Review: Man Advantage by L.A. Witt

Rating: 3.75🌈

Man Advantage by L.A. Witt was a sweet trans m/m hockey romance from an author who writes excellent sports stories. I did enjoy the second chance, friends reunited elements here as well as the twins who figure greatly in this story.

The boys are well imagined children, believable at their ages and interactions with their parents and adults around them.

And Witt’s hockey team and locker room dynamics are all real and grounded in the sports world and teamwork. Just a great example of Witt’s understanding of hockey and how a team’s character unique culture works.

The romance was good and I enjoyed Cam’s and Trev’s relationship although some aspects of it, especially those that were a part of their resolution of their issues didn’t make sense to me. And the way all the problems with Trev’s ex started getting smoothed over with one “clearing the air “ semi-fight? Way too easy for all the obstacles that were involved here.

But it was made clear that therapy was needed and included for all of them, letting them move forward as a mixed family. Which was lovely.

I enjoyed this, and while not a favorite of Witt’s hockey books, it’s entertaining and sweet. I’m recommending it for everyone who wants a good romance story.

Cover Art by Lori Witt

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMan Advantage – Kindle edition by Witt, L.A.. Romance Kindle eBooks …

Blurb

Trev Allen and his ex-husband had an amicable joint custody arrangement. During the hockey season, his ex took the twins whenever Trev’s team was on the road. Easy peasy.

But now, just two weeks before training camp, Trev’s ex gives him an ultimatum—lock down reliable, full-time childcare for Trev’s custody weeks before the start of the season, or his ex is pursuing full custody.

Trev’s in a panic to keep his kids, but as luck would have it, an old friend—and old flame—is also in a jam.

Cam Wright’s ex didn’t just cheat, he kicked Cam out andgot him fired. Cam’s desperate and flailing… until he receives a message from a man he hasn’t seen in years. Now he has hope of getting back on his feet, not to mention reconnecting with his friend and first love.

Cam’s not prepared for how much Trev has glowed up. Trev is stunned by how kind time and a fitness career have been to Cam. The intense attraction is both instantaneous and hotter than ever; living together, it’s only a matter of time before passion ignites.

But Cam is depending on Trev for stability. Trev is depending on Cam to keep joint custody of his kids. Like it or not, they need each other.

Which means if they stop wanting each other, their lives could come unraveled.

Man Advantage is a 99,000-word standalone Trans M/M hockey romance.

Publisher: GallagherWitt Publishing LLC
Accessibility: Learn more
Publication date: July 16, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 361 pages

Review: Possessive Puckboy (Puckboys Book 8) by Eden Finley, Saxon James

Rating: 4.25🌈

Possessive Puckboy is Connor Kikishkin’s redemption story. He’s been a secondary character to his brothers books and a problematic one at that. One of the four Kiki hockey players, Connor’s the one who has been the most controlling of his brothers lives, personal and professional. He’s come off as a bully and a bit of a homophobe.

It got to the point in the last book that his brother, Easton and his best friend, Knox, hid their relationship and Easton who plays on the same NHL team, Colorado, now wants a transfer out.

The beginning of Possessive Puckboy has a man who was horribly bullied in the same high school as the Kiki siblings by the football players buying the hockey team.

This is a true enemy to lovers, reformed bully, secret relationship, bi-awakening journey story. There’s even more elements here packed into dense emotional baggage stated above. Deep family expectations, self awareness and realization, and one thing I thought should have been talked about more clearly, rage management.

But there was already a lot narratively on the table here for the authors to explore with their characters.

The relationship between gay IT billionaire/owner Parker Duchene, the man who was horribly bullied in high school, and the straight Connor Kikishkin, the jock who stood by and did nothing, is a very engaging one. It’s tough, hilarious in parts, emotional and smartly executed.

Connor is a mess. So to have him immediately improve is unlikely. And he doesn’t.

It messes with his head as well as his game. And his other relationships and team dynamics. As it should.

Parker too is slow to find his way as an owner, making plenty of mistakes.

All those aspects of the story really work together to bring a believable sense of a growing relationship.

What I missed was the authors exploring how Connor reached the stage where he was so rigid in his own life and outlook that he was drowning in it. That the lack of empathy and communication between him and his family, his parents who pushed him into the role and kept him there, and his siblings who didn’t talk to him enough to make him understand, none of that is really covered.

Instead it’s a quick conversation and done. Which really removes an entire accountability and aspect of reality to his own redemption arc.

Anyway I enjoyed this, and it’s onto Stubborn Puckboy , where a certain new Russian character we just met gets his own romance. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him!

Check this one out!

Puckboys:

Egotistical Puckboy #1
Irresponsible Puckboy #2
Shameless Puckboy #3
Foolish Puckboy #4
Clueless Puckboy #5
Bromantic Puckboy #6
Forbidden Puckboy #7
Possessive Puckboy #8
Stubborn Puckboy #9 – July 31,2025

Buy link

Possessive Puckboy (Puckboys Book 8)

Blurb

Connor

Finding out those closest to me don’t see me as the great guy I think I am not only kicks me in the gut, it makes me question everything.

Until that happened, I didn’t think I had many regrets in my life. Now, I have nothing but regrets. And when my NHL team is bought out, and the new owner makes his presence known, my existential crisis kicks up a notch. Because he might be my biggest regret of all.

Parker Duchene.

I made his life a living hell in high school, and now he’s inserting himself into my career to repay the favor.

With everything in my personal life already on the line, I can’t risk hockey too. I need to figure out a way to play nice with the new owner.

Parker

I bought Colorado’s NHL team to honor my late father. I did. Only reason.

Emotionally playing with one of my many high school tormentors is a nice bonus though.

Connor Kikishkin may be the one who made me the target for years of name-calling, but I’ve always wondered if my hatred for him bordered too much on the obsessive side to truly be classified as hate.

Infatuation is probably the right word for it.

Now his whole life is in my hands, and I can’t wait to see him beg for my mercy. Seeing Mr. Popular find his humility will definitely ease the grief from losing my dad … right? Because right now, that’s all I have, and I need to hold on to it so I don’t crumble.

Publisher: Sadenverse Books (March 27, 2025)
Publication date: March 27, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 308 pages

Review: Riptide: a Super Bowl Year (The Riptide) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 5🌈

Riptide: a Super Bowl Year (The Riptide) by Beth Bolden was written by Bolden for her fans of her series, as a final way to say goodbye and to show that all important Super Bowl game from the many perspectives of the characters we have come to understand and love.

We see Sam Crawford and Heath Harris, settled into their respective roles and relationship. As well as all the other teammates from the series who have come to mean so much. It’s the Super Bowl. But more importantly it’s seeing the characters and the impact on their lives one last time.

It’s a fitting tribute and a wonderful addition to the finale story.

For all the fans, it’s a must read.

Riptide series:

The Rivalry #1

Rough Contact #2

The Red Zone #3

Bolden’s connected Football series in order they are written:

The Riptide
Miami Piranhas
Charleston Condors

Buy link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Riptide…a Super Bowl Year (The Riptide) – Kindle edition by Bolden, Beth. Romance …

Blurb -none.

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