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Time Out
NHL coach Mark Diego’s plan to spend time volunteering in his home town goes awry
When he learns that not only is he coaching teenaged girls, but that the programme is co-ordinated by energetic (and five-foot-two-inches of trouble) Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend – and the woman he could never stand to see dating any other guy…
But when their tempers flare, Mark and Rainey discover their fireworks burn very, very hot!
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2012
260 people are currently reading
2040 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
388 books13.9k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
November 22, 2015
It’s official! Jill Shalvis can write nothing wrong.
Well, official as far as I’m concerned, anyway.
Coach Mark Diego is in the midst of a public relations nightmare when two of his NHL Mammoths team members are involved, on camera, in a brawl against two rival Anaheim Ducks team members. As penance, and hoping to show the teams in a better light, Mark and the other coach agree that the guilty parties will be required to spend their off season providing community service to areas in need. Mark chooses his burned out hometown of Santa Rey, California, where during the day his players will help construction crews rebuild homes devastated by wildfires, and they’ll spend their evenings and weekends coaching the community’s recreation center youth baseball team. And of course, just as he had expected, given the choice between community service or suspension, the Mammoths team members are on board the plan, too. But what he didn’t expect was his powerful attraction to the recreation center’s coordinator, Rainey Saunders.
Once upon a time, during her jailbait years, Rainey Saunders had a major crush on Mark Diego, her brother’s best friend. She crushed so hard, in fact, that in her attempt to get him to notice her as more than just a kid, she not only embarrassed herself, but in the end, ruined her’s and Mark’s friendship. It wasn’t that Mark was being a jerk, not at all - he was trying to avoid being a felon, and even though her mind knows it, her heart can’t get on board with it at all. She would have thought that the years and time apart would have lessened her humiliation, but when Mark shows up to do the volunteer work, and he’s reporting to her, the only thing more embarrassing than what happened all those years ago is how badly she still wants him, now.
Time Out is everything I’ve come to expect from Jill Shalvis, and then some! Romantic, funny, heartwarming, poignant… and holy hell!!! She more than provided the “blaze” in this Harlequin Blaze novel!
I fell, absolutely, unequivocally, madly, passionately in love with Mark Diego, not in spite of his flaws but because of them. He’s an amazing, honorable, sexy man and one of my favorite heroes, ever! Rainey Saunders is a strong, passionate, savvy force to be reckoned with, the perfect woman to have by his side. Apart they are wonderful, together they are amazing!
The bottom line – I seem to say this a lot about stories by Jill Shalvis, but here goes again; Buy this book. Stop thinking about it and just do it. You won’t regret it.
My thanks to netgalley.com and Harlequin Blaze for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2012
You can see this and more of my reviews at Riverina Romantics
EXACTLY. WHAT. I. NEEDED.
Time Out definitely pulled me out of my somber mood and left me smiling. It was sweet, it was sexy and it was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
Rainey starts off having one of those common moments where she is looking disheveled and dreary (actually soaked to the bone after spending a day at the fundraising car wash) when the love of her teenage years drives up.
And like you can imagine as clear as day, Mark is drop dead gorgeous and looking as good as sin.
Sparks start flying straight away with the heated tension never ending and the laughs just kept coming. This book was so light, humorous and easily enjoyable that I am craving more of Jill Shalvis's work, just so I can continue to stay in this dreamy *sigh* state.
With the perfect mix of sweet, sexy and sigh worthy moments, this is definitely a great read.
EXACTLY. WHAT. I. NEEDED.
Time Out definitely pulled me out of my somber mood and left me smiling. It was sweet, it was sexy and it was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
Rainey starts off having one of those common moments where she is looking disheveled and dreary (actually soaked to the bone after spending a day at the fundraising car wash) when the love of her teenage years drives up.
And like you can imagine as clear as day, Mark is drop dead gorgeous and looking as good as sin.
Sparks start flying straight away with the heated tension never ending and the laughs just kept coming. This book was so light, humorous and easily enjoyable that I am craving more of Jill Shalvis's work, just so I can continue to stay in this dreamy *sigh* state.
With the perfect mix of sweet, sexy and sigh worthy moments, this is definitely a great read.
April 26, 2018
Rainey Saunders work at a rec center as a sports coordinator in a little beach town in California. At 30, she wonder if she'll ever find a man who can makes her tingle like only one man ever did before. You know how the story goes. Sixteen-year-old girl have a crush on guy and humiliated herself to catch his attention, guy was clueless and four years older but after this unforgettable day, her heart was broken and their friendship, a thing of the past.
Mark Diego is the head coach of the NHL Sacramento Mammoths. When a fight in a bar between his players and some from the Anaheim's team goes viral, he has to do something to reduce the fallout and since his hometown suffered from wildfires last summer, he volunteered their time to help the local community in rebuilding and coach teenagers at sport at the rec center. That's where he and Rainey will see each other again after the fourteen years ago disaster. She'll try to avoid him but he won't let her, always interfering in her life, in the fun and cute way I love to read about ;p
A cocky Latino who gives his all in everything he does, a feisty heroine determined to not lose her heart over a charming man, car wash, softball and hotties's auction !
Oh how I adored this author ! How she create sweet love stories with the perfect touch of humor never gets old ! She always give soul to her stories and the characters as well, Every. Single. Time. And once again, there were amazing secondary characters. Lena, James and Casey were a hoot ! I have lots of favorite authors so it would be almost impossible for me to choose which I like best but I can say this, if for any peculiar reason whatsoever I had to read only one author for the rest of my life, I would choose Jill Shalvis without a doubt.
Sometimes my indecision to choose between books is a curse. Today it became a blessing. This book was not in my plan for the day at all but when I genuinely couldn't decide between my two choices, it became the answer and the perfect plan for a day off.
You want great chemistry, pick this book. You're searching for excellent banters, pick this book. You like to laugh and swoon, pick this book. You wonder how to bring in difficult subject without overwhelming and disturb your readers, pick this book. You want to know how it began for Rainey and Mark, see them fall in love and witness how they'll find their HEA, pick this book. Or if you just don't know what to do with your day, pick this book ;p
Mark Diego is the head coach of the NHL Sacramento Mammoths. When a fight in a bar between his players and some from the Anaheim's team goes viral, he has to do something to reduce the fallout and since his hometown suffered from wildfires last summer, he volunteered their time to help the local community in rebuilding and coach teenagers at sport at the rec center. That's where he and Rainey will see each other again after the fourteen years ago disaster. She'll try to avoid him but he won't let her, always interfering in her life, in the fun and cute way I love to read about ;p
A cocky Latino who gives his all in everything he does, a feisty heroine determined to not lose her heart over a charming man, car wash, softball and hotties's auction !
Oh how I adored this author ! How she create sweet love stories with the perfect touch of humor never gets old ! She always give soul to her stories and the characters as well, Every. Single. Time. And once again, there were amazing secondary characters. Lena, James and Casey were a hoot ! I have lots of favorite authors so it would be almost impossible for me to choose which I like best but I can say this, if for any peculiar reason whatsoever I had to read only one author for the rest of my life, I would choose Jill Shalvis without a doubt.
Sometimes my indecision to choose between books is a curse. Today it became a blessing. This book was not in my plan for the day at all but when I genuinely couldn't decide between my two choices, it became the answer and the perfect plan for a day off.
You want great chemistry, pick this book. You're searching for excellent banters, pick this book. You like to laugh and swoon, pick this book. You wonder how to bring in difficult subject without overwhelming and disturb your readers, pick this book. You want to know how it began for Rainey and Mark, see them fall in love and witness how they'll find their HEA, pick this book. Or if you just don't know what to do with your day, pick this book ;p
January 21, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
To NHL coach, Mark Diego, there is nothing better than winning. In TIME OUT, Mark uses all his tricks to win the heart of Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend who he has hurt in the past.
When they were younger, Rainey had a huge crush on Mark but Mark was never aware of these feelings. The one night that Rainey decides she is going to tell Mark about her feelings and give herself to him, she walks in and interrupts Mark with another girl.
As time passes and hearts heal, Mark returns to his hometown to spend his off-season volunteering in his local community. This decision brings him face-to-face with Rainey once again. But now she isn’t the young girl he knew from his past. Rainey has grown into herself, showcasing an energetic and light-hearted charisma that makes him regret hurting her in the past.
As they spend more and more time together, tension rises and heat flares. And the sparks are inevitable.
Jill Shalvis does a fantastic job of rekindling dormant feelings. As she explores those repressed feelings, readers are shown just how deep those past attachments ran. However, I think the building of their relationship in this book really makes this story shine.
Though it is a slow progression, Rainey allows Mark back into her life, trusting him again with something as vulnerable as her heart. I liked that there was a balance between the sweet and funny parts and the serious. The idle banter between the hero and heroine enhances the story instead of breaking up the impact of a past that they have shared.
I’m starting to believe that Jill Shalvis writes some of my favourite heroes in contemporary romance. She writes them rugged and sexy and Mark Diego is no exception. He’s got that charm that makes you want to smile and the heat in his eyes that Rainey can’t ignore. They were perfect for one another. I loved this book!
To NHL coach, Mark Diego, there is nothing better than winning. In TIME OUT, Mark uses all his tricks to win the heart of Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend who he has hurt in the past.
When they were younger, Rainey had a huge crush on Mark but Mark was never aware of these feelings. The one night that Rainey decides she is going to tell Mark about her feelings and give herself to him, she walks in and interrupts Mark with another girl.
As time passes and hearts heal, Mark returns to his hometown to spend his off-season volunteering in his local community. This decision brings him face-to-face with Rainey once again. But now she isn’t the young girl he knew from his past. Rainey has grown into herself, showcasing an energetic and light-hearted charisma that makes him regret hurting her in the past.
As they spend more and more time together, tension rises and heat flares. And the sparks are inevitable.
Jill Shalvis does a fantastic job of rekindling dormant feelings. As she explores those repressed feelings, readers are shown just how deep those past attachments ran. However, I think the building of their relationship in this book really makes this story shine.
Though it is a slow progression, Rainey allows Mark back into her life, trusting him again with something as vulnerable as her heart. I liked that there was a balance between the sweet and funny parts and the serious. The idle banter between the hero and heroine enhances the story instead of breaking up the impact of a past that they have shared.
I’m starting to believe that Jill Shalvis writes some of my favourite heroes in contemporary romance. She writes them rugged and sexy and Mark Diego is no exception. He’s got that charm that makes you want to smile and the heat in his eyes that Rainey can’t ignore. They were perfect for one another. I loved this book!
March 3, 2012
What a terrific book, it not only was super hot but also had a story to go along with it. I won't write a big review since many of my GR friends have written terrific reviews about this book but I have to say I loved the heroine, she was dedicated to her job and determined not to fall for the hero again, though we knew it was a something she would fail at.
The hero was deliciously alpha, used to getting things his way but not with the heroine and I loved it how she changed his world.
The hero was deliciously alpha, used to getting things his way but not with the heroine and I loved it how she changed his world.
February 17, 2012
I am finding out that whether it be a short length or a full length novel, if it is Jill Shalvis that holds the steering wheel, there is no wrong turn the story can take. Time Out which is set to be released sometime within this month is one wild and enjoyable ride, a romance that just completely reeled me in and I couldn’t have found a better way to drop off to sleep afterwards, dreaming of a Mark that was all my own to do whatever I please with. *sigh*
Rainey Saunders has just turned thirty years old and is single, looking for that special someone. She and her best friend Lena both work at the North District Rec Center in Santa Rey, a small mid-California beach town. Rainey is a bit of a control freak, has the frizzy hair thing going for her and has a heart of gold that shines through right from the very start. She might have a hard time connecting with anyone in her dating life the way she did when she was dumb and crushing so hard on the delectable Mark Diego when she was just 16 years old. But she is way past that crush, or so she tells herself until Mark walks in, more delectable than ever, tempting her to take just a little bite out of him to satisfy all those cravings that practically fall all over themselves trying to get closer to him.
34 year old Mark Diego is the youngest, most popular NHL head coach in the country. With fame and fortune in his hands, Mark doesn’t allow himself to feel those niggling bouts of “emptiness” that hits him once in a while. Mark has always been ambitious, wanting to rise above the poverty in which he had grown up. Wanting to teach two of his players a lesson Mark makes his way towards his hometown, not at all expecting his life to take a totally unforeseen turn when he butts heads with the altogether grown up and too alluring for her own good Rainey who pierces through the rough and tough armor of his to lay siege on his heart.
The story that unfolds is what only Jill Shalvis herself can deliver. Though Rainey keeps reminding herself that she doesn’t want anything to do with Mark, her hormones keep sending the opposite signal, and time and yet again, both Mark and Rainey finds themselves in one clandestine position after the other which serves to be such a feast for the senses. There wasn’t one part of me that wasn’t clamoring to swallow Mark Diego in all his glory in one big gulp or should I say I wanted to savor him in nibbling bites so that the whole feast would last for a lifetime.
The thread of humor that is always a part of a Jill Shalvis book is there in this story as well, and the underlying issues that are much serious in nature also makes their impact on the reader as Jill takes the reader through stories of families hard hit by ravaging forest fires, abusive fathers and all that is brushed under the carpet by people who are mostly at the receiving end of such violent physical and emotional abuse.
The only thing that I was a teeny bit peeved about was the abruptness of the ending of the story. Though Jill managed to deliver that happily ever after I was clamoring for right from the very start, Mark and Rainey’s story ended a bit too hastily for my taste. But apart from that, everything in this story, and I mean everything was top notch, the type of contemporary romance that is too far and few in between these days.
Delivering a Harlequin Blaze as it should be, Jill certainly packs a punch with Time Out. Intense and sexy as sin with characters of the caliber that only Jill can create, Time Out comes most highly recommended from the sunny side of life!
Rating=4.75/5
My quote(s) included below!
Rainey Saunders has just turned thirty years old and is single, looking for that special someone. She and her best friend Lena both work at the North District Rec Center in Santa Rey, a small mid-California beach town. Rainey is a bit of a control freak, has the frizzy hair thing going for her and has a heart of gold that shines through right from the very start. She might have a hard time connecting with anyone in her dating life the way she did when she was dumb and crushing so hard on the delectable Mark Diego when she was just 16 years old. But she is way past that crush, or so she tells herself until Mark walks in, more delectable than ever, tempting her to take just a little bite out of him to satisfy all those cravings that practically fall all over themselves trying to get closer to him.
34 year old Mark Diego is the youngest, most popular NHL head coach in the country. With fame and fortune in his hands, Mark doesn’t allow himself to feel those niggling bouts of “emptiness” that hits him once in a while. Mark has always been ambitious, wanting to rise above the poverty in which he had grown up. Wanting to teach two of his players a lesson Mark makes his way towards his hometown, not at all expecting his life to take a totally unforeseen turn when he butts heads with the altogether grown up and too alluring for her own good Rainey who pierces through the rough and tough armor of his to lay siege on his heart.
The story that unfolds is what only Jill Shalvis herself can deliver. Though Rainey keeps reminding herself that she doesn’t want anything to do with Mark, her hormones keep sending the opposite signal, and time and yet again, both Mark and Rainey finds themselves in one clandestine position after the other which serves to be such a feast for the senses. There wasn’t one part of me that wasn’t clamoring to swallow Mark Diego in all his glory in one big gulp or should I say I wanted to savor him in nibbling bites so that the whole feast would last for a lifetime.
The thread of humor that is always a part of a Jill Shalvis book is there in this story as well, and the underlying issues that are much serious in nature also makes their impact on the reader as Jill takes the reader through stories of families hard hit by ravaging forest fires, abusive fathers and all that is brushed under the carpet by people who are mostly at the receiving end of such violent physical and emotional abuse.
The only thing that I was a teeny bit peeved about was the abruptness of the ending of the story. Though Jill managed to deliver that happily ever after I was clamoring for right from the very start, Mark and Rainey’s story ended a bit too hastily for my taste. But apart from that, everything in this story, and I mean everything was top notch, the type of contemporary romance that is too far and few in between these days.
Delivering a Harlequin Blaze as it should be, Jill certainly packs a punch with Time Out. Intense and sexy as sin with characters of the caliber that only Jill can create, Time Out comes most highly recommended from the sunny side of life!
Rating=4.75/5
My quote(s) included below!
February 21, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Having to teach two of his NHL hockey players a lesson, Mark forces them into community service to make amends for getting into a fight. It’s either community service or suspension and the players don’t want that. They head back to Mark’s hometown to help rebuild homes that were lost in recent fires as well as all three men are volunteering as coaches at the local rec center. A center that’s run by Rainey – Mark’s childhood friend who had a huge crush on Mark; a crush that Mark couldn’t act on thinking their age difference at the time to be too much. The difference isn’t an issue now and Rainey signs Mark up to coach the girls softball team, much to his non-delight.
TIME OUT is a very fun, sweet romantic contemporary that packs a punch in not a lot of pages. I loved the storyline of Mark coaching the girls. He’s so out of his element with them, but quickly goes into “Coach” mode and has them appropriately suited up with practice clothes, running drills and practicing hard. Seeing him as Coach Mark, it’s a role he’s perfect for. But when Mark finds himself in the middle of teenage girl talk, he’s so uncomfortable and tries to give out the best advice he can, “boys are like drugs, just say no.”
The main focus of the story is the relationship between Mark and Rainey. She had a teenage crush on the older Mark for much of her childhood and when she turned sixteen she thought she’d try to make Mark understand how she felt and went to his college apartment, dressed in next to nothing only to find him already…occupied – she turned and ran. Their paths had crossed a few times since then over the years, but this is the first time they’ll be around each other for an extended period of time. Mark is instantly taken with Rainey but it takes her a little bit of time to be ok with taking a chance on Mark. He broke her heart once and she doesn’t want to experience that again.
He grinned. “Aw, Rainey. You like me. You like me a whole hell of a lot.”
“We really need to work on your self-confidence.”
But she blew out a breath and relaxed into him a little. “You’ve read your press, right? You know they call you a hard-ass.” She lifted her hand and touched his face. “But they’re wrong.” She pressed her face to his throat and inhaled him in, like maybe he was her air and she needed more. And when her hands slid around his waist, beneath his shirt, and up his back, he knew he was a goner.
I also enjoy a great storyline between best friends, and Rainey has that with her best friend Lena, who’s also dating Mark’s brother Rick. No one tells it like it is, quite like a friend and Lena says the things that Rainey needs to hear and also says things that have Rainey blushing, especially when Lena’s drooling over Mark:
“I’ve never gotten to see the glory that would be the Diego brothers in stereo.” Lena hadn’t grown up in Santa Rey. “Mark hasn’t come home since I’ve been with Rick. Being the youngest, baddest, sexiest head coach in all the NHL must be time-consuming.”
“Trust me, he’s not your type.”
“Because he’s rich and famous? Because he’s tough as hell and cool as ice?”
“Because he’s missing a vital organ.”
Lena gasped in horror. “He doesn’t have a d-”
“A heart! He’s missing a heart! Jeez, get your mind out of the gutter.”
The tension in the book comes from one of the young teens at the rec center, Sharee, and her abusive father. Rainey tries desperately to get Sharee to come to her when she finds herself home alone with her dad, but Sharee ends up coming to the rec center with new bruises. Rainey warns Sharee’s dad that she’s going to report him and call the cops, which doesn’t go over well. This is just one of the many ways that Rainey is trying to make a difference in the lives of the kids who come to the rec center because they have nowhere else to go during the day. Mark is impressed with what she’s doing and amazed at the reach she has with helping people in the community and he slowly starts to give back as well. He had never thought that coming back home was something he’d want to do, but watching Rainey and visiting with his brother and father, gives him a different outlook and has him helping out in different ways as well.
This was a very fast, nice read by Jill Shalvis. The banter is always witty and charming, like a Shalvis book always delivers on. Like I mentioned earlier, there’s a lot packed into about 200 pages: a hot romance, a nice overall story (including two gorgeous hockey players, that I think may need their own stories someday!) and characters that I really, really enjoyed. They’re all so likable and that doesn’t happen very often; from the leads to the supporting characters, it all worked.
Having to teach two of his NHL hockey players a lesson, Mark forces them into community service to make amends for getting into a fight. It’s either community service or suspension and the players don’t want that. They head back to Mark’s hometown to help rebuild homes that were lost in recent fires as well as all three men are volunteering as coaches at the local rec center. A center that’s run by Rainey – Mark’s childhood friend who had a huge crush on Mark; a crush that Mark couldn’t act on thinking their age difference at the time to be too much. The difference isn’t an issue now and Rainey signs Mark up to coach the girls softball team, much to his non-delight.
TIME OUT is a very fun, sweet romantic contemporary that packs a punch in not a lot of pages. I loved the storyline of Mark coaching the girls. He’s so out of his element with them, but quickly goes into “Coach” mode and has them appropriately suited up with practice clothes, running drills and practicing hard. Seeing him as Coach Mark, it’s a role he’s perfect for. But when Mark finds himself in the middle of teenage girl talk, he’s so uncomfortable and tries to give out the best advice he can, “boys are like drugs, just say no.”
The main focus of the story is the relationship between Mark and Rainey. She had a teenage crush on the older Mark for much of her childhood and when she turned sixteen she thought she’d try to make Mark understand how she felt and went to his college apartment, dressed in next to nothing only to find him already…occupied – she turned and ran. Their paths had crossed a few times since then over the years, but this is the first time they’ll be around each other for an extended period of time. Mark is instantly taken with Rainey but it takes her a little bit of time to be ok with taking a chance on Mark. He broke her heart once and she doesn’t want to experience that again.
He grinned. “Aw, Rainey. You like me. You like me a whole hell of a lot.”
“We really need to work on your self-confidence.”
But she blew out a breath and relaxed into him a little. “You’ve read your press, right? You know they call you a hard-ass.” She lifted her hand and touched his face. “But they’re wrong.” She pressed her face to his throat and inhaled him in, like maybe he was her air and she needed more. And when her hands slid around his waist, beneath his shirt, and up his back, he knew he was a goner.
I also enjoy a great storyline between best friends, and Rainey has that with her best friend Lena, who’s also dating Mark’s brother Rick. No one tells it like it is, quite like a friend and Lena says the things that Rainey needs to hear and also says things that have Rainey blushing, especially when Lena’s drooling over Mark:
“I’ve never gotten to see the glory that would be the Diego brothers in stereo.” Lena hadn’t grown up in Santa Rey. “Mark hasn’t come home since I’ve been with Rick. Being the youngest, baddest, sexiest head coach in all the NHL must be time-consuming.”
“Trust me, he’s not your type.”
“Because he’s rich and famous? Because he’s tough as hell and cool as ice?”
“Because he’s missing a vital organ.”
Lena gasped in horror. “He doesn’t have a d-”
“A heart! He’s missing a heart! Jeez, get your mind out of the gutter.”
The tension in the book comes from one of the young teens at the rec center, Sharee, and her abusive father. Rainey tries desperately to get Sharee to come to her when she finds herself home alone with her dad, but Sharee ends up coming to the rec center with new bruises. Rainey warns Sharee’s dad that she’s going to report him and call the cops, which doesn’t go over well. This is just one of the many ways that Rainey is trying to make a difference in the lives of the kids who come to the rec center because they have nowhere else to go during the day. Mark is impressed with what she’s doing and amazed at the reach she has with helping people in the community and he slowly starts to give back as well. He had never thought that coming back home was something he’d want to do, but watching Rainey and visiting with his brother and father, gives him a different outlook and has him helping out in different ways as well.
This was a very fast, nice read by Jill Shalvis. The banter is always witty and charming, like a Shalvis book always delivers on. Like I mentioned earlier, there’s a lot packed into about 200 pages: a hot romance, a nice overall story (including two gorgeous hockey players, that I think may need their own stories someday!) and characters that I really, really enjoyed. They’re all so likable and that doesn’t happen very often; from the leads to the supporting characters, it all worked.
August 17, 2018
When Rainey Saunders was 16 years old she tried to show Mark Diego just how much she loved him. But Mark was a few years older and wasn't going to go there. So now years later, Mark is back. He is now a big time Hockey coach and he has two of his players with him. His players were in a fight and their punishment is community service. And since he is there, Mark will coach the girls' baseball team. A bonus is that Rainey is the program coordinator at the recreation center.
This was a fun read. No surprises or anything but still an entertaining read.
This was a fun read. No surprises or anything but still an entertaining read.
March 19, 2012
4+ Stars
This was a really good book. It was so sexy with a touchingly, sweet story and I did not expect it from a Harlequin Blaze- I am not usually into these shorter books. I picked it up because it has received some very high ratings, it was Jill Shalvis (a fav author of mine), and it was about a sports hero. I do love this type of story, young girl falls in love with best friends older brother, but he sees her as a kid. I know the story line has been played many times, but there were some twists that added freshness in Time Out.
The sexual chemistry was stifling hot and it took off immediately, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. I loved the jealousy in the hero, he just couldn't stop himself from ruining all of Rainey's potential relationships. What also was refreshing was Rainey's honesty. She told Mark exactly what her fears were instead of hiding them. I could feel her heartbreaks and her inner strength.
You can't go wrong with this quick read.
This was a really good book. It was so sexy with a touchingly, sweet story and I did not expect it from a Harlequin Blaze- I am not usually into these shorter books. I picked it up because it has received some very high ratings, it was Jill Shalvis (a fav author of mine), and it was about a sports hero. I do love this type of story, young girl falls in love with best friends older brother, but he sees her as a kid. I know the story line has been played many times, but there were some twists that added freshness in Time Out.
The sexual chemistry was stifling hot and it took off immediately, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. I loved the jealousy in the hero, he just couldn't stop himself from ruining all of Rainey's potential relationships. What also was refreshing was Rainey's honesty. She told Mark exactly what her fears were instead of hiding them. I could feel her heartbreaks and her inner strength.
You can't go wrong with this quick read.
January 18, 2012
I haven't read HQ Blaze much these days, and totally forgotten how fun they are. And this one was a truly an enjoyable hot hot hot read.
January 24, 2012
What a hot little number this one was! I have made an “executive” decision to read everything that Jill Shalvis has written! Ms. Shalvis never fails to grab my attention in the beginning of her books and hold it there right up until the end! Although I enjoy the Lucky Harbor series best, Time Out is full of all of my favorite things about her writing: an impossible to not like heroine, a hot as hell hero, great dialogue and humor, and a truly romantic story.
After being away from his hometown for many years, Mark Diego finds himself coming back to a town rebuilding after the devastation of wildfire’s. After an altercation with two of his NHL players, Mark has decided to take out their punishment by having them commit a solid month to community service in his hometown. Mark isn’t prepared to run into Rainey again, and he definitely isn’t prepared for all the feelings she stirs within him.
Of all the NHL coaches out there, Mark Diego has to be the one chosen to come and work for her community rec center. After embarrassingly revealing her true love for him year before at the young age of sixteen, Rainey hasn’t quite gotten over the humiliation of being rejected by the only man she’s ever truly loved. When she comes face to face with him, it’s obvious the chemistry still sizzles and, lucky for her, she’s not too young to indulge now.
Great story of reunited “almost” lovers. The chemistry between Mark and Rainey is scorching and the love scenes set the pages (and me) on fire!
Being married to a Latino hunk myself, this story was very near to my heart. I love how delicious Mark Diego is in this novel. Just saying his name is erotic and his sensuality oozes from the pages. It’s not wonder our heroine has a hard time resisting, I know I couldn’t!
Rainey is a heroine anyone can appreciate. Her fierce devotion to her job and the kids involved was admirable and I loved how the whole story centered around community service and neighborhood awareness
Really great read, and quick too; I finished it in a couple of hours. Four solid stars!!
After being away from his hometown for many years, Mark Diego finds himself coming back to a town rebuilding after the devastation of wildfire’s. After an altercation with two of his NHL players, Mark has decided to take out their punishment by having them commit a solid month to community service in his hometown. Mark isn’t prepared to run into Rainey again, and he definitely isn’t prepared for all the feelings she stirs within him.
Of all the NHL coaches out there, Mark Diego has to be the one chosen to come and work for her community rec center. After embarrassingly revealing her true love for him year before at the young age of sixteen, Rainey hasn’t quite gotten over the humiliation of being rejected by the only man she’s ever truly loved. When she comes face to face with him, it’s obvious the chemistry still sizzles and, lucky for her, she’s not too young to indulge now.
Great story of reunited “almost” lovers. The chemistry between Mark and Rainey is scorching and the love scenes set the pages (and me) on fire!
Being married to a Latino hunk myself, this story was very near to my heart. I love how delicious Mark Diego is in this novel. Just saying his name is erotic and his sensuality oozes from the pages. It’s not wonder our heroine has a hard time resisting, I know I couldn’t!
Rainey is a heroine anyone can appreciate. Her fierce devotion to her job and the kids involved was admirable and I loved how the whole story centered around community service and neighborhood awareness
Really great read, and quick too; I finished it in a couple of hours. Four solid stars!!
March 2, 2012
ARC kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley.
Rainey was sweet 16 and it had seemed that she had feelings for Mark forever. He was 4 years older than her but she loved him and wanted to surprise him by stealing a key to his place and sneaking in one night. Unfortunately she was the one who had been surprised by what she found and ran off. He had tried several times to talk to her but their friendship had changed as she was extremely embarrassed and refused to speak to him. Unknown to Rainey, Mark had also had a bit of thing for her too but refused to act upon it because of the age gap. Shortly after he leaves town to further his sports career but over the years he does comes back to visit his father & brother. On several of these visits they do see each other and they feel the pull between them but nothing ever comes from it.
Now he is back and she would love to avoid him but she can't as he is the brother of her boss who has brought him in to help coach the kids/teenagers at the rec centre where they work. Needless to say sparks fly and the air sizzles and both find it really hard to resist the pull after all the age gap is now no longer a problem as he is 34 and she is 30.
Being a Harlequin this is a quick read but I thought this was a light and fun read and had me laughing at times especially when he gets locked out of her house early in the morning fortunately or unfortunately her neighbour sees him and lets him use her phone :)
I haven't read many books by Jill Shalvis yet but I am beginning to like her works more and more! I have some more of her books on my TBR pile and am beginning to think I need to move them up the list so that they are nearer the top ;)
Rainey was sweet 16 and it had seemed that she had feelings for Mark forever. He was 4 years older than her but she loved him and wanted to surprise him by stealing a key to his place and sneaking in one night. Unfortunately she was the one who had been surprised by what she found and ran off. He had tried several times to talk to her but their friendship had changed as she was extremely embarrassed and refused to speak to him. Unknown to Rainey, Mark had also had a bit of thing for her too but refused to act upon it because of the age gap. Shortly after he leaves town to further his sports career but over the years he does comes back to visit his father & brother. On several of these visits they do see each other and they feel the pull between them but nothing ever comes from it.
Now he is back and she would love to avoid him but she can't as he is the brother of her boss who has brought him in to help coach the kids/teenagers at the rec centre where they work. Needless to say sparks fly and the air sizzles and both find it really hard to resist the pull after all the age gap is now no longer a problem as he is 34 and she is 30.
Being a Harlequin this is a quick read but I thought this was a light and fun read and had me laughing at times especially when he gets locked out of her house early in the morning fortunately or unfortunately her neighbour sees him and lets him use her phone :)
I haven't read many books by Jill Shalvis yet but I am beginning to like her works more and more! I have some more of her books on my TBR pile and am beginning to think I need to move them up the list so that they are nearer the top ;)
February 21, 2012
Originally posted on Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2012/02...
When two of his players get in a fight that generates negative publicity, NHL coach Mark Diego needs to repair the damage. He does so by signing himself and the two players up for an off-season of volunteering in Mark’s hometown. Santa Rey has been hit hard by wildfires and Mark is happy to help rebuild — heck, he’ll even suck it up and coach a softball team made up of teenage girls. But what throws the unshakeable Mark for a loop is rec center coordinator Rainey Saunders. Rainey has certainly grown up from when she was a young girl with a major crush on him. And if Mark can convince Rainey to let him past the barriers she’s erected around her heart, it’ll be a long, hot, sexy summer in Santa Rey.
Time Out is signature Jill Shalvis — sexy, fun, and utterly delightful. I found myself drawn into Rainey and Mark’s story from the start. Youthful friends that grow up to be lovers who fall in love is an often-used romance trope, but Ms. Shalvis makes it feel fresh and new in Time Out . Rainey and Mark’s mutual history makes for an instant connection while at the same time creates obstacles in their romance. The one-sided crush on Mark that teenage Rainey had still affects her, which is understandable given the circumstances (though I won’t spoil the story by saying why). I liked both protagonists so much that I practically devoured Time Out , as Ms. Shalvis had me rooting for Rainey and Mark to get together.
A host of likeable secondary characters rounds out Time Out , making the story, people, and town of Santa Rey come to life. I’m a big fan of Ms. Shalvis’s work and Time Out is an example of why Ms. Shalvis is an autobuy author for me. I adored Time Out and I can’t wait to read Ms. Shalvis’s next book!
*ARC received courtesy of HQN and NetGalley
When two of his players get in a fight that generates negative publicity, NHL coach Mark Diego needs to repair the damage. He does so by signing himself and the two players up for an off-season of volunteering in Mark’s hometown. Santa Rey has been hit hard by wildfires and Mark is happy to help rebuild — heck, he’ll even suck it up and coach a softball team made up of teenage girls. But what throws the unshakeable Mark for a loop is rec center coordinator Rainey Saunders. Rainey has certainly grown up from when she was a young girl with a major crush on him. And if Mark can convince Rainey to let him past the barriers she’s erected around her heart, it’ll be a long, hot, sexy summer in Santa Rey.
Time Out is signature Jill Shalvis — sexy, fun, and utterly delightful. I found myself drawn into Rainey and Mark’s story from the start. Youthful friends that grow up to be lovers who fall in love is an often-used romance trope, but Ms. Shalvis makes it feel fresh and new in Time Out . Rainey and Mark’s mutual history makes for an instant connection while at the same time creates obstacles in their romance. The one-sided crush on Mark that teenage Rainey had still affects her, which is understandable given the circumstances (though I won’t spoil the story by saying why). I liked both protagonists so much that I practically devoured Time Out , as Ms. Shalvis had me rooting for Rainey and Mark to get together.
A host of likeable secondary characters rounds out Time Out , making the story, people, and town of Santa Rey come to life. I’m a big fan of Ms. Shalvis’s work and Time Out is an example of why Ms. Shalvis is an autobuy author for me. I adored Time Out and I can’t wait to read Ms. Shalvis’s next book!
*ARC received courtesy of HQN and NetGalley
January 11, 2012
Mark was seriously hot. I loved the sparks between him and Rainny. They were well matched.
Shalvis brought her trademark humor and wit to the story. The characters drew me in. I didn't want to put it down.
Shalvis brought her trademark humor and wit to the story. The characters drew me in. I didn't want to put it down.
February 21, 2012
My Review:
A hot
It's no secret that I love Jill Shalvis, but even I was surprised by how much I loved this book.
On the night after losing the Stanley Cup, two of Mark's guys were in a bar brawl with two players from the other team. The video made it as a YouTube viral, so now instead of basking in a really wonderful hockey season for his team, Coach Mark Diego is having to repair the teams image. His plan for that....to put his two rogue players to work at his brother's community rec center coaching baseball.
Unfortunately, the rec center coordinator is childhood friend, Rainey. At least they were friends until she threw herself at him one night and he turned her down flat. Since then, things have been a bit tense between the two of them, even though that happened fourteen years ago.
The best thing about this book...the dialogue between Mark and Rainey. OMG, Jill is just an amazing writer. Everything about this book seemed effortless and natural. When I was reading it, I would completely forget that I was reading a book. I became completely immersed! Mark & Rainey have pretty much known each other their entire lives. As a result, even though things are really tense sexually between the two, there is an ease to their dialogue that I just loved. They completely knew how to push each other's buttons and I loved reading that.
I liked the whole story line set-up. It was fun and you all know that I am a huge sports-book fan! Add in that these two had this long, crazy history between them, and yep...this book was good! I picked it up late one morning and didn't put it down again until it was completely finished. It was that good! I just love Jill Shalvis' writing. It keeps me laughing, but at the same time, there is a depth of emotion that is just gorgeous. Beautiful love story!
Jill Shalvis + sports book + Harlequin Blaze = PERFECTION!
A hot
It's no secret that I love Jill Shalvis, but even I was surprised by how much I loved this book.
On the night after losing the Stanley Cup, two of Mark's guys were in a bar brawl with two players from the other team. The video made it as a YouTube viral, so now instead of basking in a really wonderful hockey season for his team, Coach Mark Diego is having to repair the teams image. His plan for that....to put his two rogue players to work at his brother's community rec center coaching baseball.
Unfortunately, the rec center coordinator is childhood friend, Rainey. At least they were friends until she threw herself at him one night and he turned her down flat. Since then, things have been a bit tense between the two of them, even though that happened fourteen years ago.
The best thing about this book...the dialogue between Mark and Rainey. OMG, Jill is just an amazing writer. Everything about this book seemed effortless and natural. When I was reading it, I would completely forget that I was reading a book. I became completely immersed! Mark & Rainey have pretty much known each other their entire lives. As a result, even though things are really tense sexually between the two, there is an ease to their dialogue that I just loved. They completely knew how to push each other's buttons and I loved reading that.
I liked the whole story line set-up. It was fun and you all know that I am a huge sports-book fan! Add in that these two had this long, crazy history between them, and yep...this book was good! I picked it up late one morning and didn't put it down again until it was completely finished. It was that good! I just love Jill Shalvis' writing. It keeps me laughing, but at the same time, there is a depth of emotion that is just gorgeous. Beautiful love story!
Jill Shalvis + sports book + Harlequin Blaze = PERFECTION!
February 13, 2012
Time Out was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Harlequin Blaze.
Rainey Saunders is a Junior Sports Coordinator at the local Recreation Center; she spends her time trying to keep the teens from the ‘forgotten district’ out of trouble and prides herself on control which has slipped since the arrival of her childhood crush, Mark Diego.
Mark is a highly successful NHL coach and has returned to his hometown with two NHL players in tow to rebuild his team’s reputation after a pub brawl. They will be required to help in much needed areas to help rebuild what was lost in summer fires as well as coach the youths at the recreation centre.
Rainey and Mark share an interesting past, Mark was never aware of Rainey’s affections as a teen; especially considering their four year age gap so was surprised by her attempted seduction whilst he was with another woman; it affected their friendship and ended with him beating up on her rebound date which had gone terribly wrong, it left her extremely embarrassed and many years later it still haunts her.
The attraction between Mark and Rainey was undeniable but each was unwilling to let themselves fall. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty dialogue between them; the banter had me smirking on numerous occasions and I generally enjoyed the chemistry between them. Ms Shalvis brings humor and fun to Time Out with a touch of seriousness to balance it all out which I really liked.
Everything I read by Jill Shalvis I adore and Time Out was no exception. Shalvis’s writing is always top notch and enjoyable, her characters developed perfectly and the plot solid and compelling. Time Out was certainly a fun and entertaining read.
I can’t wait to read more books written by Jill Shalvis.
Rainey Saunders is a Junior Sports Coordinator at the local Recreation Center; she spends her time trying to keep the teens from the ‘forgotten district’ out of trouble and prides herself on control which has slipped since the arrival of her childhood crush, Mark Diego.
Mark is a highly successful NHL coach and has returned to his hometown with two NHL players in tow to rebuild his team’s reputation after a pub brawl. They will be required to help in much needed areas to help rebuild what was lost in summer fires as well as coach the youths at the recreation centre.
Rainey and Mark share an interesting past, Mark was never aware of Rainey’s affections as a teen; especially considering their four year age gap so was surprised by her attempted seduction whilst he was with another woman; it affected their friendship and ended with him beating up on her rebound date which had gone terribly wrong, it left her extremely embarrassed and many years later it still haunts her.
The attraction between Mark and Rainey was undeniable but each was unwilling to let themselves fall. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty dialogue between them; the banter had me smirking on numerous occasions and I generally enjoyed the chemistry between them. Ms Shalvis brings humor and fun to Time Out with a touch of seriousness to balance it all out which I really liked.
Everything I read by Jill Shalvis I adore and Time Out was no exception. Shalvis’s writing is always top notch and enjoyable, her characters developed perfectly and the plot solid and compelling. Time Out was certainly a fun and entertaining read.
I can’t wait to read more books written by Jill Shalvis.
February 28, 2012
What I Learned:
- is that people stare at you when you laugh out loud and are constantly grinning while reading a book. Some people, you know? They just don't get the enjoyment people get from books!
- is that Ms. Shalvis writes amazing characters. I love both Mark and Rainey. Mark.... he... um..... *drool*... He is very good at being dominant and caring and just so damn sexy!
- is that I have a huge huge huge HUGE love for sports books. Despite not watching any of it on TV or playing it myself, I just love the athletic character.
- is that this book is going to be reread many times over the years to come. I just really can't express how happy it made me. The characters are just so full of life and amazing. The emotions jumped off the pages. Their chemistry was sizzling.
- is that this book also teaches that you can overcome anything - poverty, disaster, abuse - and come out better on the other side.
- is that family is important - and that family is what you make it! You don't need to share DNA with them!
My favourite quotes:
“Give me,” she said.
“Don’t you mean please give me?”
“You want me to beg?”
That smile spread slightly. “Nah. I just heard you beg plenty.”
“I did not beg.” But she had. She so had. Still grinning, still naked, he pulled her against him and pressed his mouth to her shoulder. “My panties, Mark.”
“You’ve read your press, right? You know they call you a hard-ass.” She lifted her hand and touched his face. “But they’re wrong.” She pressed her face to his throat and inhaled him...
4.5/5
- is that people stare at you when you laugh out loud and are constantly grinning while reading a book. Some people, you know? They just don't get the enjoyment people get from books!
- is that Ms. Shalvis writes amazing characters. I love both Mark and Rainey. Mark.... he... um..... *drool*... He is very good at being dominant and caring and just so damn sexy!
- is that I have a huge huge huge HUGE love for sports books. Despite not watching any of it on TV or playing it myself, I just love the athletic character.
- is that this book is going to be reread many times over the years to come. I just really can't express how happy it made me. The characters are just so full of life and amazing. The emotions jumped off the pages. Their chemistry was sizzling.
- is that this book also teaches that you can overcome anything - poverty, disaster, abuse - and come out better on the other side.
- is that family is important - and that family is what you make it! You don't need to share DNA with them!
My favourite quotes:
“Give me,” she said.
“Don’t you mean please give me?”
“You want me to beg?”
That smile spread slightly. “Nah. I just heard you beg plenty.”
“I did not beg.” But she had. She so had. Still grinning, still naked, he pulled her against him and pressed his mouth to her shoulder. “My panties, Mark.”
“You’ve read your press, right? You know they call you a hard-ass.” She lifted her hand and touched his face. “But they’re wrong.” She pressed her face to his throat and inhaled him...
4.5/5
June 1, 2012
The Deal: Mark Diego left Santa del Rey and became the youngest hockey coach in the NHL, but he never forgot his home town - even if he never wanted to go live there again - and so, when two of his players get in trouble and cause a PR nightmare, Mark decides he's going to take them back to Santa del Rey and teach them how to become role modals whether they want it or not.
On the other hand, Rainey never left Santa del Rey - a little town that has recently been hit hard by the fires and the economy - and now she helps run the North side recreation center along with her best friend Rick - who also happens to be Mark's brother.
She always had an unrequited crush on Mark - one that led her to the two most embarrassing moments of her life -so she's not exactly thrilled to have him back in town, and having to work with him for the rest of the summer, particularly because he keeps invading her personal space and chasing off her dates.
My Thoughts: Time Out was a really quick contemporary read, and though the characters weren't as developed as I would like, the story was very nice over all. Rainey and Mark are easily likable characters, and the fact that they have known each other forever helps to buy into the premise of the story - and the fact that they jump into bed fairly early on.
The story is a bit cliched - Rainey is really in love with Mark, has been for years, and Mark is a hot-shot guy who has never thought of settling down - but the writing was good and it didn't take that much time to read.
On the other hand, Rainey never left Santa del Rey - a little town that has recently been hit hard by the fires and the economy - and now she helps run the North side recreation center along with her best friend Rick - who also happens to be Mark's brother.
She always had an unrequited crush on Mark - one that led her to the two most embarrassing moments of her life -so she's not exactly thrilled to have him back in town, and having to work with him for the rest of the summer, particularly because he keeps invading her personal space and chasing off her dates.
My Thoughts: Time Out was a really quick contemporary read, and though the characters weren't as developed as I would like, the story was very nice over all. Rainey and Mark are easily likable characters, and the fact that they have known each other forever helps to buy into the premise of the story - and the fact that they jump into bed fairly early on.
The story is a bit cliched - Rainey is really in love with Mark, has been for years, and Mark is a hot-shot guy who has never thought of settling down - but the writing was good and it didn't take that much time to read.
February 20, 2012
Jill Shalvis-Time Out HQN
Time Out is typical Jill Shalvis, and I mean that in a good way. When reading Ms. Shalvis I expect a hot as sin hero, a heroine that has a lot of sass without putting me off, great secondary characters and a story that I usually want to devour within a day. And that’s exactly what I got with Time Out.
Rainey Saunders has been crushing on her friend Ricks older brother Mark Diego since her teenage years. The two were friends and hadn’t spoken in years due to the fact that Mark once turned her down. She was 16 to his 20.
Mark moved away and is not the head coach of a hockey team, coming back to his home town for a charitable cause, he runs into Rainey, and she’s not a teenager anymore. Woah…
I loved Mark. He’s everything most of us would want in a hero. Hot as sin, sweet, thoughtful, smart and verrrrry alpha. Rainey, I liked her a lot, lots of sass, smart and sweet. I’d like to have a friend like her.
Where is Ricks’ story, he has a HEA but I want the story that goes with it. I would also like to see Casey & James in the future, but considering this is a HQN Blaze I doubt it.
This was going to be a solid 5 stars for me, but the ending just kind of ended when I wasn’t expecting it to.
4 ½ stars
I received this ARC copy via NetGalley for an honest review…
Time Out is typical Jill Shalvis, and I mean that in a good way. When reading Ms. Shalvis I expect a hot as sin hero, a heroine that has a lot of sass without putting me off, great secondary characters and a story that I usually want to devour within a day. And that’s exactly what I got with Time Out.
Rainey Saunders has been crushing on her friend Ricks older brother Mark Diego since her teenage years. The two were friends and hadn’t spoken in years due to the fact that Mark once turned her down. She was 16 to his 20.
Mark moved away and is not the head coach of a hockey team, coming back to his home town for a charitable cause, he runs into Rainey, and she’s not a teenager anymore. Woah…
I loved Mark. He’s everything most of us would want in a hero. Hot as sin, sweet, thoughtful, smart and verrrrry alpha. Rainey, I liked her a lot, lots of sass, smart and sweet. I’d like to have a friend like her.
Where is Ricks’ story, he has a HEA but I want the story that goes with it. I would also like to see Casey & James in the future, but considering this is a HQN Blaze I doubt it.
This was going to be a solid 5 stars for me, but the ending just kind of ended when I wasn’t expecting it to.
4 ½ stars
I received this ARC copy via NetGalley for an honest review…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2012
Another great one by Jill Shalvis. I wondered how she would write in a Blaze book, and it reads just like her series books, only spicier (in my opinion). This was a fun story. Romance all the way, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Friends to lovers/friends with a past type stories are some of my faves.
November 14, 2015
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Carol Monda gives a great performance with this one, delivering JS’s sizzling sexual banter between Mark and Rainey with near perfection. She certainly kicked it up a notch.
I did play it at X1.25 speed.
July 22, 2020
Entah saya lagi males atau kena slump sedikit, baca novel ini gak semangat banget. Udah gitu terjemahannya kacau, punctuasinya juga bacok pake golok itu alias banyak yg ngaco.
Ceritanya, Rainey sudah lama gak berkencan (entah kenapa para bule Amrik ini kalau gak ngeseks setahun langsung kebakaran jenggot gara-gara sudah kerontang orgasme). Kebetulan Mark Diego, gebetan Rainey wkt SMA lagi pulkam dan mengisi waktunya sbg coach NHL. Rainey tahu berkencan dgn Mark itu spt too good to be true jadi Rainey dgn bijak memilih pria lain sbg teman kencan. Tapi Mark selalu menggagalkan rencana kencan Rainey. Malah akhirnya Rainey berkencan dgn Mark.
Novel ini banyak adegan syur-syur yg steamy sih menurut ukuran saya. Tapi saya gak melihat apa istimewanya gitu novel ini. Karakter Mark dan Rainey biasa saja. Konflik kalaupun ada rasanya lebih spt "tempelan" aja. Soal NHL saya buta dan nol bebek. Mungkin saya juga lagi bosan dgn HQ spt ini juga.
Ceritanya, Rainey sudah lama gak berkencan (entah kenapa para bule Amrik ini kalau gak ngeseks setahun langsung kebakaran jenggot gara-gara sudah kerontang orgasme). Kebetulan Mark Diego, gebetan Rainey wkt SMA lagi pulkam dan mengisi waktunya sbg coach NHL. Rainey tahu berkencan dgn Mark itu spt too good to be true jadi Rainey dgn bijak memilih pria lain sbg teman kencan. Tapi Mark selalu menggagalkan rencana kencan Rainey. Malah akhirnya Rainey berkencan dgn Mark.
Novel ini banyak adegan syur-syur yg steamy sih menurut ukuran saya. Tapi saya gak melihat apa istimewanya gitu novel ini. Karakter Mark dan Rainey biasa saja. Konflik kalaupun ada rasanya lebih spt "tempelan" aja. Soal NHL saya buta dan nol bebek. Mungkin saya juga lagi bosan dgn HQ spt ini juga.
June 8, 2012
I am ashamed to say when I decided to read this book I wasn't expecting very much from it at all. I thought it would be a quick, fluffy read. Don't get me wrong I enjoy fluffy, brain candy as much as the next gal. This was not what I expected. It was smartly written, romantic, funny, touching...hot, hot, hot!
Mark Diego wanted nothing more than to escape his home town and make it big. He did that in a big way by becoming the youngest hockey coach in the NHL. 2 of Mark's best players get into a fight with Anahemim Ducks players at a bar one night after the big playoff game. Once this video goes viral Mark has got to do some quick thinking to stave off the PR nightmare. He has decided that he and the 2 players will head back to his hometown of Santa Rey, California that has been recently caught up in the wildfires burning through California, to help rebuild and give back to the community. His hopes are this will "wake" the players up and remind them how well they have it.
Rainey Saunders had a major crush on Mark Diego back when she was 16 and he was 20..can someone say jailbait? So much so, that she embarrassed herself one night by sneaking into his dorm room and stripping for him. Little did she know he was already "entertaining" a young co-ed. Mark tried chasing her down to talk to her, but instead found her cozying up to the first drunk she came upon. He promptly rescues her, in doing so earns Rainey's ire. Here she is 14 years later. Still mortified when she stops and thinks about the past, but pushes it in the back of her mind and moves on. She runs the recreation department at the community center in Santa Rey and is determined to help the kids in her town. Mark is back and determined to get under her skin once more.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's a great read.
PROS:
As I said, this book is well written. The 2 offending players are not cocky, egotistical millionaire sports stars. They are immature, at best. This little field trip in their life is just what they need and they really don't fight it much. They know they were wrong and they are willing to do what they have to to keep their spot on their team.
CONS:
It drives me crazy when the characters lie to themselves. They try to convince theirself that they don't want love, commitment, whatever. That's fine if it's true. I'm not good with the games characters play with each other. In defense of this book, it isn't nearly as bad at this as a lot of romance novels are.
Mark Diego wanted nothing more than to escape his home town and make it big. He did that in a big way by becoming the youngest hockey coach in the NHL. 2 of Mark's best players get into a fight with Anahemim Ducks players at a bar one night after the big playoff game. Once this video goes viral Mark has got to do some quick thinking to stave off the PR nightmare. He has decided that he and the 2 players will head back to his hometown of Santa Rey, California that has been recently caught up in the wildfires burning through California, to help rebuild and give back to the community. His hopes are this will "wake" the players up and remind them how well they have it.
Rainey Saunders had a major crush on Mark Diego back when she was 16 and he was 20..can someone say jailbait? So much so, that she embarrassed herself one night by sneaking into his dorm room and stripping for him. Little did she know he was already "entertaining" a young co-ed. Mark tried chasing her down to talk to her, but instead found her cozying up to the first drunk she came upon. He promptly rescues her, in doing so earns Rainey's ire. Here she is 14 years later. Still mortified when she stops and thinks about the past, but pushes it in the back of her mind and moves on. She runs the recreation department at the community center in Santa Rey and is determined to help the kids in her town. Mark is back and determined to get under her skin once more.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's a great read.
PROS:
As I said, this book is well written. The 2 offending players are not cocky, egotistical millionaire sports stars. They are immature, at best. This little field trip in their life is just what they need and they really don't fight it much. They know they were wrong and they are willing to do what they have to to keep their spot on their team.
CONS:
It drives me crazy when the characters lie to themselves. They try to convince theirself that they don't want love, commitment, whatever. That's fine if it's true. I'm not good with the games characters play with each other. In defense of this book, it isn't nearly as bad at this as a lot of romance novels are.
January 25, 2012
This is a story about people who met at the wrong time in both their lives and have a chance for a do-over now. Rainey had a crush on Mark when she was sixteen and he was twenty. When she goes to act on it, she finds him with another girl and runs off. He chases after her and finds her soon enough to keep her from being raped by the guy she chose in a moment of hurt. This embarrassed her completely and she liked avoiding him until he left town. He hadn't even recognized her crush and just saw her as a friend of his brother's. He went off to college and became a hockey coach. He came back occasionally and, as she grew up, he began to appreciate her much more.
Now they are spending time together because Mark is back home shepherding two of his superstar players as they do community service to make up for a stupid bar fight. Rainey is now in charge of the athletics at the community center where Mark and his players are volunteering. Sparks fly immediately between them. Rainey realizes that she had been comparing every man to him for years. But he is thinking that he isn't much of a catch because he is so busy coaching a professional hockey team. It takes a while and lots of hot sex before they give each other a chance and find a way to compromise.
This was a sweet, funny, hot romance that was a perfect way to spend an evening. A great escape! I loved the sparring between them. Everyone around them could see that they were meant for each other but both of them were too stubborn to see it. Or, maybe, they were just too frightened to take a chance on love.
Now they are spending time together because Mark is back home shepherding two of his superstar players as they do community service to make up for a stupid bar fight. Rainey is now in charge of the athletics at the community center where Mark and his players are volunteering. Sparks fly immediately between them. Rainey realizes that she had been comparing every man to him for years. But he is thinking that he isn't much of a catch because he is so busy coaching a professional hockey team. It takes a while and lots of hot sex before they give each other a chance and find a way to compromise.
This was a sweet, funny, hot romance that was a perfect way to spend an evening. A great escape! I loved the sparring between them. Everyone around them could see that they were meant for each other but both of them were too stubborn to see it. Or, maybe, they were just too frightened to take a chance on love.
May 11, 2012
*2.5 stars*
Really liked some things about this book, but REALLY didn't like others. It definitely needed an epilogue - DEFINITELY. The ending felt like it sort of dumped me off right after the big resolution, and I *hate* that feeling. Also the beginning sort of squicked me out thinking about a 16 yo girl sneaking in an adult man's (20 yo)house and stripping nekkid... umm, I immediately went into Judgey McJudgerson mode and/or brought out my huge MOM hat, and was like WTF?? Mom mode would have me opening a can of whoop-ass on that child and wondering where the *F* her parents were and the judgey person was like "well that was hookerific"... good thing Mark saw it for the BIG FAT FELONY/JAIL BAIT she was!! I don't know...that as a catalyst for this long-term crush/relationship/lost love DID NOT work for me AT ALL!!
I love the way Jill Shalvis writes, but there always seems to be the same sort of characters with the same issues in a plot that's tweaked just a little. I still get swoons and love the sexy alpha men she writes, but it's getting predictable, especially with these Blaze novels.
This wasn't my favorite book of hers for sure, not even my favorite Blaze, although Mark (the hero) was, of course, to die for, and Rainey didn't irritate, but in the end, it was just meh...
Really liked some things about this book, but REALLY didn't like others. It definitely needed an epilogue - DEFINITELY. The ending felt like it sort of dumped me off right after the big resolution, and I *hate* that feeling. Also the beginning sort of squicked me out thinking about a 16 yo girl sneaking in an adult man's (20 yo)house and stripping nekkid... umm, I immediately went into Judgey McJudgerson mode and/or brought out my huge MOM hat, and was like WTF?? Mom mode would have me opening a can of whoop-ass on that child and wondering where the *F* her parents were and the judgey person was like "well that was hookerific"... good thing Mark saw it for the BIG FAT FELONY/JAIL BAIT she was!! I don't know...that as a catalyst for this long-term crush/relationship/lost love DID NOT work for me AT ALL!!
I love the way Jill Shalvis writes, but there always seems to be the same sort of characters with the same issues in a plot that's tweaked just a little. I still get swoons and love the sexy alpha men she writes, but it's getting predictable, especially with these Blaze novels.
This wasn't my favorite book of hers for sure, not even my favorite Blaze, although Mark (the hero) was, of course, to die for, and Rainey didn't irritate, but in the end, it was just meh...
February 13, 2012
Hot, fun and sexy!
Time Out is set for release on February 21, 2012, but I was lucky enough to get an early copy from NetGalley. Jill Shalvis is an auto-buy author for me and I will admit I go a bit fan-girl over her books and series. That being said, Jill always delivers with a fun and sexy story, so I’m fine with admitting to my fan-girl status.
I really loved Time Out. Rainey and Mark have known each other pretty much their entire lives. Rainey even tried to lose her virginity to Mark when she was 16, only to find him in a compromising position with another woman. Rainey has never really forgiven Mark for what happened when she was a teen, but finds she is still attracted to him just as much as before.
Mark has never settled down with one woman, which he attributes to all the work he does and not a certain childhood friend he has never forgotten. No storage room is safe when Mark and Rainey are in the area. They are so very, very hot together, I thought my kindle might just melt a few times.
Time Out is the perfect read for anyone looking for a fun and sexy story.
Time Out is set for release on February 21, 2012, but I was lucky enough to get an early copy from NetGalley. Jill Shalvis is an auto-buy author for me and I will admit I go a bit fan-girl over her books and series. That being said, Jill always delivers with a fun and sexy story, so I’m fine with admitting to my fan-girl status.
I really loved Time Out. Rainey and Mark have known each other pretty much their entire lives. Rainey even tried to lose her virginity to Mark when she was 16, only to find him in a compromising position with another woman. Rainey has never really forgiven Mark for what happened when she was a teen, but finds she is still attracted to him just as much as before.
Mark has never settled down with one woman, which he attributes to all the work he does and not a certain childhood friend he has never forgotten. No storage room is safe when Mark and Rainey are in the area. They are so very, very hot together, I thought my kindle might just melt a few times.
Time Out is the perfect read for anyone looking for a fun and sexy story.
March 9, 2012
I liked this short and sweet Harlequin Blaze... but I didn't love it.
As with most Blazes I've read, the steam level was HOT... and the Hockey/sports theme was great, but the characters just didn't quite click with me - especially Rainey. I found her just a bit too needy. She never really grew beyond the girl with a teenage crush and exuded the confidence she supposedly had. Mark was a typical alpha guy's guy, but he never really had to work for anything - Rainey pretty much immediately fell under his spell - and his sudden realization of his love for her was a bit uninspired.
I think the story as a whole would have benefitted from bit more of a side story with Rick and Lena - I felt they were under utilized. But, all in all, 'Time Out' is still a sexy, cute story and is a great choice when you need a little "time-out" for yourself...
As with most Blazes I've read, the steam level was HOT... and the Hockey/sports theme was great, but the characters just didn't quite click with me - especially Rainey. I found her just a bit too needy. She never really grew beyond the girl with a teenage crush and exuded the confidence she supposedly had. Mark was a typical alpha guy's guy, but he never really had to work for anything - Rainey pretty much immediately fell under his spell - and his sudden realization of his love for her was a bit uninspired.
I think the story as a whole would have benefitted from bit more of a side story with Rick and Lena - I felt they were under utilized. But, all in all, 'Time Out' is still a sexy, cute story and is a great choice when you need a little "time-out" for yourself...
August 21, 2016
This was a pretty good read about a girl who crushed on a guy since she was in high school and he didn't like her back until after he became a famous NHL coach and came back to their hometown with two of his hockey players to volunteer.
I initially gave it 4 stars and then thought about it and changed it to 3 stars. I just didn't like the fact that till the very end Mark wasn't accepting that he was falling in love with Rainey. And Rainey even knowing how Mark is - that he is the love 'em and leave 'em type and kept telling herself to stay away from Mark and meet other people - every chance she got she kept throwing herself at him. Have a little pride, girl! For me, I think I would've liked the story better if Mark admitted that he wanted Rainey more than just a fling and if Rainey played a little hard to get.
I initially gave it 4 stars and then thought about it and changed it to 3 stars. I just didn't like the fact that till the very end Mark wasn't accepting that he was falling in love with Rainey. And Rainey even knowing how Mark is - that he is the love 'em and leave 'em type and kept telling herself to stay away from Mark and meet other people - every chance she got she kept throwing herself at him. Have a little pride, girl! For me, I think I would've liked the story better if Mark admitted that he wanted Rainey more than just a fling and if Rainey played a little hard to get.
April 3, 2012
Actually 2.5 stars.
This book was okay. A few parts were better than okay. There was some cute dialog that made me smile, and I also enjoyed some of the characters' inner monologues. Unfortunately, I just don't like the way Shalvis writes sex scenes. I'm not sure what it is about her writing, but it just doesn't turn me on. That's okay; I don't have to be titillated by a romance novel in order to enjoy the relationship-development aspects of the story. But since this was a Harlequin Blaze novel, the relationship basically developed through one sex scene after another. Over all, it didn't quite work for me, but the parts that did work make me think I could enjoy Shalvis' writing if I find the right book.
This book was okay. A few parts were better than okay. There was some cute dialog that made me smile, and I also enjoyed some of the characters' inner monologues. Unfortunately, I just don't like the way Shalvis writes sex scenes. I'm not sure what it is about her writing, but it just doesn't turn me on. That's okay; I don't have to be titillated by a romance novel in order to enjoy the relationship-development aspects of the story. But since this was a Harlequin Blaze novel, the relationship basically developed through one sex scene after another. Over all, it didn't quite work for me, but the parts that did work make me think I could enjoy Shalvis' writing if I find the right book.
March 12, 2012
4.00 Stars - Contemporary Small Town Romance!
The book amounts to:
1) a rapid, peppery, fun read featuring a gorgeous magnetic jock hero with all the skills needed to win the score...
2) a plucky spirited heroine on whom the hero plans to practice all his said ‘skills’...
3) a series of snarky, cocky banter between the two protagonists in Jill Shalvis’s usual keen wording...
4) and, a sweet romance with the perfect chemistry and the ‘proper’ steamy love scenes, warranting to heat up the pages.
Now, you decide!
The book amounts to:
1) a rapid, peppery, fun read featuring a gorgeous magnetic jock hero with all the skills needed to win the score...
2) a plucky spirited heroine on whom the hero plans to practice all his said ‘skills’...
3) a series of snarky, cocky banter between the two protagonists in Jill Shalvis’s usual keen wording...
4) and, a sweet romance with the perfect chemistry and the ‘proper’ steamy love scenes, warranting to heat up the pages.
Now, you decide!
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