What do you think?
Rate this book
Injured Reserve
Stefan Baronoski is on top of the world. He’s got an amazing husband. He’s killing it on the ice. He’s providing for his parents after they sacrificed so much to help him chase his dream. What else could he possibly want?
His husband, as it turns out, could think of a few things.
Antonio Pisano has always supported Stefan’s career, but he’s lonely and miserable. What good is the hockey spouse life or the stacked bank account when his husband is always either on the ice or on the road? What is there to love about starting over in a new place every time Stefan is traded? Their open marriage kept Antonio’s bed from getting cold for a while, but the only man he craves is the one who’s never there.
Maybe it’s time to let go.
Then an injury benches Stefan. With the two of them home together for weeks—possibly months—this just might be the chance they need to remember why they fell in love in the first place. Or a chance for Antonio to get his hopes up only to have his heart broken all over again when Stefan returns to the ice.
It’s now or never. If Stefan doesn’t figure out how much he has to lose, Antonio won’t be the one left in the cold this time.
Injured Reserve is a standalone contemporary gay romance novel with a guaranteed happy ending.
His husband, as it turns out, could think of a few things.
Antonio Pisano has always supported Stefan’s career, but he’s lonely and miserable. What good is the hockey spouse life or the stacked bank account when his husband is always either on the ice or on the road? What is there to love about starting over in a new place every time Stefan is traded? Their open marriage kept Antonio’s bed from getting cold for a while, but the only man he craves is the one who’s never there.
Maybe it’s time to let go.
Then an injury benches Stefan. With the two of them home together for weeks—possibly months—this just might be the chance they need to remember why they fell in love in the first place. Or a chance for Antonio to get his hopes up only to have his heart broken all over again when Stefan returns to the ice.
It’s now or never. If Stefan doesn’t figure out how much he has to lose, Antonio won’t be the one left in the cold this time.
Injured Reserve is a standalone contemporary gay romance novel with a guaranteed happy ending.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2023
38 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
226 books2,733 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Read
June 14, 2023FINALLY!
August 21, 2023
I loved it.
"What happens to us when you don’t need me anymore? Then I’m alone again. With nothing. Not even the person I used to be."
That one made my cry as I felt it deep in my soul...
The only thing that bother me since I am polish native speaker is that "jedyna moja" can be used only to describe woman. For man it should be "jedyny mój" and in this context it should be "mój jedyny" as the order of words matter as well...
"What happens to us when you don’t need me anymore? Then I’m alone again. With nothing. Not even the person I used to be."
That one made my cry as I felt it deep in my soul...
The only thing that bother me since I am polish native speaker is that "jedyna moja" can be used only to describe woman. For man it should be "jedyny mój" and in this context it should be "mój jedyny" as the order of words matter as well...
August 18, 2023
Great look at life as a hockey spouse. I really don't think I could do it. It was really interesting seeing the organic path of discovery to pinpoint the problem. I loved the resolution, it also seemed very authentic. Excellent book from LA Witt as always!
April 29, 2024
*** DNF @ 30% *** <\b>
I normally enjoy LA Witt's books, but this one really just wasn't for me.
We start out with two people who are married and love each other, but quickly realize that one of our MCs, Antonio, views his marriage as deeply unsatisfying and pretty one-sided. He has given up friends, his home, and his career on multiple occasions to follow his husband after team trades, and has come to SERIOUSLY resent those sacrifices. Their open relationship isn't filling the (metaphorical) hole anymore and Antonio has reluctantly been contemplating divorce for MONTHS.
I have a feeling that this book will get better, but for the first third it has just felt so HEAVY. Though it may be realistic, I hate the resentment and that one MC is contemplating this HUGE life change with little (if any) previous communication with his spouse. And I dislike that Stefan seems SO oblivious to his husband's pain and unhappiness.
I read romance novels to feel happy and this just isn't an atmosphere that I want to wallow in. And, I think 30% of a book is enough of a "college try" to decide to move on.
Next!
I normally enjoy LA Witt's books, but this one really just wasn't for me.
We start out with two people who are married and love each other, but quickly realize that one of our MCs, Antonio, views his marriage as deeply unsatisfying and pretty one-sided. He has given up friends, his home, and his career on multiple occasions to follow his husband after team trades, and has come to SERIOUSLY resent those sacrifices. Their open relationship isn't filling the (metaphorical) hole anymore and Antonio has reluctantly been contemplating divorce for MONTHS.
I have a feeling that this book will get better, but for the first third it has just felt so HEAVY. Though it may be realistic, I hate the resentment and that one MC is contemplating this HUGE life change with little (if any) previous communication with his spouse. And I dislike that Stefan seems SO oblivious to his husband's pain and unhappiness.
I read romance novels to feel happy and this just isn't an atmosphere that I want to wallow in. And, I think 30% of a book is enough of a "college try" to decide to move on.
Next!
May 22, 2024
My brain had to catch up to the issues of this couple & their hockey life.
I'm certain if anybody knows what life is like following their spouse around for his job, it would be this author. What I'm not reconciling is Antonio's malcontent for so long without telling his husband Stefan, and his seemingly selfish, ultimate decision to just leave his marriage and Stefan without even talking to him. I'm be communicator - I talk and rant my feelings out, especially to and with the people I love. I didn't agree with Antonio's solitary suffering and melancholy, and basically living a lie.
Now, if Stefan had been a jerk, a.bully, or disloyal, that would've been different. Nothing indicated that Stefan messed around with anybody else during their times apart, yet Antonio claimed they had "always had an open marriage." He also laid the blame on Stefan for having to seek companionship outside their marriage because Stefan was never home, and gone for long stretches because of hockey. Antonio KNEW Stefan played hockey, and what that life entailed. It wasn't a surprise. Therefore, to blame his melancholy and loneliness on his husband's job without telling him how he felt seemed. . .more than a little selfish and unfair? It wasn't like Stefan didn't make good money. Stefan simply remained frugal and feared reverting back to the poverty he'd grown up in. That's understandable, and he probably didn't know how much it bothered Antonio because ANTONIO DIDN'T DISCUSS OR SHARE HIS CONCERNS!
While I get that this was more about Antonio working on himself, his feelings, and self worth, I really didn't get why he all of a sudden decides it was a good idea to just walk away. And, insisting he loved Stefan, and a!ways would, yet had to leave him for his own preservation. If he had grown up isolated, unloved, and abused, I might have felt more sympathy for Antonio. I am pleased he listened and finally realized how important he was to Stefan; I just didn't agree with the road he traveled to get there. It was like he was the only one who was suffering because nobody knew exactly how he felt. He wore a mask and lied to everyone about his true feelings. Or, he didn't share them with the person he was supposed to.
I usually love this author's books. I just didn't understand or agree with Antonio's pathway in this book. He knew what he was signing up for when he married Stefan. Stefan never purposely did anything to make Antonio feel unloved, neglected, or melancholy, and he would've been all over trying to fix things sooner had Antonio simply told him. Well. That was the idea of this book, right? I am only one voice, and perhaps am projecting too much of my opinion on Antonio's actions. Hmm. Still, Lori Witt is an amazing writer, and her crafting talent is more than just remarkable. Writing should be interpretative, right? Four stars - I cannot deny the book was captivating and written well. (Smile)
I'm certain if anybody knows what life is like following their spouse around for his job, it would be this author. What I'm not reconciling is Antonio's malcontent for so long without telling his husband Stefan, and his seemingly selfish, ultimate decision to just leave his marriage and Stefan without even talking to him. I'm be communicator - I talk and rant my feelings out, especially to and with the people I love. I didn't agree with Antonio's solitary suffering and melancholy, and basically living a lie.
Now, if Stefan had been a jerk, a.bully, or disloyal, that would've been different. Nothing indicated that Stefan messed around with anybody else during their times apart, yet Antonio claimed they had "always had an open marriage." He also laid the blame on Stefan for having to seek companionship outside their marriage because Stefan was never home, and gone for long stretches because of hockey. Antonio KNEW Stefan played hockey, and what that life entailed. It wasn't a surprise. Therefore, to blame his melancholy and loneliness on his husband's job without telling him how he felt seemed. . .more than a little selfish and unfair? It wasn't like Stefan didn't make good money. Stefan simply remained frugal and feared reverting back to the poverty he'd grown up in. That's understandable, and he probably didn't know how much it bothered Antonio because ANTONIO DIDN'T DISCUSS OR SHARE HIS CONCERNS!
While I get that this was more about Antonio working on himself, his feelings, and self worth, I really didn't get why he all of a sudden decides it was a good idea to just walk away. And, insisting he loved Stefan, and a!ways would, yet had to leave him for his own preservation. If he had grown up isolated, unloved, and abused, I might have felt more sympathy for Antonio. I am pleased he listened and finally realized how important he was to Stefan; I just didn't agree with the road he traveled to get there. It was like he was the only one who was suffering because nobody knew exactly how he felt. He wore a mask and lied to everyone about his true feelings. Or, he didn't share them with the person he was supposed to.
I usually love this author's books. I just didn't understand or agree with Antonio's pathway in this book. He knew what he was signing up for when he married Stefan. Stefan never purposely did anything to make Antonio feel unloved, neglected, or melancholy, and he would've been all over trying to fix things sooner had Antonio simply told him. Well. That was the idea of this book, right? I am only one voice, and perhaps am projecting too much of my opinion on Antonio's actions. Hmm. Still, Lori Witt is an amazing writer, and her crafting talent is more than just remarkable. Writing should be interpretative, right? Four stars - I cannot deny the book was captivating and written well. (Smile)
September 4, 2023
Stefan & Antonio are trying to get back to being a happily married couple. This is quite difficult, with a professional hockey career which involves Stefan being traded to a new place every few years. This means Antonio has no room to having his own career, his own life. Then Stefan has an injury that benches him for a few weeks, giving them a bit more time together than they usually have.
Will time be enough, though?
I love Lisa, she kept saying all the things I was thinking...
Great story, loved how realistic their story seemed...
Another great one from this author... I love all LA Witt’s books...
Will time be enough, though?
I love Lisa, she kept saying all the things I was thinking...
Great story, loved how realistic their story seemed...
Another great one from this author... I love all LA Witt’s books...
January 28, 2024
This was a pleasant surprise. I enjoy the author very much but this was a refreshing change to the usual. Looking at a long term relationship rather than something new and shiny, this reveals the relationship with all its issues after years of being together. I was completely unvested in the way this evolved until about the 75% mark and I began to think Antonio was a somewhat selfish so-and-so. Stefan seems to bend over backwards to try and resolve their issues, but nothing seems to be enough. I dont want to ruin the book for future readers by saying more than I have, but i will say that it was a very good read and still lingers in my mind and I've read a few more since this book.
March 24, 2025
I really liked this book. I cried, I laughed, I yelled at the characters through the screen. I was invested. This was a book I couldn’t put down even reading at work at my desk when no one was around. The characters had well built backstories and depth and the plot was well written and good pacing. I did have strong suspicions on a part of the ending that turned out to be true but it didn’t ruin the adventure getting there and it wasn’t blatantly obvious. I definitely will be checking out more from this author.
September 11, 2023
This book was soooooo unique, so good, and absolutely heartwrenching for the entire book. I had tears running down my face.
It’s so good to see a book that bravely takes on the hard years in marriage, when the shine is gone from a brand new romance, and details how a couple can keep their marriage alive through the hard times. Loved this and I hope LA Witt writes more like this one! Highly recommend!
It’s so good to see a book that bravely takes on the hard years in marriage, when the shine is gone from a brand new romance, and details how a couple can keep their marriage alive through the hard times. Loved this and I hope LA Witt writes more like this one! Highly recommend!
August 21, 2023
psychologically interesting
I’ve been reading LAWitt for a long time, and this book took an interesting leap. Not a meet-cute, it follows the complicated marital dynamic of a hockey player and his husband. Not all is roses with uprooting trades and injuries - but as always, it takes two to tango and true love conquers all.
I’ve been reading LAWitt for a long time, and this book took an interesting leap. Not a meet-cute, it follows the complicated marital dynamic of a hockey player and his husband. Not all is roses with uprooting trades and injuries - but as always, it takes two to tango and true love conquers all.
January 1, 2024
As a fellow military spouse, I definitely recognized the inspiration for this romance even if Witt applies the trials of moving around to the lifestyle of a professional hockey player instead of a service member. The ARC of this book is not a traditional romance, and the journey is not easy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the eventual hard-won happily ever after.
January 26, 2025
3.25 ⭐ rounded down
this could have gone a lot better for me as caretaking was one of my favorite tropes, but there was just something missing from the emotional meat of the story and relationship between the MCs. for a relationship in crisis, i wasn't really feeling the pressure or the angst of the crisis.
this could have gone a lot better for me as caretaking was one of my favorite tropes, but there was just something missing from the emotional meat of the story and relationship between the MCs. for a relationship in crisis, i wasn't really feeling the pressure or the angst of the crisis.
February 19, 2025
A melancholy read about a marriage in trouble. I felt the story had structural problems - there were a few too many sex scenes that didn't advance the central conflict and the idea of counselling/therapy came way too late. The third act breakup came out of nowhere after they already took steps to address their major problems, when it feels like it should have happened before.
September 3, 2023
To emotional for me
Injured reserve is a second chance romance. This may have been a good story but I'm not in the right headspace for It. I know they had an open marriage but they struggled for the entire book. It was too much for me emotionally
Injured reserve is a second chance romance. This may have been a good story but I'm not in the right headspace for It. I know they had an open marriage but they struggled for the entire book. It was too much for me emotionally
September 18, 2023
It's sweet and smooth the L.A. Witt writing. This story for example, Antonio life, Stefan life and hockey and to lose himself in the other's wake. Deep thinking and love ferry out their marriage to the save. I loved the book
January 17, 2024
Oh my. Woah. This story should have come with a warning ⚠️ Will break your heart again and again ⚠️
I didn't enjoy reading this because of the roller coaster and the epilogue wasn't enough to make up for the heartbreak
I didn't enjoy reading this because of the roller coaster and the epilogue wasn't enough to make up for the heartbreak
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2023
Absolutely a tear jerker!
What a great book from this incredible author! It has so many feels but the love is forever if they fight for it.
What a great book from this incredible author! It has so many feels but the love is forever if they fight for it.
October 21, 2023
3.5 stars
October 26, 2023
wish antonio figured out his own issues about 100 pages earlier ngl
December 4, 2023
Not one of my better books from L.A. Witt.
Injured Reserve was a good book but the theme felt too heavy in order for me to really enjoy it.
Injured Reserve was a good book but the theme felt too heavy in order for me to really enjoy it.
April 1, 2024
This is another Witt book that runs long. I'm okay with it, but reader mileage may vary.
May 17, 2024
2,5 stars. Didn't connect with one of the main character, story felt repeated a lot.
May 29, 2024
3.5 stars
won-t-read-bc-nopes
May 30, 2024Open marriage. Not my bag. Love this author though and have adored many of her books!
August 17, 2024
This was an okay read, it just felt staged. Like there was no real and deep problem. Somehow it felt made up and overdone. But I loved the feelings between the MCs.
January 25, 2024
Marriage-on-the-rocks plot between a hockey star and his spouse. MM.
This story was occasionally repetitive and frustrating (the issues were all very one-sided with one party bearing all responsibility for the problems in the relationship) but I found the communication issues to be quite realistic.
Antonio was very likeable and caring but spent too much time overanalyzing in his head instead of communicating with Stefan.
Stefan on the other hand was almost too perfect - he was a bit of a saint. I loved him, but I think it would have been more balanced if he'd shown some anger or defensiveness (as any normal person would) at his husband's revelations.
Overall, an enjoyable, angsty read.
This story was occasionally repetitive and frustrating (the issues were all very one-sided with one party bearing all responsibility for the problems in the relationship) but I found the communication issues to be quite realistic.
Antonio was very likeable and caring but spent too much time overanalyzing in his head instead of communicating with Stefan.
Stefan on the other hand was almost too perfect - he was a bit of a saint. I loved him, but I think it would have been more balanced if he'd shown some anger or defensiveness (as any normal person would) at his husband's revelations.
Overall, an enjoyable, angsty read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews