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Maybe It's Time : Time on the Ice, Book 2
Life after college isn't all smooth skating for Elias “Mouse” Michaels. Adulthood hits hard and without his best friend, he’s left lost and lonely. Elias struggles to find his footing in a vast, unwelcoming world, fighting the urge to fill the void lingering in his heart.
Shane Jarman has been in love with his best friend his entire life. When Mouse is all but ripped from his arms, he flees to escape the unrequited love. But even thousands of miles away, he realizes that distance doesn’t fix everything. He’s haunted by the memories of the man he truly loves—and the constant reminder of what he can never have.
A surprise visit brings buried secrets to the surface and Elias and Shane face their biggest challenge yet. The bond they once took for granted now hangs in the balance.
Can Elias and Shane navigate the complexities of love and friendship in the harsh reality of adulthood? Or will hidden truths shatter the bond they've cherished for so long? In a journey filled with heartache and hope, they must confront their deepest fears and discover if their friendship can survive the trials of falling in love.
Shane Jarman has been in love with his best friend his entire life. When Mouse is all but ripped from his arms, he flees to escape the unrequited love. But even thousands of miles away, he realizes that distance doesn’t fix everything. He’s haunted by the memories of the man he truly loves—and the constant reminder of what he can never have.
A surprise visit brings buried secrets to the surface and Elias and Shane face their biggest challenge yet. The bond they once took for granted now hangs in the balance.
Can Elias and Shane navigate the complexities of love and friendship in the harsh reality of adulthood? Or will hidden truths shatter the bond they've cherished for so long? In a journey filled with heartache and hope, they must confront their deepest fears and discover if their friendship can survive the trials of falling in love.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2024
16 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 26, 2024
I thought I loved the first book in this series, I was not prepared for the way I was gonna love this book. I do not typically like a back a fourth time jump in books, but the way the author handled it, as just brief glimpses or flashbacks was beautiful and I did not feel lost, in fact I felt it added so much to the characters story.
Shane and Elias grew up and even went away to college together. They were best friends. Played hockey together, and Elias thought they shared everything about each other (and even bed space), but Shane was hiding one very big secret, being in love with him. And Elias was actually hiding a secret of his own, he didn't understand it himself, but sometimes it takes life "hitting you full on" for you to even learn something about yourself. (love a good awakening story)
Shane knew he had to separate from Elias after college and try to get over him, while Elias went onto him fathers' company to work. Shane was coaching hockey in Canada, Elias was losing himself. After months apart, it took seeing Elias again for Shane to stand up to Elias' family and demand they see what they had done to him. (insert heart eyes). Elias personal life was in shambles and seeing Shane happy with a partner for the first time, Elias realized that maybe the love he has for Shane might be more.
Shane brings Elias back to Canada with him, to be with friends and rediscover the light in his life he has been missing, hockey and Shane. Add a great demi-awaking in the mix and I was solidly sold on this love story. Shane and Elias were strong supporting characters in One More Time, but having their own story, WOW. I cried, laughed and cheered for them.
I can't wait for more from this author and I hope more from this series
Shane and Elias grew up and even went away to college together. They were best friends. Played hockey together, and Elias thought they shared everything about each other (and even bed space), but Shane was hiding one very big secret, being in love with him. And Elias was actually hiding a secret of his own, he didn't understand it himself, but sometimes it takes life "hitting you full on" for you to even learn something about yourself. (love a good awakening story)
Shane knew he had to separate from Elias after college and try to get over him, while Elias went onto him fathers' company to work. Shane was coaching hockey in Canada, Elias was losing himself. After months apart, it took seeing Elias again for Shane to stand up to Elias' family and demand they see what they had done to him. (insert heart eyes). Elias personal life was in shambles and seeing Shane happy with a partner for the first time, Elias realized that maybe the love he has for Shane might be more.
Shane brings Elias back to Canada with him, to be with friends and rediscover the light in his life he has been missing, hockey and Shane. Add a great demi-awaking in the mix and I was solidly sold on this love story. Shane and Elias were strong supporting characters in One More Time, but having their own story, WOW. I cried, laughed and cheered for them.
I can't wait for more from this author and I hope more from this series
January 16, 2025
4.5
Excellent book!
Better than the last, and the author has officially bought herself a loyal readership.
In general, one of my favorite storylines is friends for lovers, and it's one of the best I've read (I've read a lot!).
The characters are great, I loved their relationship which is equal, and there is not one side that cries all the time and one side that strengthens, they are together.
I also liked the ending, which doesn't try to close all the threads and make everyone friends, they are happy and that's enough.
Excellent book!
Better than the last, and the author has officially bought herself a loyal readership.
In general, one of my favorite storylines is friends for lovers, and it's one of the best I've read (I've read a lot!).
The characters are great, I loved their relationship which is equal, and there is not one side that cries all the time and one side that strengthens, they are together.
I also liked the ending, which doesn't try to close all the threads and make everyone friends, they are happy and that's enough.
September 13, 2024
ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is what my dreams are made of. There is absolutely nothing that I love than an angsty, lots of pining, codependency, best friends to lovers romance.
This book follows Eli (Mouse) & Shane (Jarman) who we met in the first book in the series. Jarman has been secretly pining over his straight best friend his entire life. Of course, Mouse is oblivious and has no idea his best friend is even gay. The first half of this book was pretty angsty and had me a little emotional. However, once Mouse realizes he’s in love with Jarman too the book becomes a pretty easy read.
The only reason I’m taking a star off is because the last half of the book was a little boring for me at times. I’m sure it’s just a me problem though because I love 3rd act breakups and we don’t get one of those in this.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a good best friends to lovers that has a cute HEA! 🙂
I can’t wait to see who the next book is about. I’m really hoping Jordan gets his own book because he was just perfect & I felt for him 🥺
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is what my dreams are made of. There is absolutely nothing that I love than an angsty, lots of pining, codependency, best friends to lovers romance.
This book follows Eli (Mouse) & Shane (Jarman) who we met in the first book in the series. Jarman has been secretly pining over his straight best friend his entire life. Of course, Mouse is oblivious and has no idea his best friend is even gay. The first half of this book was pretty angsty and had me a little emotional. However, once Mouse realizes he’s in love with Jarman too the book becomes a pretty easy read.
The only reason I’m taking a star off is because the last half of the book was a little boring for me at times. I’m sure it’s just a me problem though because I love 3rd act breakups and we don’t get one of those in this.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a good best friends to lovers that has a cute HEA! 🙂
I can’t wait to see who the next book is about. I’m really hoping Jordan gets his own book because he was just perfect & I felt for him 🥺
October 7, 2024
4.5 stars ✨
3 spice 🌶️
Tropes and points:
- 1st person, dual POV
- Pining and Longing
- Demi-Awakening
- Angst
- Hurt x comfort
Okay this was just full of pining, longing and heartache and it made me cry in the best ways!! The ideal combo of swoon, spice and sad❤️
I adore a best friends to lovers, especially when it's like this, and there's a form of lifelong pining from one MC, only for the other to then realise they loved them all along and didn't know, UGH IT WAS PERFECT!!🫠
The flashbacks in this were such a great addition and made the characters so interesting to read and I really fell in love with them and their love!!
Such a great read, and even though there was angst - from a girlie who doesn't really like angst, this was the right amount!!✨
More reviews on Instagram: @swoonyandspicy 🌶️❤️
3 spice 🌶️
Tropes and points:
- 1st person, dual POV
- Pining and Longing
- Demi-Awakening
- Angst
- Hurt x comfort
Okay this was just full of pining, longing and heartache and it made me cry in the best ways!! The ideal combo of swoon, spice and sad❤️
I adore a best friends to lovers, especially when it's like this, and there's a form of lifelong pining from one MC, only for the other to then realise they loved them all along and didn't know, UGH IT WAS PERFECT!!🫠
The flashbacks in this were such a great addition and made the characters so interesting to read and I really fell in love with them and their love!!
Such a great read, and even though there was angst - from a girlie who doesn't really like angst, this was the right amount!!✨
More reviews on Instagram: @swoonyandspicy 🌶️❤️
August 30, 2024
Shane and Eli had me feeling all the emotions! For first half of this book was just heartbreaking and I just wanted to give Shane and Eli hugs. Both MCs go through it, though I think Eli gets put through the wringer a bit more because of his job and his dad, which led to him becoming depressed. I was so so happy when things started turning around for him and Shane too, their relationship was so wholesome and sweet. The (3!!) epilogues in this book were so good! I loved seeing Tyler, Hunter and Cal in this and I can’t wait to for Cal and Wade’s book!
October 25, 2024
I'm conflicted about the book: the first half was very good, I thought.
But around the 59% mark, the two MCs got together and it got very cute and for my liking, too cute.
And one MC to me felt more like a girl than a man.
Including seemingly self-lubricating southern regions...
Shane and Elias have been friends since early childhood as have the dads before them (though it's really only mentioned once in the beginning and one wouldn't see any friendship apart from the having xmas together as families). The complement each other from very early on - Shane, the bigger one, looks out for "Mouse" - as Eli is called due to his very late growth spurt. Share realized he's fallen in love with Eli sometime before being 17, but he keeps it a secret so not to loose Mouse.
Mouse is very close to him, seeking out physical touch and comfort from Shane at every instant - closeness that he cannot get from his family. He even usually sleeps at Shane's, in Shane's bed, cuddling like with a teddy bear. Shane's family sees where this is heading but Eli is like a second son, so they are supportive without pointing out the obvious.
This btw is all obvious from the flashbacks into their childhood at the beginning of each chapter.
Eli might have understood what he felt for Shane (and might have understood that it's mutual) but he's a people pleaser and in search for approval from his dad, who, as is obvious, has a very specific view of adulthood and manhood. Eli will only shortly get approval - when starting for his dad after college and almost losing himself to depression when he has to shed everything that made him who he is - his friend Shane (who flees because he believes never to be able to have his best friend as anything more and will not get his heart crushed completely by watching Eli with his new girlfriend)., hockey (his passion) and after a while even his girlfriend who feels the lack of physical attraction.
Eli, it turns out, has not much of a sex drive when it comes to girls but he has no clue that he might be demi and that his heart already belongs to Shane.
Well, his downward spiral into depression was actually the fascinating part of the book. It felt real, relatable, very well described.
Shane's need to get away from the one person he's deeply in love with brings him to Canada - as a youth hockey coach, living with his close friends (the MCs of the authors former debut novel) and eventually finding a very, very nice boyfriend who at least is in the know from the start that he's still pining for his best friend.
Jordan, the ex boyfriend, has another moment later on in the book and he's just tooooo goood to be true: handsome as hell, considerate, steps away to make room for those two lovebirds, even support Eli in coming up with new plans for his life in Canada (is it that easy to immigrate from the US to Canada?).
When Shane meets the depressed shell of his Mouse, his boyfriend sets him free to care for Eli who gets to spend time with his friends again and has the chance to discover himself: his love for his best friend, the fact that he's not asexual but in fact very, very sexually attracted to the love of his life.
It's rather a very straightforward way from there to a HEA, even if Eli sort of loses his parents in the process of coming out to them, but he still has the support system of his found family - and Shane's family who regard him as their second son/brother anyway.
Everything is a bit too easy.
And like a fairytale.
And Mouse, the 6 ft tall ex-hockey player (and then coach) is portrayed as this nimble little person who - for me - really reads more like a teen girl than a grown man. It's such a shift from part 1 to part 2. Whiplash on my side.
Also, he's really discovering his gay side FAST. And intensely so.
And all the butt stuff comes easily to him, too, especially the acceptance that this is part of his new sexlife now. Hmmmm. And really, I am usually fascinated by details but in romance books there's never much preparation. As women, our "southern regions" can get lubricated easily if the mood is right, but men have a little more prep to do. And I really appreciate it if authors stick a bit more to reality. Not creating a completely false impression.
Well, another detail that sort of took me out of the moment was the seemingly obvious nod to THE iconic MM hockey book that seems to have started the tsunami of hockey romances, Heated Rivalry. The MCS there are also called Shane and Elias/Ilya. There Shane is the smaller one and Ilya the protective taller, stronger one. But for me, they are the epitome of realistically portrayed hockey players like one can watch them on the ice during hockey season. I'm not so sure about Rory Lector's MCs. At least they are not heading to being players but coaches. Which seems to be such an easy job to come buy (the picture is somewhat different in US by Kennedy/Bowen, that also reads less than a fairy tale).
I cannot blame the MCs for being cute, also cute together, but the second bit is too saccharing for my taste.
At the dedication at the very end of the book, the author hinted at a very difficult personal time when writing the book, so the need to have a very overtly happy ending might have to do with this, but I'd have preferred more realism, less fairly tale, less over-the-top feelings.
So I wish the author all the best of luck, but after not getting into the first book at all, and the experience with this one, I will not wait with baited breath for a next installment.
But around the 59% mark, the two MCs got together and it got very cute and for my liking, too cute.
And one MC to me felt more like a girl than a man.
Including seemingly self-lubricating southern regions...
Shane and Elias have been friends since early childhood as have the dads before them (though it's really only mentioned once in the beginning and one wouldn't see any friendship apart from the having xmas together as families). The complement each other from very early on - Shane, the bigger one, looks out for "Mouse" - as Eli is called due to his very late growth spurt. Share realized he's fallen in love with Eli sometime before being 17, but he keeps it a secret so not to loose Mouse.
Mouse is very close to him, seeking out physical touch and comfort from Shane at every instant - closeness that he cannot get from his family. He even usually sleeps at Shane's, in Shane's bed, cuddling like with a teddy bear. Shane's family sees where this is heading but Eli is like a second son, so they are supportive without pointing out the obvious.
This btw is all obvious from the flashbacks into their childhood at the beginning of each chapter.
Eli might have understood what he felt for Shane (and might have understood that it's mutual) but he's a people pleaser and in search for approval from his dad, who, as is obvious, has a very specific view of adulthood and manhood. Eli will only shortly get approval - when starting for his dad after college and almost losing himself to depression when he has to shed everything that made him who he is - his friend Shane (who flees because he believes never to be able to have his best friend as anything more and will not get his heart crushed completely by watching Eli with his new girlfriend)., hockey (his passion) and after a while even his girlfriend who feels the lack of physical attraction.
Eli, it turns out, has not much of a sex drive when it comes to girls but he has no clue that he might be demi and that his heart already belongs to Shane.
Well, his downward spiral into depression was actually the fascinating part of the book. It felt real, relatable, very well described.
Shane's need to get away from the one person he's deeply in love with brings him to Canada - as a youth hockey coach, living with his close friends (the MCs of the authors former debut novel) and eventually finding a very, very nice boyfriend who at least is in the know from the start that he's still pining for his best friend.
Jordan, the ex boyfriend, has another moment later on in the book and he's just tooooo goood to be true: handsome as hell, considerate, steps away to make room for those two lovebirds, even support Eli in coming up with new plans for his life in Canada (is it that easy to immigrate from the US to Canada?).
When Shane meets the depressed shell of his Mouse, his boyfriend sets him free to care for Eli who gets to spend time with his friends again and has the chance to discover himself: his love for his best friend, the fact that he's not asexual but in fact very, very sexually attracted to the love of his life.
It's rather a very straightforward way from there to a HEA, even if Eli sort of loses his parents in the process of coming out to them, but he still has the support system of his found family - and Shane's family who regard him as their second son/brother anyway.
Everything is a bit too easy.
And like a fairytale.
And Mouse, the 6 ft tall ex-hockey player (and then coach) is portrayed as this nimble little person who - for me - really reads more like a teen girl than a grown man. It's such a shift from part 1 to part 2. Whiplash on my side.
Also, he's really discovering his gay side FAST. And intensely so.
And all the butt stuff comes easily to him, too, especially the acceptance that this is part of his new sexlife now. Hmmmm. And really, I am usually fascinated by details but in romance books there's never much preparation. As women, our "southern regions" can get lubricated easily if the mood is right, but men have a little more prep to do. And I really appreciate it if authors stick a bit more to reality. Not creating a completely false impression.
Well, another detail that sort of took me out of the moment was the seemingly obvious nod to THE iconic MM hockey book that seems to have started the tsunami of hockey romances, Heated Rivalry. The MCS there are also called Shane and Elias/Ilya. There Shane is the smaller one and Ilya the protective taller, stronger one. But for me, they are the epitome of realistically portrayed hockey players like one can watch them on the ice during hockey season. I'm not so sure about Rory Lector's MCs. At least they are not heading to being players but coaches. Which seems to be such an easy job to come buy (the picture is somewhat different in US by Kennedy/Bowen, that also reads less than a fairy tale).
I cannot blame the MCs for being cute, also cute together, but the second bit is too saccharing for my taste.
At the dedication at the very end of the book, the author hinted at a very difficult personal time when writing the book, so the need to have a very overtly happy ending might have to do with this, but I'd have preferred more realism, less fairly tale, less over-the-top feelings.
So I wish the author all the best of luck, but after not getting into the first book at all, and the experience with this one, I will not wait with baited breath for a next installment.
October 9, 2024
But Shane and Jordan? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
October 9, 2024
4.5 - I read Maybe It's Time right after reading One More Time - prepare yourself for some emotional reads, but boy, are they worth the tears (and for me, there are so many).
We are introduced to the MCs of this book in One More Time. In One More Time we see how Shane Jarman is thoughtful, insightful, kind, and observant. We also start to see how he pines for his best friend, Elias "Mouse" Michaels, who is exuberant, enthusiastic about life and hockey, but definitely oblivious. All of these qualities come into play in a big way in Maybe This Time. Mouse doesn't realize throughout One More Time and well into Maybe It's Time that Shane has not only been his best friend since they were young children, but also his confidant, his safe space, his everything...until they are torn apart, though Shane has always been quietly suffering in the knowledge of his love for Mouse. Mouse and Shane are wonderfully co-dependent all through childhood and college; they have always been there for each other. As their college years come to an end, though, and after years of watching Mouse pursue girlfriends, when they graduate college and start moving into their adult lives, Shane decides to try to move on. There is so much heartbreak (and so many tears on my part) during a large chunk of this book. Both boys suffer so much, but Mouse even more so when the blinders are dropped from his eyes. What happens to a golden retriever who loses their happy?
Their path back to each other is not an easy one to navigate - there's mental health issues, a queer awakening, family drama - but is so satisfying once they fully connect. I just want to hug them both so much. I enjoyed the dual pov + dual timelines - getting to see things from both their POVs was vital to me and I loved seeing their connection deepen while growing up. And while I always want more when I love a book, I do think that maybe the last 30% or so could have been tightened up to help with the pace here. There's so much to enjoy and love in this book/series and I can't wait to read more in it. I hope Cal gets his own HEA too.
What to Expect:
* Childhood BFFs to lovers with Second Chance (possibly my very fave trope)
* hockey players
* mental health rep
* demi-sexual rep
* queer awakening
* found family
* sweet voicemails
* nicknames
* supportive parents & sibling (for one MC)
* family drama
* college to adulthood transitions
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We are introduced to the MCs of this book in One More Time. In One More Time we see how Shane Jarman is thoughtful, insightful, kind, and observant. We also start to see how he pines for his best friend, Elias "Mouse" Michaels, who is exuberant, enthusiastic about life and hockey, but definitely oblivious. All of these qualities come into play in a big way in Maybe This Time. Mouse doesn't realize throughout One More Time and well into Maybe It's Time that Shane has not only been his best friend since they were young children, but also his confidant, his safe space, his everything...until they are torn apart, though Shane has always been quietly suffering in the knowledge of his love for Mouse. Mouse and Shane are wonderfully co-dependent all through childhood and college; they have always been there for each other. As their college years come to an end, though, and after years of watching Mouse pursue girlfriends, when they graduate college and start moving into their adult lives, Shane decides to try to move on. There is so much heartbreak (and so many tears on my part) during a large chunk of this book. Both boys suffer so much, but Mouse even more so when the blinders are dropped from his eyes. What happens to a golden retriever who loses their happy?
Their path back to each other is not an easy one to navigate - there's mental health issues, a queer awakening, family drama - but is so satisfying once they fully connect. I just want to hug them both so much. I enjoyed the dual pov + dual timelines - getting to see things from both their POVs was vital to me and I loved seeing their connection deepen while growing up. And while I always want more when I love a book, I do think that maybe the last 30% or so could have been tightened up to help with the pace here. There's so much to enjoy and love in this book/series and I can't wait to read more in it. I hope Cal gets his own HEA too.
What to Expect:
* Childhood BFFs to lovers with Second Chance (possibly my very fave trope)
* hockey players
* mental health rep
* demi-sexual rep
* queer awakening
* found family
* sweet voicemails
* nicknames
* supportive parents & sibling (for one MC)
* family drama
* college to adulthood transitions
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2024
Rory did it again! This is the second book in Time on the ice series & frankly, I feel like it was more emotional than the first one. And I mean it as a compliment :D It was a great read.
After the first book, I expected some dark stuff, however, this story was more tear-jerking than dark. Shane's pining after Elias for years got me tearing up every chapter. The man secretly loved his best friend for decades but was so scared of ruining their friendship, he kept quiet.
Later, after he ghosted Elias, unable to bear seeing his love fall for a girl, it did seem like he might move on, but the reunion chapter & seeing Elias at Christmas showed otherwise. The Christmas scene shattered my heart; definitelly one of the most powerful scenes in the book.
Oh, Elias, my sweet summer child. A golden retriever in human form, such an innocent soul. It physically hurt to see his smile, random talks vanish and his heart break. What a great representation of a person who was put in a box by those around him without a single person to love him the way he was.
I loved this couple. Best friends to lovers is not a trope I usually go for, but I feel like Rory did an amazing job by creating such realistic characters and showing their friendship through the years that later turned to love.
Though, I felt like the lovers part was too rushed. After suddenly realizing his feelings, Elias was super okay about being in love with Shane and their relationship moved at a really fast pace. From one side, it seems like that is reasonable (after all, they know each other very well), but on the other hand, it would have been great to see the couple reconnecting after the time spend apart.
I have to mention Cal! I was so happy to see him again, please give us his story :c Also, hello, Jordan, I hope to see you again (maybe with Cal hmm).
One of the best bffs to lovers books that I've read!
*Thank you for the ARC*
After the first book, I expected some dark stuff, however, this story was more tear-jerking than dark. Shane's pining after Elias for years got me tearing up every chapter. The man secretly loved his best friend for decades but was so scared of ruining their friendship, he kept quiet.
Later, after he ghosted Elias, unable to bear seeing his love fall for a girl, it did seem like he might move on, but the reunion chapter & seeing Elias at Christmas showed otherwise. The Christmas scene shattered my heart; definitelly one of the most powerful scenes in the book.
Oh, Elias, my sweet summer child. A golden retriever in human form, such an innocent soul. It physically hurt to see his smile, random talks vanish and his heart break. What a great representation of a person who was put in a box by those around him without a single person to love him the way he was.
I loved this couple. Best friends to lovers is not a trope I usually go for, but I feel like Rory did an amazing job by creating such realistic characters and showing their friendship through the years that later turned to love.
Though, I felt like the lovers part was too rushed. After suddenly realizing his feelings, Elias was super okay about being in love with Shane and their relationship moved at a really fast pace. From one side, it seems like that is reasonable (after all, they know each other very well), but on the other hand, it would have been great to see the couple reconnecting after the time spend apart.
I have to mention Cal! I was so happy to see him again, please give us his story :c Also, hello, Jordan, I hope to see you again (maybe with Cal hmm).
One of the best bffs to lovers books that I've read!
*Thank you for the ARC*
October 6, 2024
4.25 Stars – A Good Read with Lots of Feelings
I’m such a sucker for a childhood best friends-to-lovers story, so I was really excited to get into Eli and Shane’s story. I don’t usually go for books with a lot of angst, but when it’s about pining over your “straight” best friend? Sign me up.
I read this right after finishing One More Time, Rory’s first book, so that was still fresh in my mind. I liked that book, but I definitely enjoyed this one more—probably because the best friends-to-lovers trope just always gets me.
What I liked:
Eli (Mouse) is just so soft. He’s totally the happy, golden retriever type, and I loved how he found all the comfort and family he needed in Shane’s family without even realizing it. He’s so innocent, and it’s kind of a miracle his rough upbringing didn’t break his spirit before graduation.
Shane’s undying love for Eli, even though it hurt him so much, was really sweet to see. It felt so real, and I loved watching him try to hold onto that love even when it wasn’t easy.
The bi-awakening here was really simple and refreshing. No angst over coming out or internal struggles about being “gay”—just a nice, straightforward realization of who Eli is. And even though Eli was oblivious for so long, the demi rep was nice to see too.
Shane’s voicemails to Eli were such a highlight for me. Seeing him keep trying to make things right after realizing how much he hurt him was emotional but so satisfying.
This book was full of feelings and emotions, but without being tragic, which I really appreciated. The first book had a lot of feelings too, but it was more on the sad side, whereas this one felt more hopeful. I love a story that can be emotional without totally wrecking me, and this one did just that.
Thank you to Rory for the ARC, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
I’m such a sucker for a childhood best friends-to-lovers story, so I was really excited to get into Eli and Shane’s story. I don’t usually go for books with a lot of angst, but when it’s about pining over your “straight” best friend? Sign me up.
I read this right after finishing One More Time, Rory’s first book, so that was still fresh in my mind. I liked that book, but I definitely enjoyed this one more—probably because the best friends-to-lovers trope just always gets me.
What I liked:
Eli (Mouse) is just so soft. He’s totally the happy, golden retriever type, and I loved how he found all the comfort and family he needed in Shane’s family without even realizing it. He’s so innocent, and it’s kind of a miracle his rough upbringing didn’t break his spirit before graduation.
Shane’s undying love for Eli, even though it hurt him so much, was really sweet to see. It felt so real, and I loved watching him try to hold onto that love even when it wasn’t easy.
The bi-awakening here was really simple and refreshing. No angst over coming out or internal struggles about being “gay”—just a nice, straightforward realization of who Eli is. And even though Eli was oblivious for so long, the demi rep was nice to see too.
Shane’s voicemails to Eli were such a highlight for me. Seeing him keep trying to make things right after realizing how much he hurt him was emotional but so satisfying.
This book was full of feelings and emotions, but without being tragic, which I really appreciated. The first book had a lot of feelings too, but it was more on the sad side, whereas this one felt more hopeful. I love a story that can be emotional without totally wrecking me, and this one did just that.
Thank you to Rory for the ARC, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
March 7, 2025
This is a best friends to more romance, featuring Elias Michaels and Shane Jarman, and is book two of the Time On The Ice series.
First off, I loved the book but you are going to hear way too much about how I felt with this one. I’ve never been so mad at so many characters before. I was ready to travel to Boston and find Elias just so I could look after him. Two problems with that, one - I live in Australia and two - Elias is fictional.
When college finishes, Shane decides to relocate to Vancouver for work, leaving Elias behind, but he also cuts Elias out of his life to try and get over his feelings for him. That broke me, I cried so much and I was so mad at Shane for doing that to Elias. Then his friends cut contact with Elias too because Shane isn’t talking to him, then the girlfriend is an absolute twat, and then Elias’s dad is a demanding a-hole. I cried and cried for Elias being all alone, slowly losing himself and sinking into depression.
At one point I had to put the book down and get a comforting hug from the hubby. He is used to hearing about my books, so knows I get invested in the characters - especially the broken boys - I turn into a momma bear.
This book is highly emotional, frustrating, wonderful and I’ve never wanted someone to get their HEA more. I wanted Shane to grovel more or lose his shit at Elias’s family more, but that’s because he broke my heart too and I think Elias is such a treasure.
This is well worth the read but be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 of series
MM romance
Best friends to not talking
Both love hockey
Size difference
Hurt / Comfort
Pining & angst
Oblivious Golden retriever
Touchy feely
Mental health themes
Reconnecting
Bi awakening
Demi rep
Calls him sweetheart
Praise kink
It’s always been you
HEA
First off, I loved the book but you are going to hear way too much about how I felt with this one. I’ve never been so mad at so many characters before. I was ready to travel to Boston and find Elias just so I could look after him. Two problems with that, one - I live in Australia and two - Elias is fictional.
When college finishes, Shane decides to relocate to Vancouver for work, leaving Elias behind, but he also cuts Elias out of his life to try and get over his feelings for him. That broke me, I cried so much and I was so mad at Shane for doing that to Elias. Then his friends cut contact with Elias too because Shane isn’t talking to him, then the girlfriend is an absolute twat, and then Elias’s dad is a demanding a-hole. I cried and cried for Elias being all alone, slowly losing himself and sinking into depression.
At one point I had to put the book down and get a comforting hug from the hubby. He is used to hearing about my books, so knows I get invested in the characters - especially the broken boys - I turn into a momma bear.
This book is highly emotional, frustrating, wonderful and I’ve never wanted someone to get their HEA more. I wanted Shane to grovel more or lose his shit at Elias’s family more, but that’s because he broke my heart too and I think Elias is such a treasure.
This is well worth the read but be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 of series
MM romance
Best friends to not talking
Both love hockey
Size difference
Hurt / Comfort
Pining & angst
Oblivious Golden retriever
Touchy feely
Mental health themes
Reconnecting
Bi awakening
Demi rep
Calls him sweetheart
Praise kink
It’s always been you
HEA
September 26, 2025
Well… here are my thoughts and opinions.
Book 1 had some good side characters that just kind of disappeared at the end. So I thought maybe book 2 would wrap that up, but no. This book seemed very similar to another series that had a couple, one being very golden retriever like in personality. That couple was all I could think about while reading this book, due to some very similar like behaviors.
Eli’s depression seemed to go away quickly. Which is so unrealistic. There was so much emphasis on his deteriorating body, but no mention on getting healthy again. The ending was so predictable. The nickname sweetheart was cringy. Jorden omg we love him. Poor guy.
There were some grammatical errors as well.
The storyline and characters have potential I thought. I’m not sure I will go further with this series though.
Book 1 had some good side characters that just kind of disappeared at the end. So I thought maybe book 2 would wrap that up, but no. This book seemed very similar to another series that had a couple, one being very golden retriever like in personality. That couple was all I could think about while reading this book, due to some very similar like behaviors.
Eli’s depression seemed to go away quickly. Which is so unrealistic. There was so much emphasis on his deteriorating body, but no mention on getting healthy again. The ending was so predictable. The nickname sweetheart was cringy. Jorden omg we love him. Poor guy.
There were some grammatical errors as well.
The storyline and characters have potential I thought. I’m not sure I will go further with this series though.
October 6, 2024
This book follows a familiar plot—a gay boy falls in love with his straight best friend. However, a few of these stories are enjoyable enough to read, and this one truly nailed it.
There were a few parts I didn’t fully understand, like how Shane could be serious and happy with Jordan after obviously hurting the supposed love of his life. That seemed a bit out of character to me. I also would’ve preferred it if Eli had been his first boyfriend, but that’s just my personal taste.
Overall, this was an excellent read. I can absolutely see why Shane fell in love with Eli—he’s adorable, so much so that I want to hurt every single one who disappointed him (even Shane too). The sexy scenes were hot but also sweet and cute, which made them stand out even more.
There were a few parts I didn’t fully understand, like how Shane could be serious and happy with Jordan after obviously hurting the supposed love of his life. That seemed a bit out of character to me. I also would’ve preferred it if Eli had been his first boyfriend, but that’s just my personal taste.
Overall, this was an excellent read. I can absolutely see why Shane fell in love with Eli—he’s adorable, so much so that I want to hurt every single one who disappointed him (even Shane too). The sexy scenes were hot but also sweet and cute, which made them stand out even more.
October 16, 2024
This was a good read full of angst and pining. We've got best friends to lovers plus a gay/demi awakening and hurt/comfort. There was lots of steam and I loved the found family aspects of the story. I really didn't like the time jumps in the book. While they showed some cute snippets of Eli and Shane growing up, they didn't add anything to the ongoing present story and I didn't really get the point of them. For me, they took away from the storyline.
Overall, a good continuation of the series. I loved the angst, pining and spice, but really didn't appreciate the time jumps in the story. I'm excited to read the next book, and am hoping we get Cal's story next!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
Overall, a good continuation of the series. I loved the angst, pining and spice, but really didn't appreciate the time jumps in the story. I'm excited to read the next book, and am hoping we get Cal's story next!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
October 3, 2024
This is the second book in the series
‘Maybe it’s time’ delves into themes of unrequited love, transitioning into adulthood, and discovering one's own path. The exploration of mental health, fractured friendships, and the challenges of communication brings depth to the story. I really enjoyed this book and definitely found it relatable. Nothing in life is black and white with a straight path and this story definitely reflected that.
I really loved the dual timelines, getting to see Shane and Elias's childhood and how their relationship evolved from those early moments to what it became, was really touching.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next from Rory 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
‘Maybe it’s time’ delves into themes of unrequited love, transitioning into adulthood, and discovering one's own path. The exploration of mental health, fractured friendships, and the challenges of communication brings depth to the story. I really enjoyed this book and definitely found it relatable. Nothing in life is black and white with a straight path and this story definitely reflected that.
I really loved the dual timelines, getting to see Shane and Elias's childhood and how their relationship evolved from those early moments to what it became, was really touching.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next from Rory 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
October 6, 2024
Best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, demi rep
I absolutely loved this book.
I laughed and cried throughout the entire reading.
Shane and Eli were absolutely perfect for each other.
I really enjoyed the flashback sequences from both their viewpoints because it gave me a chance to really get to know these two better.
Shane has always been there to protect Eli, his little Mouse.
Shane has also always been in love with Eli.
It takes Eli struggling through a crisis and also realizing some truths about himself
for these two to find their way back together and it was beautiful.
I absolutely loved this book.
I laughed and cried throughout the entire reading.
Shane and Eli were absolutely perfect for each other.
I really enjoyed the flashback sequences from both their viewpoints because it gave me a chance to really get to know these two better.
Shane has always been there to protect Eli, his little Mouse.
Shane has also always been in love with Eli.
It takes Eli struggling through a crisis and also realizing some truths about himself
for these two to find their way back together and it was beautiful.
November 26, 2024
it’s time
Love love love a bestie to more story. This one had some pining and I loved every moment. They had always loved each other. It just took one a bit longer to open his eyes and see what was right in front of him. The writing was good. I loved their love. The smexy was great and friends were ok. I don’t think they really apologized to Eli. I’m not a fan of back n forth between the past and present but others may appreciate that. Just not my thing. That being said the story it’s self without the past was great.
For future me:
Dual pov
Established dating before smexy
Strict roles
No cheating no sharing
No diversity
Love love love a bestie to more story. This one had some pining and I loved every moment. They had always loved each other. It just took one a bit longer to open his eyes and see what was right in front of him. The writing was good. I loved their love. The smexy was great and friends were ok. I don’t think they really apologized to Eli. I’m not a fan of back n forth between the past and present but others may appreciate that. Just not my thing. That being said the story it’s self without the past was great.
For future me:
Dual pov
Established dating before smexy
Strict roles
No cheating no sharing
No diversity
August 22, 2024
I am in love with Shane (Jar) and Elias (Mouse). I could end my ARC review here because I love them.
The first 40% of the book had me near wailing the whole time. These idiots needed some really bad slap on the forehead. Shane hurt Mouse so bad unintentionally and Mouse was only a shadow of himself without Shane in his life.
Thank you so much @rory.lector.author for this advanced copy. I was hyped for this book after One More Time and it didn’t disappoint. 😍😍😍😍
The first 40% of the book had me near wailing the whole time. These idiots needed some really bad slap on the forehead. Shane hurt Mouse so bad unintentionally and Mouse was only a shadow of himself without Shane in his life.
Thank you so much @rory.lector.author for this advanced copy. I was hyped for this book after One More Time and it didn’t disappoint. 😍😍😍😍
October 5, 2024
Book 2 in the series. This is a super sweet long time friends to lovers story. Elias and Shane have known each other pretty much all of their lives and have been co-dependent on each other. This tells their story and Eli's struggles figuring out who he is and not what his father has destined for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one. There are a few other characters in the books who need to find their HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one. There are a few other characters in the books who need to find their HEA.
October 12, 2024
didn’t work for me
I think this introduced a leading man I was waaaaaay more interested in that either Shane or Elias in Jordan. The most perfect boyfriend. I was rooting for him and like I suppose we were supposed to feel for Eli’s pain and suffering but like, he missed the boat and I wasn’t rooting for him at all. This might have been the right ending for Elias but it felt like the wrong one for Shane to me. So I just don’t believe in the HEA.
I think this introduced a leading man I was waaaaaay more interested in that either Shane or Elias in Jordan. The most perfect boyfriend. I was rooting for him and like I suppose we were supposed to feel for Eli’s pain and suffering but like, he missed the boat and I wasn’t rooting for him at all. This might have been the right ending for Elias but it felt like the wrong one for Shane to me. So I just don’t believe in the HEA.
October 14, 2024
better than book 1 somehow!
Oh wow. I put off reading this one, and I regret it. I devoured it over 2 days. I’m usually not a fan of time jumps, but I really liked how this was done - and that the time jumping just added to the story and the present was clearly marked. My heart just broke for Eli. But wow - for him to be loved like Shane loves him. Incredible. I highly recommend this one.
Oh wow. I put off reading this one, and I regret it. I devoured it over 2 days. I’m usually not a fan of time jumps, but I really liked how this was done - and that the time jumping just added to the story and the present was clearly marked. My heart just broke for Eli. But wow - for him to be loved like Shane loves him. Incredible. I highly recommend this one.
June 30, 2025
Cute, but in need of a better edit. A fair few typos / incorrect words, and some of the events were a bit '... ok then', too - like how someone can go from being . Good bones and some great characters, just could do with some refining.
September 24, 2024
Wonderful story of Elias “Mouse” Michaels, advertising exec and Shane Jarman, hockey player. Elias and Shane have been best friends forever and their families are close as well. When Shane sees how much Elias has been struggling he has to help. Loved these characters, felt so bad about what has happened to them over the years and absolutely cheered for their HEA. Highly recommend.
October 2, 2024
Maybe it's Time is the second book in the Time on the Ice series and is even better than the first one. I will say, you might need the tissues for the first half of this, but it all makes it okay in the end. I loved reading about Eli and Shane all the way to their HEA, and I am so happy there is no third act breakup. I can't wait to see who the next one is about.
October 3, 2024
OMG i loved this!
I wanted Mouse and Jarman's story since forever and their story didn't let me down.
this is a emotional roller coaster ride with parts that made me bawl my eyes out and parts that made me giggle out loud.
this best friends to lovers read is beautifully written and even the past and present (which i am normally not a fan of) was done well.
I wanted Mouse and Jarman's story since forever and their story didn't let me down.
this is a emotional roller coaster ride with parts that made me bawl my eyes out and parts that made me giggle out loud.
this best friends to lovers read is beautifully written and even the past and present (which i am normally not a fan of) was done well.
October 4, 2024
4.25 stars. Eli was such a delightful character, a true sunshine golden retriever type, which made the period in which he suffered from depression really stand out. I liked that Shane wasn't a grumpy character to make it that particular trope. The time jumping was easy to follow and was written very well. Loved the different epilogues.
November 25, 2024
This book was so sweet and definitely had me in tears a few times. I loved the back and forth of the timeline so we could see how all the years together built mouse and Shane into who they became to each other. I loved the first one and this one did not disappoint. I hope theirs another in this series for Cal. I want him to find his match!!
November 30, 2025
Jeez, I can’t deal with the horrible writing and poorly constructed sentences. The switch between past and present is giving me a whiplash.
They’re supposed to be uni students but they act like they’re in middle school. Shane is a little more mature actually. Still, it is really bad.
It belongs on wattpad.
DNF at 18%. I just can’t.
They’re supposed to be uni students but they act like they’re in middle school. Shane is a little more mature actually. Still, it is really bad.
It belongs on wattpad.
DNF at 18%. I just can’t.
September 23, 2024
There’s not much I can say about this book without just stating how much it annoyed me…
This book had all the tropes I love, but somehow I didn’t like them in this book. Several things fell flat or just were overly dramatic.
I don’t care how much it was written to make Eli’s father seem like a “good father.” HE WAS THE WORST! He cared more about his business than his son’s mental health. Talked down on him so much that it was no wonder he thought he couldn’t do anything right or by himself. There was nothing good about his father. I got so tired of it being stated as such. Which is one of the reasons I rated this a 4 star. Add in the mother and his siblings as well. I’m happy he had Shane’s family.
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it.
This book had all the tropes I love, but somehow I didn’t like them in this book. Several things fell flat or just were overly dramatic.
I don’t care how much it was written to make Eli’s father seem like a “good father.” HE WAS THE WORST! He cared more about his business than his son’s mental health. Talked down on him so much that it was no wonder he thought he couldn’t do anything right or by himself. There was nothing good about his father. I got so tired of it being stated as such. Which is one of the reasons I rated this a 4 star. Add in the mother and his siblings as well. I’m happy he had Shane’s family.
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it.
October 6, 2024
Absolutely loved Shane and Eli’s book!
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