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Portland Storm #11
Power Play
This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN13: 9781942177203.
She’s got the dress; he’s got the honeymoon. Why not tie the knot?
Honeymooning alone in Cabo, injured Portland Storm center Riley Jezek would do anything to get back at his cheating ex-fiancée and backstabbing brother. When a knockout blonde sits next to him at the bar, Riley’s ready to erase the memories of his ex. But when he notices the tears threatening to stain the blonde’s wedding gown, Riley decides it’s time for a Power Play.
Mackenzie Cain thought she had it all figured out. She found the man. She found the fairytale. She thought it was her dream come true. She was wrong. What she found was a nightmare with a crazy fetish. Alone and dressed in couture was not how she envisioned her wedding night.
When the sexy hockey player makes her an offer, Mackenzie can’t refuse. After all, Prince Charming always shows up by chance. But can Riley’s attempt at revenge turn Mackenzie’s new reality into a page-turning romance?
She’s got the dress; he’s got the honeymoon. Why not tie the knot?
Honeymooning alone in Cabo, injured Portland Storm center Riley Jezek would do anything to get back at his cheating ex-fiancée and backstabbing brother. When a knockout blonde sits next to him at the bar, Riley’s ready to erase the memories of his ex. But when he notices the tears threatening to stain the blonde’s wedding gown, Riley decides it’s time for a Power Play.
Mackenzie Cain thought she had it all figured out. She found the man. She found the fairytale. She thought it was her dream come true. She was wrong. What she found was a nightmare with a crazy fetish. Alone and dressed in couture was not how she envisioned her wedding night.
When the sexy hockey player makes her an offer, Mackenzie can’t refuse. After all, Prince Charming always shows up by chance. But can Riley’s attempt at revenge turn Mackenzie’s new reality into a page-turning romance?
ebook
First published June 29, 2017
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About the author
Catherine Gayle
74 books924 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 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 30, 2018
I have to admit that this started out a big shaky for me since I had a hard time buying the premise at first, but these two won me over.
Riley Jezek is taking his honeymoon to Cabo alone after discovering his fiancee's betrayal. Mackenzie Cain followed the promise of online love to Cabo, but it did not turn out how she imagined. Both of them are alone on their expected wedding day. A bit of emotional turmoil, some alcohol, a desperate woman, and a deal is born. Riley feels like it is getting revenge at his fiancee in a way, but he also has a need to protect and help the struggling Mackenzie.
These two are actually alike in many ways. They have both been frequently disappointed and did not have loving, supportive families. They both have abandonment issues and are guarded. They are always expecting the other shoe to drop and for life to disappoint them. They are both afraid of getting close and then being left, especially Mackenzie. She has a hard time believing in herself or having faith in them. She does not think happy-ever-afters like she reads in romance novels will ever apply to her. They have some challenges to face, have to step out of their comfort zones, and learn to be a team.
They are thrust together as strangers just learning who each other are and trying to build a new life together. He just wants her to fit into his life, to support her, and to make her happy. She wants to be more sure and independent, but also to take care of him and those he cares about.
The shy, sweet, naive, and unsure Mackenzie has plenty of chances to show growth. She has to take on things she never thought she could, but is fearful and often second-guesses herself. Riley believes in her and just wants her to believe in herself and him. But he also has his own fears. They do not always do well talking about serious things and their feelings. They are so scared of rocking the boat, they are not always forthcoming. But overall there is not a lot of relationship angst or drama, and it deals more with handling life issues.
It was a sweet, sexy, and romantic story with an "insta-couple" trying to make it real. Despite starting out as strangers, they were compatible. They laughed, had great chemistry, and similar feelings, and goals. She had a lot to learn about his world, and they both were discovering what it really means to have a partner.
Despite my reservations in the beginning, I became attached to this couple and ended up loving them together. It was told in dual points of view and featured some of our Storm faves. Nate (Ghost) and Anne were featured as he is Riley's best friends. But the other guys and the WAGS also filtered in. Max and Lola were big characters that made me smile often. I always love returning to the Storm world and I am looking forward to with with Colesy, Koz, and Hammer.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
Riley Jezek is taking his honeymoon to Cabo alone after discovering his fiancee's betrayal. Mackenzie Cain followed the promise of online love to Cabo, but it did not turn out how she imagined. Both of them are alone on their expected wedding day. A bit of emotional turmoil, some alcohol, a desperate woman, and a deal is born. Riley feels like it is getting revenge at his fiancee in a way, but he also has a need to protect and help the struggling Mackenzie.
These two are actually alike in many ways. They have both been frequently disappointed and did not have loving, supportive families. They both have abandonment issues and are guarded. They are always expecting the other shoe to drop and for life to disappoint them. They are both afraid of getting close and then being left, especially Mackenzie. She has a hard time believing in herself or having faith in them. She does not think happy-ever-afters like she reads in romance novels will ever apply to her. They have some challenges to face, have to step out of their comfort zones, and learn to be a team.
They are thrust together as strangers just learning who each other are and trying to build a new life together. He just wants her to fit into his life, to support her, and to make her happy. She wants to be more sure and independent, but also to take care of him and those he cares about.
The shy, sweet, naive, and unsure Mackenzie has plenty of chances to show growth. She has to take on things she never thought she could, but is fearful and often second-guesses herself. Riley believes in her and just wants her to believe in herself and him. But he also has his own fears. They do not always do well talking about serious things and their feelings. They are so scared of rocking the boat, they are not always forthcoming. But overall there is not a lot of relationship angst or drama, and it deals more with handling life issues.
It was a sweet, sexy, and romantic story with an "insta-couple" trying to make it real. Despite starting out as strangers, they were compatible. They laughed, had great chemistry, and similar feelings, and goals. She had a lot to learn about his world, and they both were discovering what it really means to have a partner.
Despite my reservations in the beginning, I became attached to this couple and ended up loving them together. It was told in dual points of view and featured some of our Storm faves. Nate (Ghost) and Anne were featured as he is Riley's best friends. But the other guys and the WAGS also filtered in. Max and Lola were big characters that made me smile often. I always love returning to the Storm world and I am looking forward to with with Colesy, Koz, and Hammer.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
July 13, 2017
They say misery loves company. So the solution to the fact Riley and Mackenzie are both on their honeymoons… by themselves is easy, they should get married to each other and then figure life together out.
Determined not to let his deceitful ex-finacée win, NHL star Riley Jezek, went on his honeymoon… alone. That is until he notices a gorgeous blond in a bar, crying while wearing her wedding dress. Fueled by alcohol and vengeance, he makes a very spur of the moment decision.
Mackenzie Cain wanted the fairy tale, and thinking she had found it, she went for it and almost made the worst mistake of her life. Stranded in a foreign country without a way to get back, Mackenzie accepts Riley’s offer to get married and come back with him. But is she settling for a possibly nice friendship or can they make their relationship a happily ever after kind?
I’ve read every single book in the series, which is a lot because this is book #16, and have come to rely on Catherine Gayle’s practiced storytelling, because I know every time I open one of her books I’ll be betting all the feels, exciting hockey action and a camaraderie between past and present characters that will leave me very satisfied.
Even though all of the books in the series have hockey in common, they all feel different and fresh. Sometimes with deeper more serious issues and sometimes touching yet light hearted ones like Power Play.
Both Mackenzie and Riley are very likeable characters and even though the seemed to be very different, they had a lot in common, including the fact that they felt they could only ever rely on themselves. A matter which changed the moment they rushed into marriage. Even when it was for all the wrong reasons and went about it in an unconventional order, they went from lovers to friends to soul mates.
Taking their marriage seriously, they both cared for each other and in Mackenzie’s case she even got over some serious fears with Riley’s help, which helped to further endear herself to him. I enjoyed watching all the hot sexiness, thoughtfulness and loving moments between them.
I also loved Riley’s dogs, Max and Lola, who were featured throughout the story and at times threatened to take over. But Catherine did an excellent job balancing everything, including having Riley’s teammates and their significant others help and support the main couple.
Power Play is book #16 in the Portland Storm series by Catherine Gayle. It is a standalone, full-length contemporary sports romance. Told from two points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2tT4nnU
4.5 stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Determined not to let his deceitful ex-finacée win, NHL star Riley Jezek, went on his honeymoon… alone. That is until he notices a gorgeous blond in a bar, crying while wearing her wedding dress. Fueled by alcohol and vengeance, he makes a very spur of the moment decision.
Mackenzie Cain wanted the fairy tale, and thinking she had found it, she went for it and almost made the worst mistake of her life. Stranded in a foreign country without a way to get back, Mackenzie accepts Riley’s offer to get married and come back with him. But is she settling for a possibly nice friendship or can they make their relationship a happily ever after kind?
I’ve read every single book in the series, which is a lot because this is book #16, and have come to rely on Catherine Gayle’s practiced storytelling, because I know every time I open one of her books I’ll be betting all the feels, exciting hockey action and a camaraderie between past and present characters that will leave me very satisfied.
Even though all of the books in the series have hockey in common, they all feel different and fresh. Sometimes with deeper more serious issues and sometimes touching yet light hearted ones like Power Play.
Both Mackenzie and Riley are very likeable characters and even though the seemed to be very different, they had a lot in common, including the fact that they felt they could only ever rely on themselves. A matter which changed the moment they rushed into marriage. Even when it was for all the wrong reasons and went about it in an unconventional order, they went from lovers to friends to soul mates.
Taking their marriage seriously, they both cared for each other and in Mackenzie’s case she even got over some serious fears with Riley’s help, which helped to further endear herself to him. I enjoyed watching all the hot sexiness, thoughtfulness and loving moments between them.
I also loved Riley’s dogs, Max and Lola, who were featured throughout the story and at times threatened to take over. But Catherine did an excellent job balancing everything, including having Riley’s teammates and their significant others help and support the main couple.
Power Play is book #16 in the Portland Storm series by Catherine Gayle. It is a standalone, full-length contemporary sports romance. Told from two points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2tT4nnU
4.5 stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
June 29, 2017
I’m a big believer in fate so Catherine Gayle’s Power Play was right up my alley; two people quite possibly at the worst moments in their lives are drawn together and for different reasons decide to take a leap and jump in to marriage. While I wasn’t convinced they made the right decision to rush into marriage, I was convinced that fate brought these two together at a time when they needed one another desperately. I loved every sweet, caring, loving, learning, and sexy moment of Power Play and once again Ms. Gayle has proved why she is an auto-buy for me.
After finding in fiancée in bed with his brother, injured Portland Storm player Riley Jezek is in Cabo on what was supposed to be his wedding day and subsequent honeymoon. Drinking his way through a bottle of tequila, he is drawn to Mackenzie Cain, a young woman in a wedding dress looking distraught and crying. Riley’s tequila brain decides the best way to get back at his ex and his brother is to marry this girl and Mackenzie is quick to accept hoping that Riley is the romance novel hero she’s always envisioned.
Yes, their marriage was born out of tequila, lust, and desperation, but there was something so endearing about the way Riley wanted to care for Mackenzie. While very different situations, both Riley and Mackenzie didn’t have family they could count on and thus began the bond that would keep them going. I enjoyed watching them uncover little things about one another, and they way that Riley helped Mackenzie overcome some of her fears. I appreciated how Mackenzie was determined to make Riley’s life easier and not be a burden to him despite the way their relationship started. While they both had some issues with trust and Mackenzie truly believed she was incapable of love, together they muddled their way through along with Riley’s Mastiff’s Max and Lola and became their own little family with little drama or angst (and I thank you for that Catherine).
I absolutely loved the way Riley’s teammates as well as the WAGS rallied around these two and made sure they both knew they had support, friendship, and something better than family in their lives. It’s always entertaining when this group gets together.
Power Play might be a romance in reverse with the marriage taking place before the love comes into play, regardless I could not put this book down.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 1, 2017
3.5 stars
Ever since really getting to know RJ and his mastiffs in Game Breaker, I’ve been hoping to see him find a better suited love interest than his then-fiancé. Unfortunately, while I cannot deny he did just that, I have to admit Power Play wasn’t my favorite book within this series. I suspect much like the previous release in the Portland Storm series, readers’ enjoyment will come down to their perception of the heroine.
Though I try not to let a heroine or hero who handles things differently than I would sway me from enjoying a book on the whole, I never could connect with Mackenzie. I think her overwhelming uncertainty and wide-eyed innocence made it exceedingly difficult to empathize with her. Though Mackenzie’s low self-confidence made sense given her history, it took a bit longer than I expected to see marked growth and her nerves ended up wearing on my patience. I was happy to see Mackenzie get there and thought RJ and her story had a satisfying, enjoyable conclusion, but this couple failed to capture my full attention. That said, I did like how much Lola and Max factored into the couple’s story. While Power Play didn’t revolve around the dogs, they were major secondary characters and added a fun, different side to this hockey romance.
As usual, Miss Gayle’s writing flowed well, there was a good amount of heat, and the dialogue wove into the narration seamlessly. I did think the pacing lagged a bit, but that is likely a result of my interest waning because I failed to embrace these characters. As for the hockey element, this author always delivers details that keep hockey fans just as happy as those readers who don’t watch the sport regularly. Though Power Play was a miss for me, I think plenty of fans of the author and series will love the sweet, easy romance between RJ and Mackenzie.
*I received an eARC of this book from the author's PA. The author and publisher had no influence over my review*
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Ever since really getting to know RJ and his mastiffs in Game Breaker, I’ve been hoping to see him find a better suited love interest than his then-fiancé. Unfortunately, while I cannot deny he did just that, I have to admit Power Play wasn’t my favorite book within this series. I suspect much like the previous release in the Portland Storm series, readers’ enjoyment will come down to their perception of the heroine.
Though I try not to let a heroine or hero who handles things differently than I would sway me from enjoying a book on the whole, I never could connect with Mackenzie. I think her overwhelming uncertainty and wide-eyed innocence made it exceedingly difficult to empathize with her. Though Mackenzie’s low self-confidence made sense given her history, it took a bit longer than I expected to see marked growth and her nerves ended up wearing on my patience. I was happy to see Mackenzie get there and thought RJ and her story had a satisfying, enjoyable conclusion, but this couple failed to capture my full attention. That said, I did like how much Lola and Max factored into the couple’s story. While Power Play didn’t revolve around the dogs, they were major secondary characters and added a fun, different side to this hockey romance.
As usual, Miss Gayle’s writing flowed well, there was a good amount of heat, and the dialogue wove into the narration seamlessly. I did think the pacing lagged a bit, but that is likely a result of my interest waning because I failed to embrace these characters. As for the hockey element, this author always delivers details that keep hockey fans just as happy as those readers who don’t watch the sport regularly. Though Power Play was a miss for me, I think plenty of fans of the author and series will love the sweet, easy romance between RJ and Mackenzie.
*I received an eARC of this book from the author's PA. The author and publisher had no influence over my review*
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
July 4, 2017
Facing your Fears
What a heart warming read. Everyone needs someone even if it's just for companionship. Riley had it all or so it seemed. He had a successful career two loving pets and a if house , with a cheating fiancée. When he met Mackenzie he wanted revenge on his ex and she had nothing not even a place to go home to she was the answer he was looking for. Mackenzie was his missing piece. Mackenzie was a naive young woman having been sheltered through her foster homes yet neglected in affection that she was afraid of the simplest things. She turned everything around and made it her fault bad things happened. She was afraid to love or be loved. She was essentially afraid of her own shadow. Through her fear and doubts can Riley teach her to love? Can they become the family he wants and needs even though there beginning was one of convenience and not love? If your an animal lover you will love this book. A lot of it's based around the characters and their animals.
What a heart warming read. Everyone needs someone even if it's just for companionship. Riley had it all or so it seemed. He had a successful career two loving pets and a if house , with a cheating fiancée. When he met Mackenzie he wanted revenge on his ex and she had nothing not even a place to go home to she was the answer he was looking for. Mackenzie was his missing piece. Mackenzie was a naive young woman having been sheltered through her foster homes yet neglected in affection that she was afraid of the simplest things. She turned everything around and made it her fault bad things happened. She was afraid to love or be loved. She was essentially afraid of her own shadow. Through her fear and doubts can Riley teach her to love? Can they become the family he wants and needs even though there beginning was one of convenience and not love? If your an animal lover you will love this book. A lot of it's based around the characters and their animals.
March 5, 2018
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
June 28, 2017
3.5-4 stars
Two weddings cancelled at the last minute mean a bride and groom are each flying solo in Mexico. Riley Jezek would love to get back at his cheating ex-fiance and brother. McKenzie Cain needs a way back to the states after the fairytale she thought she had found fell apart.
I had a hard time with much of the beginning of this story. McKenzie is so over the top in her romantic notions of life (despite repeated reminders that she grew up in unstable foster care) that I had a hard time feeling sympathetic or being able to support her decisions.
As they returned to Portland, and McKenzie started making Riley’s home and the city her own, some of my frustrations were eased as they faced the challenges of getting to know one another and making plans together.
Both characters are slowly developing feelings for the stranger they married so impulsively. I liked the pace of the emotional side of the relationship, even as the physical side moved whip-lash fast. They are absolute strangers when they marry, sharing only a strong physical attraction and broken dreams. As they spend time together, they learn more about the other, albeit slowly.
McKenzie has some things she has to face about herself in order to make things work with Riley, the biggest being her absolute terror towards dogs. I loved watching the relationship between her and the dogs build as she learned to trust the gentle giants.
Overall this was a sweet, light fairy tale-like romance. It read very quickly, so even when I was frustrated with the characters they moved past it (and learned from mistakes) quickly. I loved seeing the Storm teammates, particularly Nate as he is Riley’s best friend.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Two weddings cancelled at the last minute mean a bride and groom are each flying solo in Mexico. Riley Jezek would love to get back at his cheating ex-fiance and brother. McKenzie Cain needs a way back to the states after the fairytale she thought she had found fell apart.
I had a hard time with much of the beginning of this story. McKenzie is so over the top in her romantic notions of life (despite repeated reminders that she grew up in unstable foster care) that I had a hard time feeling sympathetic or being able to support her decisions.
As they returned to Portland, and McKenzie started making Riley’s home and the city her own, some of my frustrations were eased as they faced the challenges of getting to know one another and making plans together.
Both characters are slowly developing feelings for the stranger they married so impulsively. I liked the pace of the emotional side of the relationship, even as the physical side moved whip-lash fast. They are absolute strangers when they marry, sharing only a strong physical attraction and broken dreams. As they spend time together, they learn more about the other, albeit slowly.
McKenzie has some things she has to face about herself in order to make things work with Riley, the biggest being her absolute terror towards dogs. I loved watching the relationship between her and the dogs build as she learned to trust the gentle giants.
Overall this was a sweet, light fairy tale-like romance. It read very quickly, so even when I was frustrated with the characters they moved past it (and learned from mistakes) quickly. I loved seeing the Storm teammates, particularly Nate as he is Riley’s best friend.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2017
I love the Portland Storm series and this book is almost as good as the rest.
So, what do you do when you get injured playing the sport you love and then you are supposed to get married but find your fiancee in bed with your brother? If your Riley Jezek, professional hockey player with the Portland Storm, you go on your honeymoon to Cabo by yourself. That is exactly what he did.
While RJ is sitting in a bar trying to drink his troubles away he notices a woman wearing a wedding dress with tears streaming down her face. Even though he has had a few too many, RJ is drawn to this woman and goes to talk to her.
Mackenzie Cain is young and a bit naive. She loves romance novels and believes in happily ever after endings. She thinks she has found it and has come to Cabo to get married to someone she only met online. Things are not as she pictured them as soon as she steps off the plane and calls off the wedding. She is now stranded in Cabo with no place to go and no money to get home.
Through this chance meeting RJ and Mackenzie decide to get married to each other. There are ups and downs in this story but two of my favorite characters are Max and Lola, RJ's mastiffs.
I won't give any spoilers away, but as always, things work out in the end.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So, what do you do when you get injured playing the sport you love and then you are supposed to get married but find your fiancee in bed with your brother? If your Riley Jezek, professional hockey player with the Portland Storm, you go on your honeymoon to Cabo by yourself. That is exactly what he did.
While RJ is sitting in a bar trying to drink his troubles away he notices a woman wearing a wedding dress with tears streaming down her face. Even though he has had a few too many, RJ is drawn to this woman and goes to talk to her.
Mackenzie Cain is young and a bit naive. She loves romance novels and believes in happily ever after endings. She thinks she has found it and has come to Cabo to get married to someone she only met online. Things are not as she pictured them as soon as she steps off the plane and calls off the wedding. She is now stranded in Cabo with no place to go and no money to get home.
Through this chance meeting RJ and Mackenzie decide to get married to each other. There are ups and downs in this story but two of my favorite characters are Max and Lola, RJ's mastiffs.
I won't give any spoilers away, but as always, things work out in the end.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
Two cancelled wedding, and two lost souls. Why not marry each other?
I never miss a Catherine Gayle book, because I love all of her books. Except this one. I really, really, wanted to enjoy it, and I thought Riley was great… But I thought Mackenzie was incredibly annoying. I kept thinking she was going to get better, but she didn’t. She had zero confidence in herself, incredibly naive and sheltered (which doesn’t fit considering she was a foster child), afraid of dogs, afraid of everything… She seriously annoyed me the entire book.
I did enjoy the story line, and I loved the insights of Riley talking to, and about, his teammates. It’s always fun to catch up with the boys from the Portland Storm, but this book just wasn’t for me.
I never miss a Catherine Gayle book, because I love all of her books. Except this one. I really, really, wanted to enjoy it, and I thought Riley was great… But I thought Mackenzie was incredibly annoying. I kept thinking she was going to get better, but she didn’t. She had zero confidence in herself, incredibly naive and sheltered (which doesn’t fit considering she was a foster child), afraid of dogs, afraid of everything… She seriously annoyed me the entire book.
I did enjoy the story line, and I loved the insights of Riley talking to, and about, his teammates. It’s always fun to catch up with the boys from the Portland Storm, but this book just wasn’t for me.
June 25, 2017
It's been a long time coming, but Power Play was most definitely worth waiting for. Self - assured Riley Jezek has just been dealt a dual blow. Injury and scandal just landed on his front door, two things he never saw coming. What's a guy to do when he's betrayed by two people he should never have trusted? Even the score (of course)! When the perfect ally crosses his path, he sets the plan in motion, but will his ever developing feelings cost him the winning shot? Inspired by classic romance, Ms. Gayle sets the heart racing and the hormones blazing with this gold worthy performance.
July 2, 2017
A great addition to the series. I loved the addition of the focus on the animals. Both Riley and Mackenzie had a lot of personal obstacles to overcome to make their marriage work. I enjoyed watching the dynamics between humans and animals. Full of believing in yourself, believing in love, conquering fears, trust, love, and passion.
September 6, 2017
Holy crap... I've read this book a couple times since I have gotten it and it's addicting. This whole series by Catherine Gayle is. It's definitely on my top reads list. I hope you give her a chance because I can almost promise you that you will love it just as much as I do!
June 29, 2017
I loved this story. The beginning was a bit OTT and author had used "and whatnot" which is two too many words.
Otherwise 5 stars for rich love story with truly sweet characters.
Otherwise 5 stars for rich love story with truly sweet characters.
June 30, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Power Play is the sixteenth book in the Portland Storm Series featuring Riley Jezek, better known as “RJ”. One would think that with so many books in the series, the story will get old fast. This is not the case for Catherine Gayle. She manages to deliver another great read with larger-than-life characters having “real” issues – Catherine-Gayle style!
RJ comes home early from a road trip due to an injury to find his fiancée cheating with his brother, few days away from their wedding. Obviously, the wedding is off and RJ ends honeymooning alone in Cabo with a swollen ankle. While in a cantina trying to drown his sorrows with tequila, he meets Mackenzie in a wedding dress and from his haze he realizes that she is crying. With some coaxing and cajoling, he convinces her to join him and recount what has happened to her. Unfortunately, Mackenzie had been deceived by her fiancé and had sold all her possessions to come to Mexico and marry him. Thankfully, she realized in the nick of time that he was not what he appeared and refused to marry him. Wham, pam! RJ offers her to marry him and they end up husband and wife.
Their time in Mexico is perfect from a physical point of view however they failed to try to get to know each other in other ways. For example, RJ failed to mention that he has two huge but cute mastiffs, Max and Lola, who believe they are lapdogs and Mackenzie failed to mention that she is petrified of dogs so their homecoming is far from perfect. However, together they try to make this marriage work. Thankfully, there are always the Storm members and the WAGS ready to lend a hand.
Mackenzie might be thought of as weak and insecure due to her being felt as unwanted and unloved all her life. However, throughout the book, little by little and with the help of her love for books which helped her through difficult times, we get to know what a sweet strong person she is. RJ’s domestic life was also complicated but together with Mackenzie, he tries to find a way to make their family strong.
The best part of the book, in my opinion, are Max and Lola! There is a popular belief that children and animals seem to recognize the kind-hearted people. Max immediately appoints himself as Mackenzie’s guardian but Lola ends up become an even bigger star when Mackenzie finds herself in a potentially dangerous situation. There are plenty of funny moments with these two around!
Thanks Ms. Gayle for another lovely read. I’m sure there’s some Mackenzie in all of us and while this story is fiction, it may be an inspiration to others not to give up and fight for what you want.
RJ comes home early from a road trip due to an injury to find his fiancée cheating with his brother, few days away from their wedding. Obviously, the wedding is off and RJ ends honeymooning alone in Cabo with a swollen ankle. While in a cantina trying to drown his sorrows with tequila, he meets Mackenzie in a wedding dress and from his haze he realizes that she is crying. With some coaxing and cajoling, he convinces her to join him and recount what has happened to her. Unfortunately, Mackenzie had been deceived by her fiancé and had sold all her possessions to come to Mexico and marry him. Thankfully, she realized in the nick of time that he was not what he appeared and refused to marry him. Wham, pam! RJ offers her to marry him and they end up husband and wife.
Their time in Mexico is perfect from a physical point of view however they failed to try to get to know each other in other ways. For example, RJ failed to mention that he has two huge but cute mastiffs, Max and Lola, who believe they are lapdogs and Mackenzie failed to mention that she is petrified of dogs so their homecoming is far from perfect. However, together they try to make this marriage work. Thankfully, there are always the Storm members and the WAGS ready to lend a hand.
Mackenzie might be thought of as weak and insecure due to her being felt as unwanted and unloved all her life. However, throughout the book, little by little and with the help of her love for books which helped her through difficult times, we get to know what a sweet strong person she is. RJ’s domestic life was also complicated but together with Mackenzie, he tries to find a way to make their family strong.
The best part of the book, in my opinion, are Max and Lola! There is a popular belief that children and animals seem to recognize the kind-hearted people. Max immediately appoints himself as Mackenzie’s guardian but Lola ends up become an even bigger star when Mackenzie finds herself in a potentially dangerous situation. There are plenty of funny moments with these two around!
Thanks Ms. Gayle for another lovely read. I’m sure there’s some Mackenzie in all of us and while this story is fiction, it may be an inspiration to others not to give up and fight for what you want.
June 30, 2017
I wasn't sure how this story was going to play out after reading the summary but I enjoyed this book a lot. I didn't know whole lot about Riley, except that he and Amanda didn't seem suited for each other. Once RJ figures that out and throws her to the curb he is just days from his wedding and honeymoon. He is injured so he decides to still go on the trip sans Amanda. He is fairly drunk when he meets a crying Mackenzie who herself just walked away from own wedding. Mackenzie was vulnerable and needed help as she was stranded in Mexico with no idea how she was getting home. RJ came to her aide and the wound up getting married after an hour or so of knowing each other. Hence, my feelings about where this story was going.
Mackenzie and RJ have a lot in common and neither came from loving homes so there was no example for them to go by but somehow they were going to make it work. They had obstacles to overcome for sure and Mackenzie had a lot of love to give to everyone and everything she met. Even when she was afraid of Lola and Max, who by the way stole every scene they were in!
I also like that fact the you get to catch up with some familiar faces, like Babs and Katie whose heartbreaking quest continues.
Mackenzie is stronger than she thinks she is and she is constantly being tested as things come up with the dogs that she is becoming less and less afraid of. She is a hot mess but RJ makes her his hot mess and she eventually learns to bask in that fact. His sweet love and patience gives her the strength she needs to conquer her fears and realize she is a person of value.
This was a sweet and loving story that is so true of the most of the books in this series. RJ and Mackenzie learn that they don't have to only rely on themselves, they learn to rely on each other and in so doing they fall in love even if Riley's intent on marrying Mackenzie started with revenge. He soon learned that Mackenzie was perfect for him as he was for her.
I hope we see more of Max and Lola and Pheobe too! What a trio of animal characters! Ms. Gayle may not own dogs but you would never know that as she brought these two huge, lovable dogs to life, they need they own fan club, even if they are only in the pages of her books!
Mackenzie and RJ have a lot in common and neither came from loving homes so there was no example for them to go by but somehow they were going to make it work. They had obstacles to overcome for sure and Mackenzie had a lot of love to give to everyone and everything she met. Even when she was afraid of Lola and Max, who by the way stole every scene they were in!
I also like that fact the you get to catch up with some familiar faces, like Babs and Katie whose heartbreaking quest continues.
Mackenzie is stronger than she thinks she is and she is constantly being tested as things come up with the dogs that she is becoming less and less afraid of. She is a hot mess but RJ makes her his hot mess and she eventually learns to bask in that fact. His sweet love and patience gives her the strength she needs to conquer her fears and realize she is a person of value.
This was a sweet and loving story that is so true of the most of the books in this series. RJ and Mackenzie learn that they don't have to only rely on themselves, they learn to rely on each other and in so doing they fall in love even if Riley's intent on marrying Mackenzie started with revenge. He soon learned that Mackenzie was perfect for him as he was for her.
I hope we see more of Max and Lola and Pheobe too! What a trio of animal characters! Ms. Gayle may not own dogs but you would never know that as she brought these two huge, lovable dogs to life, they need they own fan club, even if they are only in the pages of her books!
July 5, 2017
Another winner for Catherine! I have been anticipating the release of this book because I wanted to see where this book might lead us. I kind of knew from the previous books that there was something up with Amber and Riley just wasn't seeing it...I have felt that he was in love with the idea of being in love. I was so furious with the first part of this book because of what Riley walked in on and then what Mackenzie had to deal with from the worthless dude she was supposed to marry. I was kind of surprised at how naive Mackenzie was considering that she lived in foster care but at the same time was heartened by the good foster care story she had except the frequent moving.
This book really showcases how sweet Riley is and how trusting he can be even after what happened with him previously. He really put his whole heart into this surprise marriage and worked with Mackenzie to help her trust and believe that what he felt was real. I love how Mackenize is accepted by the Storm family and no one gives her the suspicious treatment which I was worried about. You could really feel Mackenzie's fear of the dogs and it was really cute to see how Max quickly adopts Mackenzie and is so protective of her. It takes Lola a while longer but comes around and is just so sweet with the little kitten.
This story is so sweet and romantic that it makes you wish to have a Riley in your life. This book has some twists and turns that surprise you as well and it is something that you will truly enjoy. Catherine gave us another Stanley cup winner with this book and I cannot wait until the next installment so I can follow the Storm family! I was given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review and I believe that I have given that. Take a chance and you will not be sorry!
This book really showcases how sweet Riley is and how trusting he can be even after what happened with him previously. He really put his whole heart into this surprise marriage and worked with Mackenzie to help her trust and believe that what he felt was real. I love how Mackenize is accepted by the Storm family and no one gives her the suspicious treatment which I was worried about. You could really feel Mackenzie's fear of the dogs and it was really cute to see how Max quickly adopts Mackenzie and is so protective of her. It takes Lola a while longer but comes around and is just so sweet with the little kitten.
This story is so sweet and romantic that it makes you wish to have a Riley in your life. This book has some twists and turns that surprise you as well and it is something that you will truly enjoy. Catherine gave us another Stanley cup winner with this book and I cannot wait until the next installment so I can follow the Storm family! I was given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review and I believe that I have given that. Take a chance and you will not be sorry!
July 5, 2017
Everytime I read a book written by Ms Gayle I swear they are shorter and shorter! I devour them up and just keep on wanting more. I also have the same problem with the Hero of each book. Just when I think I have found my favourite, another one comes along and I love him just a little bit more.
So here we are up to Portland Storm series number 16. Coming from really a non Hockey playing country, I am loving the Hockey scenes, players and everything else that comes along. To which I do commend Ms Gayle for drawing me in and wanting more all of the time.
Power Pay is the story of RJ an awesome but injured First Liner and MacKenzie a wide-eyed novice to the world. Both have come from broken homes and youth and both have gotten to this point in life in their own different but odly similar ways.
RJ and MacKenzie are both in Cabo to get married to other people but instead find each other and on a whim marry each other and the rest of the installment has them working each other's lives out and figuring out how to live together and make this hasty arrangement work.
I love the whole series because I can escape and draw myself into warmly written characters and really want to be a character right in the midst of their worlds. I love how each professional sportsman has another side away from Hockey and us readers are allowed to peer into their lives.
I still of course want more and I think Catherine Gayle will be almost 100 before I get remotely sick of reading about the lives of the people of the Portland Storm.
So here we are up to Portland Storm series number 16. Coming from really a non Hockey playing country, I am loving the Hockey scenes, players and everything else that comes along. To which I do commend Ms Gayle for drawing me in and wanting more all of the time.
Power Pay is the story of RJ an awesome but injured First Liner and MacKenzie a wide-eyed novice to the world. Both have come from broken homes and youth and both have gotten to this point in life in their own different but odly similar ways.
RJ and MacKenzie are both in Cabo to get married to other people but instead find each other and on a whim marry each other and the rest of the installment has them working each other's lives out and figuring out how to live together and make this hasty arrangement work.
I love the whole series because I can escape and draw myself into warmly written characters and really want to be a character right in the midst of their worlds. I love how each professional sportsman has another side away from Hockey and us readers are allowed to peer into their lives.
I still of course want more and I think Catherine Gayle will be almost 100 before I get remotely sick of reading about the lives of the people of the Portland Storm.
August 23, 2017
Power Play is the latest in Cattherine Gayles's Portland Storm series. I can't say enough good things about this series. The stories are always full of raw emotions and deeply intense situations. The characters are real and smudged with the often harsh realities of life, not sugar coated to become some kind of plastic "ideal." Her characters are real, flawed and damaged just like we all are in some way.
This novel centers on Riley, a center for the Portland Storm. He is on his honeymoon... alone and without a wife.He's hurt and angry and definitely not in a great place in his personal life. And then he meets Mackenzie. Everything she thought she was about to have in her life has just been dashed into a thousand, heartbreaking pieces. She's lost and alone, figuratively AND literally.
Two damaged people in Cabo, both with more baggage than any single person should have to carry. But sometimes those moments are the ones that change everything. It is when we feel lost and shut off from the world that sometimes we find the one thing that can make all the difference.
Catherine writes some of the most beautiful characters I've ever read. They are beautiful because of their flaws, not despite of them. They are people that feel real, that pull at your heart as you read their stories. They are people that you can understand and fall in love with. This book is one of my favorites of the story. The depth of pain within Mackenzie pulled at my soul, tore at it. She made me feel so much and I loved that!
Such a fantastically emotional read!
This novel centers on Riley, a center for the Portland Storm. He is on his honeymoon... alone and without a wife.He's hurt and angry and definitely not in a great place in his personal life. And then he meets Mackenzie. Everything she thought she was about to have in her life has just been dashed into a thousand, heartbreaking pieces. She's lost and alone, figuratively AND literally.
Two damaged people in Cabo, both with more baggage than any single person should have to carry. But sometimes those moments are the ones that change everything. It is when we feel lost and shut off from the world that sometimes we find the one thing that can make all the difference.
Catherine writes some of the most beautiful characters I've ever read. They are beautiful because of their flaws, not despite of them. They are people that feel real, that pull at your heart as you read their stories. They are people that you can understand and fall in love with. This book is one of my favorites of the story. The depth of pain within Mackenzie pulled at my soul, tore at it. She made me feel so much and I loved that!
Such a fantastically emotional read!
July 3, 2017
One of the joys of reading is that for that little bit of time, readers can fall into a different world from their own, suspend their disbelief and just enjoy the ride for what it is. This book in the Portland Storm series is one of those. The premise is somewhat incredulous, but the characters go with the flow and make it work. RJ and Mackenzie don't meet under the best of circumstances but yet choose to help each other out.
we met RJ in some of the previous books--most recently Ghost's book. He is a good friend and a good teammate. Other than people not liking his fiance, we don't know much more about him.
Mackenzie is not my favorite of the heroines written by this author. She is young and innocent. However, her back story would lead you to believe she was on her own so much in her developing years and would thus be a more capable/ life smart individual. She does not come across that way at all.
The story gets better as they get back to Portland. There actually was very little over the top drama in the story. The couple spends time getting to know each other. All the little quirks that newlyweds go through are there. We get to see some of the other players and their significant others. I always enjoy when the WAGS get a stab at the newbie and their response to her.
Overall, just a pleasant Sunday afternoon read.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
we met RJ in some of the previous books--most recently Ghost's book. He is a good friend and a good teammate. Other than people not liking his fiance, we don't know much more about him.
Mackenzie is not my favorite of the heroines written by this author. She is young and innocent. However, her back story would lead you to believe she was on her own so much in her developing years and would thus be a more capable/ life smart individual. She does not come across that way at all.
The story gets better as they get back to Portland. There actually was very little over the top drama in the story. The couple spends time getting to know each other. All the little quirks that newlyweds go through are there. We get to see some of the other players and their significant others. I always enjoy when the WAGS get a stab at the newbie and their response to her.
Overall, just a pleasant Sunday afternoon read.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
July 3, 2017
Another amazing addition to the Portland Storm series. Catherine Gayle has a fantastic gift for telling a story. Her stories are always well written, entertaining, hot & have a serious back story to them. Power Play is no different, with Riley dealing with his brother & fiancée cheating behind his back & Mackenzie left stranded in Mexico after refusing to marry the man she went there to marry. Their meeting on a beach in Mexico while both dealing with shock & disappointment is sweet, as Riley tries to stop a cute girl from getting her pretty dress dirty from mascara tears. After telling each other their sad stories Riley has an idea that sets them on a road of firsts & at times what looks to be certain disaster. Max & Lola, 2 huge Mastiffs & Riley's babies are hilarious & complicate things from Mackenzie who was attacked & traumatized by a huge dog as a young child. Now as well as a new life, she has to get over her heart stopping fear of dogs & the fear of losing Riley if she were to fall in love with him. Max & Lola steal quite a few scenes in this story but that's okay because they're so darn cute & loveable, as well loyal right away to Mackenzie you can't help but love them. This is a definite recommend to read.
July 4, 2017
Riley Jezek is totally swoonworthy. He had a big cameo in Game Breaker, the book featuring his best friend Nate's story, along with Max and Lola, his two Mastiffs. Max and Lola are back and they almost steal the book from Riley and his new love, who replaces the awful fiance he had in Game Breaker. It is both funny and moving to read Riley and Mackenzie's story. Mackenzie grew up in foster care and Riley grew up in a family of materialistic jerks, so neither one of them really knows what it means to love and be loved. Max and Lola give them a lot of guidance on this as they navigate a modern marriage of convenience that is beautiful to watch unfold. If you love historical romances where the husband and wife fall in love after the wedding ceremony, you'll enjoy Power Play. If you love sex-to-love storylines, you'll love Power Play. If you love reading about people learning to love, or if you can't resist great pets in a book, or if you adore a great hockey romance, you'll love Power Play. There's something here for everyone, and it is not an exaggeration to say that each book in the Portland Storm is somehow better than the last-- even though this is the 16th (!) in the series and the first one is one of my favorite re-reads.
September 18, 2017
Power Play is the next instalment of Catherine Gayle's Portland Storm series and tells the story of Riley Jezek, a hockey player for the Portland Storm and the girl he meets, (and marries) Mackenzie. Add in Riley's beautiful dogs (who steal the show somewhat!) Max and Lola and a hockey player or two and you have a heartwarming story of friendship, love and trust.
Riley and Mackenzie meet at a time they are both down in the love stakes. Riley has justdiscovered his ex-fiancée has been cheating on him, while Mackenzie gave up her life to nearly-marry a man she met over the Internet. Their meeting is a right time, right place scenario and they discover they could both benefit from starting a relationship together. Mackenzie is a slightly naive, yet trusting soul, you can't help but like her, and Riley is a swoon-worthy hockey player, who loves his dogs and teammates. Can they build a life together after they have both been burnt?
Power Play is a well-written story that captures the heart and soul of the Portland Storm, it's players and their lives and loves. Catherine Gayle gets to the heart of relevant life issues and has a gift for writing, I totally recommend this next chapter in the Portland Storm series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Riley and Mackenzie meet at a time they are both down in the love stakes. Riley has justdiscovered his ex-fiancée has been cheating on him, while Mackenzie gave up her life to nearly-marry a man she met over the Internet. Their meeting is a right time, right place scenario and they discover they could both benefit from starting a relationship together. Mackenzie is a slightly naive, yet trusting soul, you can't help but like her, and Riley is a swoon-worthy hockey player, who loves his dogs and teammates. Can they build a life together after they have both been burnt?
Power Play is a well-written story that captures the heart and soul of the Portland Storm, it's players and their lives and loves. Catherine Gayle gets to the heart of relevant life issues and has a gift for writing, I totally recommend this next chapter in the Portland Storm series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2022
After being disappointed with Book 9 and Book 10.. I was so afraid to continue reading.
There are some good points in the story:
- I've been a big fan of Soupy and rooting for him to be successful in NHL.. so RJ as a younger player mentions how his respect for Soupy significantly grows after RJ's injury makes me feel great.
- Babs and Katie's pregnancy issues broke my heart. But I have been wondering why these two always make a better story when they are NOT the main characters.
- WAGs on the move just like the previous books! They were not shown somehow for the past few books.
Other than those.. I find that the heroine is not believable: a woman grew up in a foster system but somehow got sheltered and had some good people in her life. Where were these good people? And why didn't they do anything to prevent her going off somewhere to get married to a stranger who wanted to put her on a leash?
If there is a message in the story, it's all about dog-human relationships: Big and scarry dog doesn't mean the dog will attack people randomly. I'm a dog person..but I'm not sure this is the story I want to read. The story feels off and strayed waaaay too far from the NHL universe Gayle has been creating and from the lovely characters we have come to love.
There are some good points in the story:
- I've been a big fan of Soupy and rooting for him to be successful in NHL.. so RJ as a younger player mentions how his respect for Soupy significantly grows after RJ's injury makes me feel great.
- Babs and Katie's pregnancy issues broke my heart. But I have been wondering why these two always make a better story when they are NOT the main characters.
- WAGs on the move just like the previous books! They were not shown somehow for the past few books.
Other than those.. I find that the heroine is not believable: a woman grew up in a foster system but somehow got sheltered and had some good people in her life. Where were these good people? And why didn't they do anything to prevent her going off somewhere to get married to a stranger who wanted to put her on a leash?
If there is a message in the story, it's all about dog-human relationships: Big and scarry dog doesn't mean the dog will attack people randomly. I'm a dog person..but I'm not sure this is the story I want to read. The story feels off and strayed waaaay too far from the NHL universe Gayle has been creating and from the lovely characters we have come to love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2017
Wow! Catherine Gayle has won the Stanley Cup with this one! You know how sometimes an author can just go so far into a series that it loses the panache of the earlier books in the series? Yeah, WELL THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE!! This book is amazing and dare I say one of my fave top 3 Portland Storm books to date!!!
Riley Jezek (RJ to his teammates) and Mackenzie meet under some pretty odd circumstances and they are just a match made in Heaven! Or in Cabo anyway. I adore them! They have some serious sexual chemistry! Ooo-la-la!! The storyline was absolutely fantastic as it touches on some pretty basic fears that people have and how to work with them. Our hero Riley is just everything you want a hero to be and more. And Mackenzie is probably one of my favorite Storm heroines! She is naive, sweet, vulnerable and so genuine it is a breath of fresh air!
Love Lola and Max! Great part of the storyline!
I love that we also get scenes with some of our favorite players and their WAGs and in some cases their children and dogs. This is one of my favorite book hockey teams to read about!
Fantastic epilogue!! I loved it!!!! 5 shoot-out stars!!!
Riley Jezek (RJ to his teammates) and Mackenzie meet under some pretty odd circumstances and they are just a match made in Heaven! Or in Cabo anyway. I adore them! They have some serious sexual chemistry! Ooo-la-la!! The storyline was absolutely fantastic as it touches on some pretty basic fears that people have and how to work with them. Our hero Riley is just everything you want a hero to be and more. And Mackenzie is probably one of my favorite Storm heroines! She is naive, sweet, vulnerable and so genuine it is a breath of fresh air!
Love Lola and Max! Great part of the storyline!
I love that we also get scenes with some of our favorite players and their WAGs and in some cases their children and dogs. This is one of my favorite book hockey teams to read about!
Fantastic epilogue!! I loved it!!!! 5 shoot-out stars!!!
June 30, 2017
4 1/2 STARS!
Another sexy hockey player bites the dust when a vision in white catches his eye! You might go into this book expecting your typical dirty talking, arrogant pro sports guy who thinks he's God's gift ... and yeah, we get a little of that because we wouldn't love it any other way :) ... but we also get a kind, down-to-earth guy who despite his past, is a genuinely good guy! A sweet love story ensues with an abundance of adorably heartwarming moments!
Portland Storm hockey player Riley Jezek didn't expect to be spending his honeymoon in Cabo alone at the bar, but that's exactly where he finds himself. Mackenzie Cain thought she had found her soul mate and was on the way towards happily ever after when an ugly reality slams her in the face. Stranded alone in Cabo in tears in her wedding dress is not how she planned for this day to end.��
She's already in her wedding dress, he's already paid for the honeymoon ... why not get hitched?? Seeing his perfect opportunity to stick it to his cheating ex-fiance and his loser brother, Riley jumps at the chance! Will he regret his new bride once they are back on his home turf and real life comes knocking?
Another sexy hockey player bites the dust when a vision in white catches his eye! You might go into this book expecting your typical dirty talking, arrogant pro sports guy who thinks he's God's gift ... and yeah, we get a little of that because we wouldn't love it any other way :) ... but we also get a kind, down-to-earth guy who despite his past, is a genuinely good guy! A sweet love story ensues with an abundance of adorably heartwarming moments!
Portland Storm hockey player Riley Jezek didn't expect to be spending his honeymoon in Cabo alone at the bar, but that's exactly where he finds himself. Mackenzie Cain thought she had found her soul mate and was on the way towards happily ever after when an ugly reality slams her in the face. Stranded alone in Cabo in tears in her wedding dress is not how she planned for this day to end.��
She's already in her wedding dress, he's already paid for the honeymoon ... why not get hitched?? Seeing his perfect opportunity to stick it to his cheating ex-fiance and his loser brother, Riley jumps at the chance! Will he regret his new bride once they are back on his home turf and real life comes knocking?
July 2, 2017
Once again, Catherine Gayle's Portland Storm hockey romance series delivers an amazing, warm-your-heart story. Each Portland Storm book features a hockey player and his creative path to that Happily-Ever-After with a significant other. Each story can be read by itself, however I personally recommend reading them in their respective release date order (More information about suggested reading order is on Catherine's website).
Riley Jezek (RJ) is honeymooning alone in Cabo after he caught his fiancee in bed with his brother. He spots Mackensie Cain sobbing in a white dress at the bar and figured why not tie the knot? It's a fun, sweet story about the newlyweds as they get to know each other. Heads up to all your animal lovers - there are cute scenes with RJ's pets that will have you laughing and want to take them home!
I can't rave enough about the Portland Storm series! Catherine does her research about the characters and their lives, and she knows her hockey stuff! Her books are thoughtful and always a fun read. I highly recommend her books!
*I received a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest thoughts/opinions of the author's book.*
Riley Jezek (RJ) is honeymooning alone in Cabo after he caught his fiancee in bed with his brother. He spots Mackensie Cain sobbing in a white dress at the bar and figured why not tie the knot? It's a fun, sweet story about the newlyweds as they get to know each other. Heads up to all your animal lovers - there are cute scenes with RJ's pets that will have you laughing and want to take them home!
I can't rave enough about the Portland Storm series! Catherine does her research about the characters and their lives, and she knows her hockey stuff! Her books are thoughtful and always a fun read. I highly recommend her books!
*I received a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest thoughts/opinions of the author's book.*
July 11, 2017
Power Play
Catherine Gayle
Can two broken people, who don't have families, create a family of their own?
Riley, RJ to the players on the Storm, has found himself on his honeymoon without a bride. He's ditched the bitch, but now what will he do?
Mackenzie has found herself in a sticky situation, she's all alone in s foreign country and really all alone in her life. Can she figure out a solution to get home and actually find a home?
The two come together and with the help of some tequila hatch a plan that helps both of them.
There's falling in love, conquering fears and learning to exist together. Both characters are well rounded and feel like people you'd like to befriend. There's enough drama to keep you interested, but not so much that the characters are annoying.
Getting a glimpse of some of our Storm favorites is always a highlight of Storm books. Watching Mackenzie stand on her own two feet and learn to love those around her was my favorite part of this book. Max, Lola and Phoebe are the best characters in this book!!
Catherine Gayle
Can two broken people, who don't have families, create a family of their own?
Riley, RJ to the players on the Storm, has found himself on his honeymoon without a bride. He's ditched the bitch, but now what will he do?
Mackenzie has found herself in a sticky situation, she's all alone in s foreign country and really all alone in her life. Can she figure out a solution to get home and actually find a home?
The two come together and with the help of some tequila hatch a plan that helps both of them.
There's falling in love, conquering fears and learning to exist together. Both characters are well rounded and feel like people you'd like to befriend. There's enough drama to keep you interested, but not so much that the characters are annoying.
Getting a glimpse of some of our Storm favorites is always a highlight of Storm books. Watching Mackenzie stand on her own two feet and learn to love those around her was my favorite part of this book. Max, Lola and Phoebe are the best characters in this book!!
June 26, 2017
Once again Catherine Gayle delivered! This is book 16 in the series and still she manages to make every story feel new and diferent! This one is one of my favourites (can't just choose one ;-)) of this series.
What can I say about this book? Maybe the best way to discribe it is, that I had this huge grin on my face while reading it. The story gave me warm and happy feelings.
I may have been shaking my had at Kenzie in the beginning, but the more she showed of her personality the more she reminded me of my sister. I loved to see her conquer her fears and how she grew into this great and lovable person.
RJ was amazing too. Yes, his motives for marring her were screwed. But he was aware of it really fast and did his best to take care of Kanzie.
One of the things I loved most about this book though, was the fact that RJ ex-fianceé played no roll after he caught her. Finally a book without any uneccessary ex-partner trouble!
I received an ARC for a honest review.
What can I say about this book? Maybe the best way to discribe it is, that I had this huge grin on my face while reading it. The story gave me warm and happy feelings.
I may have been shaking my had at Kenzie in the beginning, but the more she showed of her personality the more she reminded me of my sister. I loved to see her conquer her fears and how she grew into this great and lovable person.
RJ was amazing too. Yes, his motives for marring her were screwed. But he was aware of it really fast and did his best to take care of Kanzie.
One of the things I loved most about this book though, was the fact that RJ ex-fianceé played no roll after he caught her. Finally a book without any uneccessary ex-partner trouble!
I received an ARC for a honest review.
July 10, 2017
What is is with these hockey players? Another good looking hockey hunk, another spontaneous, not for love wedding! Seriously, you would think that they would be better at this.
That said, although on the face of it this is a story which shouldn't work, once again, the author has pulled the rabbit out of the bag.
This time, the female protagonist isn't strong and feisty. She doesn't immediately seem to fit the mould of the usual pairing for the hockey player. And yet, if you look under the surface, that strength is there - its just waiting for the reader (and Mackenzie) to discover it.
Riley is, of course, a dream. Says all the right things. Does all the right things. And even when he might be straying away from the right thing, he still steers it back effortlessly. Such a romantic lot this team.
Succinctly put, this is a decent read, if you can get over the premise.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
That said, although on the face of it this is a story which shouldn't work, once again, the author has pulled the rabbit out of the bag.
This time, the female protagonist isn't strong and feisty. She doesn't immediately seem to fit the mould of the usual pairing for the hockey player. And yet, if you look under the surface, that strength is there - its just waiting for the reader (and Mackenzie) to discover it.
Riley is, of course, a dream. Says all the right things. Does all the right things. And even when he might be straying away from the right thing, he still steers it back effortlessly. Such a romantic lot this team.
Succinctly put, this is a decent read, if you can get over the premise.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 13, 2017
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Catherine Gayle did it again! I say that with all her books, because you would think after being the 16th in the series, it would have fallen a little bit, but it hasn't!
Riley and Mackenzie meet after one is dumped before the wedding, and the other one is dumping their future spouse. In the beginning Catherine sets it up to be different than most of the storm books because they are secluded from the other hockey players until later in the book, but that doesn't happen for long! What I continuous love about Catherine is her character development in every book, and her ability to bring back the characters so seamlessly throughout the series. Riley was featured in Game Breaker with his dogs, and even if you had not read the other books, you could feel that character development was seamlessly written throughout this book.
I am so happy I found this series, and Catherine has done wonders again!
Catherine Gayle did it again! I say that with all her books, because you would think after being the 16th in the series, it would have fallen a little bit, but it hasn't!
Riley and Mackenzie meet after one is dumped before the wedding, and the other one is dumping their future spouse. In the beginning Catherine sets it up to be different than most of the storm books because they are secluded from the other hockey players until later in the book, but that doesn't happen for long! What I continuous love about Catherine is her character development in every book, and her ability to bring back the characters so seamlessly throughout the series. Riley was featured in Game Breaker with his dogs, and even if you had not read the other books, you could feel that character development was seamlessly written throughout this book.
I am so happy I found this series, and Catherine has done wonders again!
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