Game Breaker

Portland Storm #9

by Catherine Gayle

ASIN: B01FKR06KG updated version found here

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

He’s becoming a Game Breaker on the ice.

With the playoffs right around the corner, Nate “Ghost” Golston is focused on only one thing—getting the Portland Storm to the Finals so he can finally hoist the Cup. But when opposing teams’ fans start getting under his skin, he can’t ignore the ridicule that’s suddenly all over the Internet. With each degrading word slung over the boards, he strains to keep his focus on the ice. Now, everything he’s worked for is in jeopardy.

She’s facing off with the Game Makers.

Stunning sports reporter and aspiring filmmaker Anne Dennison is determined to use her smarts to get ahead in a male-dominated career. Producing a behind-the-scenes web series brings Anne up close and personal with skilled, sexy Nate. Sparks fly, putting her plans in danger. For Anne to succeed, she has to capitalize on Nate’s struggles.

Wanting to be together, they know they must bend for each other before one of them breaks. If they can’t, it’s Game Over.

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

288 pages, ebook

First published August 11, 2016

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 4 out of 5]

A sweet and heartrending story about acceptance, love and family.

He may not be as tall or as heavy weight as his teammates, but Nate “Ghost” Golston is fast, agile and his quickly becoming one of the Portland Storm’s game makers intent on helping his team win the Stanley Cup. But when a couple of ignorant opposing fans insult his ethnicity, the incident goes viral and is coupled by rising racial tensions across the country, can he keep his focus on the game especially when the very attractive female reporter he’s been outrageously flirting with for the past two years is constantly in his space?

“It had started to feel natural again. Comfortable. Like there was no other way we ought to be together than overly playful, cracking jokes and making each other laugh.”

Anne Dennison had been covering the Portland Storm as a sportscaster for the past couple of years, but when an opportunity to produce the team’s web series lands on her lap, a rarity in the male dominant career she’s chosen, she snatches the opportunity. She doesn’t count however that this will bring her closer to the very sexy and alluring Nate which puts her between a rock and a hard place. Should she date him and throw her career down the drain or should she exploit his and the team’s problems to secure her job?

“Would you be offended if I tried to casually put my arm around your shoulders on the plane? I’m pretty damn smooth. You might not even notice me doing it until it’s too late.”
“I wouldn’t be offended by that as long as you wouldn’t get upset if I let my head fall on your shoulder.”

In true Catherine Gayle style, Game Breaker is not only a sweet and touching story, it also covers some very real and serious current issues mainly about chauvinism, racism with a side of homophobia. I’ve come to love this series partly due to the way Catherine skillfully brings out the importance of such values as tolerance, acceptance and respect and the need to stand up for them and the people affected by the lack of them.

“There are ignorant people everywhere… But I don’t think that’s what most of the world is like. I choose to believe that most people are good.”

Game Breaker is still a hockey romance about two charming characters who fall in love in under difficult circumstances. I really liked Anne, not just because she doesn’t let public opinion or her higher ups sway her moral compass nor rule her heart. She’s strong willed, smart and brave even in regards to her deep-seated insecurities that stem from her Indian upbringing. And while Nate has to deal with bigotry he’s protective of Anne and mindful of the effect he might have on her career besides being sexy, intelligent, and loyal.

I always enjoy Catherine’s hockey descriptions. It’s something that I’ve only found in her books. She not only makes you want to be invested in the sport but her accomplished narratives make me feel right in the middle of the action.

“Hockey was a team sport. It should never be about individual achievements or failures. We tended to answer questions about the team as a whole.”

I also loved the web series introduced in this book. It didn’t just allow Anne to get close to Nate but it also gave reason to get to know new team members like Harry and Nate’s best friend R.J. and visit old friends. The cameos by characters from past books gave us the chance to catch up with their growing families as well as witness how the racial tensions affected each of them.

“I knew there were many other layers to explore in future episodes. Not only was it more interesting to me to explore the guys’ dynamics away from the rink and witness how that played out on the ice, but it made the story we were telling that much more personal. It gave the show a heartbeat. This wasn’t just about hockey; it was about everything that made these men tick.”

Game Breaker is book #9 in the Portland Storm series by author Catherine Gayle. This is a poignant romance that includes all the excitement of the NHL. This is standalone full length novel, told from alternating points of view with a happy ending.

4.5 stars

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *

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[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Nate "Ghost" Golston is fast and skilled on the ice. But he has recently gained media attention for more than that. He's the only black man on is team and in a world where racial tension is high, he finds himself subjected to it.

Anne Dennison is producing the Storm's new web show. She is a female reporter in a male dominated sports world and is dealing with sexism and scrutiny in the public media. She's sassy, tenacious, stubborn and independent-minded. But she also has deep insecurities and anxiety stemming from her upbringing.

They've flirted for a couple of years, but now their interest is beginning to get stronger. They are compatible and have chemistry, but it could be considered a conflict of interest. Starting a relationship is dangerous for her career and just brings more media attention. And Nate is a protective, caring, self-sacrificing type so he worries about her. Are the risks they are taking, worth the possible rewards?

This installment focuses on some very current and polarizing topics--racism, sexism, homophobia, cultural differences, and violence. It illustrates the importance of respect and tolerance, and how media plays a big part in public opinion. It also shows strength in various characters willing to fight for what they believe in, stand up to criticism, and promote acceptance, tolerance, and love versus hate.

So this is a love story centered around hockey, but also a story about the troubled and often volatile times we are living in. It was told in both points of view that allowed us to understand their feelings personally and about larger topics. This shows the trickling down effect that these hard issues have on individuals, couples, families, and teams. This really hits home because these are topics that are flooding the news and media and impacting all of our daily lives.

I love getting cameos from other characters from this series and seeing them more in their daily lives with their families and friends. I enjoyed getting to know a bit more about Harry and R.J. who have books coming up in the series. And I would love to see more with Colesy and Luke Weber in the future as well. They really touched my heart in this one with their individual struggles. Fans of Catherine Gayle and the Portland Storm will enjoy this installment that focuses on the team as a family, but also has important messages about hope, love, and trying to make our world better. And at the center of it is a sweet and romantic somewhat forbidden love story.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this whole series. The Portland Storm organization has become family. In each new book, the author makes sure ti bring that sense of family into the story. The friendships among players, the wives group, the children. Everyone is playing and fighting for one another.

this book holds that more true than most. Nate "Ghost" Golston is caught up on the political upheaval going on related to racial profiling. The NHL is not immune to the derogatory comments made by insensitive people. The whole temperature of the book is one step away from molten. Tension is everywhere but true to form, the Storm supports its own.

There is also a love story here. Anne and Nate have been flirting for years. They decide to take a chance together, even though it may harm Anne's career. Both of them admire each other so much and it's obvious their chemistry is off the charts.

The publication and the content of this book could not be more relevant for 2016. I hope it stands the test of time and as people read it over the years the message will still be strong. We are all humans in the end. We need to act and support one another always.

*ARC received for an honest review.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Catherine Gayle. As my first hockey-romance author, she always holds a special place in my heart. So, when she releases new books--especially Portland Storm books--I'm all in. I go into these books knowing I'm about to fall in love and that there is a good chance my heart will fall right off my sleeve and into my pool of tears. She's great at that. She makes me feel for the characters. Which is exactly what I want to do when I read.

Nate and Anne are a couple like no other. Each character trying to overcome diversity while trying to also find their spot in this crazy world. Nate has his battles in a white-dominated world. Anne has her battles in a male-dominated world. How do these two overcome such hurdles? Will the two find love like all of the Storm before them?

Anne knows she has to succeed. A behind the scenes web series brings these two closer than anyone could have imagined. Nate and Anne will have to prove to everyone that they are more than capable of success.

Another excellent installment in the Portland Storm series. I can't wait for the next book!

[LaFleurBleue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering the past common appearances of Nate and Anne, I really expected more in terms of romance
This specific instalment was interesting in its articulation of acceptance of difference and overcoming prejudices regards sexual preference, skin color and women in the workplace. However all those demonstrations left little to no place for feelings to really build or for any emotion to be shared with the reader regards their relationship.
Hero and heroine didn't feel mismatched, both were nice persons but I couldn't really care whether they ended up together or not. And that didn't feel right after years of unfulfilled banter and seduction

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hotness Rating 2 out of 5

Review to come...

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I'm giving this a 3.5 but rounding down. This was solidly my favorite book in the series until the last twenty pages. Let's start with the good. Black hockey player, biracial news reporter. He's dealing with racism from fans, she's dealing with sexism from readers, there's a homophobia subplot that's thrown in there about half way through, and two giant mastiffs that think they're lap dogs.

What could go wrong?

Well, nothing did go wrong until the end. Gayle was dealing with a lot of serious issues here. The Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality, racism, sexism, homophobia, emotional abuse from parents, and she's doing a good job of showing two people struggling with how to deal with this kind of stuff without letting it take over their lives.

But then, Nate gets caught up in a Black Lives Matter (though the name is never used) protest where there are multiple shooters with semi-automatic weapons targeting police officers, and Nate ends up hauling a wounded officer to safety, and of course, gets hounded by the press for comments about his involvement. He's been steadfastly trying not to talk about the racial problems and police shootings up until this point and staying focused on hockey, but he blasts out with this Dr. King quoting speech about how we're all the same and hate breeds hate and we need more love in the world, and I feel like Gayle dropped the ball. First, by misrepresenting these protests and making them seem much more violent than they are, and second, by having Nate Golston basically disavow the need for political change. It didn't feel like a black man speaking at that point. I mean, the fact that the police let him, a black man, through a police cordon at a Black Lives Matter protest without any problem was unrealistic enough. That he never even thinks about his own experiences with racism, or police profiling, or in anyway sympathizes with the black teenagers who have been shot smacks of the whiteness of the author. Like, I've heard the entire speech he gave the press from my white Southern lady neighbors at church.

So, props to Gayle for writing minority characters, but here's hoping that next time she does it a bit better.

Also, wow, violate doctor-patient confidentiality much?

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Nate Golston is in the spotlight on and off the ice, but not the way he’d like. He’s on fire, scoring goals and playing at the top of his game. But he’s also getting attention from the fans and media because he is the only black player on the ice. He’s used to being the minority, but with racial tensions high, every little bit of attention seems too high to Nate, who just wants to play hockey.

Anne Dennison is tasked with producing “The Eye of the Storm,” a web-based documentary about the team. She wants to profile the team, but isn’t interested in making the series the easy way. Her job is in jeopardy simply because she is a woman, and she is determined to prove she can meet the challenge.

They have been flirting for a couple years in the locker room, but can their light banter take the heat when the stresses of their jobs raise up? Anne’s bosses want her to focus on the racial tension, which means keeping the spotlight directly on Nate, exactly where he doesn’t want it. While they have been playful and flirty in the past, when things begin to heat up, the fire catches and it only increases the potential for disaster.

I enjoyed these characters immensely. While Anne my not be the one in the spotlight, she has her own issues to contend with -- family and career pressures at the top of the list. She is one of those strong women who quietly continue to work towards their goals. She knows what she wants and does what is needed to get her there, but not without doubts.

This story was extremely timely with the focus on the media so strongly targeted on racial differences. It is as much about hockey and Nate & Anne as it is about how laser focus of the media affects those in the spotlight.

I enjoyed both the love story and the team commentary. The Portland Storm family plays a large part in this story and it was great seeing each family settled and making future plans.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Breaker is the ninth installment in Catherine Gayle's Portland Storm series and it's a great one!

Nate "Ghost" Golston is coming into his own in the NHL and is poised to be one of the stars of the post season for the Storm. He has been attracted to Anne Dennison for some time and the two have previously skirted around flirting with one another.

When Anne is hired to be the producer of the Storm's new online web series, she is faced with having to make decisions about the way she does her job, which could end up costing her the job that she has wanted for years and fought to obtain and it could also cost her a chance with Nate.

Will Anne have to focus on things in Nate's life that will put a strain on their burgeoning relationship? And, will she have to hurt other people she's come to care about because of what she's being asked to do at work?

It's no secret that I love the realness of Catherine Gayle's novels and this one is no exception. This book contains real life issues that we are hearing about and seeing in our papers and on the news nearly every day. I applaud her for tackling these issues and handling them in such a delicate, yet amazing fashion. Another great addition to this series that I would recommend.

[Chelsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Gayle's Portland Storm series is amazing! Game Breaker (Portland Storm #9) looks at the flirtatious relationship between the hockey speedster Nate & Anne, the producer of the team's newest behind-the-scenes web series. As a novel, Game Breaker really drove home the theme and sense of family within the fictional Portland Storm hockey organization.

I love Catherine Gayle's books, especially her hockey series, but this book takes very delicate look at the what it truly means to be defined by labels and how that affected both of the main characters in this novel. A lot of what Catherine writes about in this particular book rings true to the headlines that splash across the news in our society today. I thought the book was very well written and Catherine did well to cover these issues in a loving way. This book is wonderfully poignant and I felt optimistically hopeful after reading her words.

*I received a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest thoughts/opinions of the author's book.*

[Kim Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little worried about how Game Breaker was going to play out since it started with racial tensions that are going on in the world today; however, as I started reading Nate and Anne's story, I really could not put the book down. The way Catherine described these characters and their relationship with each other (how they had been flirting with each other for about two years) as well as their individual struggles - Nate with racism and Anne with sexism I felt was very well-written.

I really enjoyed the way Anne is not afraid to stand up for what she believes - whether it be for her job or standing up to her family members. I also liked how Nate was not afraid to step in and help when a situation got out of control and how he always respected Anne and even got along with her father.

Anne and Nate had to weather some difficult times, but in the end they got their HEA! I also liked catching up with other members of the team and their families. This was a great addition to the Portland Storm Series.

[Skye Kilaen]

I don't feel confident this would address race issues well. The male MC was far too shocked by racism of fans at the first game we see in the book - I cannot imagine an adult black man who grew up in America being that shocked by it. Also see the spoilers in this review, I think the whiteness of the author is endemic here and a problem: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me chills, right from the foreword from the authour and onward. The reflection of real life being stated in a book made it all the more real, all the more scary. The constraints and binds that loved ones can place upon you, no matter where or how you are raised, so true

The hope and the optimism that comes out by focusing on your loved ones, what you have, and how you act, that was the most powerful thread in the story. Regardless if race, culture, or sexual orientation, you are who you are, and you have people who love and appreciate the you that you are!

The characters are realists, they aren't ignoring what is going on in the world, but enact their coping mechanisms. Those who truly care about them, keep them safe, not sheltered, and everyone binds together to support each other

Chills because of the honesty, the truth, and the hope that spills out of this story - simply amazing!

[Stacy Barr-sooter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense read! Many topics covered that are considered off limits by society. Situation brought into play and discussed and lived that is currently affecting our nation. These two characters must face these issues. Will they face them together or choose to face them apart. Ghost has to face racism for the first time in his life. Anne being a mixed race female trying to make it in a mans world. Add in bigots, racist, sexiest , and ignorance mix it will a little alcohol and adrenaline makes for an interesting lesson. Great book to read. Catherine did well with this one.

[The Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit it right in the nail with today's issues and society.. it gives you an idea of what someone goes through during those difficult times while actually finding love where you never even looked! Miss Gayle gives us a beautiful story about 2 human beings trying hard to fit right in.. in a world where at the minimum mistake you're judge for being different or simply just for being you..!

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[1101winter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. The first several chapters got me hooked. The issues presented in the story are clear: racism and sexism. However, the rest of the story is not well put together.

- In chapter 4, Anne mentions her team is nagging her to rest her sprained foot which for me seems like a good and solid team. They treat her well. Then, a chapter later, Anne and her team are debating over what they should cover regarding the Storm team.. and Anne feels she's being dominated by the guys in her team. I can't quite grasp the feeling of sexism here.

- Continuing with the sexism, what the boss says about her work is not really discussed other than Anne keeps saying "no one is available for the job, so I got it." If we got a glimpse of the scene between her and the boss, we might be able to understand the story better. And Anne also says "I won't keep this job long enough" frustrates me a lot!

- Half of the book, it feels like Anne keeps debating what she should do with the coverage.. but we don't really know for sure what she's debating about? So it's a bit confusing.. only until Dana praises her that it's slightly clear she puts "the human story" out there, but what story? And to what extent she covers the story because there are plots related to Katie-Babs and Dani-Harry? We only found out in chapter 19 that she decided to avoid the players' personal issues off the ice. But it's just.. I don't know, it's confusing.

- I like that we keep getting what's happening with some of the familiar characters from the previous books: the Webers, Babs and Levi, even Zee+Family and Soupy+Family. But...
With the Webers, it feels like a previous for the next story.. With Babs and his family, I'm not sure.

- And.. I'm not quite sure I get the chemistry between Anne and Ghost. They were mentioned in the previous book, but I can't feel it. This is the only book that makes me feel..there is too much in the story that Gayle wants to deliver.. However, the issues, characters, and circumstances are not glued together. So the story is not as impactful as the others :"(

- The good part of the story is the epilogue. When Anne says it is the end of the season and they are having exit interviews, some guys are not coming back, changes are taking place, and it's hard to see because she gets attached to everyone. I CAN FEEL THE SENTIMENT. That's why it's so difficult to see the team plays in the playoffs without the previous main characters :"")

[Jasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is TRASH! TRASH TRASH TRASH! What makes this white woman think she can write the black perspective?!? Soooo very unrealistic. No way this man made it to his mid 20s in AMERICA and had never before experienced overt racism. Like come on lady…who are you trying to fool?!? Not to mention Black folks go through problems other than racism…but that’s always the go to when white authors write Black character. And if you’ve never actually experienced it maybe you shouldn’t write from the perspective of someone who has. Of course she made the black people the real bad people by having them shoot a cop at a protest. This book is nonsense. Honestly jus felt like an excuse for the author to print and publish the word n*****. And that wasn’t even necessary!

Not to mention there is no real chemistry between the characters. A waste of ink!

And it pissed me off cause I loved the series up until this book. I kept reading because maybe the book would redeem itself…spoiler alert…IT DIDNT

TRASH TRASH TRASH!!! Throw it away

[Casey Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Breaker is the latest instalment in the Portland Storm story, this time told through the Eye of the Storm webisodes filmed in various locations focussing on the behind the scenes life of the Portland Storm.

Whilst following the Storm players and learning how each of them contribute to the team as a whole both on and off the ice;
strength of character and family values are discovered when faced with the bigger issues of racism, gender orientation and cultural differences.

I loved the entwined storyline of game focus and player lives; getting to know each of the players is always a treat.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure why I didn't love this one like I usually do.

It was a powerful story, with an incredible message ... and I think Nate and Anne got sort of lost somewhere along the way, if it makes sense? I just didn't connect with them the same way as with the others.

BUT, that being said, the hockey is still fantastic. Can the Storm finally win the SC please?!

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

Game Breaker (Portland Storm Book 14)

The love story of Anna and Nate "Ghost". Anna was hire to produce " Eye of the Storm" for the Portland Storm. She know she will be fire at the end of the season because she is a woman. Nate is a black hockey player who is being harass by fans. Can they find happiness with racism, sexism and bigotry on the hockey field. Great story.

[Bogormen · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reason I didn't like this as much as the rest of the series. Usually we know at least one from the the starring couple pretty well from previous books, which might be what I'm missing here.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet sweet story. I love Ghost and I think the world of Anne. It handles the way the whole world feels/ felt when violence was so prevalent. I do agree with Ghost...until we love (and he's in love) one another by showing respect it's going to be a violent world.

[Books, Coffee & Passion · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re breeding hate. And it has to stop. We have to start loving each other. That’s what I have to say.

[Slick · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason my original review was never posted to Goodreads so here it is. This book came out just a few weeks after the shooting of several police officers in downtown Dallas (I read the ARC less than 10 days after that shooting), there is a scene in this book very reminisent of that shooting which was very erie at the time and honestly still is, but this book was very well written. Here's my review that posted 8/11/16.

To say that Catherine Gayle’s Game Breaker is ripped from today’s headlines is putting it mildly atruegemawardand the fact that it was written long before the most recent events is kind of eerie. Game Breaker tackles some big issues and problems in our world today including the social media anonymity that makes people think they can say whatever they want without repercussions, the way the media feeds the frenzy when things go wrong, and the discrimination that runs rampant on many different levels in the professional sports arena. Ms. Gayle did a fantastic job of weaving a lot of issues into this story and in addition she gave readers a pretty great romance although I did feel at times this couple got lost in the shuffle of the social issues, job problems and a playoff race. It’s hard to write a book filled with so many powerful emotions and give readers everything they want and I seriously applaud her for doing it quite well.

Nate “Ghost” Golston never really thought anything about being the only African American player on the NHL Portland Storm team or one of the few in the league until one night a derogatory action and words turned his world upside down and it was all captured on film due to the crew constantly filming the team for the team’s web series Eye of the Storm. Nate refuses to let it get to him; his focus is on the team and on getting the cup. He’s disappointed when Anne Dennison, the Eye of the Storm’s producer seems to be in the middle of it all, but the more time they spend together the more she understands his side and the more he realizes how much her integrity and her career mean to her.

I’ll admit I thought Nate showed amazing restraint throughout most of this book considering everything he was dealing with and the way the media tried to constantly twist his words. I appreciated the fact that he kept his eye on the game and did everything in his power to keep his team moving forward in the playoffs. He worked hard both on and off the ice to better himself every day.

I admired Anne for sticking to her guns in regards to the way she put together the shows for Eye of the Storm; the way she wanted to show the people and relationships behind the stars and ended up producing something very special. Her relationship with Nate did put her job in jeopardy and the vile things that were said about her on social media only exacerbated the issue, but she just kept on and gave it her all. Anne was also dealing with some personal issues with her mother and I have to say I give her so much credit for living her life for her and not giving in to her mother’s pressure to live a completely different life.

I liked the easy, fun and sexy banter between Nate and Anne and while I do believe they make a great couple, I didn’t feel a whole lot of sizzle between them. Their relationship moved fairly slowly which was fine, but it almost seemed that it was based more on comfort than overt attraction and to be honest there’s nothing wrong with that and given everything going on in their lives and the world around them, it was really quite appropriate and quite different.

This book was at times difficult to read because it just came too close to home; however despite the heavy subject matter and all the social issues tackled within the pages of Game Breaker, Ms. Gayle still managed to give us a great little romance with two people who desperately needed one another in their lives.

[Tammy’s Timeout · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...But I don't think that's what most of the world is like. I choose to believe that most people are good. Most realise that hatred based on someone being different is truly just fear of what they don't understand. So you can make this into something bigger than what it is if you want, but I'm not going to play along. I'm going to go about my life like I always have."

It is this speech by Nate Golston, otherwise known as Ghost to his Portland Storm teammates and the rest of the NHL, that sums up the basis of Catherine Gayle's latest addition to her best-selling Portland Storm series, Game Breaker. It is here that we meet Nate and Anne and travel along with them in their journey in finding love, in these somewhat tumultuous times that is the world we live in today.Life is not always fair, pretty or straightforward and I just love that Ms Gayle broaches on this within her books. I was captivated right from the beginning of Game Breaker, in fact before the beginning, with the Acknowledgements reeling me in and I knew from that moment that Game Breaker would not only be a book that would tell a great story, it would do so in relevance to today's society and the sad events that often occur in real life. Now don't get me wrong, Game Breaker is funny, it's about hockey and above all it is a love story - how cool is it that one book hit's the mark in so many ways? It is the disclosure of real life issues, combined with the main story of Nate, and Anne Dennison and their blossoming attraction to one another that makes this book another winner in the Portland Storm series

Anne is filming Eye of the Storm, a series based on the Portland Storm players and their lives, filming their games, their trainings, post-match interviews in the locker rooms, as well as some scope into the players (and management and coaches) personal time. It is here, through Anne's filming for the webisodes of Eye of the Storm that we are reintroduced to familiar and well-loved characters from previous books and see glimmers of stories yet to come.

Anne is a woman working hard in a predominantly male industry, having trouble with her family and a self-confessed "geeky teenager". Nate is one of the few black NHL players, and even though he is fast, talented and touted as a game breaker, " the kind of player who could get on a scoring streak and almost singlehandedly destroy another team in a seven-game series.", he encounters racial tension from members of the crowds during his games. Throughout these obstacles, the flirting and attraction these two engage in make for fun reading, both stubborn and determined in their own battles, imagine what they could conquer together!

The Portland Storm series, and the follow-on series The Tulsa Thunderbirds have introduced me to the world of ice hockey, and I am now an avid fan, both of these books and the NHL and it's players! Game Breaker has just enough hockey in it to satisfy most fans, with the usual mix of team bonding and comraderie, swearing and game time. If you love hockey and dogs, are a fan of a well-written story with engaging interactions, real-life issues, some hot and steamy sex scenes as well as being a thoughtful and provocative read, then Game Breaker is the book for you. Thank you, Catherine Gayle for once again leading me into your wonderful world that is the Portland Storm, a place I can't wait to visit again sometime soon!

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author for an honest review.

Game Breaker is Catherine Gayle’s fourteenth book in the Portland Storm Series. The story revolves around Left Wing Nate “Ghost” Golston, the only dark-skinned player in the Storm and the sports reporter with Indian roots Anne Dennison who have been flirting with each other during interviews for the past couple of months. Anne has just been handed the production of "Eye of the Storm", a behind-the-scenes web series on the Portland Storm.

Nate is a shorter-than-average hockey player but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed. While he still has not found his optimum game play, he has the potential to become a game breaker on ice, leading the Storm to the finals and subsequently the Cup. However, during one game, fans of the opposing team start using racist slurs due to a racist-related incident happening previously in the same city they were playing in. Consequently, Nate finds it hard to focus on the game and on who to trust outside of his team, especially anyone related to the media since he is trying to minimize what the media are trying to inflate.

Meanwhile, Anne also is going through some internal struggles of her own. While her bosses are pushing for the racist incidences to be given priority in order to reel in more viewers, she is uncertain whether she should follow their dictates and keep her job or follow her gut instinct and risk it. At the same time, while she has to deal with personal problems with her mother and the maternal side of the family, she is being subjected to sexist innuendos and discrediting insults on the social media, which she is determined to ignore.

As the book progresses, Anne must decide whether her position in a male-dominated world is worth risking, pursuing the flirtations with Nate to a potential relationship only to be limited by her personal insecurities until a life-threatening situation opens her eyes to the answer she had been looking for.

While the relationship between Nate and Anne is pretty standard with the couple having to overcome some obstacles related to work and culture, the setting within which the book is set is pretty emotional and close to the hearts of many due to the many problematic issues we have in today's society which are included in the book. Catherine's dedication, “this one goes out to everyone whose heart is breaking, much like mine, because of the state of our world today”, and her acknowledgements mirror the sentiments of many who, like Catherine, hope to wake up in a better world.

In my opinion, this book is one of the most important in the series. The author uses Nate’s and Anne’s points-of-view to pave the way for the upcoming books, some already known while keeping the readers guessing at which other characters might follow with his own story. One thing which is different in this book than the most recent ones is that a good portion of the story focuses on the team members, coaches, management and their family, continuing the one-big-family theme surrounding the Storm. Sexual orientation also plays a minor role in the book and some of the older characters in the previous books are portrayed in a different light because of it due to the how it influences the character’s life and role.

This is definitely one book which must not be missed.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Gayle has done it again with Nate and Anne and another wonderful addition to the Portland Storm series! This book completely had me at the Dedication and Acknowledgements. Make sure you read those as Catherine so eloquently speaks about the less than tolerable state of our society these days, which also happens to be very relevant to this story.
Amidst this love story about hockey player Nate Golston, Ghost as he is called by his teammates, one of the few colored athletes in hockey and Anne Dennison, one of the few females in the sports broadcasting world; this is also the story of how ignorant people sometimes react to both of those scenarios.
Anne has been hired to produce a web series about what goes on behind the scenes of the Portland Storm. She and Nate have a history of flirting for the last two years that goes back to her days as a reporter. The flirting gradually turns into much more and I love how slow their relationship develops because of all the other issues going on around them. They are so good for each other.
We see how Ghost has to deal with racial slurs and tension and how Anne, besides having to deal with obvious sexism by her superiors, has to deal with a mother who is from another culture and doesn't like Anne's career choice or that Anne has adopted more of the style of her American father. But even though Anne is more Americanized, her mother's words have hurt her in many ways and have made her very closed off sexually and I just love how Nate handles that. He is everything I hoped he would be and more.
Catherine shows us throughout their story how Nate and Anne, the players on the team and their families are affected by the racism directed at Nate as well as the racial violence going on outside the arena. We see how difficult it is for a woman in a "man's world" who is also facing her own issues because she is not behaving Indian enough for her mother. We even get to see how for another athlete, how "coming out" has become such a media circus. But the way his family handled it was just beautiful. So relevant at this time and all told in such a touching way by Catherine.
I really love how through Anne's job, we are able to touch base with all of the players we have come to know and love including Eric Z who is with Tulsa now. I was so happy to get more of Soupy but sorry for all of his injuries. It is an awesome gift when an author can somehow seamlessly intertwine the lives of the characters we have met in her other books into the current story. I feel as though this was a very unique way of doing that and was grateful for that glimpse.

[Katharine OConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest in the Portland Storm series does not disappoint. In typical Catherine Gayle fashion, we have strong chemistry, well developed and interesting main characters, funny moments with secondary characters, including kids and pets (dogs, in this case) who are more than just plot devices, and an insightful and moving treatment of challenging issues in our world. Oh, and hockey, and sexytimes. I may have left some things out of my list, because Catherine Gayle’s books have it all, and Ghost Dance is no exception. This is the story of Nate (“Ghost”) and Anne, who we first met in a prior book and who have been flirting with one another For. Ever. Just as they should be getting together, controversy off the ice becomes controversy on the ice, and Nate and Anne’s romance becomes complicated. I don’t really want to give away the plot, but I will say that Catherine Gayle’s treatment of racial tensions and violence is beautifully done, and that there is a crucial chapter that had me first crying, then cheering.
Many romance books have a “conflict” involving a female character’s career, wherein it would destroy her career to be involved with the hero, but her hormones overrule her brain and the hero tells her it will be fine and he’ll take care of her, and presto change-o, suddenly the heroine’s career doesn’t matter. I HATE THAT. This book contains that same conflict, but Catherine Gayle handles it respectfully, as does Nate, and the resolution is both satisfying and realistic.
The last thing I want to mention here is that Catherine Gayle has done a brilliant job creating a world for her Portland Storm characters, and it feels like coming home for a long-time fan to read one of these books. Ghost Dance gives us glimpses of characters from past books, with corresponding updates on their lives; Catherine Gayle uses the web show Anne produces to seamlessly blend in the entire Portland Storm family without it feeling forced. At the same time, the focus on Nate is a focus on a somewhat younger and definitely newer player than past books have featured, and the book allows us to get to know more of the younger players better—which appropriately whets one’s appetite for the next two books in the series. This book should not be missed, whether you are a Portland Storm fan already or not.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read 2023


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**********I was offered a ARC from the author, in return of a honest review***********

Catherine Gayle posted the blurb and cover of this book a long time ago. Therefore I knew going into it, it would probably tear me apart. I wasn't prepared though for it to feel so much like a movie cut out of real life. This made it hard to read but at the same time so worth it.

Nate is a hockey player who is slowly coming into his role as a "game breaker". Eventhough he is a full time professional NHL player he is determined to get a college degree even if it takes years to get it. I can't tell you how much I admired him for his dedication both to the sport and to the dreams of his parents.

Anne on the other hand is trying very hard to find a place for herself in a world that is male dominated and harsh. I was fascinated by her strength and curage in her work life. While at the same time dealing with feeling inadequate because of how her mother threaded her.

The struggles those two have mirrors our society today, no matter in which country we live. This is also what made it so hard to read. I was in shock and anger while reading what Nate and Annw had to deal with. I bevr have been threaded unfair because of my skin color. So you could say I am privileged. And I probably am, but seeing our world today and what people who are different have to deal with just makes me frustraded and angry.

Yet the unterlining message of this book is one of respect and love. It shows how important friends & families are. How important it is to dream and follow those dreams and not to let others take us down. And for that I am grateful. It is so easy to give up on society in this tiring times. This books helps me to keep holding on hope and not to give up dreaming of a better tomorrow for all of us.

This book is now my favourite one (tie in with Comeback) of this series. Catherine Gayle just keeps getting better and better.