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Breakaway: Portland Storm, Volume 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 4,633 ratings

She's reaching for a breakaway pass. Dana Campbell has spent the past seven years in self-imposed isolation for a crime she didn't commit. The danger is well in the past, but her panic attacks make it impossible to have a normal, healthy relationship with a man. Even her counselor has given up on her. She has to find someone she trusts to help her fight through the panic, or her seven-year ordeal will become a lifetime sentence. There's only one man she feels safe enough to ask. He got caught with his head down. As the captain of the NHL's once elite but now fading Portland Storm, Eric Zellinger knows a thing or two about keeping his focus on the job. Questions are flying about his ability to lead the team back to the playoffs. If they don't make it, he might be shipped out of town. It's the worst time possible for his best friend's kid sister to divide his focus. How can he give her what she needs without jeopardizing both the Storm's playoff hopes and his future with the team? It's her only chance, but it's his last shot.

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Product details

Listening Length 8 hours and 37 minutes
Author Catherine Gayle
Narrator Suzan Lynn Lorraine
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date October 03, 2014
Publisher Catherine Gayle
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B00O5CS4B6
Best Sellers Rank #406,691 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#517 in Sports Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#4,671 in Sports Fiction (Books)
#31,237 in Contemporary Romance (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4,633 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the author's skill in handling difficult subject matter. The storyline is described as a touching love story with humor thrown in. Readers praise the writing quality as excellent and the characters as relatable. The emotional content and healing themes are also appreciated.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

258 customers mention "Readability"258 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and engaging. They appreciate the realistic portrayal of characters with flaws and baggage. The story is refreshing, with a surprising amount of substance and heart. Readers love the characters and find the book inspiring, providing hope for those who have experienced abuse.

"...Reading about Dana and Eric together was so great and you can't help but desperately want things to work out ok for them...." Read more

"...Somehow Catherine Gayle has created a believable, damaged, and hopeful character without overdoing or glossing over things the way I expected...." Read more

"...And that is only the last 30 pages. Ms. Gayle had a great story but for me it was executed just to darn slow...." Read more

"...I highly recommend this book. It was a super read and frankly, I thought the rating on Goodreads would have been higher." Read more

138 customers mention "Storyline"130 positive8 negative

Customers find the storyline engaging with a well-developed love story and some humor. They appreciate the sensitive development of the relationship between Dana and Eric, as well as the compelling plot that rings true. The book is described as sensual, sweet, and powerful.

"...the book is very heavy and incredibly sad but that just makes the ending that much sweeter...." Read more

"...Instead, it’s actually a very sweet romance, though the physical side of things is understandably slower to develop than the emotional side...." Read more

"...it was so gut-wrenching in parts, but at the same time it was soft, sweet and perfect in others. Eric was the perfect person for Dana...." Read more

"...This book thoroughly develops the relationship between Dana and Eric and sensitively details her progress toward healing...." Read more

117 customers mention "Writing quality"100 positive17 negative

Customers find the book's writing quality good. They appreciate the author's knowledge of hockey and how the story is handled eloquently. The steamy scenes are beautifully written and credible. Readers enjoy the back-and-forth commentary between Dana and Eric. Overall, they describe the book as an easy read with thoughtful characters.

"...Eric was the perfect person for Dana. He was so gentle and understanding, even though at times the whole situation was tearing him apart inside...." Read more

"...Eric is sweet and thoughtful on so many levels and Dana is trying to heal her open wounds...." Read more

"...It was slow but steady. Overall this book was well written and entertaining. It was fairly emotional. I would continue reading the series...." Read more

"...Catherine Gayle does an incredible job of showing the reader how Dana has handled her situation and this book shows the growth she experiences as..." Read more

102 customers mention "Character development"91 positive11 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and engaging. They appreciate that the author takes a thoughtful approach to creating strong female characters. The characters are relatable, with Dana's emotions clearly depicted. Readers also appreciate the down-to-earth and supportive teammates.

"...The characters’ emotions, challenges, and strong chemistry were all perfectly balanced, and I’ll definitely be hunting down the other books in the..." Read more

"...But that isn't the case. I did end up enjoying the story and the characters. I am glad that I finished it...." Read more

"...I also loved the guys on the team who were subtlety supportive from teaching Dana self-defense to pushing her out of her comfort zone while still..." Read more

"...The secondary characters are developed somewhat as well, which makes it easy to wonder how their stories will play out in their own novels...." Read more

58 customers mention "Subject matter"58 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's subject matter touching and difficult to write about. They appreciate how the author tackles a traumatic experience and has the characters work through it. The plots don't pull any emotional punches, and the struggles feel real. Readers also praise the author's handling of anxiety and panic disorders.

"...He's so gentle with Dana and so concerned with hurting her or making her anxiety worse...." Read more

"...The characters’ emotions, challenges, and strong chemistry were all perfectly balanced, and I’ll definitely be hunting down the other books in the..." Read more

"...though it was so gut-wrenching in parts, but at the same time it was soft, sweet and perfect in others...." Read more

"...Her panic attacks felt real to the reader. As she became more comfortable with Eric, the panic lessened and the touching grew at an appropriate pace...." Read more

20 customers mention "Healing power"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book about healing and trust engaging. They appreciate the sensitive details of Dana's progress toward healing. The story is described as emotional and empowering, with a message of hope. Readers appreciate the dedication and discipline portrayed. Overall, they describe it as a true love story with a message of love.

"...lot about the hockey season included, this is essentially a book about healing and trust. What Needed Work..." Read more

"...the relationship between Dana and Eric and sensitively details her progress toward healing...." Read more

"...That is what struck me wrong. It is obvious the two have a great bond of trust, that being said I couldn't understand why it was so hard to tell..." Read more

"...Dana certainly picked the right man to help her heal, and I loved how Eric showed his love by being just what she needed...." Read more

60 customers mention "Interest"30 positive30 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book. Some find it interesting and impressed with the central subject. They appreciate the idea behind the story and find it well-written with no cliffhangers. Others find the book heartbreaking, intense, and uplifting with an awkwardly sad scene. The difficult subject matter is handled well, but some feel the beginning is very sad.

"...It’s one of those books that just grabs you, and pulls you in. It’s just that good...." Read more

"...The content and set up for the book is very heavy and incredibly sad but that just makes the ending that much sweeter...." Read more

"...and write well about hockey, but also the story is different and quickly hooked me. It's a brother's best friend romance, but much more than that...." Read more

"...The awkwardly sad, hilarious scene in which Dana asks for his help has him at odds — he feels like the brand of help she’s asking him for is a..." Read more

20 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed views on the pacing of the book. Some found it steady and engaging, while others felt it was slow and dragged out.

"...Ms. Gayle had a great story but for me it was executed just to darn slow...." Read more

"...I like the time put into their relationship evolving. It was slow but steady. Overall this book was well written and entertaining...." Read more

"...New hockey phrases. I did get frustrated how slow some things progressed & I caught myself skimming over a couple pages when areas dragged on,..." Read more

"I liked the book. The pacing and descriptions were very good. However I am not a sports fan so the actual story kind of got it my way...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2016
    Interests: Contemporary Romance, Hockey

    Quick Summary
    After a life altering event in college, ex-hockey player Dana Campbell has quietly drifted away from the life she always wanted. Trust comes hard for Dana and with her panic attacks and anxiety, being around other people, men in particular is hard. Ready to take back her life, Dana reaches out to her brother's best friend, professional hockey player Eric Zellinger. Eric loved Dana but waited too long to do anything about it; now he has a second chance to fix it. But things won't be easy with Dana and it's a hard road to recovery.

    What I Liked
    Where to start...I loved this book! The content and set up for the book is very heavy and incredibly sad but that just makes the ending that much sweeter. I can't begin to imagine the pain and suffering that someone goes through when they are a victim of abuse and for once I feel like an author did this experience justice. Too often a heroine in a romance novel is a victim but once they meet their love interest it's like nothing happened to them in the past. Do I believe that love can heal a lot of wounds? Of course! Do I believe that someone who's been through a nightmare deserves to have something easy in their life? Of course! But sometimes a little realism means a lot in a story. Dana suffers from panic attacks and anxiety to such an extent that she can't even hold hands with a guy. She has completely isolated herself; she dropped out of school, stopped playing hockey, works at an all female gym and hasn't even thought of dating since her attack. It's a genuine struggle for her to trust in Eric and begin to find herself again. I loved how determined Dana was, even when it seemed like the odds were against her. Gayle doesn't just magically heal her; it's a battle from day 1 for Dana to overcome her trauma.

    And then there's Eric...sigh...he was so amazing! I couldn't ask for a better hero in a romance novel. I've always liked the sweeter, nicer guys in books. I never understood the trend of bad boy players with over developed alpha tendencies and a mean streak. That's just not attractive to me; Eric is much more my speed. He's a tough guy on the ice and he knows what he wants in life but he's not afraid to be a normal guy, with normal feelings. He's so gentle with Dana and so concerned with hurting her or making her anxiety worse. At the same time he trusts Dana when she says she can handle something. Reading about Dana and Eric together was so great and you can't help but desperately want things to work out ok for them. There's not a lot angst in this book, outside of Dana's panic attacks. Though there's a lot about the hockey season included, this is essentially a book about healing and trust.

    What Needed Work
    This book worked so much for me so there really isn't anything I didn't like. I was mildly annoyed with how oblivious Dana is about Eric's feelings. She knows that Eric loves her but she mistakenly believes it's the type of love you feel for a sister. I guess with her lack of experience I can maybe understand why she would believe that, but still. Of course, this was only a small annoyance and didn't detract from the story at all for me.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2015
    For seven years, something as simple as human touch, specifically that of a man, has been impossible for Dana. After a particularly traumatic attack during her freshman year of college, she’s a shell of the person she once was. And while she dreams of resuming a normal life, of being able to handle even the idea of a relationship, no amount of therapy seems to help. So when her therapist suggests a sex surrogate, Dana knows a stranger, no matter how professional and understanding isn't an option. But maybe her brother’s best friend, a man she trusts implicitly, could be the key to reclaiming her life.

    Judging Covers: Cute cover, but I’m not sure it accurately reflects the seriousness of the subject matter that’s at the heart of this plot. Then again, something dark and shadowed probably wouldn't introduce the series very well. I don’t know…

    The Verdict: It’s pretty rare for me to pick up a book that speaks of rape, not only because it’s so often a badly used plot device but also simply because I’m not a fan of all that angst. But this one was free on Amazon, and after I checked out some other readers’ reviews, I figured I’d give it a shot. Contrary to what I sort of expected, I just couldn't put it down.

    While Dana’s rape is practically its own character in the story, it’s a past-tense deal, never fully described in detail, which made it much more palatable than I usually find. And while she’s so traumatized from it that she can barely function, she refuses to give up on the dream of spending her life with someone, and she’s determined to overcome the seemingly impossible obstacles its created. Somehow Catherine Gayle has created a believable, damaged, and hopeful character without overdoing or glossing over things the way I expected. Where many authors would have left their characters drowning in angst, waiting to be rescued by some ridiculously understanding stranger who magically scales the figurative walls, Dana refuses to fall into a spiral of despair, even when her heartbreaking struggle is nothing short of overwhelming. It’s the right respect for the seriousness of the event coupled with a heroine you can’t help but root for. But on to the story…

    Eric crushed on Dana for longer than was probably appropriate, but she was always his best friend’s kid sister, and he tried to do the noble thing by resisting the attraction. However, her whole life fell apart before he could finally give in to his heart, and ever since then, he’s felt his chance has passed. The awkwardly sad, hilarious scene in which Dana asks for his help has him at odds — he feels like the brand of help she’s asking him for is a betrayal of his best friend and constitutes taking advantage of Dana. But he’ll be damned if he’s going to let anyone else do the job.
    Eric’s understanding and considerate nature when it came to Dana’s issues is — on the surface — almost too perfect. Then again, he’s known her forever, truly cares about her, and witnessed her drastic change in personality himself. As strong as his feelings are for her, there’s no way he could really treat her any differently than he does. It’s his past with her, even just as a family friend, that makes his constant concern for her more believable than one might think.

    Their journey is filled with panic attacks, Dana’s desperation to be “normal,” and Eric’s overwhelming guilt, but somehow it’s not the giant angst-fest the scenario hints at. Instead, it’s actually a very sweet romance, though the physical side of things is understandably slower to develop than the emotional side. Eric is head over heels for Dana, extremely protective of her, and more than willing to deal with the fallout that will inevitably occur when her brother finds out what their up to.

    The only thing I didn't really like or feel was appropriate was that Eric’s entire team was told up front about Dana’s issues. While there was no doctor-patient confidentiality, in that Dana bucked her therapist’s suggestions of a professional and enlisted Eric to help her get past her trauma and be able to have a physical relationship, it just seemed like a terrible invasion of privacy and rather inappropriate. Sure, the other guys on the team needed to know that Dana was going to have serious problems being around them and would more than likely go into complete freak-out mode at one point or another, but I would have been more accepting of a less personal explanation to them. Say she had an extremely traumatic experience and is suffering from PTSD, severe anxiety, and a load of other issues, and then let them draw their own conclusions.

    In any case, Breakaway was a great read, and while I may have had that one issue with the story, it in no way diminished my enjoyment of it. The characters’ emotions, challenges, and strong chemistry were all perfectly balanced, and I’ll definitely be hunting down the other books in the series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2015
    I usually don't read books that are this dark. I mainly love books with more of a light-hearted read, but I just couldn't seem to put this one down. But this one just sucked me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was so intense, and so heart-breaking, and yet at the same time I found myself rooting for these two to suceed in their healing process. This story was so beautifully written, even though it was so gut-wrenching in parts, but at the same time it was soft, sweet and perfect in others.

    Eric was the perfect person for Dana. He was so gentle and understanding, even though at times the whole situation was tearing him apart inside. But as hard as it was, and no matter how many times he wanted to quit, he kept going out of love for Dana and what she went through.

    Even though Dana was scared to death, she knew she couldn't keep on living like she was. She wanted to be whole again, she didn't want what happened eight years ago to rule her life anymore. It took a lot of guts to fly clear across the country and then to reach out and ask for Eric's help, but she did it. And as scared as she was, she never gave up on trying. That makes her one heck of a remarkable woman in my book!

    I have never had the pleasure of reading anything written by this author before, but you can bet.... I'll be checking out the rest of this series now.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • underneath the covers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sports Romance novels are definitely one of my favourite guilty pleasures and this book did not disappoint
    Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2018
    As soon as I saw the plot for Breakaway, I knew it was definitely a book that I wanted to read. Sports Romance novels are definitely one of my favourite guilty pleasures and this book did not disappoint. The synopsis of the book intrigued me from the start, as it had multiple genres of books that I absolutely love .... Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Forbidden Romances just to name a few.

    When we are introduced to Dana Campbell we are heartbroken from the tragedy that she is trying to overcome from being raped in College, you just want something to go right for her. However, when the idea is introduced that she needs to get intimate with someone that she feels comfortable with - and that person being her brothers best friend who also happens to be the captain of a NHL team Eric "Zee" Zellinger, the book seems to take an interesting turn. Catherine Gayle does a fabulous job in creating a story line that is somehow intertwines sadness, romance with spurts of comedy intertwined and the ability to try for a second chance.

    I loved the characters of both Dana and Eric and was rooting for them from the start. As Eric and Dana have so much rich history and chemistry, it was great to see them try to overcome the aftermath of Dana's attack. Eric was so patient, so kind and loving towards Dana, that it was super easy to fall in love with him. Dana's ability to overcome what life tragically threw her way, was hopeful to say the least. I absolutely loved the secondary characters in the book and hope they surface in the other books in this series.

    If you are a fan of romance, second chance at love, sports romance and just a great story, then this is the book for you. Catherine Gayle has written a fantastic story of friendship, overcoming your fears and the ability to find love and be able to trust again. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Portland Storm series and definitely recommend this book as the next book to be added to your To-Be-Read Shelf!

    Wonderful read!
  • Lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intense and highly recommended
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2016
    This was an intense and angsty read that suprised the hell out of me. It is not an easy read as Dana tries to come to terms with events from her past and seeks out Eric's help. Your heart will cry for Dana and will fall in love with Eric as the hockey player shows such gentleness and love for Dana to help her overcome her fears. All the while Eric is captain of a team that is struggling to perform and needs his focus to there but he still manages to give Dana the care and attention she needs. This was an incredible read that completely drew me into their world and the world of hockey and is one that I highly recommend.
  • Schneeflocke
    5.0 out of 5 stars There's no chance to not love this book!
    Reviewed in Germany on July 28, 2016
    „Breakaway“ by Catherine Gayle is a book that I never would have read if it hadn't been for free. I've never been interested in hockey and my expectations on this book weren't very high. I just thought: well, it's for free, it doesn't hurt to give it a try even if hockey isn't my cup of tea at all. And man, I've never been this wrong before!

    I instantly fell in love with the two MC and much more surprisingly, I also fell in love with hockey. Catherine Gayle really hooked me up with this sport and nowadays I'm regularly watching hockey games and I enjoy them endlessly.

    But enough about me, now let's talk about the book. „Breakaway“ is the story of Dana Campbell and Eric (Zee) Zellinger, who happens to be the captain of the fictional Portland Storm NHL hockey team. Dana is his best friends little sister and she's always been like a kid sister to Eric, too. The three of them spent a happy childhood and youth together, but this came to an abrupt end seven years ago, when she's been raped and has never been able to live a normal life since then. Even after years of counseling, being around men is nearly impossible for her, let alone to trust a man enough to let him touch her. But she has one last chance to overcome her issues. And therefore, without an announcement, she's travelling across the country asking one big favor of Eric.

    And then begins the heartwarming story of Dana's and Eric's adventure, of their challenge to slowly build up enough trust for Dana to overcome the panic attacks and start to enjoy being touched by a man. It's an emotional rollercoaster the two of them are on and to make things even worse, Eric's team is struggling once again to make the playoffs and needs it's captain to be at top of his game.

    Where other authors might drift off into kitsch, Catherine Gayle is able to tell this story very sensitive and absolutely convincingly with vivid dialogues and great hockey scenes. And like I said before, there's truly no chance to not fall in love with Dana and Eric and there's a big chance that at the end of this book hockey is your new favorite sport to watch. One thing is definitely for sure: After „Breakaway“ you are addicted to the Portland Storm Series. So be warned!

    Conclusion: This is, without any doubt, a five star read! Try it, you won't regret it, you'll love it!
  • Smita
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good love story!!
    Reviewed in India on March 4, 2016
    Just go with the flow of the story, it is a good to read. At times you have to suspend your sense of logic but it is a good one about trying to come in terms with something so traumatic. It has emotions, drama and love conquers all ....

    It is free on kindle....
  • Casey Leigh
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a Breakaway!!
    Reviewed in Australia on September 15, 2015
    The beginning of the The Portland Storm series and I'm already in love.
    Starting with the team captain Eric "Zee" Zellinger we are introduced to the team as a whole and the world of ice hockey. The complexities, challenges and emotions involved in work/life balance of a player.
    Eric's focus is both how to get his team to the finals successfully this year and how to best help his best friend's little sister through a traumatic experience and move forward positively.
    No doubt emotions will come into play, but what kind and how intense is the question.
    Read and enjoy this novel to see what happens.