What do you think?
Rate this book
Caught off Guard
Dr. Zora Langston, the first Black woman president of Liberation University, has mastered the art of walking a professional tightrope—balancing decorum, political savvy, and quiet strength with a steady fire that fuels her advocacy for students. But when a sudden government mandate threatens their futures, Zora seeks advocacy from those who can protect them.
In steps Cairo Kinney, the Atlanta Torch’s star shooting forward who, at forty, is near the end of his record-breaking professional basketball career. Five years after his wife’s death, he grieves the loss of his wife, Cece, the woman he built his billionaire brand with.
When a bold act of solidarity brings Cairo and Zora together, they confront hidden parts of themselves the rest of the world doesn’t see.
What happens when two powerful people—who have spent their lives being strong for everyone else—question what it might mean to be vulnerable and brave together?
In steps Cairo Kinney, the Atlanta Torch’s star shooting forward who, at forty, is near the end of his record-breaking professional basketball career. Five years after his wife’s death, he grieves the loss of his wife, Cece, the woman he built his billionaire brand with.
When a bold act of solidarity brings Cairo and Zora together, they confront hidden parts of themselves the rest of the world doesn’t see.
What happens when two powerful people—who have spent their lives being strong for everyone else—question what it might mean to be vulnerable and brave together?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2025
104 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 19, 2025
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. At first I wanted to shake Zora for holding back from Cairo, but I understood the reason. I loved that Cairo gave Zora the space to be herself.
I liked the realism of the things that Zora experienced that so many black women go through.
I also loved the chemistry between Zora and Cairo.
I would recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. At first I wanted to shake Zora for holding back from Cairo, but I understood the reason. I loved that Cairo gave Zora the space to be herself.
I liked the realism of the things that Zora experienced that so many black women go through.
I also loved the chemistry between Zora and Cairo.
I would recommend this book.
June 19, 2025
I loved this book so much. Zora and Cairo were exactly what each other needed. The spice was spicing in this book. Zora frustrated me a little bit, but I respected her for wanting to end what she had going on before starting something new. Cairo was a man, baby. He saw what Zora needed from jump and applied pressure to make sure she got what she needed. The way Cairo saw her and was there for her was everything. I wanted Geoff to get some karma because he was WRONG on how he did Zora. Another amazing book filled with grown and sexy folks finding love.
August 12, 2025
It was ok….
Idk this was a bit of a weird read for me. I can’t say that I connected with either character which made it difficult for me to really get into it. I appreciate the commentary on being a Black Woman in a higher education leadership role but at times it felt like that was the focus of the story. Zora and Cairo were both older but I have to be honest it didn’t feel like it at times, especially Zora. Her reactions especially to the Sophie thing really turned me off. That also felt like it was just thrown in, it didn’t move the story forward at all. I wished the author would have leaned more into the Instalove, like we were told that’s what it was but I didn’t feel it. We didn’t get to actually see these two characters fall in love with each other. This was my first read from this author and while it wasn’t a hit for me, I’ll definitely try another one.
Idk this was a bit of a weird read for me. I can’t say that I connected with either character which made it difficult for me to really get into it. I appreciate the commentary on being a Black Woman in a higher education leadership role but at times it felt like that was the focus of the story. Zora and Cairo were both older but I have to be honest it didn’t feel like it at times, especially Zora. Her reactions especially to the Sophie thing really turned me off. That also felt like it was just thrown in, it didn’t move the story forward at all. I wished the author would have leaned more into the Instalove, like we were told that’s what it was but I didn’t feel it. We didn’t get to actually see these two characters fall in love with each other. This was my first read from this author and while it wasn’t a hit for me, I’ll definitely try another one.
June 15, 2025
Ehhh..!
June 14, 2025
Absolutely Loved
Whew this book was so good!!!!! Loved it so much. From start to finish.
Instalove. Very little drama. Just gives you allllll the feels!!!!
Whew this book was so good!!!!! Loved it so much. From start to finish.
Instalove. Very little drama. Just gives you allllll the feels!!!!
January 25, 2026
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I love everything about this love story the way they were made for each other they were truly mean for each other cario was a gentleman at heart he really cares for other well being the respect and love he had for his first was was just beautiful 🥰🥰🫶🏽 he feel felt so whole with his first wife but when he met dr. Zora Langston it made him a even better person they needed each other they bought the best out inn each other he wa definitely a jokers lol she was very conservative and posed and sweet but in thst bedroom bet off🥰😍😍🤩💞💞💕this story really touched my heart one of my favorite couple yesssss her sister was a trip had me busting up lol and Geoff was a jerk Along with snobbish school. Loved it loved it this was so good!!!!
I love everything about this love story the way they were made for each other they were truly mean for each other cario was a gentleman at heart he really cares for other well being the respect and love he had for his first was was just beautiful 🥰🥰🫶🏽 he feel felt so whole with his first wife but when he met dr. Zora Langston it made him a even better person they needed each other they bought the best out inn each other he wa definitely a jokers lol she was very conservative and posed and sweet but in thst bedroom bet off🥰😍😍🤩💞💞💕this story really touched my heart one of my favorite couple yesssss her sister was a trip had me busting up lol and Geoff was a jerk Along with snobbish school. Loved it loved it this was so good!!!!
June 22, 2025
This is a fast paced instalove love story between a university president and a billionaire ball player that highlights the freedom in vulnerability and taking off your masks in a relationship, and getting a second chance at love after loss. But it’s also a story that addresses the the targeting of DEI initiatives in higher education, and the toxic work culture that impacts a lot of Black women, especially those in leadership roles.
June 28, 2025
Loved It
A great read. I was engaged with this book from Start to Finish! While Zora was well established, she was losing herself.in a job that I didn't think made her happy! Cairo was a second and resilient man dealing with loss in many aspects of his life, but he knew Zora was his person.
Obstacles may come, but it's how you handle them! Cairo was determined to help Zora through her challenges along with their families!
I loved the epilogue love Conquer all!
A great read. I was engaged with this book from Start to Finish! While Zora was well established, she was losing herself.in a job that I didn't think made her happy! Cairo was a second and resilient man dealing with loss in many aspects of his life, but he knew Zora was his person.
Obstacles may come, but it's how you handle them! Cairo was determined to help Zora through her challenges along with their families!
I loved the epilogue love Conquer all!
January 20, 2026
Off Guard but Ready!
Zora and Cairo were so right for each other. I wanted to be upset with her for denying him in that “particular scene” at his house, but I had to check myself and go over the facts. 😂 My anticipation was higher than Cairo’s!! I was READYYY! 🤣🤣
I’m happy the Sophie issue didn’t last long, because what even was her point?? She irritated me a lil bit with that tidbit.
I loved this book, and now I have to find Lena’s book! 🙌🏽
Zora and Cairo were so right for each other. I wanted to be upset with her for denying him in that “particular scene” at his house, but I had to check myself and go over the facts. 😂 My anticipation was higher than Cairo’s!! I was READYYY! 🤣🤣
I’m happy the Sophie issue didn’t last long, because what even was her point?? She irritated me a lil bit with that tidbit.
I loved this book, and now I have to find Lena’s book! 🙌🏽
June 29, 2025
Another grown sexy story by this amazing author. Billionaire pro basketball player and Outstanding Black University President meet, and it's on.
I loved the backdrop of this story (HBCU) because it highlighted and explored real-time/life issues. DEI dismantling across universities, Black women treated by male dominated boards being deplorable, plus educated, smart, and talented women not getting a seat at the table. These were just a few.
Man, Cairo slid in and snatched Zora right from under Geoff's nose. I loved how Cairo spoke light into Zora's dim-lit eyes to take off her mask and live life on her terms. Not allow Geoff and anyone else to treat her less than inhumane. She had so much to offer students and that institution she worked for. He guided her to come out that shell she was stuck in. On the other hand, I liked how she made Cairo feel comfortable in talking about his life with his late wife, CeCe, with no judgment.
This was definitely an insta-love story, with minimal drama. The entire story and ending met my expectations. Moving ahead with their love and future.
I loved the backdrop of this story (HBCU) because it highlighted and explored real-time/life issues. DEI dismantling across universities, Black women treated by male dominated boards being deplorable, plus educated, smart, and talented women not getting a seat at the table. These were just a few.
Man, Cairo slid in and snatched Zora right from under Geoff's nose. I loved how Cairo spoke light into Zora's dim-lit eyes to take off her mask and live life on her terms. Not allow Geoff and anyone else to treat her less than inhumane. She had so much to offer students and that institution she worked for. He guided her to come out that shell she was stuck in. On the other hand, I liked how she made Cairo feel comfortable in talking about his life with his late wife, CeCe, with no judgment.
This was definitely an insta-love story, with minimal drama. The entire story and ending met my expectations. Moving ahead with their love and future.
June 19, 2025
Cairo and Zora!!
It was chemistry at first sight for Cairo and Zora which eventually led them to a relationship built on love and respect. Cairo became Zora's peace, and he had her back at every turn even against her ex, Geoff. I couldn't stand Geoff with his misogynistic views of women. He had no respect for Zora or women in general. What I enjoy most about Monica Cox's books is that there is always a teaching moment included. Despite it being a book with a heavy subject matter, I thoroughly enjoyed how reading it made me feel making it hard to put down. It was so good that I consumed it in one sitting. Another great book by this author!!
It was chemistry at first sight for Cairo and Zora which eventually led them to a relationship built on love and respect. Cairo became Zora's peace, and he had her back at every turn even against her ex, Geoff. I couldn't stand Geoff with his misogynistic views of women. He had no respect for Zora or women in general. What I enjoy most about Monica Cox's books is that there is always a teaching moment included. Despite it being a book with a heavy subject matter, I thoroughly enjoyed how reading it made me feel making it hard to put down. It was so good that I consumed it in one sitting. Another great book by this author!!
August 9, 2025
very good
I love that Monica writes books with characters in their 40s as well as about women who are holding their own with or without a man. Only thing that stands out to me in her books is the use of tail and butt instead of ass, perhaps. Always makes me giggle when read.
I love that Monica writes books with characters in their 40s as well as about women who are holding their own with or without a man. Only thing that stands out to me in her books is the use of tail and butt instead of ass, perhaps. Always makes me giggle when read.
June 15, 2025
Good read.
This was a breath of fresh air. A slow burn I usually don’t like those but this is one of my favorite authors so I read it. From this story I now see that I’ll be on birth control until menopause.
This was a breath of fresh air. A slow burn I usually don’t like those but this is one of my favorite authors so I read it. From this story I now see that I’ll be on birth control until menopause.
June 15, 2025
Never dim your light
Oh, the way I devoured this book. The storyline was well executed. The fact that Monica used real-life events and ideologies was chef's kiss.
Get into this book. You will NOT be disappointed.
Oh, the way I devoured this book. The storyline was well executed. The fact that Monica used real-life events and ideologies was chef's kiss.
Get into this book. You will NOT be disappointed.
July 13, 2025
Caught of Guard
This book was really good and golden. Both main characters were living in the careers and succeed successful. I love how he gave her grace to get into her softness.
This book was really good and golden. Both main characters were living in the careers and succeed successful. I love how he gave her grace to get into her softness.
July 14, 2025
Wonderful Story!
I really enjoyed the connection between Cairo and Zora. They both wore masks to the world but were able to shed them with each other. Being the president of Liberation University was stressful and caused Zora to change who she was to follow the guide game antiquated bylaws of her administrative position. Cairo was lonely and still grieving the loss of his wife. They came into each others lives at the right time and watching their love unfold made me giddy. I was happy for both of them. Their private moments were the best, but what they shared with the world was beautiful as well. I also enjoyed their close circle of family and friends, especially Luther and Lena. This story is definitely one of my favorites from the series.
I really enjoyed the connection between Cairo and Zora. They both wore masks to the world but were able to shed them with each other. Being the president of Liberation University was stressful and caused Zora to change who she was to follow the guide game antiquated bylaws of her administrative position. Cairo was lonely and still grieving the loss of his wife. They came into each others lives at the right time and watching their love unfold made me giddy. I was happy for both of them. Their private moments were the best, but what they shared with the world was beautiful as well. I also enjoyed their close circle of family and friends, especially Luther and Lena. This story is definitely one of my favorites from the series.
August 20, 2025
Zora and Cairo
Another great installment to this series
Zora and Cairo encounter was almost instalove
They both felt something special and was caught off guard with it
Their road to happiness was not without some drama but true love won the battle
Cario and Zora had yo find their true self’s again, their own happiness after each experience some unexpected trauma
But with the support of family and friends they got their happy ending
There are some life lessons and truths in this story that you will benefit from
I highly recommend it and thank Monica for writing it
You will enjoy it and be blessed
Another great installment to this series
Zora and Cairo encounter was almost instalove
They both felt something special and was caught off guard with it
Their road to happiness was not without some drama but true love won the battle
Cario and Zora had yo find their true self’s again, their own happiness after each experience some unexpected trauma
But with the support of family and friends they got their happy ending
There are some life lessons and truths in this story that you will benefit from
I highly recommend it and thank Monica for writing it
You will enjoy it and be blessed
August 29, 2025
Sweet and Sexy Love Stoey
Cairo, pro basketball player who lost his wife and is still grieving. Billionaire with a brand that was cultivated with his deceased wife. Zora beautiful, independent, intelligent with a warm heart for the students at the university that she is the first black woman president of. A chance meeting at a luncheon kicks things off for them and both wonder if there can be love at this point of their lives. The
Cairo, pro basketball player who lost his wife and is still grieving. Billionaire with a brand that was cultivated with his deceased wife. Zora beautiful, independent, intelligent with a warm heart for the students at the university that she is the first black woman president of. A chance meeting at a luncheon kicks things off for them and both wonder if there can be love at this point of their lives. The
July 10, 2025
Vickie J
Zora loved doing her job but she did not like what the board was putting her through, Cairo seen her and knew that he wanted her. The gift to the college is what brought them together and nothing and nobody was going to stop it people tried but they made it work one baby born and another on the way. Great Book
Zora loved doing her job but she did not like what the board was putting her through, Cairo seen her and knew that he wanted her. The gift to the college is what brought them together and nothing and nobody was going to stop it people tried but they made it work one baby born and another on the way. Great Book
August 21, 2025
Excellent read of resilience and strength!
Cairo was grieving the loss of his wife to the point he couldn't move forward until he met Zora. Once connected it was all gas no brakes. Geoff was a mess and tried to throw his weight around but in the end he lost. This was a great read for those a little older and finding their HEA! I really enjoyed it!
Cairo was grieving the loss of his wife to the point he couldn't move forward until he met Zora. Once connected it was all gas no brakes. Geoff was a mess and tried to throw his weight around but in the end he lost. This was a great read for those a little older and finding their HEA! I really enjoyed it!
September 16, 2025
love this read
If Miss Cox don’t do anything else, she can write about a corporate baddie if you black woman working in corporate, America and y’all want to get into the deep seated, hate for black women in corporate America y’all need to follow Miss Cox because baby she is dropping all the tea 🍵 OK I love this lady writing style. It is so informative and so entertaining.
If Miss Cox don’t do anything else, she can write about a corporate baddie if you black woman working in corporate, America and y’all want to get into the deep seated, hate for black women in corporate America y’all need to follow Miss Cox because baby she is dropping all the tea 🍵 OK I love this lady writing style. It is so informative and so entertaining.
June 22, 2025
Nice to see a romance with mature adults!
July 9, 2025
By Whom⁉️
Foremost, go Garden State (Camden & Trenton) represented 😊💚‼️Meanwhile, “Caught off Guard”, by whom? 👀… double entendre implied 🤷🏾♀️⁉️Hmmm 🤔, “Caught Off Guard” was an intriguing multidimensional read. As a two professional’s attracted to each other both Zora & Cairo were weird, frequently socially awkward, aloof & or were ambiguous/contradictory communicators. Thereafter, I agree with Author Cox there’s a calculated tyranny against African Americans women, men & people of ethnic ancestral as their descendants in Academia, Corporate & or Nonprofits Industry’s to ostracized, discredit, devalue or simply ignore our contributions to these elite establishments within mid & executive management. Depending on your industry the bias’ are present, prevalent & internal systems carefully designed for white wash the “veil” “corporate governance” “corporate ladder” in perpetuity. The “American Dreams” systems to prosperity were never intended for our participation or consumption‼️The tenants of Diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) weren’t established until the Civil Right Movement in the early 1960s. This struggle of equality, non discrimination on the basis of profiling by race, creed or gender & disabilities is/was always real & it’s back with vengeance😬🥴👀‼️
Foremost, go Garden State (Camden & Trenton) represented 😊💚‼️Meanwhile, “Caught off Guard”, by whom? 👀… double entendre implied 🤷🏾♀️⁉️Hmmm 🤔, “Caught Off Guard” was an intriguing multidimensional read. As a two professional’s attracted to each other both Zora & Cairo were weird, frequently socially awkward, aloof & or were ambiguous/contradictory communicators. Thereafter, I agree with Author Cox there’s a calculated tyranny against African Americans women, men & people of ethnic ancestral as their descendants in Academia, Corporate & or Nonprofits Industry’s to ostracized, discredit, devalue or simply ignore our contributions to these elite establishments within mid & executive management. Depending on your industry the bias’ are present, prevalent & internal systems carefully designed for white wash the “veil” “corporate governance” “corporate ladder” in perpetuity. The “American Dreams” systems to prosperity were never intended for our participation or consumption‼️The tenants of Diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) weren’t established until the Civil Right Movement in the early 1960s. This struggle of equality, non discrimination on the basis of profiling by race, creed or gender & disabilities is/was always real & it’s back with vengeance😬🥴👀‼️
July 14, 2025
Awesome Read
Zora deserved everything that she was receiving front Cariro. Their love happened fast, but it was genuine. Liberation University was old fashioned and never deserved her. Cariro was the perfect savior. Awesome read!
Zora deserved everything that she was receiving front Cariro. Their love happened fast, but it was genuine. Liberation University was old fashioned and never deserved her. Cariro was the perfect savior. Awesome read!
August 27, 2025
loved it!!!!
This was too adorable!!! I loved insta love story and with older people who nip that drama in the bud! I wanted that evil man Geoff to get his comeuppance 😠 but love prevailed!💗
This was too adorable!!! I loved insta love story and with older people who nip that drama in the bud! I wanted that evil man Geoff to get his comeuppance 😠 but love prevailed!💗
June 20, 2025
instalove
This story was so well done! It was quick paced but didn’t feel rushed at all. Cairo was all in from day 1!
This story was so well done! It was quick paced but didn’t feel rushed at all. Cairo was all in from day 1!
July 5, 2025
I Need Love
This book deserves 10 stars. This author spoke her truth for all professional women.
Love conquered all for Dr. Langston and Cairo.
I can't wait for the next book.
This book deserves 10 stars. This author spoke her truth for all professional women.
Love conquered all for Dr. Langston and Cairo.
I can't wait for the next book.
July 9, 2025
Foremost, go Garden State (Camden & Trenton) represented 😊💚‼️Meanwhile, “Caught off Guard”, by whom? 👀… double entendre implied 🤷🏾♀️⁉️Hmmm 🤔, “Caught Off Guard” was an intriguing multidimensional read. As a two professional’s attracted to each other both Zora & Cairo were weird, frequently socially awkward, aloof & or were ambiguous/contradictory communicators. Thereafter, I agree with Author Cox there’s a calculated tyranny against African Americans women, men & people of ethnic ancestral as their descendants in Academia, Corporate & or Nonprofits Industry’s to ostracized, discredit, devalue or simply ignore our contributions to these elite establishments within mid & executive management. Depending on your industry the bias’ are present, prevalent & internal systems carefully designed for white wash the “veil” “corporate governance” “corporate ladder” in perpetuity. The “American Dreams” systems to prosperity were never intended for our participation or consumption‼️The tenants of Diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) weren’t established until the Civil Right Movement in the early 1960s. This struggle of equality, non discrimination on the basis of profiling by race, creed or gender & disabilities is/was always real & it’s back with vengeance😬🥴👀‼️
January 10, 2026
A real gem!
What a happy and totally unexpected find.
As a new to me author, it was such a wonderful read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page turn.
Great job.
What a happy and totally unexpected find.
As a new to me author, it was such a wonderful read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page turn.
Great job.
January 15, 2026
Now I loved Cairo but Zora I’m not too convinced. She was in her 40’s acting like a teenager. For her to be such a scholar her communication sucked but outside of that I liked the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews