USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series.
Being sidelined for far too long due to injuries, Portland Storm player Brenden “Soupy” Campbell is ready to take his career to the next level and make his new position on the team stick. After he meets the general manager’s cute new assistant, Brenden knows he’s right where he’s … where he’s supposed to be.
Determined to change things up On the Fly and establish a future for herself and her children, Rachel Shaw jumps at the opportunity to work for the Storm. She’s not going to let anything—or anyone—get in her way, especially not a sexy and overly cocky hockey star.
But when Brenden pulls out all the stops and turns on the charm, Rachel refuses to make the same mistake twice. Now, it’s up to Brenden to cement his spot—both on the team and in Rachel’s heart.
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I read this 3 years ago. Having recently switched mostly to audiobooks and seeing this as part of a box set (Books 1, 2, 2.5, & 3) – it was a great deal to grab for a single credit on Audible.
This is another slow burn as Brenden (Soupy) tries to win over wary single-mom Rachel. Another book that deals with sexual assault (this time of a minor) in a realistic way without being overly graphic. Though listeners sensitive to that subject may still find it to be too much as it’s impact is a major part of the story line.
Gayle introduces more Portland Storm players and we get updates and regular interaction from previously introduced players. I’ll admit, all I know about hockey is from romance novels – but her descriptions seem thorough while still engaging.
Angel Clark’s narration lacked the finesse she showed in the first book. The differentiation between character voices was minimal. Also, Rachel is described as having a Southern (Texas) accent and Clark only used it if the accent was immediately mentioned in the text or vaguely in sentences that used “y’all” or talked about Rachel’s time living there. She missed the mark to bring some individuality to these characters.
This book has characters that will draw you in. The subject matter is absolutely heartbreaking! But Ms Gayle manages to create a hero that is perfect for our heroine.
Trust. Can we function as individuals and as a society without it? On the fly is a gripping story about a woman trying to trust a man in a world that has only let her down and a man trying to trust himself in order to get and hold on to what he wants.
Catherine has a way of writing that will pull you into her characters’ lives from the start. She deals with a very real although difficult subject that had me fighting back tears of anger, frustration, understanding of a mother’s need to protect her children and regrettably being powerless to do so sometimes.
She writes characters that are very relatable and a story that has just the right pace with a very real development of a relationship between two people that are good for each other.
Rachel and Brenden meet while he fights to keep his place on the team and Rachel to keep her family afloat.
I fell in love with Brenden’s gentle and not so gentle persuasion and determination to be part of Rachel’s life and achieve his professional goals. I understood Rachel’s reluctance to let go of her fears and admired her strength and resolve to give her kids the best life possible.
You can’t help but fall in love with the secondary characters, from Rachel’s kids, Brenden’s family (who made me laugh hysterically with their matchmaking antics), all the players and their wives and kids, and especially Babs.
The story is filled with action packed excitement during the incredibly well described games. It feels like you’re skating and playing right along these amazing athletes. It’s great even if you’re not a hockey connoisseur like me.
The book is written in dual points of view, so you get a better understanding of both character’s mindset. It could be read as a standalone, but I strongly suggest it be read in order after Breakaway.
I can’t wait for the Seduced by the Game release. Which is an anthology of hockey romance novellas. Proceeds for a year will be donated to Hockey Fights Cancer and guess who Catherine’s novella is about? YES non other than Jamie Babcock and Katie Weber.
Great story and characters.