Books 5-7 The Portland Storm Series, books 2, 2.5 and 3

The cold weather has hit and with it, somehow, I've found time to read again. It doesn't hurt when you are reading fictional stories that pull you in with the characters and setting.  Books 5-7 were the next in the Portland Storm Series by Catherine Gayle.

 The first book in this series was good, other than some of the content that could have been left out, such as language and scenes that didn't need to be in the book to capture the love story.  Still I liked the story and the concept of the story enough to actual pay for the next 3 books in the series.

Book 2 (for me book 5) was On the Fly

This is the story of Rachel, a woman trying to get her life back together after leaving her native home of Texas and a tragic past.  In the midst of pulling herself out of the past she meets Soupy.  She doesn't trust men, and doesn't want to trust him especially, but watching parts of the past melt away causes her to rethink her ability to trust. Now she's trying to handle a new job working for the Portland Storm, when she knows nothing about hockey, and learning that she also knows very little about the real love people are capable of. A good story, about healing, despite obstacles in the way.

I'd give the book 4 stars

Book 2.5 (my book 6) was Taking a Shot

For 3 years Katie has been falling in love with Babs, but he has been continually told by her father that even looking at her could get him pummeled. Now she is facing a fight that he can't stand to watch, and she seems to be losing.  His new roommate Kally suggests that sometimes you have to take a shot at what you want even if the risks are too great.  While doing just that Babs manages to give the desire to fight back to Katie, so maybe facing her father won't be as bad as he thinks.

I'd give the book 4 stars, short and sweet.  Hoping these characters are revisited throughout the series.

Book3 Light the Lamp (my book 7)

This book was the most far fetched so far in the series.  Kally lost everything  2 years ago when his wife died on the side of a road, now he finds himself rescuing Noelle from a similar fate.  Did fate really bring them together?  He's a professional athlete, she's a  homeless woman trying to get by.  Will they both teach each other how to survive despite the losses in their lives, or run away from each other.  This was my least favorite of the books so far, it just didn't seem plausible in many ways.  I probably will continue reading the series at some point, but not planning on buying any more of the books right now.

I'd give this book 3 stars.