REVIEW: Time Out by Jill Shalvis

 

Author: Jill Shalvis

Pages: 224

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 21^st February 2012

Amazon: Time Out

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

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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…

REVIEW: 4 out of 5 stars

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 mend 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.