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The Games We Play
Red Line
The Games We Play, Book 1
Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm.
Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s provoke the GM again, and he will regret it.
Except stick tape wasn’t the only line Theo skated over, and the temptation to cross it again has nothing to do with spite.
Equipment manager Christian Hayes has had that hot minor league player living rent-free in his head ever since they hooked up last year. It wasn’t love, but it was fun, and he wishes they could do it again because they want to—not as an act of rebellion. If Christian’s dad ever finds out, there will be hell to pay. But it’s a non-issue, since his dad—the team’s GM—has vowed to never call up that player again no matter how bad the team needs him… and he doesn’t even know Theo and Christian hooked up.
Now Theo’s back in the Rainiers’ locker room. They don’t dare risk a rematch—they both value their careers too much. All they have to do is ride this out for a few games until Theo’s sent back down. Easy enough. Right?
But their mutual attraction refuses to be ignored.
And it looks like Theo’s going to be staying a while.
The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm.
Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s provoke the GM again, and he will regret it.
Except stick tape wasn’t the only line Theo skated over, and the temptation to cross it again has nothing to do with spite.
Equipment manager Christian Hayes has had that hot minor league player living rent-free in his head ever since they hooked up last year. It wasn’t love, but it was fun, and he wishes they could do it again because they want to—not as an act of rebellion. If Christian’s dad ever finds out, there will be hell to pay. But it’s a non-issue, since his dad—the team’s GM—has vowed to never call up that player again no matter how bad the team needs him… and he doesn’t even know Theo and Christian hooked up.
Now Theo’s back in the Rainiers’ locker room. They don’t dare risk a rematch—they both value their careers too much. All they have to do is ride this out for a few games until Theo’s sent back down. Easy enough. Right?
But their mutual attraction refuses to be ignored.
And it looks like Theo’s going to be staying a while.
The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2024
291 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
219 books2,724 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/.
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August 1, 2024
Red Line is the first book in The Games We Play series which is a multi author MM Sports series. This book is by L.A. Witt and it’s my very first book by this author. I ended up loving this. It was so well written and I fell in love with the characters.
Theo Mathis is twenty four years old and hockey is his life. It’s always been his dream to play but so far the minors is as far as he’s gotten. Until finally he gets called up to the majors to cover for someone out with an injury. But when a roll of rainbow tape, and a heartbroken equipment manager leads him to defy the general manager’s cancellation of Pride Day, he’s sure he will never be called back up again. Until he is!
Christian Hayes is thirty years old and loves his job as the equipment manager for the Seattle Rainiers. The players of the team are like his brothers. He is an out gay man and his sunshiny personality and big smile has gained all kinds of positive attention for the team. The one problem, the one thorn in Christian’s life is his father who is also the general manager of the team. His father who is on a constant power trip and loves to make sure everyone knows just how much he can ruin anyone’s life that crosses him. His father who does not approve of Christian’s life style.
The first time Theo was called to the Rainiers, it was just for the one game. Maybe it was the fun in defying Christian’s dad along with plenty of instant attraction between Theo and Christian, but they hooked up. But neither has ever forgotten that night or moved on from it. Now Theo is back in Seattle. The attraction is stronger than ever. But if they give in, and his dad finds out, both of their careers are over. Is the risk worth it? Yes, it is.
Theo’s stay in Seattle doesn’t end and neither does the thing between Theo and Christian. They are being so careful because they can’t risk Christian’s dad finding out. Even though he finds plenty of other ways to intimidate both of them. The more time they spend together, though, they begin to realize that this is not just sex. Feelings have gotten involved. They are more determined then ever to keep things going between them but Christian’s dad makes it crystal clear, don’t do anything to cross me or you are gone!
I really did love these two together. Christian’s father was the worst of the worst. He made it his life to make sure everyone cowered before him. I adored watching Theo and Christian become closer. I have already fallen in love with all of the players on the Rainiers team and the way they support one another and can’t wait to read the next book, Just Add Ice by L.C. Chase who is another author I’ve been so excited to try.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Theo Mathis is twenty four years old and hockey is his life. It’s always been his dream to play but so far the minors is as far as he’s gotten. Until finally he gets called up to the majors to cover for someone out with an injury. But when a roll of rainbow tape, and a heartbroken equipment manager leads him to defy the general manager’s cancellation of Pride Day, he’s sure he will never be called back up again. Until he is!
Christian Hayes is thirty years old and loves his job as the equipment manager for the Seattle Rainiers. The players of the team are like his brothers. He is an out gay man and his sunshiny personality and big smile has gained all kinds of positive attention for the team. The one problem, the one thorn in Christian’s life is his father who is also the general manager of the team. His father who is on a constant power trip and loves to make sure everyone knows just how much he can ruin anyone’s life that crosses him. His father who does not approve of Christian’s life style.
The first time Theo was called to the Rainiers, it was just for the one game. Maybe it was the fun in defying Christian’s dad along with plenty of instant attraction between Theo and Christian, but they hooked up. But neither has ever forgotten that night or moved on from it. Now Theo is back in Seattle. The attraction is stronger than ever. But if they give in, and his dad finds out, both of their careers are over. Is the risk worth it? Yes, it is.
Theo’s stay in Seattle doesn’t end and neither does the thing between Theo and Christian. They are being so careful because they can’t risk Christian’s dad finding out. Even though he finds plenty of other ways to intimidate both of them. The more time they spend together, though, they begin to realize that this is not just sex. Feelings have gotten involved. They are more determined then ever to keep things going between them but Christian’s dad makes it crystal clear, don’t do anything to cross me or you are gone!
I really did love these two together. Christian’s father was the worst of the worst. He made it his life to make sure everyone cowered before him. I adored watching Theo and Christian become closer. I have already fallen in love with all of the players on the Rainiers team and the way they support one another and can’t wait to read the next book, Just Add Ice by L.C. Chase who is another author I’ve been so excited to try.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 5, 2024
DNF @ 20%
What is this trend of just repeating the same thing over and over for multiple chapters just with the words in a different order? It's not building tension, it's making me think no one edits these books! It completely stops the story flow and I end up losing all interest. I mean at this point, thank Amazon that Kindle Unlimited exists because I'd be pretty annoyed if I was buying each of these books outright.
I do not need to be told in each of the first six chapters that if the GM's son hooks up with one of the players then they will both potentially lose their jobs / be blacklisted in North American hockey. I don't need to be told in each chapter that they did in fact hook up and both wish they'd stayed in touch but both were cowardly about it. I also don't need to be told in each damn chapter that the player has finally been called up and the two are still moony eyed about each other but obviously nothing can happen between them again. Finally, I do not need to be told in every chapter that the reason the player has been frozen out by the GM is that he was the instigator of using rainbow tape when the GM had cancelled Pride Night.
That is the grand total of everything that occurs in the first 20% of the book...
I want to pull my hair out or cry from frustration! What happened to story progression? Why is this a thing that is happening in so many of the books I'm reading recently? I just don't get it at all and I don't have the patience to re-enact groundhog day with every book I pick up. It's wasting my time as a reader to just keep rehashing things over and over and then inevitably using time jumps to cram the actual story progression in at the end!
What is this trend of just repeating the same thing over and over for multiple chapters just with the words in a different order? It's not building tension, it's making me think no one edits these books! It completely stops the story flow and I end up losing all interest. I mean at this point, thank Amazon that Kindle Unlimited exists because I'd be pretty annoyed if I was buying each of these books outright.
I do not need to be told in each of the first six chapters that if the GM's son hooks up with one of the players then they will both potentially lose their jobs / be blacklisted in North American hockey. I don't need to be told in each chapter that they did in fact hook up and both wish they'd stayed in touch but both were cowardly about it. I also don't need to be told in each damn chapter that the player has finally been called up and the two are still moony eyed about each other but obviously nothing can happen between them again. Finally, I do not need to be told in every chapter that the reason the player has been frozen out by the GM is that he was the instigator of using rainbow tape when the GM had cancelled Pride Night.
That is the grand total of everything that occurs in the first 20% of the book...
I want to pull my hair out or cry from frustration! What happened to story progression? Why is this a thing that is happening in so many of the books I'm reading recently? I just don't get it at all and I don't have the patience to re-enact groundhog day with every book I pick up. It's wasting my time as a reader to just keep rehashing things over and over and then inevitably using time jumps to cram the actual story progression in at the end!
June 16, 2024
doesn’t take off
LA Witt is a really good author. But this story just doesn’t have juice, and I tried but couldn’t get to the middle. It’s exceptionally repetitive and set nothing up. There are no side characters developed, and it’s set about 80% in their thoughts, which to me indicates nothing will happen. Show, don’t tell, please. It makes for a stronger story every time.
LA Witt is a really good author. But this story just doesn’t have juice, and I tried but couldn’t get to the middle. It’s exceptionally repetitive and set nothing up. There are no side characters developed, and it’s set about 80% in their thoughts, which to me indicates nothing will happen. Show, don’t tell, please. It makes for a stronger story every time.
October 9, 2025
Nothing wrong with this but if you asked me one thing I liked about it, I wouldn't have an answer. It's aggressively ordinary. Maybe that's because I have very high expectations for this author.
Firm 2.5*
Firm 2.5*
June 28, 2024
A bit repetitive for me - Theo and Christian hooked up, did it on the down low, worried about Christian's dad, thinking about breaking up, but then decided that they weren't willing to let each other go... rinse repeat (also add sex scenes in between that cycle).
I also didn't understant WHY they didn't fire Christian's dad for so long. He was an a$$hole, and there wasn't anything in the story that alluded that he was a fantastic GM so that everyone could tolerated his a$$holeness.
But I loved Theo's teammates on the Seattle Rainiers - they rocked!! And I found out that the 3rd book in this series, Even Strength, will feature Stetina's younger brother. So I look forward to that.
I also didn't understant WHY they didn't fire Christian's dad for so long. He was an a$$hole, and there wasn't anything in the story that alluded that he was a fantastic GM so that everyone could tolerated his a$$holeness.
But I loved Theo's teammates on the Seattle Rainiers - they rocked!! And I found out that the 3rd book in this series, Even Strength, will feature Stetina's younger brother. So I look forward to that.
July 11, 2024
I got 49% before I had to quit. This was repetitive as hell. The characters said the same thing in every single chapter, just in a different pov
And ain’t no way Jack would still have a job. The man has violated so many HR rules, I’m surprised no one has sued him.
And ain’t no way Jack would still have a job. The man has violated so many HR rules, I’m surprised no one has sued him.
December 1, 2025
Christian and Theo are obsessed with having sex with each other. We're told this means they have an emotional connection? Things an Asexual (me) does not understand in romance novels.
100% of this book is Theo or Christian being like "bro, we gotta stop fucking because omg so much bad could happen. but also, I like your penis/butt.". We are again told this means they love each other because their penis/butt is magical.
Idk. I'm being a dick. This was fine. I just think it could've been 150 less pages of angst and still achieved the same thing: being told (never shown) that two men love each other because they have a lot of sex.
Also the immediate wrongful termination lawsuit that the organization would've been hit with after Christian's absolute C word of a father fired Christian's brother in-law.....
Zero swoon until like...the last 30 pages.
100% of this book is Theo or Christian being like "bro, we gotta stop fucking because omg so much bad could happen. but also, I like your penis/butt.". We are again told this means they love each other because their penis/butt is magical.
Idk. I'm being a dick. This was fine. I just think it could've been 150 less pages of angst and still achieved the same thing: being told (never shown) that two men love each other because they have a lot of sex.
Also the immediate wrongful termination lawsuit that the organization would've been hit with after Christian's absolute C word of a father fired Christian's brother in-law.....
Zero swoon until like...the last 30 pages.
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed this story a lot. Hockey was an mc and Theo and Christian were so perfect for each other.
Thoughts as reading....
The first third of the book felt like it was going nowhere fast. It conveniently goes back and forth from 'the hook up' to present day but keeps repeating the same thoughts and/or gives totally unrelated information which just drags it out.
It all feels pretty claustrophobic as it progresses, the dread of his father's wrath puts a choke hold on the reader.
A lot of worrying and back and forth (to be together or not to be together).
A beautiful HEA puts everything in a perfect place.
Thoughts as reading....
The first third of the book felt like it was going nowhere fast. It conveniently goes back and forth from 'the hook up' to present day but keeps repeating the same thoughts and/or gives totally unrelated information which just drags it out.
It all feels pretty claustrophobic as it progresses, the dread of his father's wrath puts a choke hold on the reader.
A lot of worrying and back and forth (to be together or not to be together).
A beautiful HEA puts everything in a perfect place.
Read
June 12, 2024Theo is spicy from the get go... standing up for what he believes in, even if it puts him in a bad position with the GM of the big club. I love that the homophobic A-hole is also the father of our equipment manager love interest, Christian - this adds a layer of complexity to the story and makes their relationship all that much more taboo-ish..
There was so much push and pull, and I love the way the Witt wrote these characters and both their relationship with each other and the world around them. The ending made me smile for sure, it was a perfect read for Pride Month!
There was so much push and pull, and I love the way the Witt wrote these characters and both their relationship with each other and the world around them. The ending made me smile for sure, it was a perfect read for Pride Month!
did-not-finish
December 6, 2025DNF at 13%.
Too much telling me stuff happened and. It enough showing.
Plus, I'm not a fan of them constantly having horny thoughts about the other man. No relationship development and way too repetitive.
Too much telling me stuff happened and. It enough showing.
Plus, I'm not a fan of them constantly having horny thoughts about the other man. No relationship development and way too repetitive.
December 27, 2025
I liked how we got to know the work and doings of equipment managers. I personally never thought much about the secret helpers in the background and this gave the story a fresh spin.
The rest was a little rinse and repeat for someone reading a lot of m/m hockey romance but still entertaining.
The rest was a little rinse and repeat for someone reading a lot of m/m hockey romance but still entertaining.
August 11, 2024
2.75 stars. Eventually, something happened in this book, but it was a slow start. And I didn't mean that it was a slow burn, but that literally nothing was happening, and the characters were having the same conversation over and over.
May 17, 2024
Red Line (The Games We Play)
By: L.A. Witt
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Will they be shattered?
Ok absolute wow!! I have a book hangover. Mostly I want to wrap my arms around Theo and Christian and love them without judgement and the kindness they deserve. This book is so emotional but written with true loving hearts spilling off each page. L.A. Witt has a history of making the reader sob like a baby and this book was exactly what I’ve come to appreciate in her writing. In book 1 in The games we play multi author 10 book series starts with Red Line. Theo and Christian’s heart thumping book that while the guys are amazing the challenges put on them are crushing to the sole. Woven by hate, prejudice and cruelty each man want to spare the other from, each man questions if being together is what’s best in the long run. This book had me in tears so many times both from sadness but probably more anger on how sadly in the real world people think is ok how the treat others. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: The Games We Play, Book 1
Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm.
Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s warned: provoke the GM again, and he will regret it.
Except stick tape wasn’t the only line Theo skated over, and the temptation to cross it again has nothing to do with spite.
Equipment manager Christian Hayes has had that hot minor league player living rent-free in his head ever since they hooked up last year. It wasn’t love, but it was fun, and he wishes they could do it again because they want to not as an act of rebellion. If Christian’s dad ever finds out, there will be hell to pay. But it’s a non-issue, since his dad the team’s GM has vowed to never call up that player again no matter how bad the team needs him… and he doesn’t even know Theo and Christian hooked up.
Now Theo’s back in the Rainiers’ locker room. They don’t dare risk a rematch they both value their careers too much. All they have to do is ride this out for a few games until Theo’s sent back down. Easy enough. Right?
But their mutual attraction refuses to be ignored.
And it looks like Theo’s going to be staying a while.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/23564...
By: L.A. Witt
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Will they be shattered?
Ok absolute wow!! I have a book hangover. Mostly I want to wrap my arms around Theo and Christian and love them without judgement and the kindness they deserve. This book is so emotional but written with true loving hearts spilling off each page. L.A. Witt has a history of making the reader sob like a baby and this book was exactly what I’ve come to appreciate in her writing. In book 1 in The games we play multi author 10 book series starts with Red Line. Theo and Christian’s heart thumping book that while the guys are amazing the challenges put on them are crushing to the sole. Woven by hate, prejudice and cruelty each man want to spare the other from, each man questions if being together is what’s best in the long run. This book had me in tears so many times both from sadness but probably more anger on how sadly in the real world people think is ok how the treat others. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: The Games We Play, Book 1
Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm.
Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s warned: provoke the GM again, and he will regret it.
Except stick tape wasn’t the only line Theo skated over, and the temptation to cross it again has nothing to do with spite.
Equipment manager Christian Hayes has had that hot minor league player living rent-free in his head ever since they hooked up last year. It wasn’t love, but it was fun, and he wishes they could do it again because they want to not as an act of rebellion. If Christian’s dad ever finds out, there will be hell to pay. But it’s a non-issue, since his dad the team’s GM has vowed to never call up that player again no matter how bad the team needs him… and he doesn’t even know Theo and Christian hooked up.
Now Theo’s back in the Rainiers’ locker room. They don’t dare risk a rematch they both value their careers too much. All they have to do is ride this out for a few games until Theo’s sent back down. Easy enough. Right?
But their mutual attraction refuses to be ignored.
And it looks like Theo’s going to be staying a while.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/23564...
January 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
only meh bc it did have the emotional edge to it that I really enjoy from Witt
only meh bc it did have the emotional edge to it that I really enjoy from Witt
dnf
June 19, 2024DNF 16%
I am 16% in and all they have done is tell me the SAME STORY with the SAME WORDING over and over again. Like, nothing has happened. And everything is TOLD and inner monologue.
I am 16% in and all they have done is tell me the SAME STORY with the SAME WORDING over and over again. Like, nothing has happened. And everything is TOLD and inner monologue.
June 29, 2024
DNF at 25%. After one quarter of the book there was still no forward movement at all, just circling around the same thing.
August 20, 2024
I wanted to love this story. I really did. With maybe a hundred pages and several repetitive sex scenes less I may have. No scratch that. The homophobic bullying father would have to go, but then there would be no substance to the story. Bummer.
I got off to a slow start with this one. The first few chapters were great. Hockey player comes up from the minors, defies the GM's decision to eliminate pride night by using rainbow tape on his stick, falls for the hot equipment manager, who happens to be the GM's son, they hook up, player gets sent back down to the minor leagues and told he'll never come up again. All good. In fact, this would make a great short story.
But then several players were injured and Theo gets called back up -- and read the riot act by the GM. He and Christian, the GM's son, end up together on the down low. And the author lost me when the same old info was regurgitated a few dozen times. I put the book on hiatus for a week or two and then picked it back up. Then I put it down during the group anniversary celebrations last week and finally picked it back up. Thankfully, the nice plot twist in the last chapters caught my interest and I breezed through to the end.
I honestly find it extremely hard to read stories with bullying or A-hole parents, or in this case, a combo of the two. I also hate reading about weak-willed women who stand by and watch bullies do their thing to their kids, and Christian's mother was worthless. Why the author bothered to give her a good job in the epilogue is beyond me. She should have been written out. Bah.
So a combo of an old one-time favorite author, who's writing style I'd recognize with a blindfold on, and a fun hockey romance, because I liked the guys beyond how many times they did the same thing expecting different results, led me to give at least 3 stars.
I think fans of hockey romance who enjoy a lot of sex in their stories will like this. At least in this one the sex is varied in type and location, unlike some others I've read. It's a nice kick-off to a multi-author series and I have my eye on a few more that made it to my TBR.
I got off to a slow start with this one. The first few chapters were great. Hockey player comes up from the minors, defies the GM's decision to eliminate pride night by using rainbow tape on his stick, falls for the hot equipment manager, who happens to be the GM's son, they hook up, player gets sent back down to the minor leagues and told he'll never come up again. All good. In fact, this would make a great short story.
But then several players were injured and Theo gets called back up -- and read the riot act by the GM. He and Christian, the GM's son, end up together on the down low. And the author lost me when the same old info was regurgitated a few dozen times. I put the book on hiatus for a week or two and then picked it back up. Then I put it down during the group anniversary celebrations last week and finally picked it back up. Thankfully, the nice plot twist in the last chapters caught my interest and I breezed through to the end.
I honestly find it extremely hard to read stories with bullying or A-hole parents, or in this case, a combo of the two. I also hate reading about weak-willed women who stand by and watch bullies do their thing to their kids, and Christian's mother was worthless. Why the author bothered to give her a good job in the epilogue is beyond me. She should have been written out. Bah.
So a combo of an old one-time favorite author, who's writing style I'd recognize with a blindfold on, and a fun hockey romance, because I liked the guys beyond how many times they did the same thing expecting different results, led me to give at least 3 stars.
I think fans of hockey romance who enjoy a lot of sex in their stories will like this. At least in this one the sex is varied in type and location, unlike some others I've read. It's a nice kick-off to a multi-author series and I have my eye on a few more that made it to my TBR.
June 11, 2024
Red Line is an engaging, enjoyable, and easy-to-read novel about hockey and romance, with low angst and tension. The plot is simple, focusing on transforming an attraction into love and the importance of standing up for yourself and the people you care about.
Well-written scenes and dialogues and the pressure on MCs to hide their relationship and feelings to avoid backlash provide enough tension to keep you engaged from the first to the last page.
The eloquent and vibrant writing with dynamic and captivating narrative makes this novel a good choice for fans of a sports romance with charming and lovable characters.
It is a page-turning story about Theo, a promising hockey player getting a career-changing opportunity to play for a major league team, and Christian, the equipment manager. His father is a team GM with a hostile attitude towards his son and everything he stands for. Christian lives under the pressure of losing his job if he steps out of his father's redlines. Theo and Christian's attraction is instant and passionate and continues throughout the story, slowly developing into love. They are aware of the risk of ruining their careers if Christian father finds out about their relationship. Regardless, they stay defiant, choosing each other, even under the threat of risking their ambitions and security.
What to expect: easy-to-read contemporary sports romance, dynamic and captivating narrative, eloquent writing, charming and likable characters, steamy, heartwarming and low angst, no cliffhanger.
What not to expect: drama full of darkness, angst, tension, and violence; complex characters, mystery, fantasy, and controversial issues.
Disclaimer: I firmly believe that for every book written, there is a reader who will appreciate and enjoy it. This review reflects my personal and subjective opinion and should be read as such. I received an ARC of this book with no obligation to provide a positive review. It is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
Well-written scenes and dialogues and the pressure on MCs to hide their relationship and feelings to avoid backlash provide enough tension to keep you engaged from the first to the last page.
The eloquent and vibrant writing with dynamic and captivating narrative makes this novel a good choice for fans of a sports romance with charming and lovable characters.
It is a page-turning story about Theo, a promising hockey player getting a career-changing opportunity to play for a major league team, and Christian, the equipment manager. His father is a team GM with a hostile attitude towards his son and everything he stands for. Christian lives under the pressure of losing his job if he steps out of his father's redlines. Theo and Christian's attraction is instant and passionate and continues throughout the story, slowly developing into love. They are aware of the risk of ruining their careers if Christian father finds out about their relationship. Regardless, they stay defiant, choosing each other, even under the threat of risking their ambitions and security.
What to expect: easy-to-read contemporary sports romance, dynamic and captivating narrative, eloquent writing, charming and likable characters, steamy, heartwarming and low angst, no cliffhanger.
What not to expect: drama full of darkness, angst, tension, and violence; complex characters, mystery, fantasy, and controversial issues.
Disclaimer: I firmly believe that for every book written, there is a reader who will appreciate and enjoy it. This review reflects my personal and subjective opinion and should be read as such. I received an ARC of this book with no obligation to provide a positive review. It is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
November 7, 2025
What a disappointment. I was excited to finally read a book that featured a pairing between an equipment manager and a hockey player. Equipment managers have an incredibly difficult job - they have to be there before the players arrive and stay after they leave to clean, repair, wash, dry, and pack up their gear. They also have to be ready on the bench and in the dressing room between periods to get the players what they need (new stick, dry gloves, towel, skate blade change, etc.) as fast as possible and often before players even ask for it. The relationship between the equipment staff and a player can be quite intimate since they need to know their players habits so well. I had hoped a book about this type of pairing would expose and build upon that intimacy.
Unfortunately, Red Line did not deliver. Unlike many hockey romance authors, L.A. Witt does seem to be a genuine hockey fan. The hockey details, both during games and off the ice were impeccable and very realistic. However, she didn't dive into the intimacy and service relationship that can exist between players and equipment staff.
Instead, the whole book revolves around some very tried forbidden romance tropes: the equipment manager and the player can't be together because they work together AND because the equipment manager's dad is the GM and he is homophobic. It just seemed so cliche - I feel like I've read some version of this trope so many times and this time wasn't particularly well executed. As well, the GM was such a cartoon caricature of a villain that it just wasn't believable.
The other thing that really bothered me about this book was how repetitive it was. So much telling instead of showing. And the only thing both characters were telling us is "we shouldn't be together because it could tank our careers - I should tell him we should stop". And then we get a scene where one tries to break up with the other but decides they like each too much. On repeat. Like four separate times.
Honestly, I ended up skimming so much of the book since it was so repetitive. Perhaps I should have DNF.
Unfortunately, Red Line did not deliver. Unlike many hockey romance authors, L.A. Witt does seem to be a genuine hockey fan. The hockey details, both during games and off the ice were impeccable and very realistic. However, she didn't dive into the intimacy and service relationship that can exist between players and equipment staff.
Instead, the whole book revolves around some very tried forbidden romance tropes: the equipment manager and the player can't be together because they work together AND because the equipment manager's dad is the GM and he is homophobic. It just seemed so cliche - I feel like I've read some version of this trope so many times and this time wasn't particularly well executed. As well, the GM was such a cartoon caricature of a villain that it just wasn't believable.
The other thing that really bothered me about this book was how repetitive it was. So much telling instead of showing. And the only thing both characters were telling us is "we shouldn't be together because it could tank our careers - I should tell him we should stop". And then we get a scene where one tries to break up with the other but decides they like each too much. On repeat. Like four separate times.
Honestly, I ended up skimming so much of the book since it was so repetitive. Perhaps I should have DNF.
June 21, 2024
Theo has waited patiently to be brought up to the Seattle Rainers. Being in the minors is great, but to level up? Even better. And the time has come. But is gone just as quick. The day he is brought up is Pride Night and he is pumped but when the homophone general manager cancels the night in a screw you to everyone who identifies as queer, including his own son, who is one of the equipment managers, well Theo can’t sit back and do nothing. Theo has had a crush on Christian for a long time and to see his disappointment for the stunt his dad pulled in addition to his actions against Pride Night, he is going to take a stand. So he asks for the rainbow tape and the team is quick to follow. But the GM learns it was Theo’s idea and he is quick to throw Theo back down the minors with a threat he will remain there forever and Theo’s career is in his hands. Now a year later, the team has faced enough injuries that there is no choice but for Theo to move back up. And to see Christian again. After they hooked up last season. Theo and Christian know both their careers would be at stake if they hook up again, but neither of them have ever felt the pull that they have to one another. It’s a risk they are willing to take. Because neither are ready to give the other up. I loved Theo and Christian! Their chemistry was off the charts. The love between one another was so clear to see as they continued to see one another. And though they debated calling things off time after time, neither could let the other go. I really enjoyed this story and this hockey team. I am definitely looking forward to more stories in this series with these other authors! This was a great way to kick the series off.
July 5, 2024
My journey through this story taught me something about my personal interests.
1. L.A. Witt tends to write books with a premise that catches my attention. Once I start reading, my attention starts to wander. This is the book that helped me realize why. It's because of how the main characters are constructed. One of the main characters usually participates in an act of bravery or an act of defiance of social mores at the beginning of the book. For the rest of the book they become a doormat character.
2. I enjoy stories where the characters could easily become my friends. Witt writes about the characters interactions fairly well, but I don't seem to connect with them on a personal level. When their story is over, I don't have any interest in revisiting their lives. I think I need to be emotionally invested in the characters in order to truly enjoy a story.
3. I am weirdly obsessed with hockey. I truly appreciated how well the author knows the innerworkings of professional hockey.
4.
So yeah. I was entertained. I will probably read another book about hockey written by L.A. Witt.
1. L.A. Witt tends to write books with a premise that catches my attention. Once I start reading, my attention starts to wander. This is the book that helped me realize why. It's because of how the main characters are constructed. One of the main characters usually participates in an act of bravery or an act of defiance of social mores at the beginning of the book. For the rest of the book they become a doormat character.
2. I enjoy stories where the characters could easily become my friends. Witt writes about the characters interactions fairly well, but I don't seem to connect with them on a personal level. When their story is over, I don't have any interest in revisiting their lives. I think I need to be emotionally invested in the characters in order to truly enjoy a story.
3. I am weirdly obsessed with hockey. I truly appreciated how well the author knows the innerworkings of professional hockey.
4.
So yeah. I was entertained. I will probably read another book about hockey written by L.A. Witt.
October 3, 2024
I have to confess that L.A. Witt is not one of my favorite authors. There were books of hers that I liked, but most of them were merely okay, and a lot of them I couldn't finish.
This one falls into that last chategory. It took me some time to be able to catch what my issue was. I'm 10% / 5 chapters in, and it is one thing, that nothing happened, but what I found really annoying is the lack of interaction. Not just between the main characters, but all over. There were two or three very short dialogues, but most of it was just the main characters thinking abot things, remembering things, commenting internally on their own thoughts and memories.
And then it hit me. It was very close to a journal / diary style narrative. Which I just can't stand. One of the great tragedies of my life is not being able to read Frankenstein because of this. (Talk about first world problems.)
My other issue was that the main characters were not able to catch my interest. They were boring, I just didn't care about what happened to them.
So I gave up, mostly because of the writing style, but also because of the unrelatable characters.
This one falls into that last chategory. It took me some time to be able to catch what my issue was. I'm 10% / 5 chapters in, and it is one thing, that nothing happened, but what I found really annoying is the lack of interaction. Not just between the main characters, but all over. There were two or three very short dialogues, but most of it was just the main characters thinking abot things, remembering things, commenting internally on their own thoughts and memories.
And then it hit me. It was very close to a journal / diary style narrative. Which I just can't stand. One of the great tragedies of my life is not being able to read Frankenstein because of this. (Talk about first world problems.)
My other issue was that the main characters were not able to catch my interest. They were boring, I just didn't care about what happened to them.
So I gave up, mostly because of the writing style, but also because of the unrelatable characters.
May 31, 2024
RED LINE by LA Witt is part of the multi-author hockey The Games We Play universe. Player Theo Mathis has been waiting and working for his chance to get called up to the Seattle Rainiers. Equipment manager Christian Hayes loves everything about his job, except the fact that his boss happens to also be his dad, a miserable person who lives to make others so also, except that he does happen to be a fairly effective general manager. When Theo gets that dream opportunity, he also chooses to take a stand, which unfortunately lands him firmly on Jack Hayes’ bad side.
LA Witt’s story is an adrenaline rush on and off the ice as Theo and Christian decide to act on their mutual attraction, and then…can’t stop. Balanced between the need to keep even the appearance of a relationship of any kind deeply under wraps and their burning need for each other, neither is able to give up…. I had a hard time putting Red Line down, and enjoyed every page. Looking forward to others in this series, and also, more by LA Witt.
LA Witt’s story is an adrenaline rush on and off the ice as Theo and Christian decide to act on their mutual attraction, and then…can’t stop. Balanced between the need to keep even the appearance of a relationship of any kind deeply under wraps and their burning need for each other, neither is able to give up…. I had a hard time putting Red Line down, and enjoyed every page. Looking forward to others in this series, and also, more by LA Witt.
June 11, 2024
All the feels!
I've been a big L.A. Witt fan for a while but it's been a bit since I've read one of her hockey romances. I have a several of them on my TBR and TBL lists that I just never seem to get whittled down. Fortunately, I was offered an ARC of Red Line and, with very few exceptions, I always get ARCs read.
This book is written in first-person POV with chapters alternating between the two MCs, Theo and Christian. I started to write a recap of the story and realized that's stupid, the blurb is great. So, I just want to say that this story is HOT but the more pertinent thing is how Theo and Christian were ready to sacrifice everything to be together, even though they had to keep it on the DL.
I was holding my breath throughout much of the story, waiting for the bad thing to happen. When you read it, you'll know what I mean. I was a little surprised that it didn't happen until much later than I expected. But, oh boy! When it did happen it was much more shocking that I had imagined. I'm afraid that if I say anything more it would be too spoiler-y. I will say that it was so, so satisfying and Theo and Christian get their well-deserved HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book but that was after I had already pre-ordered a copy.
I've been a big L.A. Witt fan for a while but it's been a bit since I've read one of her hockey romances. I have a several of them on my TBR and TBL lists that I just never seem to get whittled down. Fortunately, I was offered an ARC of Red Line and, with very few exceptions, I always get ARCs read.
This book is written in first-person POV with chapters alternating between the two MCs, Theo and Christian. I started to write a recap of the story and realized that's stupid, the blurb is great. So, I just want to say that this story is HOT but the more pertinent thing is how Theo and Christian were ready to sacrifice everything to be together, even though they had to keep it on the DL.
I was holding my breath throughout much of the story, waiting for the bad thing to happen. When you read it, you'll know what I mean. I was a little surprised that it didn't happen until much later than I expected. But, oh boy! When it did happen it was much more shocking that I had imagined. I'm afraid that if I say anything more it would be too spoiler-y. I will say that it was so, so satisfying and Theo and Christian get their well-deserved HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book but that was after I had already pre-ordered a copy.
July 3, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is a sweet and tender athlete romance, which has the interesting twist of a hidden relationship due to family/work drama, not fear of “outing.” I liked both Theo and Christian. They have good moral centers and are genuinely nice people. The whole time I just wanted them to be able to share their joy, though I understood their reticence. As a hockey story, the athletic scenes felt both accurate and accessible, a testament to the author’s deep love of hockey–she’s a longtime fan of the sport. I loved the balance between the athletics and the romance, always one of the hardest issues with sports romance stories.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is a sweet and tender athlete romance, which has the interesting twist of a hidden relationship due to family/work drama, not fear of “outing.” I liked both Theo and Christian. They have good moral centers and are genuinely nice people. The whole time I just wanted them to be able to share their joy, though I understood their reticence. As a hockey story, the athletic scenes felt both accurate and accessible, a testament to the author’s deep love of hockey–she’s a longtime fan of the sport. I loved the balance between the athletics and the romance, always one of the hardest issues with sports romance stories.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
June 17, 2024
I loved this story and these men. Theo and Christian were both hard working and well intentioned men. They were both trapped by the rigid (and homophobic) expectations of Theo's general manager, who was also Christian's father. It was hard to turn a serious attraction into love under the thumb of a man like that, but somehow these two managed.
I liked the side characters, especially Theo's Seattle teammates; a more supported group of jocks you couldn't find. I loved the heat and heart between Christian and Theo. And, as always with this author, I loved the scenes on the ice. Hockey romance is a favorite of mine, and this was a good one.
Red Line was a terrific start to a new series, and I hope to see more of this couple, even as others find love. I can't wait for more in this world!
I liked the side characters, especially Theo's Seattle teammates; a more supported group of jocks you couldn't find. I loved the heat and heart between Christian and Theo. And, as always with this author, I loved the scenes on the ice. Hockey romance is a favorite of mine, and this was a good one.
Red Line was a terrific start to a new series, and I hope to see more of this couple, even as others find love. I can't wait for more in this world!
September 29, 2024
(Tiny spoiler)
Because of the bad reviews I waited a long time with starting this book. I quite liked it though. Yes it’s a very slow start, and the beginning is a bit repetitive. But it is a very sweet love story with lots of chemistry between the mc’s.
Normally I don’t really like books with a lot of homophobia in it. In this book however it did work in my opinion, although I didn’t under why the dad was such a homophobe and why the board didn’t call him out on it.
Both Theo and Christian were fun, and I loved the part where they were convinced nobody knew about them, and apparently they were not subtle at all. That made me laugh out loud.
4 very well earned four stars. Definitely recommend and might reread.
Because of the bad reviews I waited a long time with starting this book. I quite liked it though. Yes it’s a very slow start, and the beginning is a bit repetitive. But it is a very sweet love story with lots of chemistry between the mc’s.
Normally I don’t really like books with a lot of homophobia in it. In this book however it did work in my opinion, although I didn’t under why the dad was such a homophobe and why the board didn’t call him out on it.
Both Theo and Christian were fun, and I loved the part where they were convinced nobody knew about them, and apparently they were not subtle at all. That made me laugh out loud.
4 very well earned four stars. Definitely recommend and might reread.
June 18, 2024
Red Line by L.A. Witt features Christian, an equipment manager for an ice hockey team who’s under the thumb of his homophobic dad, the general manager, and Theo, a player pulled up from the minor league team to fill in. The tension about whether their hookup will become more and when/whether they’ll be caught was so intense I kept having to pause my reading: I just was too nervous to find out! Witt does a great job keeping the story taught and funny alongside the nervous energy, and the resolution is well worth it. I’m looking forward to reading other stories in the series. I received an advanced copy. This is my own opinion.
June 13, 2024
It's not my habit to repeat the blurb, so here it goes. This is easy to read hockey romance with some angst and heat. The writing is captivating (you can't miss with this author), and the ending is epic! Four stars instead of five is that the plot and relationship development seems to be 'cathing it's tail', so the MC's and readers are running the same circles over and over - until the ending - it's what I've said - epic! I truly hope that teams like this (no matter the sports) exist in real life.
June 17, 2024
It felt like there was a lot missing - It's also very, very heavy on the internal monologuing, and a lot seems to happen off-page. I did quite like the resolution at the end, though.
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