Take Time Out

This first and only published novel from R.L. Johnson is an absolute gem. Unfortunately, it IS her only book and we'll have to be happy with this small peek at her gift. Robin Grant is an Economics professor at Northern Oregon University (NOU). Openly gay among her peers and a rabid basketball fan, she's exceptionally pleased with the new addition to the university faculty, Jess Peters - a tall, brunette, women's basketball coach. After running in the same circles, Robin and Jess find themselves becoming fast friends. Robin's intentions go way past friendship, but Jess is convinced she herself straight. In fact, Jess goes nuts any time anyone hints she could possibly be gay. Robin has been looking for that special someone for many years, but Jess is the first woman to truly fill her heart. Jess finds she can no longer deny her feelings for Robin, but her inner homophobia makes a relationship between them almost impossible. The big question is - will Jess be able to overcome her fears before Robin gives up on her completely? The intensity of the feelings and emotions in this book are almost exhausting for the reader. The characters aren't just likable; the reader is compelled to fall in love with both of them - and to accept their strengths and weaknesses without question. Jess is a tragic character, but Robin is an artful device to pull Jess from her self-imposed misery. I highly recommend this book... especially for the basketball fans out there.

This book was in my possesion at all times to read whenever I had the chance. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. It was very enjoyable and easy to read. I loved it and would be excited for a sequel. I have been looking for more books from this author since reading this. I am glad my friend referred this book to me. I have passed it on to many friends since and have been thanked immensely by each. It is truly a great read.

Robin Grant, an intelligent Economics professor at Northern Oregon University, is between relationships. Her best friend, Capi, is more than willing to explore something more than friendship, but Robin holds back, not knowing what's missing-until she meets the enigmatic Jessica Peters, the university's newly hired women's basketball coach. For Jess, the college job is a dream come true. It's her first chance coaching at a Division 1 school, and to top it off, it's at her own alma mater. She intends to have a season not only free of distractions but as perfect as her players can muster up. Robin doesn't have exactly the same intentions.The story is a complicated drama with a fair amount of angst and misunderstanding. Surrounding all of that is the relentlessness of the basketball schedule and the fears that Jess harbors if she is to "come out" or be discovered as lesbian. Will she succumb to the message from her heart? Or play it safe and pass by a chance for a long-lasting relationship?The book is well-written by an author of intelligence and skill. This is no skimpy romance but is, instead, a thoughtful and entertaining story set in the middle of big-time college athletics where the stakes are high and the pressures even higher. I highly recommend it.

Take Time Out is a fantastic read. R.L. Johnson does a laudable job of character and plot development. You won't want to put this down. Much like "Ellen's - Puppy Episode", Johnson captures real life experience and angst that many can relate to. This book is one of the only ones that really addresses some real and important issues to women's college atheletics. Few authors have taken these issues head on.

The universal balancing act among the demands of love, career and society are deftly treated by R. L. Johnson in Take Time Out. When the Coach finds a way to blend work and play choices, we know the resolution is sincere and long-lasting. The book was fun to read. The action and emotions carried me along - yet I found myself learning a bit about flyfishing, basketball and economics as well. The author's descriptive technique is finely honed and brings both university settings and the Oregon outdoors alive.I was disappointed to reach the end of the book - I hope there are more to come so we can follow the fortunes of the characters.