ARC Review: Time Out by Jill Shalvis

Time Out
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publication: Harlequin (February 21, 2012)


Description: Sign up for recreational adult programs now!


Class: How to Drive Him Crazy

Instructional program for women unexpectedly facing the totally dishy guy from their past. Everyone welcome!

NHL coach Mark Diego's plan to spend his off-season volunteering in his hometown goes awry when he learns that not only is he coaching teenage girls, but that the program is coordinated by energetic (and five feet two inches of trouble) coordinator Rainey Saunders, his childhood friend—and the woman he could never stand to see dating any other guy….

When their tempers flare, Mark and Rainey discover their fireworks don't just burn angry—they burn very, very hot! But that'll just sweeten the victory. Because Mark always plays to win. And with Rainey, he's planning on playing very dirty, too…

My Thoughts: 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.


Favorite Quote:

The laws of physics didn't change. The sun would come up. The sun would go down. And she would always be insanely attracted to Mark Diego.

I got this eARC from Harlequin via NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.