Light the Lamp (Portland Storm, #4)

by Catherine Gayle

[Cocktails and Books]

ILIGHT THE LAMP has a hero that will break your heart. Liam Kallen is a broken man who's been traded to Portland, figuring his career is finished. But a chance encounter with a broken down car on the side of the road changed Liam's life.

Liam was a character I just wanted to hug. The poor man was mourning the death of his wife and drowning in guilt because he "made" her come to the US during the hockey season. In his mind, she would still be alive if she had stayed back home in Sweden, rather than be with him. His grief knew no bounds, effecting every part of his life..even hockey. So when he's traded to Portland, he figures he's at the end of his career. He wasn't scoring goals and was just going through the motions. But when he spot Noelle on the side of the road during a rain storm, he suddenly discovers his will to live and to play the game that he loves. Noelle wasn't easy to be with and Liam's overwhelming need to take care of her often caused them to but heads, but she also pulled Liam out of his grief and helped him live again.

Noelle frustrated me at times. I could understand her need to be independent and not rely on others, but she couldn't see beyond her pride. I could understand her need to have a purpose and to help people, but she needed to help herself first. There is a scene that take place at night in a park that made me so sad but also mad because she didn't need to be there if she just compromised a bit.

Catherine Gayle gives us another great addition to the Portland Storm series. If you haven't picked up one of these books yet, definitely do so. The chemistry between the characters and the fantastic storylines makes this series a "must add" to any TBR.