A review by ladymacbeth2024
Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

3.5

3.5 stars
So, this was disappointing, definitely not the book for me.
Casey is lovely, a ball of sunshine with great empathy and thoughtfulness for other people. He's energetic and always optimistic and I liked him very much.
Landon is the complete opposite, very reserved, both phisically and emotionally. His character, mixed with his sexuality (it's never explicitly said but he's probably demisexual), his dislike for being touched and, especially, the pain for losing his sister and his huge sense of guilt, all of that made him like a vault, almost impenetrable.

What bothered me the most was his determination to being alone and miserable: for years he avoided his parents and never went into therapy, and when he had a chance to be with Casey, he just gave up without even trying.
His resolution to be happy, to work for his spot in the Outlaws and for his relationship with Casey came very late. And I didn't like that he was Casey that actually made the first step (after having done all the first step in their friends/lovers relationship).

Also, at 50% of the story, Casey is still having sex with other people. He and Landon weren't committed to each other, but it was still awful, especially when Landon had to see Casey's hookup guy in the kitchen, making breakfast after a night of sex with Casey.

I'm glad I read this book just for Casey, he was a really awesome character to read about.