Double Major

Portland Storm #4.5

by Catherine Gayle

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series.

This is a novella of second epilogues to books 1-4 in the Portland Storm series. It is approximately 35,000 words long.

It’s the NHL’s draft day, but the whole Portland Storm team is back together for an entirely different event. Complete with a double wedding, an unanticipated guest, overdue apologies, unexpected goodbyes, and fresh starts, this big day has the potential to get them all called for a Double Major.

The Portland Storm series reading
1. Breakaway
2. On the Fly
3. Taking a Shot
4. Light the Lamp
5. Delay of Game
6. Double Major
7. In the Zone
8. Holiday Hat Trick
9. Comeback
10. Dropping Gloves
11. Home Ice
12. Mistletoe Misconduct
13. Losing an Edge
14. Game Breaker
15. Defensive Zone
16. Power Play - coming soon
17. Neutral Zone - coming soon

The Portland Storm series is a hockey romance series, but it is about a lot more than just hockey. Serious themes are explored in each book, including rape, cancer, addiction, miscarriage, molestation, grief, and many others. If you have triggers, please be aware that some or all of these books could contain material which would trigger you. Even if you don’t have triggers, consider this your tissue warning. You could ugly cry while reading them.

sports romance, hockey romance, athlete, tearjerker, emotional romance, cancer, second epilogues, novella, coming of age, jock

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Sports Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Novella

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2014

About the author

***Please note that series numbering of the Portland Storm series is different at Goodreads than it is on Catherine's website or at any retailer. Goodreads policy will not allow the series numbering to match anything else. If this confuses you, please complain to Goodreads, as it is not Catherine's fault.***

Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.

Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.

Reviews

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's live!

Novellas give us glimpses and slices of life of characters we love and probably wouldn’t get otherwise. I anticipate them giddily and I certainly savored Double Major.

I’ve enjoyed the Portland Storm series from the start. So this short in which everyone in their hockey family comes together, that gives us beautifully bright beginnings and some difficult and heartbreaking ones is just perfect.

There’s something for everyone because all the main characters from previous books get to star. Even a couple that has been slowly developing on the side lines in each book get a standout role. We see how each of the couples have grown and matured together and individually and how they handle the good and the bad that life throws their way.

In the midst of the happy double wedding between Eric and Dana, and Brenden and Rachel, Noel and Liam prepare for a significant trip to Sweden. Sara and Cam face an unexpected and unsolicited blast from the past. And the young, loveable Jamie and Katie make decisions regarding the vast future that awaits them.

Whether it be long or short, I truly appreciate how Catherine creates incredibly charming and endearing characters that feel real, because she also writes about genuine situations and the very real effects of dealing with heartache and loss right along happiness and love.

I fought back happy tears, ugly sad tears and I’ll confess that I had a mini angry fit because life and love are beautiful but they’re also messy and Catherine doesn’t shy away from writing about it.

“No one ever tells you how much love hurts. I think maybe if you knew in advance, you’d be too scared to go there, to let yourself feel something that was both wonderful and horrible all at once.”

If you’re a fan of the Portland Storm clan Double Major is a must. It will make you smile, sniffle and swoon. If you haven’t heard of this series, I urge you to pick up any of the full length contemporary romance novels. The books revolve around the Portland Storm hockey team but each centers on a different couple and can be read as a standalone. In either case, it’s highly advisable that you read the books in order to appreciate this story.

* I was graciously given an ARC of this book for an honest review by the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *

Amazon buy link -> http://amzn.to/1uUZRvx

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[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 STARS

Fans of Catherine Gayle’s Portland Storm series will no doubt love this latest novella, Double Major. In the middle of the off season, two players marry in a double ceremony. Along with the excitement of the wedding there are a lot of changes coming to the Portland Storm family and this book gives us a little insight into what is happening next.
This story is told from various points of view from characters we have spent time with before. We get to see Dana and Eric as they get through their wedding day and face what comes next in their lives. Dana’s brother Brenden and his fiancée, Rachel are also tying the knot with Rachel finally getting the dream wedding she’s always wanted and Brenden taking on not only a wife but two children he’ll be happy to call his own as soon as the adoption is final. Liam and Noelle are headed to Sweden so she can meet his family and the family of his late wife and Liam is hoping Noelle loves his home country as much as he does. An unexpected wedding guest leaves Sara reeling and Cam there to try and keep her calm. Jamie is feeling all sorts of guilty because while he’s in Providence to be a groomsman for two of his teammates and friends he’s missing being with his brother who will be drafted into the NHL at some point and while he was happy to be there for his friends, he wants to also be there for his brother. To top is off he will see Katie for the first time in almost 6 weeks and he knows she’ll have some news of what she plans to do with her life to share.
As a lover of this series I was more than excited to see glimpses into the lives of all of these characters I have grown to love. While there were a few moments that made me sad (and made me cry) there were many more moments of absolute happiness and a glimpse into what we can expect in the future with this series.
While this book had me humming David Bowie’s Changes because there are so many, I can’t help but realize that’s what life is all about. Sometimes changes are easy and sometimes they are hard, but they always lead you in a new direction. It’s up to you if you make the most of them or let them drag you down. With this group, I can only imagine how these changes will affect their lives and I can’t wait to see what the future holds in store for all of them.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER SWEEP FOR GAYLE!
While this book didn't have any hockey games, it was full of hockey players. Unlike the others, it was also relatively tame, almost (but definitely not) family oriented.
Which is to be expected, since the story revolves around weddings, and the beginnings of families. I loved it, from the bridal girls's night out, to the final I-do's, with all the adventures in between.

Merged review:

ANOTHER GREAT SHOT FROM CATHERINE GAYLE

Unlike other books in this series, this book is very close to sweet. What sex there is, is limited to references that are almost invisible.
It is not, however, short on emotion.
It really can't be, after all, wow a double wedding, the NHL draft, a mother-child reunion... Ms Gayle seems to want to get it all into this little story.
And I would say, she succeeds. I didn't all-out cry during this one, but I sniffles, and smiled, and even sort of laughed. It's a beautiful story, once again, and while it wraps up some loose ends, it also creates a few. I am waiting for the stories that must happen in Scandinavia! They truly must!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't love novellas. This one gets 5 stars because....BABS!!!

[Irina (trying to catch up) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice novella in addition to the series, especially Jamie's parts. *sigh*

___

Komplette Rezension auf Deutsch: http://buecher.ueber-alles.net/?p=20288

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Major (Portland Storm #4.5) by Catherine Gayle The Portland Storm are gathered at Eric Zellinger/Dana Campbell’s and Brenden Campbell/Rachel Shaw’s double wedding. Between the festivities and the NHL draft, it is a busy couple of days affecting all the teammates and their families.
 
I would definitely start with the other books in the series before reading Double Major. This novella is a quick update about everyone’s lives in the off season while attending the dual wedding. It flashes back and forth between all the main characters of the Storm.
 
I loved getting this update. I definitely cannot wait to find out what is going to happen next season after reading this book. So many things took place in such a short time. The emotions were all over the place. I am looking forward to seeing how the series progresses.
 
I love Catherine Gayle’s writing style. Her stories flow well and are believable. She has a way of making you love every character, faults and all.
 
While I was reading Double Major, I thought its format would make it an excellent TV series. I would totally watch a Portland Strom television show. Maybe the NHL network would pick it up.
 
Portland Storm is one of my favorite series. I have never been disappointed. It is a great story for anyone who enjoys well-written contemporary sport romances. For those that already follow the Storm, you will definitely want to read this before the next book comes out.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double major was not only a story about two couples sharing a wedding day, but it also gave us updates or life changing moments for other members of the Portland Storm.

Dana & Eric - sharing a wedding day with Soupy & Rachel, as well as getting awesome news.

Nicky- who is book 6, finding support and love from the guys and realizing he needs to change his life around.

Babs- getting good news and double bad news all in one day, and making a commitment to Nicky and his team. He also had good advice and got great advice.

Soupy & Rachel- getting married and having Tuck steal the show during their wedding, and Soupy connecting with Maddie even more.

Katie- letting go.

Cam & Sara- Sara faces her past and Cam is rock of support.

Liam & Noelle- making future life choices.

Over all, it's was a good chance to catch up with people on the Portland Storm team. We saw some changes, happy moments and news, sad moments and news and how life keeps changing and moving on in the life of hockey players and their loved ones.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I just loved this book. Dana, Eric, Brenden and Rachel all get their happily ever after. Cam and Sara wind up talking to someone unexpected and it turns out to be an amazing outcome. Liam and Noelle discuss their future. And Jamie and Katie young love means saying have to say goodbye..

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh...it was ok. Not bad, but not spectacular.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double Major
Omg a double wedding!! I loved this novella we get to see all our favorites and see what they are up to and what they are getting up to. It’s a wonderful addition to the series.
Dana & Eric I loved getting to see them get there HEA, I was a little confused with some of it because I didn’t read book 2 or 3 and didn’t know that Brenden and Rachel were together or even getting married so that was news.
I have to say it was still great to see how everyone is doing and give some hints of what is to come in the next book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Major
by Catherine Gayle
novella 4.5

Gayle’s fantastic short of second epilogues to books 1-4 fills fans in on some of the goings on between the team and their mates, all taking place within the timespan of one day. And with an economy of words she keeps fans in the know.

It’s the much awaited double wedding day of Rachel and Brenden (Book 2) and Eric (Zee) and Dana (Book 1). All the Portland Storm team, their wives, families and girlfriends are in attendance but not all the celebrating is about the wedding and not everyone is celebrating.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun novella. I enjoyed the wedding(s) and catching up on a few of my favorite characters. There was one pretty surprising conflict introduced in this that I can't wait to get the full story on. I'm wondering how Ms. Gayle will weave that into a future book since the main characters have already had their story told.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to read about all these couples and see where they were at. The wedding was absolutely perfect! Couldn't be more happy for Eric + Dana and Brenden + Rachel! 😊


I definitely got a little teary eyed with Jamie and Katie little update. Can't wait to read more about them. 💛


I also loved seeing Cam + Sara and Noelle and Liam! They are all so happy! ☺

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having only read the previous book in the series, I still was completely enamored with all the bits and pieces in this story

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good way to update all the readers about what was going on with all the couples from the books so far, tie up some loose ends, and set the stage for the next set of books. By turns funny, sweet, maddening, and heart-breaking.

The one thing I didn't get was why would two professional hockey players schedule their weddings for draft day, knowing that it could affect their guests? And especially with Rachel being the GM's assistant? She should have been at draft day. Unrealistic drama.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved having a chance to hear from all of my favorite characters from the previous books and the wedding of the century - at least for hockey romances!! I can't say enough about how much this is my favorite of the series so far!!!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet fluffy epilogue novella!

It was an enjoyable read with all your favorite characters from the previous 4 books all together again. But the author adds in a few surprises and twists that are leading me to keep going with the series. This is a nice little break in the series.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Major (Portland Storm Book 6)

Double wedding: it the wedding of Zee and Dana and Brendan and Rachel. Term is there for the big day. It a catch up of all the first six books. Great story.

[Moey17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy quick read, nothing special, by nice to revisit the characters in a simple novella.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Major was just "ok". Seemed to jump around too much to keep track of the characters. Made me cry!

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hotness Rating 0 out of 5

Review to come.....

[Casey Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous multi-story collective of various characters and their unwinding tales. Lots of love, a few ups and downs and family loyalty be it through blood or choice. Simply a fabulous series.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the double wedding. So much fun

[Pete Woollven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Another great book keep saying this is the last but there are eighteen of them i am hooked shall have to keep going

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Siran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read one other book that the story was told by multiple charaters. I really enjoyed that book. Double major is told by multiple charaters as well. In fact, it was told by the people. Those people are Portland Storm player and their wives or girlfriends.


I have loved reading about the lives of these hockey players from the previous five books. To have them all in the sixth, made it that more enjoyable. I could actually picture myself being that the double wedding that took place.

I am looking forward to Keith and Brianna's story.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So, the first thing I'm going to point out is that we get to hear things from the perspectives of all our favorite characters, some newer than others but all loved just the same(especially Babs). I loved that it wasn't just focused on two characters as it seems to fit this book the best. It's meant to be a sort of epilogue from the other books and I'm really glad that Catherine Gayle chose to write from different perspectives. I definitely enjoyed the depth it gave to the story.

There's also this feeling of happiness but underlying that is a sense of dread. After all with it being draft day, players could get traded. So, I almost didn't want to read more just because of that possibility, but while reading Double Major I suffered, there were also happy moments. So, I felt like it made things worth it to just experience and see the joy the couples are experiencing for the most part.

It was also a chance to see that even after the couples of previous books are together, it's not always perfect, and it's not always a fairy tale. This made the characters seem even more real to me as I read along and I felt that it was marvelous to see the troubles that they were going through but also to see that they work things out. Not to mention we got updates on how everyone was doing and where everyone was.

Throughout Double Major there were a mixture of emotions. And I felt all of the emotions that the characters were. And without going into too much depth, I was proud of the characters. I feel like they, especially two of them, made the right decision even if it was hard and my inner fangirl was crying, one that will hopefully affect the future positively.

And we also got some more time with Nicky. I've kind of felt like he's sort of been on the outskirts of my notice many times because we don't get to see him a whole lot in the books but I'm glad that he was brought forward in this novella. I'm really hopeful that someday we'll get his story and get to learn even more about him than we did in Double Major.

Once more Catherine Gayle has created an emotional, amazing hockey romance and I am so excited to see where she goes from here. I can't wait to see more of the Portland Storm either.

Find this review and more at Reading Shy With Aly

[ysar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I loved getting a another glimpse of all the characters I've grown to love, and they all got just enough face time that I was hooked all over again. We get to see how each couple (and a few other characters) have moved forward and grown, and it's a great look at their team dynamic off the ice.

The setting is the double wedding of Eric and Dana, and Brenden and Rachel, two perfect couples finally tying the knot. At the same time, Liam is working through things with Noel, trying to balance her need to be in the U.S. with his need to return home to Sweden. And then there's Jamie and Katie, two kids who sooooooooo should be together but won't be — at least for a while.

However, in telling small stories about everyone, the chapters jumped around in point of view a little too much for it to be easy to follow. About the time I was comfortable seeing everything from one character's perspective, another one came flying in, and while that did give a very well-rounded look at the team we've all grown to love, it made it hard to connect.

For what it is, though, Double Major did the job. It connected some pieces together, tied up some loose ends from the previous stories, and set the tone for the rest of the series. If you've been following the Portland Storm series, this one is a must-read.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Portland Storm are gathered at Eric Zellinger/Dana Campbell’s and Brenden Campbell/Rachel Shaw’s double wedding. Between the festivities and the NHL draft, it is a busy couple of days affecting all the teammates and their families.

I would definitely start with the other books in the series before reading Double Major. This novella is a quick update about everyone’s lives in the off season while attending the dual wedding. It flashes back and forth between all the main characters of the Storm.

I loved getting this update. I definitely cannot wait to find out what is going to happen next season after reading this book. So many things took place in such a short time. The emotions were all over the place. I am looking forward to seeing how the series progresses.

I love Catherine Gayle’s writing style. Her stories flow well and are believable. She has a way of making you love every character, faults and all.

While I was reading Double Major, I thought its format would make it an excellent TV series. I would totally watch a Portland Strom television show. Maybe the NHL network would pick it up.

Portland Storm is one of my favorite series. I have never been disappointed. It is a great story for anyone who enjoys well-written contemporary sport romances. For those that already follow the Storm, you will definitely want to read this before the next book comes out.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in the Portland Storm series and this one is a great addition to the series! It is a collection of epilogues to the first four books in the series, so we get to revisit some of our favorite couples. And the story lines are just as emotionally driven as ever, with real issues and with all the messiness that comes along with real life

The novella gets everyone back together, but this time it isn't for hockey. It is for a double wedding within the Portland Storm family. I love that each section is from a different perspective, each telling their own story while adding to the main event. There are parts that had me on edge and other parts that had me in tears.

Things to love...

--The emotions. They aren't sugar-coated and the reality really draws the reader in.
--The story lines. Not everything is perfect, with perfect endings. I love that because that is real

Things I wanted more/less of...

--More everyone, which is why I can't wait for the next book!

My Recommendation

If you love hockey, this is a fantastic series that really brings the pro hockey world to life. The story lines are those of real life, messiness and all, Books 1-4 should definitely precede Double Major.