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Over the Line
Garrett Kane made a lot of mistakes as a dad, and now he’s working on reconciling with his estranged kids. As part of that process, he’s moving to Pittsburgh where his son plays professional hockey. He’s ready to settle in and make up for lost time.
What he’s not ready for is the powerful attraction to his son’s teammate.
After a long and storied career, generational talent Liam St. Clair is looking down the barrel of retirement. His whole world has always been hockey, and he has no idea what comes next.
When that silver fox comes strolling into the locker room, though… well, maybe there is life after hockey.
Except Garrett is still on thin ice with his son, who might not be thrilled about his dad dating his teammate. And Garrett is afraid to tell him… but he’s also afraid to keep another secret from him.
He can’t lose the progress he’s made with his son. But he also can’t let go of the man who’s stolen his heart.
And Liam is way too high-profile for this secret to stay hidden for long.
Over the Line is a 145,000 word contemporary romance between a 40-something silver fox single dad and a 30-something hockey star.
What he’s not ready for is the powerful attraction to his son’s teammate.
After a long and storied career, generational talent Liam St. Clair is looking down the barrel of retirement. His whole world has always been hockey, and he has no idea what comes next.
When that silver fox comes strolling into the locker room, though… well, maybe there is life after hockey.
Except Garrett is still on thin ice with his son, who might not be thrilled about his dad dating his teammate. And Garrett is afraid to tell him… but he’s also afraid to keep another secret from him.
He can’t lose the progress he’s made with his son. But he also can’t let go of the man who’s stolen his heart.
And Liam is way too high-profile for this secret to stay hidden for long.
Over the Line is a 145,000 word contemporary romance between a 40-something silver fox single dad and a 30-something hockey star.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2026
About the author
L.A. Witt
222 books2,796 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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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Read
August 16, 2026DNF midway but not rating. It's me. I got bored? I love SO many of this author's books but some are just not for me. This one was frustrating, with the MCs so attracted to each other mentally and physically, seemed a great match, but not talking about it with the adult son of the MC/single dad, who had been estranged from and only recently reunited with his son, who is on the other MC's NHL team, and I started rolling my eyes. How old are we?
Have a conversation.
I didn't like the reason that the divorced dad MC's kids hated him for so long. He and his wife/their mother had been unhappy for ages, stayed together "for the kids" (ugh), and then when they had already set an end date for the marriage, he WHY??? WTF? That wasn't heroic. That was asinine.
I know the son is going to be mad that his father is sleeping with his teammate/captain, and I'm just not here for it. Grow up, man. I'm out.
Have a conversation.
I didn't like the reason that the divorced dad MC's kids hated him for so long. He and his wife/their mother had been unhappy for ages, stayed together "for the kids" (ugh), and then when they had already set an end date for the marriage, he WHY??? WTF? That wasn't heroic. That was asinine.
I know the son is going to be mad that his father is sleeping with his teammate/captain, and I'm just not here for it. Grow up, man. I'm out.
June 30, 2026
3.5 stars rouded up
Imo, this book could have been 150 pages shorter.
I liked the love story and the mcs dynamic, but I didn’t like that Garrett took all the blame of his divorce. Why being some kind of martyr?
That said, the love story is cute, I like reading books with characters over 30
Imo, this book could have been 150 pages shorter.
I liked the love story and the mcs dynamic, but I didn’t like that Garrett took all the blame of his divorce. Why being some kind of martyr?
That said, the love story is cute, I like reading books with characters over 30
Did Not Finish
June 30, 2026DNF at 83%
I was enjoying it, I really was. Despite being very long and repetitive, I was actually loving Garrett and Liam's relationship. Gosh, they were so perfect together!
But what happened at 83% made no sense at all, it was a cheap twist in the story.
Here's why:
I didn't like this part at all.
From 83% on, I skipped pages until the end and it got worse:
He acted like a martyr the whole book and that annoyed me to no end.
The epilogue was fantastic, I jut would have loved for both MCs to handle things very very differently.
I was enjoying it, I really was. Despite being very long and repetitive, I was actually loving Garrett and Liam's relationship. Gosh, they were so perfect together!
But what happened at 83% made no sense at all, it was a cheap twist in the story.
Here's why:
I didn't like this part at all.
From 83% on, I skipped pages until the end and it got worse:
He acted like a martyr the whole book and that annoyed me to no end.
The epilogue was fantastic, I jut would have loved for both MCs to handle things very very differently.
Read
June 11, 2026Honestly this was just kind of boring, both characters were nice but quite bland and so was the romance. I used to really like this author but it's been a while since I loved one of their books.
June 15, 2026
Picked this up because it sounded fun and a bit messy and it was, but there is very little plot outside of the relationship dynamic. I think that this would have worked a lot better as a 250 page book rather than a 550 page one. I liked the characters but it felt very repetitive and slogged a bit in the middle
June 30, 2026
Ok but too long.
June 18, 2026
The book got off to a really good start, but the further I read, the more boring it became. I gave up at 47%, because as much as I enjoyed their conversations at the beginning, at a certain point they simply became too much. Perhaps it just wasn’t for me.
July 25, 2026
This was SO good! I LOVE L.A. Witt's books, with my favorites being Interference and Rebound (highly recommend those; check them out) but this was near the top for me as well. I love the idea of this because it is messy but in the best way, with Garrett, father of Chris who plays on the Pittsburgh NHL team, and Liam, who is his son's teammate, falling in love against a lot of odds. There is a lot of drama, a lot of sneaking around, a lot of forbidden yearning and wanting and longing, and so much more. I live for this type of plot and romance, and L.A. Witt is so good at writing MM hockey romance. Every single one is a banger in my opinion.
I do think this one was a tad too long - it clocked in at about 550 pages, and some of it was repetition or overexplaining, but it was still amazing nonetheless. I enjoy how easy these books feel and how very silver lining they seem to be. I also think Garrett should not have taken so much of the blame or fault in his divorce with this ex-wife, especially when it came to the longstanding estrangement with his children. I understand he was trying to protect them, but it made things worse for him and it really wasn't fair because he deserved better.
I genuinely loved Garrett and Liam together SO much! The age gap was done so well, and I love the closeness that Garrett developed with Chris throughout this book. I also love L.A.'s ability to craft such awesome side characters who aren't just thrown in there but actually contribute to the story. I love the representation in this book (with Temo) and I also love the not so subtle warnings about the dangers of AI and how they can really damage people and their reputations with falsehoods. I thought this was the perfect addition and quite timely.
I love this book and always hope for more from L.A. Witt because she is a wonderful writer!
I do think this one was a tad too long - it clocked in at about 550 pages, and some of it was repetition or overexplaining, but it was still amazing nonetheless. I enjoy how easy these books feel and how very silver lining they seem to be. I also think Garrett should not have taken so much of the blame or fault in his divorce with this ex-wife, especially when it came to the longstanding estrangement with his children. I understand he was trying to protect them, but it made things worse for him and it really wasn't fair because he deserved better.
I genuinely loved Garrett and Liam together SO much! The age gap was done so well, and I love the closeness that Garrett developed with Chris throughout this book. I also love L.A.'s ability to craft such awesome side characters who aren't just thrown in there but actually contribute to the story. I love the representation in this book (with Temo) and I also love the not so subtle warnings about the dangers of AI and how they can really damage people and their reputations with falsehoods. I thought this was the perfect addition and quite timely.
I love this book and always hope for more from L.A. Witt because she is a wonderful writer!
July 26, 2026
This didn't work for me. The main reason is the complete lack of any character growth.
1. Garrett makes the same mistake at the end of the book that he made before the story begins:
2. Liam is a nothing burger.
3. Taylor is a horrible human being.
The only character (we spend any time with) who has any growth is Chris, and perhaps if the story was written from his perspective, it could've been redeemable. As it is, frustration was the prevailing emotion as I finished. :(
1. Garrett makes the same mistake at the end of the book that he made before the story begins:
2. Liam is a nothing burger.
3. Taylor is a horrible human being.
The only character (we spend any time with) who has any growth is Chris, and perhaps if the story was written from his perspective, it could've been redeemable. As it is, frustration was the prevailing emotion as I finished. :(
June 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Most of L.A. Witt's novels I've read always have the slow, slice of life, sort of calm feel to them and this book is no different. Garrett and Liam were just perfect, from the very first time they meet to the last page everything about their relationship and how they navigated it just makes sense. A premise like this has the ability to get very over the top/mess but that was not the case, how the whole dynamic between all characters was incredibly realistic as was how the story progressed. I could understand why the conflict existed and why each character responded the way they did.
The only thing that prevented me from giving the book that last 0.5 stars is Garrett's ex-wife. He spent so long apologizing and taking all the blame for something they both did. I was really annoyed that her hand in it never came to light to their kids. Especially after 550 pages of Garrett getting absolutely dogged on for it. While yeah it wouldn't erase what he did, it adds perspective and shares the blame.
Otherwise this is a good read, I will concur with others that this may not the most exciting book ever; if your looking for something higher in angst or with quite a bit of drama this might not be what your after. But regardless, it is a wonderful love story with an adorably endearing couple that is absolutely worth checking out.
Most of L.A. Witt's novels I've read always have the slow, slice of life, sort of calm feel to them and this book is no different. Garrett and Liam were just perfect, from the very first time they meet to the last page everything about their relationship and how they navigated it just makes sense. A premise like this has the ability to get very over the top/mess but that was not the case, how the whole dynamic between all characters was incredibly realistic as was how the story progressed. I could understand why the conflict existed and why each character responded the way they did.
The only thing that prevented me from giving the book that last 0.5 stars is Garrett's ex-wife. He spent so long apologizing and taking all the blame for something they both did. I was really annoyed that her hand in it never came to light to their kids. Especially after 550 pages of Garrett getting absolutely dogged on for it. While yeah it wouldn't erase what he did, it adds perspective and shares the blame.
Otherwise this is a good read, I will concur with others that this may not the most exciting book ever; if your looking for something higher in angst or with quite a bit of drama this might not be what your after. But regardless, it is a wonderful love story with an adorably endearing couple that is absolutely worth checking out.
June 22, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
Ngl If I were 5 years younger I would DNF this book, but now as a 30 year old man I resonate with the MCs alot
I love that it focuses on the reconciliation within the family rather than using it as catalyst for the romance, I love the scenes of Garrett mentoring his children as father and reflecting on his past regrets, it’s also interesting to see them navigate the line between lies and protection, the struggle is so real and relatable that it makes you wonder what you would do if in the same situation
My only complaint is that the final reconciliation scene seems unrealistic and I don’t believe people can open up just like that after years of grudging. And it bothers me that Garrett tried to be the bigger person and hid the truth to protect his ex, it surly makes him more likable but it’s yet another thing he hides from his children so I have mixed feelings about it.
Overall a very pleasant read, I didn’t enjoy this author’s recent works so I’m glad this book won me over.
Ngl If I were 5 years younger I would DNF this book, but now as a 30 year old man I resonate with the MCs alot
I love that it focuses on the reconciliation within the family rather than using it as catalyst for the romance, I love the scenes of Garrett mentoring his children as father and reflecting on his past regrets, it’s also interesting to see them navigate the line between lies and protection, the struggle is so real and relatable that it makes you wonder what you would do if in the same situation
My only complaint is that the final reconciliation scene seems unrealistic and I don’t believe people can open up just like that after years of grudging. And it bothers me that Garrett tried to be the bigger person and hid the truth to protect his ex, it surly makes him more likable but it’s yet another thing he hides from his children so I have mixed feelings about it.
Overall a very pleasant read, I didn’t enjoy this author’s recent works so I’m glad this book won me over.
September 22, 2026
a touch of SPOILERS
Great story. I really enjoyed it and finished it in one day. One thing that did irk me throughout the story though was the dad taking the brunt for cheating. And although it was wrong of him his wife did it also. And while it makes complete sense that he did not want their family to fall apart if the kids knew that not only did he cheat but his wife did too. I think that now that they are all adults they should be told. Because it was wrong of them to completely hate him when the mom did the same thing. Then again not saying that they shouldn’t have been upset I just think it is unfair to him and the kids. Another thing that bothered me was the repetition of Liam’s body aching such as certain phrases was a bit annoying. But over all this story was amazing I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The angst was also chefs kiss. Definitely recommend
Great story. I really enjoyed it and finished it in one day. One thing that did irk me throughout the story though was the dad taking the brunt for cheating. And although it was wrong of him his wife did it also. And while it makes complete sense that he did not want their family to fall apart if the kids knew that not only did he cheat but his wife did too. I think that now that they are all adults they should be told. Because it was wrong of them to completely hate him when the mom did the same thing. Then again not saying that they shouldn’t have been upset I just think it is unfair to him and the kids. Another thing that bothered me was the repetition of Liam’s body aching such as certain phrases was a bit annoying. But over all this story was amazing I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The angst was also chefs kiss. Definitely recommend
June 11, 2026
This was very nice, and there was plenty to like about this book.
However, it was 550 pages, had instalust/instalove, and only one issue was really explored in depth - and by "depth", I really mean the characters talked/thought/agonised about it constantly until things went wrong, after which they resolved it with no difficulty whatsoever. The issue resolution was unsatisfying because it was just Garrett saying he would do things differently in future... and yeah, he'd said that before and didn't follow through, so...
This could have been great if there had been more gradual relationship development and if some of the issues that were only touched on (injuries/pain, journalists) were explored in more meaningful ways.
However, it was 550 pages, had instalust/instalove, and only one issue was really explored in depth - and by "depth", I really mean the characters talked/thought/agonised about it constantly until things went wrong, after which they resolved it with no difficulty whatsoever. The issue resolution was unsatisfying because it was just Garrett saying he would do things differently in future... and yeah, he'd said that before and didn't follow through, so...
This could have been great if there had been more gradual relationship development and if some of the issues that were only touched on (injuries/pain, journalists) were explored in more meaningful ways.
June 28, 2026
This would have been a good book if it had been shorn of about 250 pages, if the main characters’ feelings had taken longer to develop, if they had been fleshed out more (we learn their backstories but they are still pretty blank personality canvases by the end of the book) and if the ending hadn’t been so telegraphed. I skimmed so much repetitive moral dithering and a lot of the sex.
Now it is a truth universally acknowledged (well, by me anyway) that a 550 page contemporary romance novel must be in want of an editor, but even so I expected a bit more payoff for all that agonising. I will stick to my rule from now on; no contemporaries over 400 pages.
Now it is a truth universally acknowledged (well, by me anyway) that a 550 page contemporary romance novel must be in want of an editor, but even so I expected a bit more payoff for all that agonising. I will stick to my rule from now on; no contemporaries over 400 pages.
June 16, 2026
Normalize quality over quantity! This book had no business to be 500+ pages.
This started as instalust but things improved drastically once the main characters started to talk to each other and I actually ended up enjoying their relationship.
That being said, 550 pages of two guys being scared of a single potential issue that ended up being an issue but not being an issue... was a bit frustrating.
Current book felt cleaner and more cohesive than her previous stories.
This started as instalust but things improved drastically once the main characters started to talk to each other and I actually ended up enjoying their relationship.
That being said, 550 pages of two guys being scared of a single potential issue that ended up being an issue but not being an issue... was a bit frustrating.
Current book felt cleaner and more cohesive than her previous stories.
June 20, 2026
Hokey cute good sincere
Hard to tell a good story well. This book does. Story 5. Spice 3.75. Hockey 4.75. Characters with depth. Not endless paragraphs of internal self reflection. Grown up diaologue not empty adjectives. Real adults. Not horny teens. All the characters have some individuality even the minor ones. College kids are boring compared to this multi-generational story. I'll read next book by this author. Like how AI issues included.
Hard to tell a good story well. This book does. Story 5. Spice 3.75. Hockey 4.75. Characters with depth. Not endless paragraphs of internal self reflection. Grown up diaologue not empty adjectives. Real adults. Not horny teens. All the characters have some individuality even the minor ones. College kids are boring compared to this multi-generational story. I'll read next book by this author. Like how AI issues included.
June 11, 2026
Well, if you have to read yet ANOTHER damn hockey book, let it be this one!
I really enjoyed this one, though the core secret in the book was really stretched out for a ridiculously long time.
That being said, Liam and Garrett had great chemistry.
I really enjoyed this one, though the core secret in the book was really stretched out for a ridiculously long time.
That being said, Liam and Garrett had great chemistry.
June 16, 2026
Dnf 14% so far I didn’t like what I was reading, too many meaningless conversations that don’t add anything to the plot. I guess the author is trying to show us they have so many things in common like cooking and fishing but I just felt bored.
August 3, 2026
Sweet
This was sweet. I love best friend-dad tropes. I had an idea it was going the way it would with Jack. L.A Witt has gotten some good stories recently and developed better than older ones. This was a nice comfy read. I liked the vulnerability.
This was sweet. I love best friend-dad tropes. I had an idea it was going the way it would with Jack. L.A Witt has gotten some good stories recently and developed better than older ones. This was a nice comfy read. I liked the vulnerability.
June 13, 2026
3,5⭐️
Did Not Finish
June 17, 2026Dnf @ 60 %
So many things in this just irritated me so bad, I just couldn’t take it anymore
So many things in this just irritated me so bad, I just couldn’t take it anymore
June 21, 2026
This would have been a very sweet, enjoyable book at 300 pages. But it was way way too long.
Did Not Finish
July 9, 2026in like chapter 4 or whatever liam is somehow both watching the game in the owner's box and playing the game for a paragraph and sorry not sorry but i can't keep reading
June 11, 2026
Nice guys, too much repetition, too slow.
July 5, 2026
DNF @ 46%. “We need an editor here, stat!”
So many words, so much foreshadowing, making a mountain out of a mole hill…
So many words, so much foreshadowing, making a mountain out of a mole hill…
July 2, 2026
A bit disappointed. Not the best LAW book I've read. It was ok and there were some good bits, but essentially predictable with few surprises. If you want a read that doesnt tax the mind or emotions, then its worth reading. But personally, there are better one by this author
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews