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Man Advantage

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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 and got 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 standalone Trans M/M hockey romance.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2025

104 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

L.A. Witt

219 books2,726 followers
L.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/.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Alexis.
841 reviews23 followers
July 17, 2025
3.5!

I expected to like this a lot more, but i found myself skimming a lot of the paragraphs? I was also expecting a little more of Trev with his kids considering they were the reason for hiring Cam in the first place? Idk, all the tropes and potential were there but it just didn't fully work for me.
Profile Image for Lady Macbeth.
1,105 reviews30 followers
August 5, 2025
3.5 stars
I've been hesitant to rate this book. Let's see if writing about it helps clearing my head.

I liked both MCs: their story is finally something original in a sea of MM books.
I found their past, their first getting together at 16 and then again, briefly, at 18 so very well written.
During their relationship, Trev and Cam were a straight boy and a straight girl, best friends since childhood, very caring and affectionate towards each other. Their paths to self acceptance, though, were different and by the time they finally understood what they really were, they were not together anymore.

Ten years later, they have the chance to reconnect as their authentic selves, a cis gay man and a trans gay man. Both of them carry the scars of past relationships that left them broken, hurt and unsure, but they found in each other the strength to heal.

What didn't work for me:
until 40% of the book, the two of them repeat to themselves over and over than they missed each other, that they love to be friends again and that, this time, they won't lose one another.
But as soon as they got (romantically) together, the miscommunication arises.

None of them is ready to define what they are. This would be understandable for the first weeks, but then months pass and they just don't talk about feelings or expectations.
There are two children to think of, there's their professional arrangement (employer/nanny) and the living situation to consider and they just keep eluding having meaningful conversations until the third act breakup (that comes very late in the book, around 85%).
And during their only conversation they are still not completely honest with each other and avoid saying certain things.

So, obviously, the resolution came very late too and, while the epilogue is beautiful (I loved how their lives went on), it's all said but not showed.

I really despised that both of them let the ex husband and his new boyfriend condition their lives (and their career, in Trev's case) so much for so long.
I didn't understand why Trev never talked to Bryan about how much tension his boyfriend was putting into Trev's work and how much he was disrupting their coparenting of the children.
And about the toxic relationship that Cam had with his ex: I really don't like when a person let their partner control, isolate, influence their life for years, but then when they finally stand up and set firm boundaries, they do that with the next boyfriend, the one who's actually treating them right.
Trev always protected Cam, both as his boyfriend and as his kids' nanny, but Cam just broke up with him to feel more secure in his job, instead of look for a solution that could have given him the reassurance he needed.

The physical scenes are amazing: I adored how thoughtful Trev was with Cam, all the questions he asked him to make sure he was comfortable. The last time they were intimate, Cam was still a girl, but Trev wastes no time in learning how to read his body again.

So, in the end, I'm settling for 3.5/4 stars. It was a good story, even if I didn't enjoy some parts.
Profile Image for Iz.
987 reviews19 followers
July 6, 2025
3.75

Another delightful romance by L.A. Witt!
Second-chance, ex-bffs-to-lovers, nanny/divorced single dad, trans rep AND hockey??? SIGN ME UP. I've been looking forward to reading "Man Advantage" for months, so I'm glad I got the chance to do so now.

I adored Trev and Cam's romance. The build-up, the chemistry between them, the sweet, thoughtful chats and the scorching hot tension made their relationship absolute fire, and when they finally gave in to their feelings and attraction? WHEW, it was so worth it.
Individually, I adored them both, and I loved seeing their past hurts and pains explored too. I would have loved a biiiit more drama, but that's just my angst-loving heart speaking.
Trev's kids were fantastic, and yeah, okay, maybe a few of the more childcare-centric scenes could have been trimmed a little, but the two of them were fabulous and super cute.
I....even ended up appreciating Bryan too. Like, okay, he's an asshole and he was vile to Trev, but also I felt for him too? I'm glad we got closure on that front.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. I probably would have loved it a whole lot more if not for this horrific reading slump I'm battling, but I'm really glad I still read it.
I wholly recommend.

TWs/CWs: past toxic relationship (gaslighting, body-shaming, emotional abuse and abusive control), diet culture.

Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Pam _P who cusses A Lot.
788 reviews17 followers
August 3, 2025
It was surprisingly boring. The hockey was excellent, but the plot was ho hum. Childhood sweethearts getting back together, an ex husband dating a coworker, kids, blah blah blah it's basic stuff 🤷‍♀️ Lots of repetitive overthinking that nobody does anything about or says anything about. The ex and boyfriend were supposed to be villains, but Trev was too hesitant to confront them for 90% of the book 🙄 boring
Profile Image for Liza Broadaway.
1,008 reviews16 followers
July 18, 2025
I loved these characters. I loved the trans representation in this book so much! The 2nd chance romance with your best friend even though years had seperated you ….so good!

With that said the internal dialogue felt a little too repetitive for me and because it was a nanny situation I would have loved to have seen the kids more. For the trans representation alone though I highly recommend reading this one!!
318 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2025
This book is a really special read, a heartwarming tale of love and hockey between two men. It's a story that celebrates the beauty of second chances, the challenges of co-parenting, and the journey of personal growth.

The story follows the life of Trev Allen, a professional hockey player, who finds himself in a bit of a pickle when his ex-husband gives him an ultimatum: find reliable, full-time childcare for their twins during the hockey season, or face a battle for full custody. Trev is a loving dad who is desperate to keep his bond with his children strong.

But just when things seem most bleak, a old friend – and former flame – re-enters his life: Cam. Cam is also facing his own struggles and is in need of a fresh start and stability. It's so lovely that they're getting back together, and it's just what they need to sort out their problems. Trev sees Cam as the answer to his childcare crisis, while Cam sees Trev as a way to get back on his feet.

As they move in together, their old spark is reignited, fueled by their shared history and the close bond they've built. The plot explores the delicate balance they must strike between their rekindled passion and their intertwined practical needs. Trev relies on Cam to keep his joint custody, and Cam depends on Trev for a stable environment. This closeness makes things really interesting, though, because their bond is so strong that if they start to feel unsure of themselves, it could all come tumbling down.

This book is a standalone Trans M/M hockey romance (one of the main characters is transgender), which is really important and adds another layer of depth to the narrative. L.A. Witt is a writer you really need to get to know. Her contemporary M/M romances are so engaging, and the characters are always complex and full of depth.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,602 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********

Another good book by LA Witt which I really enjoyed. I thought Cam and Trev were great together and I’m glad that they got their second chance at happily ever after. When Trev’s ex husband Bryan gives and ultimatum two weeks before the start of training camp, that he has to lock down full time reliable childcare for his custody weeks before the start of the season or Bryan will pursue full custody. Trev panics and contacts his friends from back home to tell them about the ultimatum. One of them suggests that he may have a solution for him and gives him a call to tell him that Cam is in a bind so you could probably help each other out. Trev and Cam were together in high school but even after they broke up they were still really good friends.

As soon as the two see each other again they’re both shocked how good the other looks and it’s like no time has passed and they slot right back into their friendship that eventually turns into so much more. I thought that the twins, Zack & Zane were adorable and thought that Cam was great with them. All I can say is that’s it completely f*cked up that Bryan got together not only one of Trev’s teammates but the one he can’t stand, possibly before they even separated and that Chats keeps rubbing it in Trev’s face that he’s with Bryan. Even though Trev doesn’t want Bryan it would still completely mess with his head and I can’t believe that he stayed chill for so long. Bryan and Chats definitely weren’t making the custody arrangement any smoother that’s for sure. I’m looking forward to reading more books by LA Witt in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to everyone.
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 14 books72 followers
August 29, 2025
This is the second book I've read this summer in which a single-dad professional sports player ends up involved with his nanny. The amazing thing about the romance genre, though, is how both books are still completely different and each fantastic in its own right. For this story, Trev and Cam reconnect to help each other out in suddenly difficult circumstances, with the men trying to do the best they can with the hand they are dealt. Though they used to be high school sweethearts, I wouldn't call this a traditional second-chance romance because the initial connection faded due to the unintentional conflicts of growing up. As adults, their platonic chemistry remains, and the transitions they've undergone on that path to adulthood mean their physical chemistry is even more explosive than before. The external conflicts of the novel mesh well, combining the stress of the "forbidden" nature of the employee/employer relationship with drama on the ice as Trev navigates being teammates with his ex-husband's new partner. With this book, Witt shines as a writer of queer romance by how she balances the ways the heroes' queerness affects the plot while still crafting a conflict that any reader can relate to. The spicy bits of this novel are also a masterclass in how identity and attraction are more important and relevant to the emotional impact of physical intimacy than biological characteristics. And, of course, she's pretty good at that hockey stuff, too.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
2,751 reviews128 followers
June 17, 2025
Four and a half stars

MAN ADVANTAGE by L.A. Witt is a stand-alone trans m/m hockey romance. It is also a second-chance story of sorts. Hockey player Trevor Allen has an amicable custody agreement with his ex-husband up until his ex's sudden insistence that he line up reliable, full-time care right as the season is about to begin. Fortunately it turns out that an old friend--in fact his best friend--is just getting out of a miserable relationship and is struggling to get his feet back under himself. Cam Wright is surprised but relieved to hear from a man he hasn't seen in ages, but their reconnecting gives him hope for the first time in a while.

LA Witt writes Trev and Cam very sympathetically, and it's a joy to see their pleasure in renewing their friendship and to see them both flourish as they rebuild trust between them and the comfort of a genuinely supportive situation. Their past relationships have certainly made them cautious and Trev's public role as well as his ex's requirements keep them on edge. I really liked watching them get to know each other again as they adjusted their views of each other from their youth to reflect who they've become and how much pleasure they found in realizing that much of who they had been is still who they are to each other in the present. I also really enjoyed Trevor's relationship with his sons and how much a part of his life they truly are. A satisfying read.
2,858 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2025
a sweet trans m/m hockey romance

Rating: 4🌈

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
432 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2025
It's a good story, dealing with issues of shared parenthood custody, gay people in sports, etc in realistic way so I had no trouble reading it because I love the author's style and some of my favorite books are written by her. But - yes, there's always a but when I rate a book four stars instead of five. While the story and the plot kept my attention I felt that there were some issues that should be addressed more, like dealing with transgender identity and coming out in real world - not always smooth and easy - it was just glossed over in this book. I don't mean the relationship between MC's, but the outside world. I see it as a missed opportunity to thicken the plot and deepen the psychological and practical aspects of potentially great story. Too repetitive at some internal musings of both MC's. It's more than realistic and human to question yourself and your choices and possible future decitions but it got to a point that the story and MC's were just chasing their tails and getting nowhere and at the end, things that should be obvious to all involved, and the others, that should take some more on page work are "magically" resolved in the last chapter and epilogue. It's a good read but not my favorite.
Profile Image for Reid Turing.
36 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2025
DNFed at 45%. Look, as a trans man I'm generally excited to see representation, but this really fell flat for me. Cam felt like a one dimensional portrayal of what cis people think about trans people, especially when it came to sex and gender elements. I dnf'd right after getting into Cam's fantasies about what sex with Trev might be like. Again, it felt very much like what a cis woman thinks a trans man would want and how he would want it, and while there may be trans men who indeed feel this way, it was frustrating to see such a lack of nuance. If you're looking for a really good high school second chance trans romance, I would recommend checking out Second Chances in New Port Stephen, which has all of the nuance this lacks.

This book also had one of my pet peeves with Witt's writing, which is that the two MCs spend so much time talking about how hot they think the other is they wind up developing very little authentic chemistry. More moments like the crayon box and less ogling.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,796 reviews40 followers
July 21, 2025
I’m a bit late getting my review posted because … life… so I’ve skimmed a few other reviews and it seems like some of them analyzed this book much more than I did when I read. I love reading MM romance but I don’t usually analyze the story much. It has to be really something awful in the book for it to bother me. So having said all of that I loved reading Man Advantage.

I liked that it was a trans romance without a lot of the focus being on the fact that Cam is trans. After mentioning it then he was just Cam – I hope that makes sense. There were very emotional things going on in the story but that’s what I love about reading romance. I enjoyed Trev’s kids, Zach and Zane. I think Trev showed remarkable restraint when his ex’s boyfriend, Chats, was being an a-hole.

The epilogue was much appreciated. I always enjoy seeing how the MCs are doing a few months/years, etc., down the road.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Profile Image for juli✨.
1,193 reviews144 followers
October 13, 2025
As far as I was concerned, other men had ceased to exist the moment he’d kissed me tonight.


Decided to borrow Man Advantage from KU on a whim, and was treated to a surprisingly low-stakes second-chance / friends-to-lovers story. Trev and Cam had hella chemistry and I loved the sweet and slow-ish way their romance played out. I also like that L.A. Witt didn't skimp on the hockey content.

I think my only qualm was the lack of impact the children ended up having on the plot. I wanted more moments of Cam and Trev spending time with the kids and slowly creating their family. Also, it was almost comical how easy the tension between Trev and his ex-husband was resolved. Was it only me who low-key wanted more from the ex? Idk, I felt like there was more to be explored there.
200 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2025
When Cam and Trev reconnect, it's sweet how they slide easily (but unexpectedly) into being a couple, with Cam providing everything that Trev is lacking in his life. Trev’s fraught relationship with his ex is one thing, but the ex’s new boyfriend also happens to be Trev’s teammate and he is a horrible piece of work. Wouldn’t surprise me if he was only with Bryan to throw it in Trev’s face and maybe take his place on the team. There is some angst, but it doesn’t drag on too long. I’m so glad that Trev cares enough about Cam to take his concerns seriously and everyone seems to get their just desserts in the end.

I received an ARC of this book for free and this review is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Reading Rommance.
735 reviews14 followers
July 22, 2025
Another great L.A. Witt book! Trev is delightful. He's a great dad. He's kind and thoughtful. Cam is also amazing. He's easy going and funny. It was fun to see these two reunite as grown men rather than high school best friends/crushes/lovers. As always, L.A. Witt does a wonderful job writing realistic sounding dialogue between the two MCs. The pining was wonderful and when they finally got together, I was here for it. I enjoyed the drama the ex and his new boyfriend were causing and the third act conflict felt real. I loved seeing both men with the kids, too. Overall, this was a sweet, fun book.

Notes: 2/5 spice levels, second chance, high school crush, childhood best friends, friends to lovers, nanny/boss, hockey player mc, single dad, trans rep
Profile Image for Terri.
1,664 reviews
August 7, 2025
This was an enjoyable romance between former high school sweethearts. I liked Cam and Trev a lot, and I appreciated how strong their connection was, even years after last spending time together. I was rooting for these two from the start. The hockey scenes were satisfying, and the moments between Cam and Trev were true and special. The stress each man felt over his individual issues was palpable, and I loved how they supported each other completely.
This book was another winner from an author I can always count on. Great story, lovable MC's, and a satisfying HEA. What more could I ask for?
Profile Image for AL.
1,726 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2025
An incredibly emotional second chance story with a lot of criss-crossed lines, past hurts and current challenges. I admire how relatable and genuine the story was, and how the author approached both the characters and their decisions.
I saw a lot of myself in Trev, which made the story both more riveting and more difficult to read, but did not detract one bit from the author’s talent.
I could not recommend the book enough!
357 reviews
July 13, 2025
Cam and Trev, childhood friends and high school sweethearts who parted ways amicably, are reunited by difficult circumstances a decade later. Overall, the book read well, although I didn't love the major conflict resolution (I felt like the main characters weren't as honest with each other as they could have been). I also didn't love the epilogue: too many threads wrapped up a bit too neatly for my taste. That said, L.A. Witt always writes a great story, and Man Advantage was a good one.
Profile Image for Liza.
1,516 reviews19 followers
July 3, 2025
There's something extra special when you read a hockey romance by a real hockey fan. The hockey scenes are just so THERE and I love it! LA Witt once again proves how wonderful she is when it comes to "not" writing hockey (IFYKYK lol) I absolutely loved this second chance romance and wonderfully the trans rep was handled. Cam and Trev are beyond sweet and I loved every second of this one!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
683 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2025
I loved this! It is always such a treat to read a hockey romance by a REAL hardcore hockey fan, and LA Witt delivers! This book was packed full of all the messiness of divorce and co-parenting along with the bumps in new relationships post-divorce. This book has great trans rep and a sweet story.
Profile Image for Elizabeth H..
937 reviews23 followers
July 27, 2025
I've read plenty of L.A. Witt books I've liked, even reread. But this book has a lot of repetition and introspection, way beyond what was needed. I did get to the end but it was an effort. Hope it's not a trend from an author who has given me pleasurable reading hours from their other books.
Profile Image for Rachel.
115 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2025
I love Trev and Cam! Their chemistry is off the charts and their story is a lovely second-chance, single-dad romance. I’m also super excited to get this story with a trans MC where it’s not a focal point of the story, just is. Representation is awesome. :) And you gotta love a hot hockey player!
12 reviews
August 2, 2025
Great read

I really enjoyed the characters and the story, definitely recommend reading this and all the other books by LA Witt.
Profile Image for Nate.
88 reviews
December 31, 2025
Ex-husband drama was annoying as fuck but i guess that is the plot so idk. Like you can’t tell me that the ex husband didn’t know his boyfriend was such a dick. Crazy.
Profile Image for Lindsey Middlemiss.
411 reviews14 followers
December 16, 2025
Adorable MM Hockey romance with a trans MMC

Man Advantage was utterly adorable!

This book is set in a world where there are multiple out NHL players, but where queer players are still held to higher standards.

The trans rep with Cam was gently done and I loved the idea that these 2 starting loving each other before they both knew who they were.

In this, you'll find:
●MM Contemporary Hockey romance
●Gay Single-dad NHL player
●Gay Trans Personal Trainer, now nanny
●Second chance with first loves
●Twin 6-year-old boys
●Emotionally abusive ex
●Mention of being blacklisted after false allegations
●Co-parenting struggles, especially with ex-husband's boyfriend
●Concerns about job & residence being tied to relationship
Profile Image for Sabrina - Brina's Book Nook.
53 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
ARC Read
*Spoilers*

Another hockey romance by L.A. Witt that gives you the feels.

Sometimes you need to go through a rough relationship to get back the one that was everything.

Trev and Cam were best friends and soulmates who were brought back to each other when both their lives took an unexpected turn. Trev needed someone to help with his twins, and Cam needed a job to help him get back on his feet.

The emotional ups and downs throughout the book hit you right in the heart. You just want to give Trev and Cam the biggest hug. The heartbreak they both went through was upsetting. You could feel their pain and be upset right along with them. Trev's twins are absolutely adorable, and they love him so much. He worries that he isn’t enough for them with his career and his being gone so much.

Trevs and Cam's love story sticks with you, and you can’t let go of it.
Profile Image for Didi Ps.
859 reviews
August 14, 2025
Trev had what he thought was a good custody agreement, until his ex decided that he needed to have more reliable childcare during the hockey season.

This would have been a huge problem, but thank goodness his friend Cam is in a good position to help, sadly because his ex threw him out & got him fired in one fell swoop....

Even though they hadn't seen each other in a long time, it seems that they might be able to help one another out.

Living together, they can help each other out, but they might end up falling being more than either had ever thought...

They could be so good together, if they are able to get it all sorted out...

It’s SOOOO satisfying seeing them renew their friendship into something more, something real. Their pasts (as well as the public role Trev has) keeps them on edge, but still... It’s just wonderful to see how they reconnect with one another.

Great story, well written... Worth reading!

Loved the ending!!! <3

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,247 reviews23 followers
October 8, 2025
4.5 stars for this second chance hockey story, it's a quick read, with second chances, so many emotions, and love, which leads to a sweet page turner. Both Trev and Cam are in a pickle, both betrayed by their exes. Trev needs someone to look after his delightful twins while he is travelling with his hockey team. Cam needs a job and somewhere to live. What follows is a perfect arrangement.

It turns out that the guys were best friends and young lovers during their teen years, who had simply lost touch. Together again, their feelings for one another grow, and once again, they fall in love. Of course, there are mountains to climb, and L.A. ensures that Greg and Cam, despite the odd hiccup, traverse them beautifully. I totally believed the love between them and loved that the 'baddies' were called out. A well written and satisfying read, with good trans representation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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