Next Man Up - Paperback – The Tale Trade

Next Man Up - Paperback

$39.38

Availability: 50 left in stock

by L. a. Witt (Author)

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.

Number of Pages: 510

Dimensions: 1.14 x 8 x 5 IN

Publication Date: January 07, 2026