending him to move in and also ensure he wasn't lonely. That these two slept better together had me screaming. Slow burn vibes, the absolute consent. I loved what this book said about sex and just being comfortable with your body and your person and just getting each other off. This book was steamy and yet just so soft and cozy and lovely. There was not an ounce of unnecessary angst this book was just a hug of finding your person and becoming comfortable in your own skin.

Landon was so lovely coming into his own as a hockey player, with his sexuality and also coming to terms with his grief and his family. Casey never rushed him but also was just so gone and adorable about him. I adored these two, their relationship and just enjoyed this one so much.

Steam: 4

Rep: aspec MC, bi MC

TW: loss of a family member, anxiety, weed & alcohol use

Aww the title makes so much sense now!!!
This was very, very cute with little to no drama.
Landon gets called up from the AHL because of an injured goalie in the NHL. He’s a very quiet, serious guy with no social skills to speak of.
But there is Casey, who’s always smiling and laughing and making him feel very welcome. So when he proposes to let him stay at his house it’s the best way to go, because he’ll sure be gone soon anyway. Or will he?

Even though this is also a hockey romance it felt kind of different to the Game Changers series! It’s very sweet and light hearted, no homophobia, not a lot of drama and also a little less spicey for a huge part of the book.

I loved both MCs a lot, Landon is very relatable in his self doubting and feeling responsible for things he doesn’t have control over. Casey is simply a cinnamon roll character you can’t help but fall in love with.
This book focusses mainly on Landon and his way to overcome his past and becoming a more confident and self loving person, taking the place he deserves. But it also focuses on him figuring out his sexuality in his early 20s when he slowly falls for Casey the better he gets to know him.
Landon is clearly aspec and I absolutely loved to read about it. I wished it was written out on page to be honest, because still a lot of people know nothing about it!
I flew through this and didn’t want it to end.
Casey is the most patient person ever and all he ever wants is for Landon to be happy. I wished he put himself first sometimes and didn’t just accept everything, but I guess some people just aren’t made to hold a grudge.
I loved how these two communicated and always made sure the other is comfortable and happy.

This could have been a 5 star read, but there was one mayor thing I really didn’t like about this and it’s a personal preference I guess.
I just don’t like to read romance where one of the MCs sleeps with (lots of) other people when I already ship them and they’re clearly already in love with each other.
It’s the same issue I had with Heated Rivalry. It takes over 50% of the book for it to stop and while I loved them taking it slow, Landon first making sure this is what he wants and Casey being the most patient ever, I hated to read about it.
So please go into this believing it’s worth a 5 stars, it’s me, not the book.

This was a really cute book. I enjoyed the pacing and the characters. I will need to look out for the authors future works and any other projects they take part in.

Did I download and read Time to Shine on the same day my approval on Netgalley came through? Well, yes of course I did! Work be damned!

Hockey - check ☑️
Swoonworthy characters - check ☑️
Life stories that matter - check ☑️
Found families - check ☑️
Romantic tension and uncertainty - check ☑️

Casey Hicks doesn’t seem like he’s got a care in the world, and he’s a self-proclaimed people person so it’s no surprise when he offers Landon Stackhouse the spare room in his house when Landon gets called up to the Calgary NHL franchise. Landon’s a loner, finding his feet with Calgary for as long as they need him. He’s got no time for distractions but there’s something about Casey and his retriever-like, life of the party man-child persona that Landon can’t seem to avoid.

Rachel Reid’s books are seriously the best hockey romances with just the right doses of hockey and romance. Time to Shine is a slow burn, reflective of the breaking down of the barriers Landon and Casey have fortified themselves with against the outside world. Their vulnerabilities are out there. Together, they are adorable - they aren’t perfect but they are stronger and better together.

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!

As a fan of the Game Changers series and sports romances in general, I was excited to dive into this slow burn, heartwarming men-to-men gay romance that awakened my holiday spirits. It combined the perfect blend of grumpy meets sunshine, friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, and opposites attract tropes.

Thankfully, this book exceeded my high expectations. I appreciated the LGBTQ representation and the positive environment that the author created.

Landon Stackhouse, a man of few words, brooding, introverted, caring, and a perfectionist backup goalie, couldn't be more different from Casey Hicks, the sunshiny, talkative, optimistic, and social butterfly star winger.

Casey, who fears loneliness and darkness, offers Landon the opportunity to be his housemate in his massive house. Despite having nothing in common, Landon can't refuse this generous offer, especially since he's been searching for a place to stay instead of crashing in a hotel room. Despite their initial differences, Casey acts as if they've been long-time friends, even though they've exchanged only a few words.
As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself completely immersed in the lives of Landon and Casey. The author skillfully developed their characters, painting a vivid picture of their individual struggles, fears, and desires. Landon's quiet and reserved nature contrasted beautifully with Casey's vibrant and outgoing personality, creating a dynamic that was both captivating and heartwarming.

The chemistry between Landon and Casey was undeniable, and as their forced proximity turned into genuine companionship, their bond grew stronger with each passing day. I relished in witnessing their bromance evolve into something deeper, something filled with affection, understanding, and a shared vulnerability. Their interactions were filled with tender moments, stolen glances, and the gradual breaking down of walls that had long confined Landon.

What struck me the most about this book was the way it explored important themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and healing. Through Landon's journey, we see a character haunted by grief and guilt, trapped in his own emotional turmoil. But it is through Casey's unwavering support and love that Landon finds the courage to confront his past and embrace a future filled with hope and happiness. The author's portrayal of this transformation was beautifully done, and it left a lasting impact on me as a reader.

Moreover, the positive and embracing messages conveyed throughout the book were truly inspiring. The author crafted a safe and inclusive environment, allowing readers to witness a genuine and heartfelt love story between two individuals regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. It was refreshing to see such representation, and it added an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.

I found myself deeply moved by the sweet, swoon-worthy moments between Landon and Casey. Their love story radiated warmth and tenderness, and it left me with a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. This book reminded me of the power of love to heal, to bring light into the darkest corners of our hearts, and to ignite a sense of hope for the future.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a remarkable piece of queer romance that beautifully captures the complexities of human emotions, while also providing a much-needed dose of optimism and happiness. The writing is engaging, the characters are relatable and endearing, and the story will leave you with a heart full of warmth. I eagerly await future installments in this series, hoping to once again be captivated by the author's enchanting storytelling.

Once again, I express my gratitude to NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me. It was a true pleasure to experience this sweet, swoon-worthy, and lighthearted queer romance and share my honest thoughts.

I think this was a really cute holiday romance book. Not the biggest fan of sports romance books, but I needed to read this since Heated Rivalry is one of my favourite romance books - period. I think I hold that book on such a high pedestal that this book fell a tad flat. But objectively it was very good and I think everyone who likes hockey romance books should read it.

Rachel Reid is one of my favorite authors. I’ve loved her Game Changers series but was excited to see her write a hockey romance outside of that universe. While Time to Shine is different than the Game Changers books, it definitely doesn’t disappoint. Fans will be pleased.

Landon and Casey were so cute together, and I loved both characters. There’s just something about Reid’s characters that always makes them feel like they’re real people. They’re always so fully developed and just leap off the page. There are books of hers that I read years ago where I might forget little details about the story, but the characters have stayed with me. I think Landon and Casey will stay with me for a long time.

As for their romance, it was delightful and charming. This is a really sweet book. I had so much fun reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

”I thought goalies saw everything. I’m fucking bananas about you, Stacks."

For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. As a tall, intimating, quiet loner by nature, Landon gives off strong "don't talk to me" vibes. The only player who doesn't seem to notice is Calgary's superstar young winger, Casey Hicks. He's endlessly charming and completely laid-back in a way that Landon can't relate to. They couldn't have less in common, but Landon needs a place to live that's not a hotel room, and Casey has just bought a massive house—and hates being alone. Spending the holidays together only intensifies their bromance-turned-romance. But as the new year approaches, the countdown to the end of Landon's time in Calgary is on.

As you can tell from the lack of shirtless men on the cover, this book is very different from the Game Changer series. I think everyone knows by now how obsessed I am with that series (specifically, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov), so I was a little anxious going into this one, not because I thought I wasn't going to like it, but because it's something a little different from Rachel Reid. There's always that feeling going into a new book by a favorite author, of what if I hate it?

However, I shouldn't have worried. Because, to quote Mike's Mic, Rachel Reid really said would you rather never slay again or slay so hard every day that slay loses all meaning?

Time to Shine was a delight. I'm surprised by HOW different it feels to Game Changers, despite both being hockey romances. I saw some reviews saying that it reads YA, which I really disagree with because the characters are 23/24, and Ilya & Shane are younger than that when Heated Rivalry starts soo?? It does have a very different feel, and that's mostly because of it being low angst.

I'm usually not a big fan of low-angst romances (because I love to suffer), but Casey & Landon just stole my heart.

They're so sweet and supportive of one another, I can't!! They are also oblivious idiots, which is always a plus in my book!!

Like the last few Game Changer books, this one also focuses on mental health, primarily with a character processing his grief of losing a loved one and another processing his anxiety. Oh, and also, Landon is on the ace spectrum!! It isn't said by him, but it is very explicit in the text, which is great to see!!

This was just such a sweet read, and thankfully!! It wasn't as Christmas-y as I thought it would be (I don't love holiday books. I kind of only like them in November/December 🫣). Again, this is very different from Game Changers, but I think if you LOVE Role Model, you'll probably love this one too ;)

I'm a huge fan of Reid's Game Changer series so I was really excited to see her release a book outside of that universe.

In many ways, Landon and Casey are opposites. Landon is an AHL players sent to play as the backup goalie for the NHL Calgary team. Casey is a superstar player and son of a hall of famer.

I really liked both of these characters. Casey particularly was what I would call a lonely character. He lives in a big house and this is what prompts him to invite Landon to stay with him. I love stories where characters find solace in each other. This book made me so excited to see more from Reid. She truly is a masterful romance writer.