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Portland Storm #7
Dropping Gloves
Previous edition for this ISBN found here
She left to follow her dreams, but came back to find her heart.
When Katie Weber decided to pursue her dreams in Hollywood, she left her heart behind in Portland. Now she’s back to make amends with Jamie Babcock, the only man she’s ever loved, but he isn’t willing to forgive and forget. Heartbroken, Jamie refuses to reopen old wounds—no matter how much he still loves her. At some point, he’s got to draw the line.
But Katie realizes she’s got the biggest battle of her life on the line—one she can’t win without Jamie by her side. In the game of love, all bets are off. Katie’s Dropping her Gloves to fight for both the life she craves and the man she loves. But is Jamie too proud to end the standoff so he can finally have the one he truly wants?
She left to follow her dreams, but came back to find her heart.
When Katie Weber decided to pursue her dreams in Hollywood, she left her heart behind in Portland. Now she’s back to make amends with Jamie Babcock, the only man she’s ever loved, but he isn’t willing to forgive and forget. Heartbroken, Jamie refuses to reopen old wounds—no matter how much he still loves her. At some point, he’s got to draw the line.
But Katie realizes she’s got the biggest battle of her life on the line—one she can’t win without Jamie by her side. In the game of love, all bets are off. Katie’s Dropping her Gloves to fight for both the life she craves and the man she loves. But is Jamie too proud to end the standoff so he can finally have the one he truly wants?
330 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2015
151 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Gayle
73 books923 followers***Please note that series numbering of the Portland Storm series is different at Goodreads than it is on Catherine's website or at any retailer. Goodreads policy will not allow the series numbering to match anything else. If this confuses you, please complain to Goodreads, as it is not Catherine's fault.***
Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.
Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.
Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.
Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
March 20, 2017
FREE (03.20.2017) http://amzn.to/2n79yMg
Catherine Gayle writes with so much intensity that the waves of emotion hit dead center in the heart. And following your heart is exactly what Dropping Gloves is about.
They’ve had a connection since the moment they met. But the time wasn’t right. Katie Webber was sick. They were too young. Jamie “Babs” Babcock was there for her in all things though. Not just while ill, but also supporting her decision to pursue her goals when she got healthy.
Jamie’s heart however, hasn’t been able to recover since she left no matter how much he’s tried. Because she keeps coming back but she also always leaves.
“She wanted us to go on like nothing had ever happened between us. Like she didn’t have her hand circled around my heart. Like she wasn’t squeezing the life out of it every time she left.” ~ Jamie
Now she’s back in Portland. She’s aware that her school girl crush is in as much heartache as she is. But this time is different because she went to Hollywood, followed her dreams and learned it wasn’t everything it was cracked up to be.
“Sometimes in life… you think you know what you want... But then, only after you have it, you realize that it’s not what you thought it would be. It’s empty and hollow, and what you really wanted—what you needed—is exactly the thing you gave up to get it.” ►♫
Jamie was her first love and she wants a second chance. She knows she’s hurt him deeply and has to fight for that opportunity and for so much more, but she’s willing to give it her all. Because now she knows that being close to her family and friends is more important, and most of all she wants Jamie Babcock.
“I need you to understand exactly where I’m coming from and where I stand… I am as in love with you as I ever was. I want a chance.”
I’ve been rooting for these two since I met them. And the wait was worth it. Because now they’ve lived and learned, grown and matured and even though there are big obstacles ahead, they are ready to start the beautiful journey into their happy ever after.
“It was one of those simple facts of life: the sky was blue, gravity kept our feet firmly on the ground, and I loved Katie Weber.” ~ Babs
And I wasn’t the only one cheering them on. I just loved Katie’s father, who at one time could not stand any man who looked in her direction is now cheerily playing cupid between them. It was completely cute.
I did have reservations though. My adoration for Babs grew with each appearance he made throughout the series. So I thought I would have a hard time with Katie for leaving him. I dreaded that their story would be angsty, but I shouldn’t have worried. Catherine did an incredible job of giving us a story centered on all the good feels. On family, love, acceptance, on moving forward. And I fell in love with these two characters all over again.
I also gained a healthy dose of respect for Katie and anyone having to face an uncertain future such as hers. She was diagnosed with cancer again. She didn’t just have to confront her fears regarding that and fight for Jamie. She also had to face her past. Accept that she let other people influence her into making bad decisions that cost her dearly. I hurt for her while thinking she was underserving, but was happy that she learned from her experience.
“Nobody’s perfect. But that doesn’t mean you’re not perfect for me. And maybe I can be perfect for you, too.”
Babs is the perfect book boyfriend. He’s a big, strong man with a gentle and unselfish soul. Even though he’s older than when I first met him, he's more confident but still so sweet and thoughtful. And the image of him with Blackbeard, his kitten, in this book who always seemed to find residence on his shoulder is incredibly sexy and endearing.
The romance between Katie and Jamie was the perfect balance between heartbreaking and heartwarming. It was touching, utterly sweet and completely swoon worthy.
“...I want you to run to me… Because I love you. And because you love me. And because I can’t go one more day without being able to tell you that as often as it comes to mind.”
The support system Catherine has created with all the characters from past books was lovely. You can count on the Babcock brothers and the Portland Storm family to help in every way possible. They didn’t just provide a safety net, they delivered smiles throughout the story. A beautiful story I loved from start to finish. I especially loved the ending that brought fresh tears and face splitting grins. It's so big and dazzling I'm not going to say more because you just have to experience it yourself.
Dropping Gloves is book 7 en the Portland Storm series that can be read as a standalone. It’s written in first person with both points of view and interconnecting characters from past books. I recommend it for readers that like sweet, touching and swoony second chance romances with an incredible happy ending.
I can't wait to read the next stories in this series and especially Catherine's new hockey series The Tulsa Thunderbirds.
Chapter 1 -> http://catherinegayleauthor.blogspot....
Link for the complete list of the Portland Storm books -> https://www.goodreads.com/series/1201...
Amazon US Dropping Gloves -> http://amzn.to/1DgAgnM
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
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August 30, 2015
This book brought a lot of tears and emotions up as we read about two people struggling through a really scary time in life.
Katie had Leukemia in the earlier books of this series and over came it. Now her cancer is back, and she has to deal with even more scary possibilities, which she's not ready for. She's in for the fight of her life, and fighting to win back the love of her life. Will she succeed at winning both?
What I liked:
1. The whole Portland Storm team- loving, supportive group
2. Jamie aka: Babs- what a great loving guy. Protective and supportive.
3. The awesome thing Jamie does at the end
4. Webs, Katie's dad
I could have done with out the first steamy scene between Babs and Katie. It was just weird for me. I also didn't like the very first line of this book.
Katie had Leukemia in the earlier books of this series and over came it. Now her cancer is back, and she has to deal with even more scary possibilities, which she's not ready for. She's in for the fight of her life, and fighting to win back the love of her life. Will she succeed at winning both?
What I liked:
1. The whole Portland Storm team- loving, supportive group
2. Jamie aka: Babs- what a great loving guy. Protective and supportive.
3. The awesome thing Jamie does at the end
4. Webs, Katie's dad
I could have done with out the first steamy scene between Babs and Katie. It was just weird for me. I also didn't like the very first line of this book.
June 3, 2015
I totally loved the H in this book. Jamie is one of my all time favorite heroes! He was sweet and loyal. He stayed devoted and in love with the h even when they were not together. So that was like 4 years of loving her from afar! I liked Katie the h too. She made some decisions that I considered dumb in the past that led to their separation, but she truly loved Jamie and was good to him once they were together. She does have a cancer recurrence in the book so we read about her treatment. Those parts of the book were sad, but most of the book was sweet. There was very little relationship angst and this is completely safety gang safe.
January 3, 2016
01/03/2015
Reread it. I still don't like Katie. I cannot connect with her as a character, she is so stupid I want to throw my tablet.
Reread it. I still don't like Katie. I cannot connect with her as a character, she is so stupid I want to throw my tablet.
March 16, 2018
It’s hard to write anything when tears are still blurring my vision. I loved Katie and Babs’ story.
October 29, 2017
***4.75 Lovely Stars***
I admit it. I cheated! After reading 'Taking A Shot (Portland Storm, #2.5)' I was compelled to read 'Dropping Gloves,' the continuation of Jamie's and Katie's story and what transpired four or five years later when she came home from LA. I had to know what happened with our dear, sweet Jamie and the love of his life, Katie. Book 2.5 gave me no choice in the matter. I was that wrapped up with this couple and after trying to move on to books three and four I simply couldn't do it. I was ate up inside to see where Catherine Gayle would take this wonderful love story with this young couple.
Jamie was the epitome of a fantastic, loving young man who had, simply put, not been able to move on after falling desperately for Katie Weber. No other woman had caught his heart or his body because they weren't Katie. He had remained a virgin during their years apart and that had a huge impact on me.
Katie made a lot of mistakes in LA. I have to be honest and say that I did lose some respect for her after finding out about her escapades and the men who dominated her. More than anything I was disappointed in her because she had let people use her. She hung on her manager's every word and thought and did exactly what he wanted her to do to get rid of her pure, good girl image to make her more marketable.
There's only one part that was a bit hard for me to grasp. Katie's parents were so overprotective and had pretty much ruled over her, especially her dad, Webs. So, it didn't fit the mold that her parents would let their eighteen-year-old, inexperienced daughter scurry off to big bad Holly-weird alone at eighteen years old without any supervision or guidance whatsoever. That was so out of character for her dad (and mother, too) and I struggled with that a bit. It was just to far out of the realm of possibility. That simply wasn't who her parents were.
Soooo, I'll start you off. Katie comes home to be at an event that included the Storm. Jamie saw her again at said event and decided he just couldn't hang on any longer. She wanted to be friends but he didn't know how to do that because he loved her endlessly. Katie wasn't back but a couple of days when she discovered everything she wanted and needed was right here at home and she made the decision to give up her acting career, 'drop her gloves' and fight for the one and only man she has ever loved. She followed her dreams before and now she was determined to follow her heart. As soon as she decides this Jamie asks her out for coffee...to tell her he couldn't be her friend anymore. With every visit Katie made home over the years, some including the idiots she was dating, he knew she would leave again. She always did and he had to take steps to be able to move on with his life and open himself up to finding someone else to love. This young man had been broken, crushed if you will, since the day she left years ago and with every trip she made home - only to leave again - the guy's heart was shattered over and over and he didn't function well off the ice.
I highly recommend this series. This book was fantastic and I loved every minute in Jamie's and Katie's world. I loved it so much that I read it three times in four days.
Kudos to Catherine Gayle for these interesting and intriguing stories.
I admit it. I cheated! After reading 'Taking A Shot (Portland Storm, #2.5)' I was compelled to read 'Dropping Gloves,' the continuation of Jamie's and Katie's story and what transpired four or five years later when she came home from LA. I had to know what happened with our dear, sweet Jamie and the love of his life, Katie. Book 2.5 gave me no choice in the matter. I was that wrapped up with this couple and after trying to move on to books three and four I simply couldn't do it. I was ate up inside to see where Catherine Gayle would take this wonderful love story with this young couple.
Jamie was the epitome of a fantastic, loving young man who had, simply put, not been able to move on after falling desperately for Katie Weber. No other woman had caught his heart or his body because they weren't Katie. He had remained a virgin during their years apart and that had a huge impact on me.
Katie made a lot of mistakes in LA. I have to be honest and say that I did lose some respect for her after finding out about her escapades and the men who dominated her. More than anything I was disappointed in her because she had let people use her. She hung on her manager's every word and thought and did exactly what he wanted her to do to get rid of her pure, good girl image to make her more marketable.
There's only one part that was a bit hard for me to grasp. Katie's parents were so overprotective and had pretty much ruled over her, especially her dad, Webs. So, it didn't fit the mold that her parents would let their eighteen-year-old, inexperienced daughter scurry off to big bad Holly-weird alone at eighteen years old without any supervision or guidance whatsoever. That was so out of character for her dad (and mother, too) and I struggled with that a bit. It was just to far out of the realm of possibility. That simply wasn't who her parents were.
Soooo, I'll start you off. Katie comes home to be at an event that included the Storm. Jamie saw her again at said event and decided he just couldn't hang on any longer. She wanted to be friends but he didn't know how to do that because he loved her endlessly. Katie wasn't back but a couple of days when she discovered everything she wanted and needed was right here at home and she made the decision to give up her acting career, 'drop her gloves' and fight for the one and only man she has ever loved. She followed her dreams before and now she was determined to follow her heart. As soon as she decides this Jamie asks her out for coffee...to tell her he couldn't be her friend anymore. With every visit Katie made home over the years, some including the idiots she was dating, he knew she would leave again. She always did and he had to take steps to be able to move on with his life and open himself up to finding someone else to love. This young man had been broken, crushed if you will, since the day she left years ago and with every trip she made home - only to leave again - the guy's heart was shattered over and over and he didn't function well off the ice.
I highly recommend this series. This book was fantastic and I loved every minute in Jamie's and Katie's world. I loved it so much that I read it three times in four days.
Kudos to Catherine Gayle for these interesting and intriguing stories.
August 19, 2016
Dropping Gloves
Portland Storm #7
By Catherine Gayle
There are a lot of things I love about a long running series, especially one that an author keeps interesting like Catherine Gayle does with this one, and that is liking the co-stars and watching them come from behind the scenes into the spotlight. I have been waiting for Jamie and Katie’s romance ever since book one during Jamie’s rookie season when Katie was still in high school. Then watching them from afar during the subsequent novels until, finally, Catherine puts fans like me out of our misery and gives us Katie and Jamie’s love story.
She once again deals with some heavy-duty stuff, cancer in this episode, although she’s groomed fans for this moment with Katie’s previous struggles with Leukemia. But that didn’t stop me from empathizing and sympathizing with Katie through this battle. It was fun seeing all the guys and gals from the past, it was heartwarming seeing them all circle the wagons around Katie emphasizing that family feel that Catherine has nurtured throughout this series. Her trademark snarky, witty narrative makes the hard stuff easier to swallow and her hockey education continues making this yet another Catherine Gayle novel for the Keeper Shelf!! Bravo!
Angel Clark continues to rock these audible editions of The Portland Storm series, she's got every voice, every inflection down pat and her narration gives the emotional roller coaster ride of Katie and Jamie's story the drama it deserves.
Beating cancer gave Katie Weber the courage to leave Portland, her family and the boy she loved behind to follow her dream seeking fame and fortune in Hollywood. Soon the glitz lost its gleam and she lost her innocence on the mean streets of LA. But now she’s back settling down, starting over and hoping the boy she could never forget still wants her, even when he finds out some of the nasty truths she needs to reveal.
Jamie (Babs) Babcock, captain for the Portland Storm hockey team has been pining Katie since she left him and Portland behind. Yes he told her to go, but every time he saw her on some Hollywood guy’s arm he wanted to hit something, preferably the guy with her. When she comes home to stay and tells him she wants him, he can’t help but be suspicious, hopeful and scared out of his freaking mind. And wondering how he’ll reveal to her a secret he’s been keeping.
Portland Storm #7
By Catherine Gayle
There are a lot of things I love about a long running series, especially one that an author keeps interesting like Catherine Gayle does with this one, and that is liking the co-stars and watching them come from behind the scenes into the spotlight. I have been waiting for Jamie and Katie’s romance ever since book one during Jamie’s rookie season when Katie was still in high school. Then watching them from afar during the subsequent novels until, finally, Catherine puts fans like me out of our misery and gives us Katie and Jamie’s love story.
She once again deals with some heavy-duty stuff, cancer in this episode, although she’s groomed fans for this moment with Katie’s previous struggles with Leukemia. But that didn’t stop me from empathizing and sympathizing with Katie through this battle. It was fun seeing all the guys and gals from the past, it was heartwarming seeing them all circle the wagons around Katie emphasizing that family feel that Catherine has nurtured throughout this series. Her trademark snarky, witty narrative makes the hard stuff easier to swallow and her hockey education continues making this yet another Catherine Gayle novel for the Keeper Shelf!! Bravo!
Angel Clark continues to rock these audible editions of The Portland Storm series, she's got every voice, every inflection down pat and her narration gives the emotional roller coaster ride of Katie and Jamie's story the drama it deserves.
Beating cancer gave Katie Weber the courage to leave Portland, her family and the boy she loved behind to follow her dream seeking fame and fortune in Hollywood. Soon the glitz lost its gleam and she lost her innocence on the mean streets of LA. But now she’s back settling down, starting over and hoping the boy she could never forget still wants her, even when he finds out some of the nasty truths she needs to reveal.
Jamie (Babs) Babcock, captain for the Portland Storm hockey team has been pining Katie since she left him and Portland behind. Yes he told her to go, but every time he saw her on some Hollywood guy’s arm he wanted to hit something, preferably the guy with her. When she comes home to stay and tells him she wants him, he can’t help but be suspicious, hopeful and scared out of his freaking mind. And wondering how he’ll reveal to her a secret he’s been keeping.
April 14, 2015
Dropping Gloves (Portland Storm #7) by Catherine Gayle Katie Weber broke Jamie Babcock’s heart when she left for Hollywood to follow her dream. Now she is back in Portland, but Jamie is afraid to have his heart broken by her again.
I have been anxiously awaiting Katie and Babs’ story, and I was not disappointed. Heck I was crying only a few pages into the book. I’m pretty sure that was a record for me.
Babs had always been my favorite Portland Storm character. In my opinion, you cannot get much better than Jamie Babcock. He is such a great guy; you want to see the best for him. He was recently made team captain. Everyone seems to believe in him but himself. He has grown so much throughout this series. Plus, he is completely dedicated to Katie.
Katie is a great heroine. She is a cancer survivor who does not give up. She is a strong individual that goes after her dreams but recognizes when her priorities change.
I love the cats in this story. Blackbeard cracked me up. I have a cat that used to like to sit on my shoulder as a kitten, so I could relate. They made for some good comic relief.
I appreciated that Katie’s father, David Webber (Webs), was trying to play matchmaker. It was an interesting turn of events since Taking a Shot (book 2.5).
I thought it was great that a few characters from the new spin off series, Tulsa Thunderbirds, made an appearance in the story. I cannot wait to read that series.
Catherine Gayle did a phenomenal job with the plot. She covers real-life issues and delivers it in a believable manner. Dropping Gloves was a heartwarming story that made me feel just about every emotion possible. This is a book has made it to my favorites. A book I enjoyed so much I pretty sure I will reread multiple times.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have been anxiously awaiting Katie and Babs’ story, and I was not disappointed. Heck I was crying only a few pages into the book. I’m pretty sure that was a record for me.
Babs had always been my favorite Portland Storm character. In my opinion, you cannot get much better than Jamie Babcock. He is such a great guy; you want to see the best for him. He was recently made team captain. Everyone seems to believe in him but himself. He has grown so much throughout this series. Plus, he is completely dedicated to Katie.
Katie is a great heroine. She is a cancer survivor who does not give up. She is a strong individual that goes after her dreams but recognizes when her priorities change.
I love the cats in this story. Blackbeard cracked me up. I have a cat that used to like to sit on my shoulder as a kitten, so I could relate. They made for some good comic relief.
I appreciated that Katie’s father, David Webber (Webs), was trying to play matchmaker. It was an interesting turn of events since Taking a Shot (book 2.5).
I thought it was great that a few characters from the new spin off series, Tulsa Thunderbirds, made an appearance in the story. I cannot wait to read that series.
Catherine Gayle did a phenomenal job with the plot. She covers real-life issues and delivers it in a believable manner. Dropping Gloves was a heartwarming story that made me feel just about every emotion possible. This is a book has made it to my favorites. A book I enjoyed so much I pretty sure I will reread multiple times.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2015
4.5 stars
Finally Katie and Jamie get their full story! I have loved this couple since they had crushes and a forbidden attraction when they were younger. I always felt like they belonged together. Their lives went through many twists and turns, but they finally end up in a place where they need to either stop circling around each other or move forward.
Is Katie ready to leave Hollywood behind to come home to Portland and Jamie? Is Jamie willing to put his heart on the line again after she has broken it so many times? And what new hurdles might pop up in their way?
This one was emotional and heartbreaking at times, but also romantic, sweet, and humorous. There were surprises and twists, and their story was not easy or without challenges. This is one of my favorite books of the series. I loved getting more with some of the other guys especially Katie's Dad, Webs. His relationship with Jamie has always been interesting and I love how time changes some opinions. Jamie has been a sweet, genuine, truly likable character all along this series and his swoon factor just increased in this one. Katie is more jaded in this one. She has been through a lot and still is, but this gives her the opportunity to show more of her fighting spirit.
May 4, 2016
I have read most of the boks before this in the series and for the most part enjoyed them and the cameraderie shown between the hockey players and their family members. This book tells the story of Jamie Babcock and the girl he has loved for many years. The dramatic part of the story came when hse was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after previously having leukemia and this is where the story bothered me a lot. First of all they commented on the "return" of her cancer when in actual fact it was a new different form of cancer and secondly, the treatment described was inaccurate. I have been through thyroid surgery for a tumour myself and have had 2 friend diagnosed with differing types of thyroid cancer in the past year. While the author had some understanding of radioactive iodine treatment - she placed it first, followed by chemo, followed by surgery and this just isn't how it is done. It took me out of the story into google checking up on things hence the 3 stars.
February 16, 2016
Omg... Katie and Babs the story I couldn't wait to read. And I wasn't disappointed. I knew this would be the best in the series because I loved both characters. But Jamie is my favorite. Katie Weber left her heart behind in Portland when she decided to follow her dreams in Hollywood. Now she's back to sing the national anthem for the Portland Storm for their annual Hockey Fights Cancer night. One look at the team’s bench while she's singing is all it takes to know that Jamie Babcock is still hurting just as much as she is. She's done the Hollywood thing, though, and she's over it. She knows what she wants, and she wants Jamie. They're story I read straight to the end. The journey beginning with Katie coming back to win Jamie heart to cancer again to the proposal. Best book ever. I'd give this book more than five stars!!!
September 10, 2015
I gave the book 3 stars because I love Jamie so much. I've been reading this whole series for a few weeks and just, waiting, waiting, waiting for Jamie and Katies story. Yeah, reading these other reviews I just didn't understand... did Katie not break your heart like she broke mine? Jamie took it WAY better than I did. I kept thinking about it FOR days. Maybe if Jamie wasn't so perfect, I could have got over it. But at one point, when they're at the store, I was kinda wishing for Katie to just, you know. And I NEVER wish those kinda things. How could you be so, so, so stupid when you have such a sweet guy at home, and you freaking beat cancer? Stupid girls get less stars.
April 18, 2015
First let me say... It's about time! I hate waiting for books. Especially this one... It seems like the whole series was leading up to their story.
Tearjerker.
Tearjerker.
February 28, 2017
4.5 Fighting Stars!
From the moment he stepped on to the pages all those books ago I fell in love with Jamie Babcock and that love has just continued to grow in every book. He is one of the secondary characters that steals your heart and runs away with it. So it's needless to say that I was beyond excited when it was FINALLY his turn to have a book all of his own!
Over the course of the years we have seen through other characters the evolution of Jamies character from the shy, sweet rising hockey star to the strong, dependable and now captain of the Portland Storm. Whilst Jamie's career has escalated to new heights his love life has pretty much stood still since the day he let Katie Weber, the one girl he truly loved walk out of his life to follow her dreams of stardom.
Katie thought she wanted fame, Katie thought her destiny lie waiting in Hollywood but after experiencing the roller-coaster that is the entertainment industry with its epic highs and devastating lows.
On a trip home to visit her family Katie is finally realises that sometimes want you think you want and what you actually need are two different things. And that what she really needs is Jamie Babcock.
It is not an easy road for these two not only do they have to move through past hurts but they also have a hell of a battle on their hands to reach the HEA.
I LOVE JAMIE!! I just can't say it enough.... he is the perfect book-boyfriend and I honestly don't think I would change a thing about his character.
As for Katie, I cant lie I did not go into this book loving her (she did break Jamie's heart afterall.... several times over....) but I never doubted she loved him as deeply as he loved her.
I did find it slightly annoying how she seemed to put a lot of blame on her agent for her less then desirable behaviour when she was an "it girl" but apart from that I actually enjoyed her character.
This book pulled the heart strings a whole lot more than its predecessors and I shed a few tears - some happy and some sad. But I definitely closed the book and this final Portland Storm chapter with a smile on my face and a heart full of joy.
I see Gayle is now spinning off to follow the a thunderbirds, where quite a few of the guys from the storm were traded to. One thing you should know about me is that I am a creature of habit and I do not like change.... even in real NHL I lose it when someone is traded (still crying over the blackhawks losing Patrick sharp! haha) so I am having some reservations about whether to continue on with the new series...... but I am a sucker for hockey romance..... so I guess we will have to wait and see!
I have truly enjoyed this series great storylines, great characters as well as a good and honest emphasis on both the hockey and the realities and pressure of life and relationships in the hockey world.
From the moment he stepped on to the pages all those books ago I fell in love with Jamie Babcock and that love has just continued to grow in every book. He is one of the secondary characters that steals your heart and runs away with it. So it's needless to say that I was beyond excited when it was FINALLY his turn to have a book all of his own!
Over the course of the years we have seen through other characters the evolution of Jamies character from the shy, sweet rising hockey star to the strong, dependable and now captain of the Portland Storm. Whilst Jamie's career has escalated to new heights his love life has pretty much stood still since the day he let Katie Weber, the one girl he truly loved walk out of his life to follow her dreams of stardom.
Katie thought she wanted fame, Katie thought her destiny lie waiting in Hollywood but after experiencing the roller-coaster that is the entertainment industry with its epic highs and devastating lows.
On a trip home to visit her family Katie is finally realises that sometimes want you think you want and what you actually need are two different things. And that what she really needs is Jamie Babcock.
It is not an easy road for these two not only do they have to move through past hurts but they also have a hell of a battle on their hands to reach the HEA.
I LOVE JAMIE!! I just can't say it enough.... he is the perfect book-boyfriend and I honestly don't think I would change a thing about his character.
As for Katie, I cant lie I did not go into this book loving her (she did break Jamie's heart afterall.... several times over....) but I never doubted she loved him as deeply as he loved her.
I did find it slightly annoying how she seemed to put a lot of blame on her agent for her less then desirable behaviour when she was an "it girl" but apart from that I actually enjoyed her character.
This book pulled the heart strings a whole lot more than its predecessors and I shed a few tears - some happy and some sad. But I definitely closed the book and this final Portland Storm chapter with a smile on my face and a heart full of joy.
I see Gayle is now spinning off to follow the a thunderbirds, where quite a few of the guys from the storm were traded to. One thing you should know about me is that I am a creature of habit and I do not like change.... even in real NHL I lose it when someone is traded (still crying over the blackhawks losing Patrick sharp! haha) so I am having some reservations about whether to continue on with the new series...... but I am a sucker for hockey romance..... so I guess we will have to wait and see!
I have truly enjoyed this series great storylines, great characters as well as a good and honest emphasis on both the hockey and the realities and pressure of life and relationships in the hockey world.
December 1, 2018
When I first started this series I absolutely fell in love with Jamie and Katie. And have been rooting for them from the start. So once I knew they had a book of their own I was so happy. I was glad everything they had to go through so they could get the ending they deserve. It also helps to see all of my favorite players and wives and kids too.
May 18, 2017
A good and heartwarming book, but again (like book 6 in the series) not what I had expected. It is more about Katie's illness resp. her therapy than her relationship with Jamie.
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Ausführliche Rezension auf Deutsch: http://buecher.ueber-alles.net/?p=20478
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Ausführliche Rezension auf Deutsch: http://buecher.ueber-alles.net/?p=20478
April 14, 2015
Katie Weber broke Jamie Babcock’s heart when she left for Hollywood to follow her dream. Now she is back in Portland, but Jamie is afraid to have his heart broken by her again.
I have been anxiously awaiting Katie and Babs’ story, and I was not disappointed. Heck I was crying only a few pages into the book. I’m pretty sure that was a record for me.
Babs had always been my favorite Portland Storm character. In my opinion, you cannot get much better than Jamie Babcock. He is such a great guy; you want to see the best for him. He was recently made team captain. Everyone seems to believe in him but himself. He has grown so much throughout this series. Plus, he is completely dedicated to Katie.
Katie is a great heroine. She is a cancer survivor who does not give up. She is a strong individual that goes after her dreams but recognizes when her priorities change.
I love the cats in this story. Blackbeard cracked me up. I have a cat that used to like to sit on my shoulder as a kitten, so I could relate. They made for some good comic relief.
I appreciated that Katie’s father, David Webber (Webs), was trying to play matchmaker. It was an interesting turn of events since Taking a Shot (book 2.5).
I thought it was great that a few characters from the new spin off series, Tulsa Thunderbirds, made an appearance in the story. I cannot wait to read that series.
Catherine Gayle did a phenomenal job with the plot. She covers real-life issues and delivers it in a believable manner. Dropping Gloves was a heartwarming story that made me feel just about every emotion possible. This is a book has made it to my favorites. A book I enjoyed so much I pretty sure I will reread multiple times.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have been anxiously awaiting Katie and Babs’ story, and I was not disappointed. Heck I was crying only a few pages into the book. I’m pretty sure that was a record for me.
Babs had always been my favorite Portland Storm character. In my opinion, you cannot get much better than Jamie Babcock. He is such a great guy; you want to see the best for him. He was recently made team captain. Everyone seems to believe in him but himself. He has grown so much throughout this series. Plus, he is completely dedicated to Katie.
Katie is a great heroine. She is a cancer survivor who does not give up. She is a strong individual that goes after her dreams but recognizes when her priorities change.
I love the cats in this story. Blackbeard cracked me up. I have a cat that used to like to sit on my shoulder as a kitten, so I could relate. They made for some good comic relief.
I appreciated that Katie’s father, David Webber (Webs), was trying to play matchmaker. It was an interesting turn of events since Taking a Shot (book 2.5).
I thought it was great that a few characters from the new spin off series, Tulsa Thunderbirds, made an appearance in the story. I cannot wait to read that series.
Catherine Gayle did a phenomenal job with the plot. She covers real-life issues and delivers it in a believable manner. Dropping Gloves was a heartwarming story that made me feel just about every emotion possible. This is a book has made it to my favorites. A book I enjoyed so much I pretty sure I will reread multiple times.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2016
I have been waiting for Katie Weber and Jamie "Babs" Babcock's story since I first read Taking A Shot (Katie and Babs' date to her prom) so I was very excited to hear that Dropping Gloves was coming out. I was not disappointed at all. Babs continued to be the great guy he always has been and Katie has matured into a strong woman.
Having read the entire series thus far, I now know how difficult of a choice it was for Katie to leave Portland and go to Hollywood. If you are a fan of the series you know how hard it has been on Babs every time Katie came into town or any time he heard about her in the news, this book lets you into all the details of the stories he heard that angered him. You get to see that there was way more going on than it seemed. You also learn about how hard Hollywood was for Katie.
Katie decides that she is going to stick around the Portland area for a time early into the book and because of this she has a lot of occasions to run into Babs. When this happens she knows that she will never feel for anyone else the way she feels about Jamie. I thought their story was moving, fun, sexy, and so packed with heart. Babs love for Katie was so complete and you felt every time he hurt for her. This story was so much more than what I was hoping for when there time finally came.
I just have to say I also LOVED Webs in this story, he was so great and funny. :)
Having read the entire series thus far, I now know how difficult of a choice it was for Katie to leave Portland and go to Hollywood. If you are a fan of the series you know how hard it has been on Babs every time Katie came into town or any time he heard about her in the news, this book lets you into all the details of the stories he heard that angered him. You get to see that there was way more going on than it seemed. You also learn about how hard Hollywood was for Katie.
Katie decides that she is going to stick around the Portland area for a time early into the book and because of this she has a lot of occasions to run into Babs. When this happens she knows that she will never feel for anyone else the way she feels about Jamie. I thought their story was moving, fun, sexy, and so packed with heart. Babs love for Katie was so complete and you felt every time he hurt for her. This story was so much more than what I was hoping for when there time finally came.
I just have to say I also LOVED Webs in this story, he was so great and funny. :)
April 14, 2015
If you have ever talked to me (in person or social media) you know that I adore Catherine Gayle! Her Portland Storm series is the one I recommend more than any other book, ever! And this book? It's one that I've anticipated since the very first time I picked up one of her books!
Jamie Babcock is the ideal book boyfriend in so many ways. And Katie Weber? Well, we've watched her grow up, starting with her high school crush on Babs! And now? She's back - in her own book. And let me tell you, from the very first page? Catherine Gayle will blow you away.
This is possibly one of the hardest books I've ever written a review for. It's one that you NEED to read, but it's also one that I can't tell you anything about because even the slightest hint will give away major SPOILERS!!! (And I'm anti-spoiler!)
So as I've said since my first Catherine Gayle review? She'll make you wish you could fall in love all over again, and she'll make you contemplate buying stock in Kleenex brand!
(I really wish this review could be longer. The feels are heavy, the emotions high and the swoons are many! So grab the tissues, your favorite eReader and a cup of coffee, because you'll be up all night!)
Jamie Babcock is the ideal book boyfriend in so many ways. And Katie Weber? Well, we've watched her grow up, starting with her high school crush on Babs! And now? She's back - in her own book. And let me tell you, from the very first page? Catherine Gayle will blow you away.
This is possibly one of the hardest books I've ever written a review for. It's one that you NEED to read, but it's also one that I can't tell you anything about because even the slightest hint will give away major SPOILERS!!! (And I'm anti-spoiler!)
So as I've said since my first Catherine Gayle review? She'll make you wish you could fall in love all over again, and she'll make you contemplate buying stock in Kleenex brand!
(I really wish this review could be longer. The feels are heavy, the emotions high and the swoons are many! So grab the tissues, your favorite eReader and a cup of coffee, because you'll be up all night!)
April 13, 2015
We've been dancing round this story for a little while. Babs loves Katie; Katie is off doing her thing.
Until she's not. And now she's back.... and you should know, this one is something of a tear jerker, right from the off.
Once again, Gayle has managed to create an emotional storyline, which will bodycheck you right in the feels. Hard. And, given that we have been waiting for this relationship to play out for ages, I think that the author has lived up to expectations. Not the lightest of reads, but enjoyable nevertheless.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Until she's not. And now she's back.... and you should know, this one is something of a tear jerker, right from the off.
Once again, Gayle has managed to create an emotional storyline, which will bodycheck you right in the feels. Hard. And, given that we have been waiting for this relationship to play out for ages, I think that the author has lived up to expectations. Not the lightest of reads, but enjoyable nevertheless.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2015
Dropping Gloves is an amazing book! Katie and Babs have been waiting for their love story for a long time. Their's was a case of love at first sight. Unfortunately they had to wait a little while for it to be their time. Catherine has done a wonderful job taking these characters from puppy love to real, mature, adult love! Katie and Babs face huge challenges in both life and love. Grab some tissue because you will cry, laugh, and fall in love with these characters all over again!
August 16, 2015
This is by far my favorite book in the series. I have loved Babs since the beginning and loved the little side stories between him and Katie throughout the series. It was refreshing to read about a sports star who was saving himself for the love of his life. There was laughter and tears and the connection between the characters was perfect.
Ps. The interaction between Babs and Blackbeard was so cute <3
Ps. The interaction between Babs and Blackbeard was so cute <3
April 13, 2015
oh my god. i loved this book so much. i have always been a big fan of jamie's and this book made him my ultimate book boyfriend. <3 i also love the way the wags and hockey community supports each other. i deeply reccomend this book to everyone.<3
June 16, 2015
I received this as a freebie at RT15.
I liked this book. Reading the other reviews made me feel very jaded. I thought is was a simple sweet love story. The kind you read when you don't want something too demanding. I didn't experience every emotion and I certainly didn't cry.
I liked this book. Reading the other reviews made me feel very jaded. I thought is was a simple sweet love story. The kind you read when you don't want something too demanding. I didn't experience every emotion and I certainly didn't cry.
January 23, 2024
Inspirational and amazing! Where can I get a "Jamie?" Lol
March 22, 2022
I was a bit anxious to read this book since I like the original main characters from the previous series (say, Zee, Soupy, Jonny, Nicky, and their girls). Starting from book 2, the team being a family has been strongly emphasized. And throughout the series, until this book, Gayle delivered that "family/brotherhood/sisterhood" really well. So.. when I found out during the first several chapters some of those guys+families wouldn't appear anymore, it kinda felt sad, like losing some good friends that you cared for.
1. Zee was traded as he was claimed by the new expansion team (Thunderbirds series!).
If you read Breakaway (Zee+Dana), you will learn Zee's struggle as a captain and how the team that once was good (before book 1) had become a mess, but they were much getting stronger and better as the story progressed. That's why it's sad to see that he won't be leading this team anymore.
2. And Soupy was injured again and couldn't play in the games..! It was frustrating! We learned from the previous book that he was sort kind of warrior who tried to get to NHL. After years, he is now here, but we can't get too many actions from him. Tho the last (hope I'm not mistaken) story about him playing in book 5 was about him winning the game for Zee as Zee's baby was born was delivered beautifully! "... winning the game for his best friend, brother-in-law, captain" ==> something along this line.
I always have the impression that these 2 are like Babs' older brothers. With them missing, the sense of brotherhood was fading too in this book. Instead, we met some more new, young characters whose nicknames don't stick with me. There is this awkward feeling when reading the book bcs of the new guys.. but also makes the story real. It was mentioned before that the end of each season was always bittersweet as some teammates retired, traded, left. So, I think that's the right description: It's bittersweet that some of the main characters left but they were still mentioned from time to time.
Now, let's get to this story!
The storyline in this book happened 5 years after the first book. Babs (19 in book 1) is now 24. And Katie is 22. In the previous books, each character had something to say about Babs and Katie.
Zee told Babs to let Katie go to find herself and what she wanted.. Soupy told Webs to let Katie experienced life.. Everything almost happened the way they said.
Babs has been a likeable character due to his sweet and playful nature throughout the series. Because of heartache and everything, he has changed. So has Katie. They are good together and readers root for them.. but somehow the emotional depth between MCs that presents in other books doesn't appear here. Their chemistry and emotional connection were deeper in book 2.5 for me. Yes, Katie has been through a lot.. the cancer..her life in LA.. but somehow there is something missing in her character here compared to Katie in other books. What's missing is not related to her mistakes and I can't quite put it into words, but just there is something lacking.
How the story progresses and the steamy parts don't quite make sense to me. Especially when Soupy gave the phone sex advice.. it was awkward and strange and made me cringe.. and just somehow feels out of Soupy's character :"D
But.. there are 2 parts of the story that make me cry:
- The beginning when Katie's back in Portland and they show her video fighting the cancer..
- The last part: the proposal... wow!
It's not a bad story, just the combination of me missing the original characters + feeling awkward reading this book + high anticipation with Babs and Katie = make it difficult to give this book 4-5 stars.
Surprisingly, I prefer Levi, Bab's brother, story! I didn't plan to read after this because Babs is the last original main character.. but I read anyway and LOVE Levi's story much more!
1. Zee was traded as he was claimed by the new expansion team (Thunderbirds series!).
If you read Breakaway (Zee+Dana), you will learn Zee's struggle as a captain and how the team that once was good (before book 1) had become a mess, but they were much getting stronger and better as the story progressed. That's why it's sad to see that he won't be leading this team anymore.
2. And Soupy was injured again and couldn't play in the games..! It was frustrating! We learned from the previous book that he was sort kind of warrior who tried to get to NHL. After years, he is now here, but we can't get too many actions from him. Tho the last (hope I'm not mistaken) story about him playing in book 5 was about him winning the game for Zee as Zee's baby was born was delivered beautifully! "... winning the game for his best friend, brother-in-law, captain" ==> something along this line.
I always have the impression that these 2 are like Babs' older brothers. With them missing, the sense of brotherhood was fading too in this book. Instead, we met some more new, young characters whose nicknames don't stick with me. There is this awkward feeling when reading the book bcs of the new guys.. but also makes the story real. It was mentioned before that the end of each season was always bittersweet as some teammates retired, traded, left. So, I think that's the right description: It's bittersweet that some of the main characters left but they were still mentioned from time to time.
Now, let's get to this story!
The storyline in this book happened 5 years after the first book. Babs (19 in book 1) is now 24. And Katie is 22. In the previous books, each character had something to say about Babs and Katie.
Zee told Babs to let Katie go to find herself and what she wanted.. Soupy told Webs to let Katie experienced life.. Everything almost happened the way they said.
Babs has been a likeable character due to his sweet and playful nature throughout the series. Because of heartache and everything, he has changed. So has Katie. They are good together and readers root for them.. but somehow the emotional depth between MCs that presents in other books doesn't appear here. Their chemistry and emotional connection were deeper in book 2.5 for me. Yes, Katie has been through a lot.. the cancer..her life in LA.. but somehow there is something missing in her character here compared to Katie in other books. What's missing is not related to her mistakes and I can't quite put it into words, but just there is something lacking.
How the story progresses and the steamy parts don't quite make sense to me. Especially when Soupy gave the phone sex advice.. it was awkward and strange and made me cringe.. and just somehow feels out of Soupy's character :"D
But.. there are 2 parts of the story that make me cry:
- The beginning when Katie's back in Portland and they show her video fighting the cancer..
- The last part: the proposal... wow!
It's not a bad story, just the combination of me missing the original characters + feeling awkward reading this book + high anticipation with Babs and Katie = make it difficult to give this book 4-5 stars.
Surprisingly, I prefer Levi, Bab's brother, story! I didn't plan to read after this because Babs is the last original main character.. but I read anyway and LOVE Levi's story much more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2017
Fighting Battles & Love Always Wins
I've read several of the Portland Storm books and couldn't wait to read this one after downloading it for free on Kindle.
Katie returns home after leaving to chase her dream, which I do feel she deserves after winning the battle she fought so hard at a young age. However, she leaves Jamie and what they could've had behind, which leaves them both unable to settle down with someone else. I do feel Jamie finds the separation and being left behind harder and he almost puts his life on hold. Once Katie starts to realise that dreams coming true aren't always a good thing, she decides to take time out back home and that is when the battle restarts. The battle pulls Katie and Jamie together again and even though it's not an easy fight, they get through it and finally have the HEA they needed/wanted to be able to fully live life.
I loved this story but did feel for Jamie who realised that he needed to move on and put himself through the pain of walking away completely from Katie. Then he's pulled back even though he tries to fight it and goes through more pain of seeing Katie again fight her battle and also hearing that her life continued to move on when she was away even though some of what happened to her wasn't good. It was actually nice to read a story where the guy waited and the girl messed up etc as far too many books make the guy into the one who was wrong etc. I'll definitely read this story again!
I've read several of the Portland Storm books and couldn't wait to read this one after downloading it for free on Kindle.
Katie returns home after leaving to chase her dream, which I do feel she deserves after winning the battle she fought so hard at a young age. However, she leaves Jamie and what they could've had behind, which leaves them both unable to settle down with someone else. I do feel Jamie finds the separation and being left behind harder and he almost puts his life on hold. Once Katie starts to realise that dreams coming true aren't always a good thing, she decides to take time out back home and that is when the battle restarts. The battle pulls Katie and Jamie together again and even though it's not an easy fight, they get through it and finally have the HEA they needed/wanted to be able to fully live life.
I loved this story but did feel for Jamie who realised that he needed to move on and put himself through the pain of walking away completely from Katie. Then he's pulled back even though he tries to fight it and goes through more pain of seeing Katie again fight her battle and also hearing that her life continued to move on when she was away even though some of what happened to her wasn't good. It was actually nice to read a story where the guy waited and the girl messed up etc as far too many books make the guy into the one who was wrong etc. I'll definitely read this story again!
June 11, 2017
Nach dem Kurzroman um Katie und Babs nun ein kompletter Roman! Ich habe in der Serie um 'Portland Storm'-Eishockeyspieler nicht weitergelesen, weil sie nicht wirklich spannender wurde, aber den Roma musste ich dann doch lesen.
Katie ist erfolgreich in Hollywood und stellt fest, dass das oberflächliche Leben nicht das ist, was sie sich erhofft hatte. Da kommt der Krebs zurück und sie ist sich nicht sicher, ob sie das alles noch mal schaffen kann. Aber wenn, dass nur zu Hause - sie kauft sich ein Haus in Portland und stellt erstaunt fest, dass Babs ihr neuer Nachbar ist.
Das Herz von Jamie Babcock hängt immer noch an Katie - aber er will es sich nicht noch einmal brechen lassen. Aber der Vorsatz ist schnell vergessen.
So, wie ich mir das gewünscht habe. Süß und was für das Herz.
Katie ist erfolgreich in Hollywood und stellt fest, dass das oberflächliche Leben nicht das ist, was sie sich erhofft hatte. Da kommt der Krebs zurück und sie ist sich nicht sicher, ob sie das alles noch mal schaffen kann. Aber wenn, dass nur zu Hause - sie kauft sich ein Haus in Portland und stellt erstaunt fest, dass Babs ihr neuer Nachbar ist.
Das Herz von Jamie Babcock hängt immer noch an Katie - aber er will es sich nicht noch einmal brechen lassen. Aber der Vorsatz ist schnell vergessen.
So, wie ich mir das gewünscht habe. Süß und was für das Herz.
March 19, 2018
After I had finished Portland Storm boxset 1. I REALLY liked the characters of Katie Webber & Jamie Babcock, even though it was a novella with them, in Taking a Shot, I knew I had to jump ahead to their story again, as I needed to see what happens with them.
And that was a good decisions, even though, lives had moved away & New characters came in.
As we see Katie come back to Portland after being away in Hollywood, acting. And you can feel the sadness & I feel like she's lonely & things aren't as rosy as the media makes out.
And heck poor Jamie can't find it in him to find someone as he adores Katie even though he's seen her with other people. So it's now that Katie is back it's seeing what's going to happen or not between them....
Yet again another great strong storyline.
And that was a good decisions, even though, lives had moved away & New characters came in.
As we see Katie come back to Portland after being away in Hollywood, acting. And you can feel the sadness & I feel like she's lonely & things aren't as rosy as the media makes out.
And heck poor Jamie can't find it in him to find someone as he adores Katie even though he's seen her with other people. So it's now that Katie is back it's seeing what's going to happen or not between them....
Yet again another great strong storyline.
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