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Portland Storm #7-9
Portland Storm: The Third Period
A boxed set of books 10-14 in the Portland Storm hockey romance series by USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle.
DROPPING GLOVES
She left to follow her dreams, but came back to find her heart.
When Katie Weber decided to pursue her dreams, she left her heart in Portland. Now she’s back to make amends with the only man she’s ever loved, but Jamie Babcock isn’t willing to forgive and forget. He refuses to reopen old wounds—no matter how much he still loves her.
But Katie realizes she’s got the biggest battle of her life on the line—one she can’t win without Jamie. In the game of love, all bets are off. Katie’s Dropping her Gloves to fight for the life she craves and the man she loves. But is Jamie too proud to finally have the one he truly wants?
HOME ICE
Portland Storm head coach Mattias Bergstrom is hard on his players. He’d never let them see his warm, soft side—something he saves only for his younger sister. But when a hockey event brings a sexy mom and her four daughters into his life, that icy exterior melts away for her youngest.
Paige Calhoun has her hands full with four teenage daughters who are beyond boy crazy. Throw crushes on hockey players into the mix, and they’re almost too much to handle. But when Paige meets the Storm’s coach, she finds herself as smitten as her girls. With a Home Ice advantage, Mattias lets his icy exterior melt away to prove to Paige how hot they can be together.
MISTLETOE MISCONDUCT
Everyone deserves a second chance.
As general manager of the Portland Storm, Jim Sutter knows this all too well. And he’s in the perfect position to grant second chances like he’s Santa Claus—even if he never gives himself one. When his friends take matters into their own hands, Jim might just get the holiday surprise of a lifetime.
Elaine Sutter is finally ready to forgive her ex-husband for his past transgressions. So when she discovers his online dating profile, she sets up a secret meeting. Her only goal this holiday season is to stuff Jim’s stocking with a Santa-sized dose of forgiveness and a sleigh full of love.
LOSING AN EDGE
Tired of being the second-best Babcock, Levi “501” Babcock is ready to outshine his older brother. Outranking his brother proves harder than he imagined—until he meets a sinfully sexy gold-medal-winning figure skater.
Bubbly and spirited Cadence Johnson is determined to escape the shackles of her former partner. Moving to Portland gives her the fresh start she’s craved, but the last thing she can afford is a distraction like Levi Babcock.
When Cadence’s past comes back to threaten her, Levi might be the safety net she never realized she needed. But can Levi finally step out of his brother’s shadow?
GAME BREAKER
He’s becoming a Game Breaker on the ice.
With the playoffs right around the corner, Nate Golston is focused on getting the Portland Storm to the Finals. But when opposing teams’ fans get under his skin, he can’t ignore the ridicule that’s suddenly everywhere. With each taunt slung his way, he strains to keep his focus on the ice.
She’s facing off with the Game Makers.
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 Nate. Sparks fly, putting her plans in danger. For Anne to succeed, she has to capitalize on Nate’s struggles.
DROPPING GLOVES
She left to follow her dreams, but came back to find her heart.
When Katie Weber decided to pursue her dreams, she left her heart in Portland. Now she’s back to make amends with the only man she’s ever loved, but Jamie Babcock isn’t willing to forgive and forget. He refuses to reopen old wounds—no matter how much he still loves her.
But Katie realizes she’s got the biggest battle of her life on the line—one she can’t win without Jamie. In the game of love, all bets are off. Katie’s Dropping her Gloves to fight for the life she craves and the man she loves. But is Jamie too proud to finally have the one he truly wants?
HOME ICE
Portland Storm head coach Mattias Bergstrom is hard on his players. He’d never let them see his warm, soft side—something he saves only for his younger sister. But when a hockey event brings a sexy mom and her four daughters into his life, that icy exterior melts away for her youngest.
Paige Calhoun has her hands full with four teenage daughters who are beyond boy crazy. Throw crushes on hockey players into the mix, and they’re almost too much to handle. But when Paige meets the Storm’s coach, she finds herself as smitten as her girls. With a Home Ice advantage, Mattias lets his icy exterior melt away to prove to Paige how hot they can be together.
MISTLETOE MISCONDUCT
Everyone deserves a second chance.
As general manager of the Portland Storm, Jim Sutter knows this all too well. And he’s in the perfect position to grant second chances like he’s Santa Claus—even if he never gives himself one. When his friends take matters into their own hands, Jim might just get the holiday surprise of a lifetime.
Elaine Sutter is finally ready to forgive her ex-husband for his past transgressions. So when she discovers his online dating profile, she sets up a secret meeting. Her only goal this holiday season is to stuff Jim’s stocking with a Santa-sized dose of forgiveness and a sleigh full of love.
LOSING AN EDGE
Tired of being the second-best Babcock, Levi “501” Babcock is ready to outshine his older brother. Outranking his brother proves harder than he imagined—until he meets a sinfully sexy gold-medal-winning figure skater.
Bubbly and spirited Cadence Johnson is determined to escape the shackles of her former partner. Moving to Portland gives her the fresh start she’s craved, but the last thing she can afford is a distraction like Levi Babcock.
When Cadence’s past comes back to threaten her, Levi might be the safety net she never realized she needed. But can Levi finally step out of his brother’s shadow?
GAME BREAKER
He’s becoming a Game Breaker on the ice.
With the playoffs right around the corner, Nate Golston is focused on getting the Portland Storm to the Finals. But when opposing teams’ fans get under his skin, he can’t ignore the ridicule that’s suddenly everywhere. With each taunt slung his way, he strains to keep his focus on the ice.
She’s facing off with the Game Makers.
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 Nate. Sparks fly, putting her plans in danger. For Anne to succeed, she has to capitalize on Nate’s struggles.
764 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2017
62 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Gayle
73 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 1, 2018
Hotness Rating 2 out of 5
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September 9, 2020
During this Covid-19 pandmenic in 2020, I've needed to read books where I love the characters, I know there's a HEA and honestly where I'm familiar with the story so if my mind wanders I'm good because I've read it before. This is my 2nd re-read of this series this year, it is one of my all time favorite series.
Dropping Gloves 5 stars - Throughout this series I have been a Jamie Babcock fan; from the 18 year old rookie who was kind of like a puppy that everyone loved, to the young man who made a teenage girl's dream come true, to the quiet young man who got things done both on and off the ice. Jamie is the kind of man any mother would be proud to call son and that continues in this book. Katie is back from Hollywood, a whole lot jaded, a bit broken, and at a crossroads in her life. Jamie isn't sure he can be involved with her because he knows if she leaves again, his heart can't take it, but circumstances put them in close proximity and when Katie needs a friend and strength to get through Jamie is there like he's always been only this time he has the girl who has always had his heart. Seriously good stuff, love this one.
Home Ice 5 stars - Head coach Mattias "Bergy" Bergstrom falls head over heels for single mom Paige Calhoun and her 4 teenage daughters. Oh how I loved this story, two people who have lived life and feel they have no time for romance and suddenly struck by the love bug. Add in the four girls, the youngest with Downs Syndrome who reminds Bergy of his younger sister and you have a story that tugs on the heartstrings, but is also sinfully delicious!
Mistletoe Misconduct 4 stars - The WAGS are determined for Jim Sutter to find his HEA and they pull a lot of strings to get his ex-wife who he never stopped loving to Portland for Christmas. This was a sweet, fun holiday story of people who have grown, changed, and learned to forgive.
Losing and Edge 5 stars - Levi "501" Babcock feels "less than" his brother Jamie and despite playing for the same team he hasn't devloped like he was expected to and he knows it. He just wants to best Jamie in one area of his life so when his teammate's sister Candace arrives in town fresh out of the Olympics where she took gold in pair's skating he pursues her because her star is shining brighter than his sister in law's ever did. I'll admit I had a bit of a hard time with Levi's attitude towards Jamie and I know that's because I have always adored Jamie. I loved this book I did and I think Levi showed over and over he is just as much of a decent guy as his brother, but I also loved watching him grow both professionally and personally. Candace has been keeping secrets from her family which come to a head. All in all a great story.
Game Breaker 4 stars - This book was a look at race relations both in the NHL and our society, it was brilliantly written and a good story, it was a lot heavier than the majority of the books in this series and eerily came out not long after the attack on the Dallas Police Department back in 2015. Nate "Ghost" Golston is the hero and the racism he faces day in and day out is brought to light when it is captured by Anne as part of the Eye of the Storm webseries. I loved Nate and Anne together, they both were trying to overcome some racial issues brought about by society and in Anne's case within her own family.
Dropping Gloves 5 stars - Throughout this series I have been a Jamie Babcock fan; from the 18 year old rookie who was kind of like a puppy that everyone loved, to the young man who made a teenage girl's dream come true, to the quiet young man who got things done both on and off the ice. Jamie is the kind of man any mother would be proud to call son and that continues in this book. Katie is back from Hollywood, a whole lot jaded, a bit broken, and at a crossroads in her life. Jamie isn't sure he can be involved with her because he knows if she leaves again, his heart can't take it, but circumstances put them in close proximity and when Katie needs a friend and strength to get through Jamie is there like he's always been only this time he has the girl who has always had his heart. Seriously good stuff, love this one.
Home Ice 5 stars - Head coach Mattias "Bergy" Bergstrom falls head over heels for single mom Paige Calhoun and her 4 teenage daughters. Oh how I loved this story, two people who have lived life and feel they have no time for romance and suddenly struck by the love bug. Add in the four girls, the youngest with Downs Syndrome who reminds Bergy of his younger sister and you have a story that tugs on the heartstrings, but is also sinfully delicious!
Mistletoe Misconduct 4 stars - The WAGS are determined for Jim Sutter to find his HEA and they pull a lot of strings to get his ex-wife who he never stopped loving to Portland for Christmas. This was a sweet, fun holiday story of people who have grown, changed, and learned to forgive.
Losing and Edge 5 stars - Levi "501" Babcock feels "less than" his brother Jamie and despite playing for the same team he hasn't devloped like he was expected to and he knows it. He just wants to best Jamie in one area of his life so when his teammate's sister Candace arrives in town fresh out of the Olympics where she took gold in pair's skating he pursues her because her star is shining brighter than his sister in law's ever did. I'll admit I had a bit of a hard time with Levi's attitude towards Jamie and I know that's because I have always adored Jamie. I loved this book I did and I think Levi showed over and over he is just as much of a decent guy as his brother, but I also loved watching him grow both professionally and personally. Candace has been keeping secrets from her family which come to a head. All in all a great story.
Game Breaker 4 stars - This book was a look at race relations both in the NHL and our society, it was brilliantly written and a good story, it was a lot heavier than the majority of the books in this series and eerily came out not long after the attack on the Dallas Police Department back in 2015. Nate "Ghost" Golston is the hero and the racism he faces day in and day out is brought to light when it is captured by Anne as part of the Eye of the Storm webseries. I loved Nate and Anne together, they both were trying to overcome some racial issues brought about by society and in Anne's case within her own family.
March 23, 2022
It's hard to give this bundle 4*.. The First and Second Period bundles are really strong and set such a high standard.
Book 7 = 3*
This story takes place around 5-6 years after the first book. It's a bittersweet feeling that some of our favorite characters are not part of the Storm family anymore. I think we all have anticipated Babs and Katie, they have been in the background for so long. I didn't know what I expected before reading this book, but I didn't enjoy this story like the others. Book 2.5 presents Babs and Katie's emotional connection better than this one. Maybe when I re-read this book again, I'd change my mind.
Book 7.5 = 5*
The disappointment from the previous story is redeemed through this novella! We finally get into the coach's head and see Bergy's life unfold. This novella describes the struggles of parents or siblings of someone with DS. I laughed during Levi and Sophie's first meeting, I swooned over Bergy and Levi for being so sweet and accepting. I enjoyed the discussions among the giggly teenage girls!
Book 7.6 = 4*
After Bergy's story... this one is not really on par but still enjoyable. Those WAGs interfering with Jim's love life LOL!
Book 8 = 5*
Another one that I love! I didn't plan to read as most of the original characters were in the background now.. but I read anyway and the story is better than Babs'. Even Levi's initial motive to get Cadence is far from perfect, but his inner debate proves that Levi is a good guy. Both Levi and Cadence learn to trust again; Levi to trust himself, Cadence to trust others.
Book 9 = 2*
The story picks up exactly where we left off. The romance between Anne and Ghost has been brewed from the previous book, but I don't feel the connection between them. I like the issues raised in this story: racism, sexism, gender equality, LGBTQ.. Gayle is brave to write all these issues in one book, but the story falls flat. I can't help but feel that this book is a filler for the upcoming stories.
This bundle seems really long with 5 books, but according to the storyline, everything just happens within more or like 2 years.
Book 7 = 3*
This story takes place around 5-6 years after the first book. It's a bittersweet feeling that some of our favorite characters are not part of the Storm family anymore. I think we all have anticipated Babs and Katie, they have been in the background for so long. I didn't know what I expected before reading this book, but I didn't enjoy this story like the others. Book 2.5 presents Babs and Katie's emotional connection better than this one. Maybe when I re-read this book again, I'd change my mind.
Book 7.5 = 5*
The disappointment from the previous story is redeemed through this novella! We finally get into the coach's head and see Bergy's life unfold. This novella describes the struggles of parents or siblings of someone with DS. I laughed during Levi and Sophie's first meeting, I swooned over Bergy and Levi for being so sweet and accepting. I enjoyed the discussions among the giggly teenage girls!
Book 7.6 = 4*
After Bergy's story... this one is not really on par but still enjoyable. Those WAGs interfering with Jim's love life LOL!
Book 8 = 5*
Another one that I love! I didn't plan to read as most of the original characters were in the background now.. but I read anyway and the story is better than Babs'. Even Levi's initial motive to get Cadence is far from perfect, but his inner debate proves that Levi is a good guy. Both Levi and Cadence learn to trust again; Levi to trust himself, Cadence to trust others.
Book 9 = 2*
The story picks up exactly where we left off. The romance between Anne and Ghost has been brewed from the previous book, but I don't feel the connection between them. I like the issues raised in this story: racism, sexism, gender equality, LGBTQ.. Gayle is brave to write all these issues in one book, but the story falls flat. I can't help but feel that this book is a filler for the upcoming stories.
This bundle seems really long with 5 books, but according to the storyline, everything just happens within more or like 2 years.
February 7, 2018
Another collection from one of my favorite authors. To be honest, it's not as strong as some of the earlier collections for me. However, Dropping Gloves and Game Breaker are two of her best works overall. I was happy they were included.
Game BreakerGame Breaker was tough for me when I first read the synopsis last year, especially being a black woman. I wasn't sure if Catherine could really speak as a black man. While not as accurate portrayal as I would have liked, it was much more accurate than I hoped for. The frustrations felt by Nate with the pressure from the media to answer all the tough questions that a black man has to face while playing a sport where he's even more a minority. Anne has a lot to deal with as well being biracial and a woman in sports television. They made nice chemistry even if it didn't blow me away. Still, a great story that I enjoyed a lot.
Dropping GlovesDropping Gloves is one of my all-time favorites. I'd read it as a stand-alone, but wasn't mad it was in this collection. A sweet, heart-wrenching, honest story if I've ever seen one. It was interesting to see the reverse virgin storyline, which I believe Catherine did quite well. Add horrible media with a health scare and you've got nonstop situations. I've read a lot of romance over the last 40 years and this is one of the few that moved me to tears.
The rest of the collection is serviceable for a comfortable and cozy reading session. Overall, a great bargain when compared to buying them individually.
Game BreakerGame Breaker was tough for me when I first read the synopsis last year, especially being a black woman. I wasn't sure if Catherine could really speak as a black man. While not as accurate portrayal as I would have liked, it was much more accurate than I hoped for. The frustrations felt by Nate with the pressure from the media to answer all the tough questions that a black man has to face while playing a sport where he's even more a minority. Anne has a lot to deal with as well being biracial and a woman in sports television. They made nice chemistry even if it didn't blow me away. Still, a great story that I enjoyed a lot.
Dropping GlovesDropping Gloves is one of my all-time favorites. I'd read it as a stand-alone, but wasn't mad it was in this collection. A sweet, heart-wrenching, honest story if I've ever seen one. It was interesting to see the reverse virgin storyline, which I believe Catherine did quite well. Add horrible media with a health scare and you've got nonstop situations. I've read a lot of romance over the last 40 years and this is one of the few that moved me to tears.
The rest of the collection is serviceable for a comfortable and cozy reading session. Overall, a great bargain when compared to buying them individually.
November 6, 2017
I especially enjoyed Levi's story and Ghost's and the others were light fun. From the blurb Levi comes across as selfish and immature but in the book he is a much better person and Cadence was lovely too. Ghost also comes across as an amazing character and the issues of where to draw the line over news and what is private was interesting. I also really liked the ending - no spoilers. The only story I was not keen on was Dropping Gloves. When she was a teenager being taken to prom she was lovely so it was disappointing to see Katie being so shallow and dating people just for her career. She knew what real affection was like so why was she so easily led? Most of the women in this series are strong characters despite experiencing difficulties. Katie came across as really weak and I wanted better for Jamie.
November 8, 2019
Brilliant
Absolutely brilliant read loved all of them. This has been a great series can't wait to open the next set
Absolutely brilliant read loved all of them. This has been a great series can't wait to open the next set
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews