Book Reviews

Book Blurb

For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he 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.

Casey treats Landon like an old friend, even though they’ve only interacted briefly in the past. He’s endlessly charming and completely laid-back in a way that Landon absolutely 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.

As roommates, Casey refuses to be defeated by Landon’s one-word answers. As friends, Landon comes to notice a few things about Casey, like his wide, easy smile and sparkling green-blue eyes. 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.

 

Book Review

The blurb says this is a “merry and bright hockey romance” and that is exactly what you’re getting if you read this book. Landon and Casey are a very cute couple, though it takes them a while to figure out how to relate to each other. There is no real conflict with other people or between the main characters, Casey is already out as bi to everyone, and even though Landon’s stay is temporary, finding their way into a long-term relationship is comparatively easy.

 

Landon Stackhouse is a goalkeeper in a Saskatoon hockey team that is not well-known, so when he gets a call from the Calgary Outlaws to replace their injured backup goalie, he is excited. Even though he expects to only be there for a few days, becoming a member of an NHL team for even a short time is an achievement. Landon is a loner, so making new connections is hard for him and he does not expect to make any new friends. Especially since he has a few stars in his eyes about some of the new team members, having admired them from afar except encountering them in training teams on occasion.

 

Casey Hicks is quite a character. Not only is he going places, but he is also very approachable and determined to make Landon feel welcome. He is considered a “star” left winger, but he doesn’t care about fame. He also has a few demons in his life and wants nothing more than someone to share the house that he recently bought. Reading about him wandering through his empty rooms made me feel sorry for him and his house sounded wonderful. But not for just one guy!

 

The two men couldn’t be more opposite if they tried; Landon is the quiet type, haunted by his sister’s death, and very hesitant to accept a chance at being happy. Casey is talkative, loves to share his space, and will not accept Landon being closed off. They quickly become friends with benefits, and both men would like whatever is between them to be more – if it weren’t for the threat of Landon having to return to Saskatoon. The romantic moments between them as they work their way toward a “real” relationship” were very touching, the hockey action was fast and furious, and I found their story to be very endearing.

 

If you like romantic hockey stories without too much antagonism between the main characters, if you want to know more about how two lonely men learn how to fill each other’s hearts, and if you’re looking for an entertaining book without too much conflict, then you will probably like this novel.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 382 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	26-September-2023
Price	$9.99 ebook, $18.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Time-Shine-Rachel-Reid-ebook/dp/B0BS1KN3HF