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Portland Storm #4-6
Portland Storm: The Second Period
A boxed set of three novels and two novellas in the Portland Storm hockey romance series by USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle.
DELAY OF GAME
Fourth-line winger Cam Johnson fights like hell for his team—even if he has to break the rules. A vigilante on the ice, Cam takes on all the battles, whether they’re his fight or not. The Portland Storm is his team—his family—and he’ll take down anyone who threatens them. When one of his on-ice battles lands him in the penalty box, the coach’s fiery daughter calls him for a Delay of Game. Now Cam has to finish what he started.
Terrified that her father’s job as coach of the Storm will be the death of him, Sara Thomas wants nothing to do with the sexy hotheaded player who caused her dad to end up in the hospital. And Cam will do anything to rectify the damage he caused—even if it means taking the fall for something he didn’t do. After all, he’s the team enforcer. What he offers up just might save him, his coach, and Sara, too.
DOUBLE MAJOR
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.
IN THE ZONE
One night. Unimaginable passion. Total anonymity.
Star defenseman for the Portland Storm, Keith Burns welcomed the single night with a nameless beauty. The undeniable heat was exactly what he needed to let loose. When circumstances bring him face to face with Brianna Hayden after that night was long over, he wants to throw all the rules out the window. There’s no denying chemistry like theirs. But sometimes, desire isn’t enough…
If they’re going to have more than one night, Brie wants it all. But a star athlete like Keith can’t drop his guard that easily hiding an ugly and painful past. Refusing to open up might land Keith in the sin bin—for good. Now Keith has to get In the Zone if he’s going to have any chance at scoring the one thing he wants the most—Brie’s heart.
HOLIDAY HAT TRICK
All Mitchell Quincey wants on his break from the Portland Storm this holiday season is to spend as much time as he can with his baby girl. If he can get his ex-wife to agree to joint custody, then it’ll be a holiday worth celebrating. But when he shows up on Mia’s doorstep, for the first time ever, Mitch is thrown off his game. He’s still 100% in love with her.
Mitch’s unannounced arrival has Mia all out of sorts. To argue over the phone is one thing, but looking at the one man she’ll always love is harder than she thought. With her family surrounding them, Mia tries to keep Mitch at bay, but he’s always been able to leave her flustered—and hot.
Suddenly, Mitch changes gears and has only one goal in sight: win back Mia’s heart for good. With assists from her family and a bit of mistletoe magic, Mitch just might end up with a Holiday Hat Trick.
COMEBACK
Recovering addict Nicklas Ericsson, star goaltender for the Portland Storm, is ready for a comeback—both on the ice and in his personal life. But when his sister begs for his help with an earth-shattering request he can’t refuse, Nicky worries the stress will send him over the edge into a relapse.
As the vice-president of a non-profit organization, Jessica Lynch has worked with her fair share of addicts. She’s always managed to keep her distance and prevent them from pulling at her heartstrings—but Nicky Ericsson proves to be the one exception. Something about the goalie draws her to him.
With an instant and mutual attraction, Nicky and Jessica explore the boundaries of their relationship. While Nicky struggles with his recovery, Jessica fears he won’t be able to handle all that’s been thrown his way. Will his addiction get the best of him, or can Nicky pull off the Comeback of a lifetime?
DELAY OF GAME
Fourth-line winger Cam Johnson fights like hell for his team—even if he has to break the rules. A vigilante on the ice, Cam takes on all the battles, whether they’re his fight or not. The Portland Storm is his team—his family—and he’ll take down anyone who threatens them. When one of his on-ice battles lands him in the penalty box, the coach’s fiery daughter calls him for a Delay of Game. Now Cam has to finish what he started.
Terrified that her father’s job as coach of the Storm will be the death of him, Sara Thomas wants nothing to do with the sexy hotheaded player who caused her dad to end up in the hospital. And Cam will do anything to rectify the damage he caused—even if it means taking the fall for something he didn’t do. After all, he’s the team enforcer. What he offers up just might save him, his coach, and Sara, too.
DOUBLE MAJOR
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.
IN THE ZONE
One night. Unimaginable passion. Total anonymity.
Star defenseman for the Portland Storm, Keith Burns welcomed the single night with a nameless beauty. The undeniable heat was exactly what he needed to let loose. When circumstances bring him face to face with Brianna Hayden after that night was long over, he wants to throw all the rules out the window. There’s no denying chemistry like theirs. But sometimes, desire isn’t enough…
If they’re going to have more than one night, Brie wants it all. But a star athlete like Keith can’t drop his guard that easily hiding an ugly and painful past. Refusing to open up might land Keith in the sin bin—for good. Now Keith has to get In the Zone if he’s going to have any chance at scoring the one thing he wants the most—Brie’s heart.
HOLIDAY HAT TRICK
All Mitchell Quincey wants on his break from the Portland Storm this holiday season is to spend as much time as he can with his baby girl. If he can get his ex-wife to agree to joint custody, then it’ll be a holiday worth celebrating. But when he shows up on Mia’s doorstep, for the first time ever, Mitch is thrown off his game. He’s still 100% in love with her.
Mitch’s unannounced arrival has Mia all out of sorts. To argue over the phone is one thing, but looking at the one man she’ll always love is harder than she thought. With her family surrounding them, Mia tries to keep Mitch at bay, but he’s always been able to leave her flustered—and hot.
Suddenly, Mitch changes gears and has only one goal in sight: win back Mia’s heart for good. With assists from her family and a bit of mistletoe magic, Mitch just might end up with a Holiday Hat Trick.
COMEBACK
Recovering addict Nicklas Ericsson, star goaltender for the Portland Storm, is ready for a comeback—both on the ice and in his personal life. But when his sister begs for his help with an earth-shattering request he can’t refuse, Nicky worries the stress will send him over the edge into a relapse.
As the vice-president of a non-profit organization, Jessica Lynch has worked with her fair share of addicts. She’s always managed to keep her distance and prevent them from pulling at her heartstrings—but Nicky Ericsson proves to be the one exception. Something about the goalie draws her to him.
With an instant and mutual attraction, Nicky and Jessica explore the boundaries of their relationship. While Nicky struggles with his recovery, Jessica fears he won’t be able to handle all that’s been thrown his way. Will his addiction get the best of him, or can Nicky pull off the Comeback of a lifetime?
784 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2015
53 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Gayle
73 books923 followers***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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 17, 2016
Portland Storm: The Second Period is a five story anthology about more of the players on the Portland Storm NHL's hockey team.
1. Delay of Game tells the story of Cameron Johnson and Sara Thomas as they fall in love after her father's heart attack. This is a story about stubborn people, deep committed love and facing family issues.
2. Double Major takes place in Rhode Island where Eric 'Zee' Zellinger and Dana Campbell and Brenden 'Soupy' Campbell and Rachel Shaw have a double wedding with lots of emotional situations on the wedding day as the NHL annual draft day takes place at the same time. Add an unexpected wedding guest and the antics of Rachel's young son it is another emotion filled book with lots of laughs.
3. In the Zone starts with one night of unimaginable passion with total anonymity for Keith 'Burnzie' Burns and Brianna 'Brie' Hayden after the double wedding. Six months later these two meet again and have to face their individual demons from their past. Keith needs to stop the self blame for his brother's suicide and Brie has issues about self-confidence due to health issues. Together they help each other in as they accept both one of the new Storm's teammate who is gay and Keith's brother too.
4. Holiday Hat Trick takes Mitchell 'Q' Quincey home to Canada to see his daughter, Marley and ends up spending Christmas with Mia's, his ex-wife's family and convincing her to give them another chance. He has a lot of help from her family in winning her back in a sweet love story at Christmas.
5. Comeback recovering addict Nicklas 'Nicky' Ericsson and Jessica Lynch face the death of his sister, Nicky becoming the guardian for her three children and Nicky coming back from his problems with addiction to be the goaltender the Portland Storm needs. Jessica takes on a ready-made family when Emma dies and she moves in with Nicky and the kids. Emotions, addition and helping the children to come to terms with the death of their second parent makes this an emotionally packed love story.
All five stories show how the families of the team come together to help and support each other in good times and bad making all of them excellent stories full of love and each one covers real life problems.
1. Delay of Game tells the story of Cameron Johnson and Sara Thomas as they fall in love after her father's heart attack. This is a story about stubborn people, deep committed love and facing family issues.
2. Double Major takes place in Rhode Island where Eric 'Zee' Zellinger and Dana Campbell and Brenden 'Soupy' Campbell and Rachel Shaw have a double wedding with lots of emotional situations on the wedding day as the NHL annual draft day takes place at the same time. Add an unexpected wedding guest and the antics of Rachel's young son it is another emotion filled book with lots of laughs.
3. In the Zone starts with one night of unimaginable passion with total anonymity for Keith 'Burnzie' Burns and Brianna 'Brie' Hayden after the double wedding. Six months later these two meet again and have to face their individual demons from their past. Keith needs to stop the self blame for his brother's suicide and Brie has issues about self-confidence due to health issues. Together they help each other in as they accept both one of the new Storm's teammate who is gay and Keith's brother too.
4. Holiday Hat Trick takes Mitchell 'Q' Quincey home to Canada to see his daughter, Marley and ends up spending Christmas with Mia's, his ex-wife's family and convincing her to give them another chance. He has a lot of help from her family in winning her back in a sweet love story at Christmas.
5. Comeback recovering addict Nicklas 'Nicky' Ericsson and Jessica Lynch face the death of his sister, Nicky becoming the guardian for her three children and Nicky coming back from his problems with addiction to be the goaltender the Portland Storm needs. Jessica takes on a ready-made family when Emma dies and she moves in with Nicky and the kids. Emotions, addition and helping the children to come to terms with the death of their second parent makes this an emotionally packed love story.
All five stories show how the families of the team come together to help and support each other in good times and bad making all of them excellent stories full of love and each one covers real life problems.
August 25, 2015
Second period is a continuation of the Portland Storm ice hockey series by Catherine Gayle.
4. DELAY OF GAME: Cam & Sara's story: Jonny is a true knight in shining armor and Catherine had been giving us sneak peeks into his personality over the previous book, so I cheered when I finally got to read his story. This is one of my favorite stories of the series.
4.5. DOUBLE MAJOR: Second Epilogues Novella featuring all of Portland Storm favorites. It was so great to catch up with all of the favorites at this double wedding event in the off season. Catherine's writing makes me long for these characters to pop up in real life!
5. IN THE ZONE: Keith & Brie's story: Even though Burnzie is not my personal favorite character, I fell in love with his sweeter, romantic side in this wonderful story. Only Catherine could take a character and let her writing slowly peel away the layers of his personality in a way that is lovable and keeps you turning page after page.
5.5. HOLIDAY HAT TRICK: Mitch & Mia's story: Who doesn't love a story where a hot hockey player is trying to win his love back? In a quick Google search of the married real-life NHL players, I was surprised to see that many ended up marrying their high school sweethearts....this story emanates real life.
6. COMEBACK: Nicky & Jessica's story: This story tackled some tough, deep issues and only Catherine could write it in a way that was both beautiful and poignant. This story had me reading through the night, clutching the tissues.
Catherine has a way of making these characters come to life. I could re-read this series over and over again!
4. DELAY OF GAME: Cam & Sara's story: Jonny is a true knight in shining armor and Catherine had been giving us sneak peeks into his personality over the previous book, so I cheered when I finally got to read his story. This is one of my favorite stories of the series.
4.5. DOUBLE MAJOR: Second Epilogues Novella featuring all of Portland Storm favorites. It was so great to catch up with all of the favorites at this double wedding event in the off season. Catherine's writing makes me long for these characters to pop up in real life!
5. IN THE ZONE: Keith & Brie's story: Even though Burnzie is not my personal favorite character, I fell in love with his sweeter, romantic side in this wonderful story. Only Catherine could take a character and let her writing slowly peel away the layers of his personality in a way that is lovable and keeps you turning page after page.
5.5. HOLIDAY HAT TRICK: Mitch & Mia's story: Who doesn't love a story where a hot hockey player is trying to win his love back? In a quick Google search of the married real-life NHL players, I was surprised to see that many ended up marrying their high school sweethearts....this story emanates real life.
6. COMEBACK: Nicky & Jessica's story: This story tackled some tough, deep issues and only Catherine could write it in a way that was both beautiful and poignant. This story had me reading through the night, clutching the tissues.
Catherine has a way of making these characters come to life. I could re-read this series over and over again!
September 9, 2020
During this Covid-19 pandmenic in 2020, I've needed to read books where I love the characters, I know there's a HEA and honestly where I'm familiar with the story so if my mind wanders I'm good because I've read it before. This is my 2nd re-read of this series this year, it is one of my all time favorite series.
Delay of Game 5 stars - One of my favorite books of this series. Cam "Jonny" Johnson is this big, tough, enforcer in the NHL and yet he is one of the good guys. He's sweet, he's charming when he wants to be, and he will be there no matter what oh and he's had a thing for his coach's daughter Sara for awhile. A lot goes on in this book, but Cam never waivers and that made my heart melt. I'll admit there was a time or two I wanted to knock Sara up the side of her head but I still absolutely loved this story.
Double Major novella 4.5 stars - The wedding of the first two couples in this series and a catch up with a lot of characters. I loved it, there was a teary moment between Babs and Katie, and we catch up with Nicky who is still fighting his addiction.
In the Zone 5 stars - Another absolute, hands down favorite in this series. Kenneth "Burzie" Burns meets a woman for a one night stand following the wedding across the country from where he lives. Months later she is standing before him in a dance studio in Portland where he accompanied his teammate Colsey for lessons. Brie can't believe he's there and he is determined to win her over since he hasn't been able to get her out of his mind. Guys seriously this is one of those books that is a perfect romance. I loved everything about it.
Holiday Hat Trick 4 stars - Mitchell "Q" Quincey travels to see his daughter and his ex-wife Mia over the Christmas break and as they spend time togetehr they begin to repair their relaitonship. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I had issues with Mia, I felt she was pretty selfish because despite her love of her husband she divorced him because she wasn't happy in her life. I wouldn't have missed it as part of the series, but just not one I love.
Comeback 4 stars - This is probably the most emotional book in this series and I enjoyed it, but it dealt with some pretty heavy themes. Nicky is back, sober and back in the NHL after playing a year in the minors. He knows this is his last chance and he is determined to make it this time, but he's thrown for a huge loop when his sister and her three children arrive in Portland. Jessica has lost people in her life due to addiction but she can't seem to stay away from Nicky, there is something in him that calls to her and when his sister asks her for a favor, a promise she gives it freely knowing it will changer her life forever. Ms. Gayle wrote a fantastic book, no doubt, but for me it was one that was really heavy and at times I struggled with it. I will say that I have enjoyed seeing this couple in other books down the line in this series.
Delay of Game 5 stars - One of my favorite books of this series. Cam "Jonny" Johnson is this big, tough, enforcer in the NHL and yet he is one of the good guys. He's sweet, he's charming when he wants to be, and he will be there no matter what oh and he's had a thing for his coach's daughter Sara for awhile. A lot goes on in this book, but Cam never waivers and that made my heart melt. I'll admit there was a time or two I wanted to knock Sara up the side of her head but I still absolutely loved this story.
Double Major novella 4.5 stars - The wedding of the first two couples in this series and a catch up with a lot of characters. I loved it, there was a teary moment between Babs and Katie, and we catch up with Nicky who is still fighting his addiction.
In the Zone 5 stars - Another absolute, hands down favorite in this series. Kenneth "Burzie" Burns meets a woman for a one night stand following the wedding across the country from where he lives. Months later she is standing before him in a dance studio in Portland where he accompanied his teammate Colsey for lessons. Brie can't believe he's there and he is determined to win her over since he hasn't been able to get her out of his mind. Guys seriously this is one of those books that is a perfect romance. I loved everything about it.
Holiday Hat Trick 4 stars - Mitchell "Q" Quincey travels to see his daughter and his ex-wife Mia over the Christmas break and as they spend time togetehr they begin to repair their relaitonship. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I had issues with Mia, I felt she was pretty selfish because despite her love of her husband she divorced him because she wasn't happy in her life. I wouldn't have missed it as part of the series, but just not one I love.
Comeback 4 stars - This is probably the most emotional book in this series and I enjoyed it, but it dealt with some pretty heavy themes. Nicky is back, sober and back in the NHL after playing a year in the minors. He knows this is his last chance and he is determined to make it this time, but he's thrown for a huge loop when his sister and her three children arrive in Portland. Jessica has lost people in her life due to addiction but she can't seem to stay away from Nicky, there is something in him that calls to her and when his sister asks her for a favor, a promise she gives it freely knowing it will changer her life forever. Ms. Gayle wrote a fantastic book, no doubt, but for me it was one that was really heavy and at times I struggled with it. I will say that I have enjoyed seeing this couple in other books down the line in this series.
March 23, 2022
The previous bundle, The First Period, sets such a high expectation and this bundle doesn't disappoint.
Book 4 = 5*
Since Jonny makes his appearance in Book 1, we know he is a GOOD guy. This book just shows how good he is as a friend, a player, and a gentleman. Sara is a stubborn one and has walls all around her heart. But it is exactly the stubborn ones who usually break down after a terrible loss. We get to see Scotty as a dad too.. which is totally different from a coach!
Book 4.5 = 5*
This novella is like a bridge: delivering the happy ending for the couples from the previous 4 books while setting up a foundation for the future couples. On the happy note, Zee-Dana's love has gotten so strong. Soupy-Rachel-her kids have also become a great happy family. Soupy and Zee's brotherhood is just amazing and tho this can be the end of their story.. it's just difficult to let go.
On the other hand, I'm sorry for Babs.. but the story has to be that way.
*Note: Following the timeline, the stories from Book 1 - Book 4 seem to happen in 2-2.5 years*
Book 5 = 4*
A few months after Book 4.5, here is our new couple. Burnzie and Brie.. both have been hurt in the past. But these are two characters who help each other to heal. The story contains life issues: suicide, body shaming, self-esteem, bullying, bipolar.. Heavy issues that are put well together in one story without any awkwardness. There are just some plotholes in the story, like Burnzie's letter from her mom. But it's all acceptable because Gayle brings us Brie who is not a traditional-standardized beauty!
Book 5.5 = 5*
Totally 2 new characters! Q was only mentioned briefly (very briefly) in Book 5 and we knew nothing about his wife/family. But I find myself enjoying this book that is all about a second chance. Typical Hallmark Christmas movie.. easy to read and sweet. This novella doesn't really contribute to the future plots.
Book 6 = 5*
Maybe 2-3 years after Book 5, here comes Nicky's story. Grab tissues! Nicky's story is so heartbreaking.. He appears to be such an easy-going and friendly guy in Book 2. But his family's struggle and his own struggle with addiction, we can't help but just want him to get better.
One thing I learn so far in this series, something that happens in the previous story might lead to another future story. When I read the next book, I keep coming back to the previous book to see the background story again.
Book 4 = 5*
Since Jonny makes his appearance in Book 1, we know he is a GOOD guy. This book just shows how good he is as a friend, a player, and a gentleman. Sara is a stubborn one and has walls all around her heart. But it is exactly the stubborn ones who usually break down after a terrible loss. We get to see Scotty as a dad too.. which is totally different from a coach!
Book 4.5 = 5*
This novella is like a bridge: delivering the happy ending for the couples from the previous 4 books while setting up a foundation for the future couples. On the happy note, Zee-Dana's love has gotten so strong. Soupy-Rachel-her kids have also become a great happy family. Soupy and Zee's brotherhood is just amazing and tho this can be the end of their story.. it's just difficult to let go.
On the other hand, I'm sorry for Babs.. but the story has to be that way.
*Note: Following the timeline, the stories from Book 1 - Book 4 seem to happen in 2-2.5 years*
Book 5 = 4*
A few months after Book 4.5, here is our new couple. Burnzie and Brie.. both have been hurt in the past. But these are two characters who help each other to heal. The story contains life issues: suicide, body shaming, self-esteem, bullying, bipolar.. Heavy issues that are put well together in one story without any awkwardness. There are just some plotholes in the story, like Burnzie's letter from her mom. But it's all acceptable because Gayle brings us Brie who is not a traditional-standardized beauty!
Book 5.5 = 5*
Totally 2 new characters! Q was only mentioned briefly (very briefly) in Book 5 and we knew nothing about his wife/family. But I find myself enjoying this book that is all about a second chance. Typical Hallmark Christmas movie.. easy to read and sweet. This novella doesn't really contribute to the future plots.
Book 6 = 5*
Maybe 2-3 years after Book 5, here comes Nicky's story. Grab tissues! Nicky's story is so heartbreaking.. He appears to be such an easy-going and friendly guy in Book 2. But his family's struggle and his own struggle with addiction, we can't help but just want him to get better.
One thing I learn so far in this series, something that happens in the previous story might lead to another future story. When I read the next book, I keep coming back to the previous book to see the background story again.
July 17, 2023
Audiobook Review
This is a great series if you are into your hockey. Each book has a different trope and each book deals with a different difficult topic like addiction, social anxiety, fat shaming, lack of confidence, suicide, divorce or surprise pregnancy.
Angel Clark narrates all the characters in all the books. Although I appreciated how Angel was able to use a different voice tone when narrating male and female main characters, after a while it started to feel as if the dialogues with side characters were no longer differentiated and I struggled to keep up with the story.
This is a great series if you are into your hockey. Each book has a different trope and each book deals with a different difficult topic like addiction, social anxiety, fat shaming, lack of confidence, suicide, divorce or surprise pregnancy.
Angel Clark narrates all the characters in all the books. Although I appreciated how Angel was able to use a different voice tone when narrating male and female main characters, after a while it started to feel as if the dialogues with side characters were no longer differentiated and I struggled to keep up with the story.
March 16, 2017
I enjoy getting know the characters in this series, J especially like catching up with them after their stoties finish. I was very moved by the end-of-life portion of Comeback. Having lost both my parents to cancer, it was very prrsonal to me.
October 26, 2020
Gayle celebrates life and love in all it's heartstopping glory. From good times to heartache the Portland Storm team are learning how to be a family and taking readers along. Clark pulls every last drop of emotion out of this powerful collection. How can you not get lost in the moment?
February 23, 2018
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
February 4, 2019
All five of these books were amazing....better than the last collection. I can't wait to keep reading about the Storm team members and find out how they all find the love they deserve!!!
June 23, 2020
Please see individual stories for review.
March 17, 2025
A wonderful hockey family series. All stories are unique and fabulous.
July 20, 2016
First I loved book one I just didn’t like the narrator in that one. But these narrators way better really brings out the stories. Also being a Winnipeg girl it is totally freaking awesome to read/listen to a book that is about my home town.
Delay of the Game 3.5 Stars
Ok I don’t want to give too much away with this review and it would be easy to do. Cam strong silent type, he falls for the head coach’s daughter Sara. Sara is in a bit of a pickle, and Cam wants to step up to the plate and help her through it. Coach has a pretty bad heart attack and has to undergo major surgery.
Cam and the rest of the team step up to help take care of Coach and Sara after she has a mishap of her own. Cam and Sara have to work to figure out how their relationship will work with everything going on.
Ok I think I did good without giving to much away read this book!
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.
In the Zone
Oh this was HOT… 4 stars baby
A one night stand that doesn’t stay at one night oh no it doesn’t.
Keith is battling some pretty heavy guilt for things of his past he can’t choose. I think what gets him the most is he can’t atone for what he had done. It’s eating him up inside.
Brianna doesn’t see herself in a very favorable light at all. Her ex dance partner really did a number on her and she just continued to do it to herself as well.
Her one night affair with Keith who was to be a no names no nothing just hot affair. Things did not turn out that way at all. They start to become friends and lovers and Keith starts to break down her walls about her weight and how she sees herself. And Brianna and the help of his brother help Keith to see that sins of the past don’t define his future.
It’s a story of these 2 overcoming things they cannot chance and moving forward I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
Holiday Hat Trick
I think I liked this novella best.
Mitchell and Mia divorced. But they both love each other but life is in the way. They have agreed to joint custody of their daughter.
Mitch wants to spend the few days off he has with Marley his daughter but it’s unexpected to Mia. So to make everyone happy she invites Mitch to go with them to her parents’ house for the holidays with them.
Mia’s family loves Mitch and wants them back together so Mia and Mitch find themselves with one another alone a lot and things start to get resolved……
How do you say goodbye when you still love the one you want?
I <3 this book! 5 stars
Comeback
I think I was most looking forward to this book but it wasn’t what I was expecting
Nicklas is coming back from his heavy addictions, but learning his sister has ALS and just going through his father’s death with ALS he needs to be strong for his sister and be there for his niece and 2 nephews. Who already lost their father in combat they are about to lose their only living parent and moved to a new country.
Jessica is the VP of a non-profit who has had a past that took her from one addict’s home to another. But there is nothing she can do but all for Nicky. But with Nicky comes the heart ache of losing his sister and stepping up to me mom to his niece and nephews.
This story broke my ever loving heart. It was raw and emotional and makes you wish you could just hug them all.
Would give this story 4 freaking heart breaking stars.
Delay of the Game 3.5 Stars
Ok I don’t want to give too much away with this review and it would be easy to do. Cam strong silent type, he falls for the head coach’s daughter Sara. Sara is in a bit of a pickle, and Cam wants to step up to the plate and help her through it. Coach has a pretty bad heart attack and has to undergo major surgery.
Cam and the rest of the team step up to help take care of Coach and Sara after she has a mishap of her own. Cam and Sara have to work to figure out how their relationship will work with everything going on.
Ok I think I did good without giving to much away read this book!
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.
In the Zone
Oh this was HOT… 4 stars baby
A one night stand that doesn’t stay at one night oh no it doesn’t.
Keith is battling some pretty heavy guilt for things of his past he can’t choose. I think what gets him the most is he can’t atone for what he had done. It’s eating him up inside.
Brianna doesn’t see herself in a very favorable light at all. Her ex dance partner really did a number on her and she just continued to do it to herself as well.
Her one night affair with Keith who was to be a no names no nothing just hot affair. Things did not turn out that way at all. They start to become friends and lovers and Keith starts to break down her walls about her weight and how she sees herself. And Brianna and the help of his brother help Keith to see that sins of the past don’t define his future.
It’s a story of these 2 overcoming things they cannot chance and moving forward I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
Holiday Hat Trick
I think I liked this novella best.
Mitchell and Mia divorced. But they both love each other but life is in the way. They have agreed to joint custody of their daughter.
Mitch wants to spend the few days off he has with Marley his daughter but it’s unexpected to Mia. So to make everyone happy she invites Mitch to go with them to her parents’ house for the holidays with them.
Mia’s family loves Mitch and wants them back together so Mia and Mitch find themselves with one another alone a lot and things start to get resolved……
How do you say goodbye when you still love the one you want?
I <3 this book! 5 stars
Comeback
I think I was most looking forward to this book but it wasn’t what I was expecting
Nicklas is coming back from his heavy addictions, but learning his sister has ALS and just going through his father’s death with ALS he needs to be strong for his sister and be there for his niece and 2 nephews. Who already lost their father in combat they are about to lose their only living parent and moved to a new country.
Jessica is the VP of a non-profit who has had a past that took her from one addict’s home to another. But there is nothing she can do but all for Nicky. But with Nicky comes the heart ache of losing his sister and stepping up to me mom to his niece and nephews.
This story broke my ever loving heart. It was raw and emotional and makes you wish you could just hug them all.
Would give this story 4 freaking heart breaking stars.
December 2, 2015
Portland Storm's Second Period starts right where the first period leaves off! All the stories can still be read alone, but they all flow together in the bundle wonderfully. In Delay of Game we have Sarah and Cam that get together and how they get together pulled on my heart strings! The hockey players all take a break in Double Major for a double wedding and we get to catch up with Babs and Katie. I cried at the end with Katie as she's leaving to follow her dreams. In the Zone we have Keith and Brianna that find love. Brianna doesn't think she's pretty any longer or can attract guys do to health issues and the weight she's gained. It was just supposed to be one night of anonymity. Keith has a hard time forgiving himself for something in his past. When they meet up again, the sparks that fly around this couple. In Holiday Hat Trick, Mitchell had three goals, and one of those goals isn't getting back together with his ex-wife Mia. Mia's family, love, and Christmas has other ideas. The last story in this bundle is Come Back. In Come Back, we have Nicklas and Jessica. Nicklas is the goal tender that is back from rehab. Jessica runs Light the Lamp. Nicklas has other issues to deal with through this story that I don't want to disclose. Jessica is there for Nicklas and proves that love can help through healing. The hockey players and their families and their for each other through out again.
February 5, 2016
An excellent collection and series
“Don’t worry about the what-ifs,” I said. “Tell him the truth. It’s always easiest if you just start with the truth and go from there.”--Jessica Lynch to a 12 year old girl
Catherine Gayle manages to include so many of today's challenges in her stories: stress, ALS, addiction, non traditional families, divorce, caregiving, death with dignity, body image, homophobia, suicide, single parenthood, demands of high profile careers. But always there is hope.
I am impressed at how the stories build on each other and the characters grow and take their places in later stories.
My favorite of these stories is Double Major which helps us catch up on several characters and their storylines. Second epilogues I think she calls them.
My minor complaint is the foul/crude language used by the hockey players and coaches. It may be accurate, but I don't like reading it. I don't really mind colorful language but the overuse of the f-word gets to me.
“Don’t worry about the what-ifs,” I said. “Tell him the truth. It’s always easiest if you just start with the truth and go from there.”--Jessica Lynch to a 12 year old girl
Catherine Gayle manages to include so many of today's challenges in her stories: stress, ALS, addiction, non traditional families, divorce, caregiving, death with dignity, body image, homophobia, suicide, single parenthood, demands of high profile careers. But always there is hope.
I am impressed at how the stories build on each other and the characters grow and take their places in later stories.
My favorite of these stories is Double Major which helps us catch up on several characters and their storylines. Second epilogues I think she calls them.
My minor complaint is the foul/crude language used by the hockey players and coaches. It may be accurate, but I don't like reading it. I don't really mind colorful language but the overuse of the f-word gets to me.
June 3, 2015
ANTHOLOGIES WIN!!
What I like best about anthologies that cover part (or all) of a series by an author is the ability to read straight through without interruption. In this case, I bought the ebooks specifically to have them on my e- reader...I have them as signed paperbacks.
Obviously, I am biased. I love these characters. While the setting is hockey, lack of understanding that sport will not run the books. They are first and foremost romances.
The characters are wonderful, the plots neat and tidy.
Go for it, or you will end up in the penalty box...or if you are lucky, if you end up there, you will have these to cover the time.
What I like best about anthologies that cover part (or all) of a series by an author is the ability to read straight through without interruption. In this case, I bought the ebooks specifically to have them on my e- reader...I have them as signed paperbacks.
Obviously, I am biased. I love these characters. While the setting is hockey, lack of understanding that sport will not run the books. They are first and foremost romances.
The characters are wonderful, the plots neat and tidy.
Go for it, or you will end up in the penalty box...or if you are lucky, if you end up there, you will have these to cover the time.
August 5, 2015
This series just gets better and better, often with a series this long it gets to be the same old stuff over and over but this, this is different each book and couple are different from the next, and have a whole new set of issues to work out!.....I love that it has a real feel to the hockey side of things, the trades and the teams, not that know a hell of a lot. but i have read a few sports books (they are one of my faves to read) and often the teams never change, no one gets traded or hurt and well that's just not how the real world works will keep reading this series and will for sure be looking at all of Catherine's Books!!
May 26, 2015
How can you beat a fantastic collection of books like this? In the Portland Storm: The Second Period boxed set, you get three full length novels and two novellas all about our favorite hockey players as created by Catherine Gayle!
Each of these books is unique unto itself and they are all very much worth the read. You get fantastic heros, strong heroines and all around good stories. The Portland Storm series is by far one of my all-time favorites and if you haven't taken the dive into them yet, what are you waiting for?!
Each of these books is unique unto itself and they are all very much worth the read. You get fantastic heros, strong heroines and all around good stories. The Portland Storm series is by far one of my all-time favorites and if you haven't taken the dive into them yet, what are you waiting for?!
July 19, 2015
love this series
and I love being able to get the box sets even more...but with Babs story being released I won't wait for The Third Period!!!! my reviews of the individual books in The Second Period can be found on each specific book
and I love being able to get the box sets even more...but with Babs story being released I won't wait for The Third Period!!!! my reviews of the individual books in The Second Period can be found on each specific book
January 20, 2016
Absolutely loved this series. You flow from one book to the next. it is like a family story. Each character is fresh and takes on a life of its own. I love the supporting characters and how they interplay. The writing style is amazing and it is a great escape into the work of hockey.
February 10, 2016
Wow, I loved Cam and Sarah, Brie and Keith, Q and Mia and then we had the far more serious story of Nicky and Jessica ( my least favourite as not so much romance)
I still cannot wait for Jamie ( Babs) and Katie!!!
I still cannot wait for Jamie ( Babs) and Katie!!!
April 5, 2021
Life and hockey
The second box set in this amazing, wonderful series. These players, their partners and families all have very real problems both on and off the ice which makes this series highly recommended.
The second box set in this amazing, wonderful series. These players, their partners and families all have very real problems both on and off the ice which makes this series highly recommended.
April 11, 2015
Awesome! Love this series!
August 28, 2015
all these boys and girls with they battles on and out the ring lol
mrs gaye show us all the aspect of fight for a cause a love a wound
this is round two...;
November 3, 2015
Long road
Every couple has a Long road to get where they are. And the guys all being a team and a family makes all the difference in the couples making it work.
Every couple has a Long road to get where they are. And the guys all being a team and a family makes all the difference in the couples making it work.
January 20, 2016
Loved this series. Worth the read.
August 7, 2016
New favorite
This is a series that just draws you in. Best value for your money. Looking forward to reading the remaining books.
This is a series that just draws you in. Best value for your money. Looking forward to reading the remaining books.
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