Knocked Sideways

Colorado Blizzards #1

by C.A. Gardner

As a rookie NHL defenseman, Remy Ladoux’s used to taking hits, but getting traded hurts.

It’s bad enough that Remy has to leave his sister behind. Being dumped by his almost-boyfriend doesn’t make it any easier. And the hit that just might finish him off? His new teammate is also his long-time hockey idol, Jed Grant. Still, Remy’s not about to make waves by crushing on the goalie—even if Jed’s so hot that he melts Remy’s brain. And if Jed’s known for anything, it’s being rock-steady both on and off the ice.

So it shouldn’t be a problem when Jed takes Remy under his wing.

It turns out, though, that Jed’s not so rock-steady when Remy’s around. Remy’s smart and hardworking and eager to please, and for the first time in his life, Jed can’t help himself.

Mentoring the gorgeous new rookie?

Part of the job.

Offering him a place to stay?

No big deal, Jed’s done it before.

Letting Remy fall asleep in his bed?

That one’s a little harder to explain.

Jed knows he’s getting in too deep, too fast. But Remy’s the first guy he can actually see a future with. He just hopes he’s not the only one who’s been knocked sideways.

Knocked Sideways is a spicy, slow-burn m/m hockey romance between a gruff veteran goalie who thinks he’s happiest on his own and the sweet, sexy rookie who might just change his mind. It is the first in the Colorado Blizzards series and can be read as a stand-alone. It features dual 3rd person POV, pan & demi rep, age gap, hurt/comfort, chosen family, on-page intimacy, no third act break-up, and a low-angst, heartfelt HEA.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 22, 2026

Reviews

[Rachael Hamilton]

This book was such a nice little palate cleanser! I'm surprised this was a debut novel with how well everything flowed.

A hockey team that isn't homophobic, two men accepted from the start, no coming-out trauma, and a whole lot of love.

I loved that the author created a hockey community that wasn't homophobic, where both Jed and Remy were accepted from the get go for who they were before they even got together. I love reading realistic representation. It’s so important, but it's also a breath of fresh air sometimes to see our queer community just belong somewhere even if it’s spaces we usually don’t.

Both characters are so loveable, and their relationship development felt really natural. Jed was such a sweetheart and so attentive to Remy's needs. Remy was such a wholesome character. I thought it was interesting how they had differing sex drives and how they navigated that. I don't see that often.

All of the side characters were so delightful, and I can't wait to read their stories too!

If you're looking for a low angst, sweet, cozy sports romance, this would definitely be a good choice. I'm excited to see what this author branches out to in the future.

[≪ ◦•◦ cait ◦•◦ ≫]

ARC received (The Author Agency): 10/09
Publish Date: 10/22
Review By: 10/25

No AI☑️

[Ema]

Very entertaining book. Riley and Jed are both hockey players and the book is set in a hockey team where they become teammates and more.

Riley is playing his first season in NHL as a professional hockey player and gets traded mid season to Jeds team. He was lowkey seeing someone before getting traded and that falls apart once the trade goes through. He is very insecure in himself with the events that happened to him.

Jed has been on the hockey team for years, he is older so he is like a role model to a lot of the rookies. He sees how insecure Riley is in his game and himself and decides to take him under his wing to help him build himself up. What he doesn’t count on is that his attraction is reciprocated and when the team captain tells him that he should let Riley live with him their attraction eventually comes to a boiling point.

This is an age gap, slow burn, sports romance that has a very good ace representation so its also kind of low spice.

[Christina | readingthroughatlanta]

I really enjoyed this one!

Solid debut. Low angst, relatively low stakes.

Appreciated both MCs. They were distinct and honest in a way that felt relatable. Enjoyed Remy’s earnestness and openness. Loved Jed’s stability and he’s just an easy character to love despite a hard exterior. The side characters were just as great! Lily and Hal being amazing support and steadfast in their approach to get these two together as well as Petey and Jake being fun and loveable.

Solid plot. Enjoyed the setting and how the hockey season played out. Appreciated both the external and internal conflicts in this one. Super accessible and easy writing that is well done and approachable. Definitely recommend picking this one up!

I received an advanced reader’s copy for my honest review.

[This.Girl.Readss]

For a debut novel, I’m impressed! It was written very well, the characters were well developed and the pacing was great for the characters (even if I’m not a huge fan of a slow burn). Jed and Remy were sweet together once they FINALLY made a move and even then it was slow going. They didn’t have the best communication so there was lots of questioning happening in their minds but not a lot was being discussed. It was frustrating at times to know that most of their issues could be solved by talking. And Jed not telling Remy (or even us) about his sexuality bugged me. He kept thinking how he needed to tell him and then never did or even attempt to really explain it other than he didn’t need sex as much. If it hadn’t clearly bothered Remy because he didn’t fully understand, it would’ve been fine not discussing it but he questioned Jed and himself. I just think I would’ve liked to see more conversations between the two of them. And the ending felt very rushed, like trying to wrap everything up in a neat little bow with very little context. I know it probably sounds like I didn’t like the story, but I actually did enjoy it quite a bit and will probably read the next book if the series continues!

[Amy Healy]

I was a beta reader for Knocked Sideways, the first book in the Colorado Blizzards series. This book is just the kind of spicy, heartfelt MM romance that I love. Gardner is a great writer; the narrative and dialogue flow so naturally. I was drawn into Jed and Remy’s dual POV story from the first word.

Jed is a guarded veteran with his walls up and Remy is an open rookie with his walls down. It’s a pleasure seeing the yearning progress into something more as they realize they can’t resist each other.

The found family aspect of the players on the Blizzards will appeal to fans of hockey romance, and the beautiful Colorado setting makes the story unique. The humor from the supporting characters adds to the depth of the Blizzards world.

Great 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ scenes filled with tenderness, exploration and urgency. Highly recommend Knocked Sideways. I also love that there are no frustrating misunderstandings between Jed and Remy - they are two people who can communicate effectively and also can’t keep their hands off each other.

This book is definitely on my shortlist for multiple comfort reads; can’t wait for Book 2 in the series!

[Allison Wells]

This book left me feeling two completely different ways.

The first half of this book was complete perfection. The tension was thiiiiiick, the pining was incredible, and there I was at 1:30 in the morning, half asleep and still telling myself “one more chapter.”
If that had continued into the second half of the book, this would have been an easy 5-star read for me.

Unfortunately, it didn't.

Once these two got together, I felt like I was reading about two completely different people. There was little to no communication, and I felt like there was very little explanation for their motivations or why they acted the way they did. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.

Maybe it's a me thing, I don't know. But overall, I was obsessed with the first half and left feeling pretty underwhelmed by the rest.

Thank you to both C.A. Gardner and The Author Agency for the ARC.

Title - Knocked Sideways
Author - C.A. Gardner
Star rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spicy Rating - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall - Autistic Allie Ambivalent 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Tammy Parker]

***ARC ***

This was a cute story. I did enjoy Jeb and Remy's story. The hockey element was good. It's a low spice level although loving and very caring on both main characters part. Cant wait to read the next book in the series.

[brogay]

ARC Review Pending