Next Man Up by L.A. Witt

How do you move on after a tragic loss? When his best friend and teammate is gone without warning, Avery will have to dig deep to find his path forward.


From the blurb:

Author’s Note: Next Man Up was written before the tragic and senseless deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Out of respect for their memory and for the family, publication was delayed, and the book was revised to minimize some unfortunate and highly coincidental similarities to reality.

30% of the author’s royalties will be donated to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, an organization started by the brothers’ family to support causes that were near and dear to their hearts.
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When tragedy strikes the Pittsburgh Whiskey Rebels, winger Avery Caldwell loses more than his longtime linemate. Without warning, his best friend in the world is just… gone.

There’s no time for grief, though. The season is starting, and now Avery is captain of his devastated team. He’s determined to be strong for them and lead them by example—putting aside his emotions and focusing on hockey.

But he can only pretend he’s okay for so long.

Peyton Hall was looking forward to a new start on a new team. He’d expected to land a place on the second line and play among men he’s been admiring for years… including a winger he’s been crushing on since forever. Now he’s suddenly centering the top line and trying to fill the skates of a beloved star who’s gone too soon.

Avery is determined to ignore his heartache and carry his devastated team. Peyton is determined to find his place among grieving teammates.

But can the new guy stop Avery from self-destructing beneath his grief and the pressure of the captaincy?

And is there any room for the crackling chemistry they’re both trying desperately to ignore?

Next Man Up is a standalone M/M hockey romance.

TW: Off-page death, grief, self-medicating, self-destructive behavior, addiction. Also mentions of pregnancy loss/infertility. If you have questions or would like clarification about any of the potential triggers in this book, please contact the author


Lori C's review:

Avery met Lief in major juniors and then Leif got him to Pittsburgh. Everything in hockey, every memory, every big moment had Leif in it. How was he supposed to be captain now?

Peyton came to the Whiskey Rebels expecting a new start with some of his idols in hockey. He didn’t expect this grief, this heavy tangible presence to be in the locker room or on the ice. How did a team move on after such a huge loss?

This book had me crying from the beginning. The grief on page is so deep that you can feel it. A lot might find that is off putting in a book, but I think it has its purpose. The grief of the story sets the stage for Avery’s fall and his healing. The empathy and knowledge that Peyton has brings them closer together. The story itself brings grief into the forefront. How as a society we are conditioned to feel certain ways, to get over it quickly, to not talk about it, or to be ashamed of how it affects us. I think L.A. Witt did a great job putting the spotlight on grief and how it isn’t something that you just get over. Grieving is a process that doesn’t come with a manual.

As for Avery and Peyton, they had to find their own way to each other. They each had something to heal from. I loved that counseling was a big part of both of their stories. I loved that Avery used the resources around him to find healing instead of continuing to suffer. Peyton was the rock and comfort that Avery needed. Their budding romance made for happy moments in the book. I enjoyed the depth of feeling this book brought. It is both painful and comforting in its entirety.

Heather's Review:

 

Do not read this book in public... unless you like explaining to strangers why you are bawling at your kindle... because just when you think you're over the worst of it, BAM!  L.A. Witt knows just how to touch you and make you feel the emotions that the characters feel... and writing grief and pain that continues even as moments of happiness or contentment start to creep in.

 

I love that these characters had orbited each other before the start of the book, and were able to find each other on different levels and connect in ways that are profound.  I also love that this book breaks down the stigma of counseling and feeling deeply. 

 

If you're looking for a quick, funny HEA, this book is not for you, but if you want to be torn apart and put back together with two amazing men who also play hockey, then pick up this book immediately! 

Next Man Up is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription