What do you think?
Rate this book
Caught Off Guard #2
Knocked for Six
No hooking up with teammates. We can’t stand each other so it should be simple. Right?
My best friend just got expelled and the coach has already filled his spot with someone who lacks passion for the game. Hockey means everything to me. I’m not going to let him ruin my chances at playing in the NHL.
After a blow up during a game, we have no choice but to take part in team bonding. Every time he looks at me with his fiery green eyes, sparks fly. Especially when I find out he’s never been kissed.
One taste has me tossing the rules aside and needing more of him. It’s OK though. It’s not as if we’re going to catch feelings…
Knocked For Six is a steamy, funny, enemies to lovers, MM hockey romance, that is low on angst and has a HEA. It is book two in the Caught Off Guard series and can be read as a standalone.
My best friend just got expelled and the coach has already filled his spot with someone who lacks passion for the game. Hockey means everything to me. I’m not going to let him ruin my chances at playing in the NHL.
After a blow up during a game, we have no choice but to take part in team bonding. Every time he looks at me with his fiery green eyes, sparks fly. Especially when I find out he’s never been kissed.
One taste has me tossing the rules aside and needing more of him. It’s OK though. It’s not as if we’re going to catch feelings…
Knocked For Six is a steamy, funny, enemies to lovers, MM hockey romance, that is low on angst and has a HEA. It is book two in the Caught Off Guard series and can be read as a standalone.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2022
73 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Willow Thomas
21 books150 followersWillow Thomas is a MM romance author who loves to write stories that will leave you smiling. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, go on walks through the British countryside, and spend time with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Read
August 8, 2022DNF @ 67%
July 20, 2022
I remembered falling in love with Milo and Austin so bad so I had pretty high expectations for this book and yes, Bron and Max made it happen. Although it was a little fast paced and too insta 'okay we forgive and forget' for my tastes, the book didn't allow more time because it only consist of 83 pages. This is a story that has a lot more potential, but was good as it is. I liked reading it and flew through, I didn't even notice I was at the end until there was nothing more to read.
It was a fast and easy read and I absolutely can't wait for the next!
4/5 stars.
It was a fast and easy read and I absolutely can't wait for the next!
4/5 stars.
July 20, 2022
This was a really fun and engaging quick read. I love enemies to lovers and this one is well done. Bron and Max are teammates on their college hockey team and as enemies these two love to push each other’s buttons. They also have excellent chemistry, you definitely can feel that spark underneath all the snark. I really enjoyed the turn around from Bron as he and Max move from enemies to lovers, the apology his gives Max for his behavior was quite sweet. The author did a great job adding lots of fun and interesting side characters, which can be challenging in a shorter story. Fun, sweet, and steamy - perfect quick pick me up of a read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 20, 2022
Knocked for Six was a short novella. A fun quick read with Max and Bron. They have that enemy/hate vibe going on strong! So much tension. Max is Milo’s friend from Bolt from the Blue, Bron is Austin’s teammate. Bron is still mad that Max has taken his friends place on the hockey team. They both snark and banter at each other until their coach does something about it. If you like forced proximity, enemies to lovers troupes, then this is for you! Overall, this is a great, fun and quick read, Well written with nice pacing.
July 27, 2022
Hot, dynamic, fast reading!!! Love it
Contains: jock/jock, hockey players, teamates, enemy to lovers, short story.
So well writing. I love this serie. New author to me. This is my second book from them. I love it, I'm ready to dive in their whole content. Short story, fast reading in one sitting, great dynamic, great value, such a good friends groupe. This book has so much potential to be more.
Contains: jock/jock, hockey players, teamates, enemy to lovers, short story.
So well writing. I love this serie. New author to me. This is my second book from them. I love it, I'm ready to dive in their whole content. Short story, fast reading in one sitting, great dynamic, great value, such a good friends groupe. This book has so much potential to be more.
July 20, 2022
Love!!
I absolutely loved this book and read it for hours straight without putting it down. Love the angst of Bron and Max! That initial kiss was hot. Totally loved the story more than the first but believe I’ll probably fall for Tyler’s story more. Can’t wait!! If you like mm hockey romances, this is definitely a great read.
I absolutely loved this book and read it for hours straight without putting it down. Love the angst of Bron and Max! That initial kiss was hot. Totally loved the story more than the first but believe I’ll probably fall for Tyler’s story more. Can’t wait!! If you like mm hockey romances, this is definitely a great read.
July 20, 2022
I enjoyed this one more than Bolt from the Blue, but I didn't fall in love with it like I hoped I would. Max and Bron are both really great characters, and their romance is cute. However, my biggest issue was that I never felt like I fell for them or connected with them all that well. I think this book would have benefitted from being a bit longer so their relationship could be developed more. The timeline of the book moved very quickly, and it made the relationship feel rushed at times.
July 20, 2022
DNF at 30%.
Note to self: DNF because the MCs have said a total of 2 lines to each other and we are at 30% of the book. So confusing with all these characters that I don't remember and that we don't really care about. They are introduced all at the same time... Hard to even remember who is our Mc and his love interest...
Note to self: DNF because the MCs have said a total of 2 lines to each other and we are at 30% of the book. So confusing with all these characters that I don't remember and that we don't really care about. They are introduced all at the same time... Hard to even remember who is our Mc and his love interest...
July 20, 2022
This book is SO much fun! We got to know both Bron and Max in book one of the series, when Max transfers to the university to join the hockey team, and clashes immediately with Bron, the team captain. Bron has reasons for his reaction to Max, though misguided. Now the main characters in book 2, Bron's difficulty in moving past his anger is the biggest source of angst in the book, but even with these issues, Max and Bron have undeniable chemistry, which first manifests as anger (and sexual tension for their mutual friends paying attention).
Bron's inability to get over his unjustified problems with Max lead to a bonding weekend for the entire team, and that finally gives the guys the opportunity to come to an understanding with each other and move forward. No spoilers, but once Max and Bron realize what they've actually been feeling for each other, it is goosebumps and fan-your-face time, because these two generate SO MUCH HEAT.
I love these two so much, plus we get more time with Austin and Milo from book one, and more hints as to which friends we might see getting their HEA next.
Bron's inability to get over his unjustified problems with Max lead to a bonding weekend for the entire team, and that finally gives the guys the opportunity to come to an understanding with each other and move forward. No spoilers, but once Max and Bron realize what they've actually been feeling for each other, it is goosebumps and fan-your-face time, because these two generate SO MUCH HEAT.
I love these two so much, plus we get more time with Austin and Milo from book one, and more hints as to which friends we might see getting their HEA next.
July 27, 2022
Knocked For Six is another great read in the Caught Off Guard Series. An m/m Hockey Romance.
I had been really excited to read Bron’s book. I was really intrigued and who doesn’t love a good enemies to lovers read.
Bron was so mad and caught up in everything that happened with his best friend that he just couldn’t see past it and Max being new on the team bore the brunt of that anger. Then with their attraction and chemistry mixed in, it just made things worse and hotter all at the same time.
I loved the way their characters evolved though and finally came together. But Bron has a plan. Is he willing to break that.
If you like hot hockey players, some funny moments, hot & steamy scenes, and a hot headed hockey player at that then this is the book for you.
Highly recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I had been really excited to read Bron’s book. I was really intrigued and who doesn’t love a good enemies to lovers read.
Bron was so mad and caught up in everything that happened with his best friend that he just couldn’t see past it and Max being new on the team bore the brunt of that anger. Then with their attraction and chemistry mixed in, it just made things worse and hotter all at the same time.
I loved the way their characters evolved though and finally came together. But Bron has a plan. Is he willing to break that.
If you like hot hockey players, some funny moments, hot & steamy scenes, and a hot headed hockey player at that then this is the book for you.
Highly recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 21, 2022
Sexy, sweet, and full of snark
This was just the amazing, quick, sexy read I've been needing! I love this entire cast of characters so much. I have never highlighted so many passages in a book! Bron and Max are both hot as hell and hilarious together. Milo is so full of cuteness and sass, I want one of him in my life! I am hardcore eyeballing Tyler because sir you cannot pretend you didn't say what you did at the end! And then NICKY!! He might not have been there a lot, but yes please all of the Nicky!! Willow can do banter and snark with the best of them! And also, 'Sunshine'. My heart. I am WEAK for pet names. This really was such a fun read!
This was just the amazing, quick, sexy read I've been needing! I love this entire cast of characters so much. I have never highlighted so many passages in a book! Bron and Max are both hot as hell and hilarious together. Milo is so full of cuteness and sass, I want one of him in my life! I am hardcore eyeballing Tyler because sir you cannot pretend you didn't say what you did at the end! And then NICKY!! He might not have been there a lot, but yes please all of the Nicky!! Willow can do banter and snark with the best of them! And also, 'Sunshine'. My heart. I am WEAK for pet names. This really was such a fun read!
August 29, 2023
Captain of the hockey team (Bron) is taking out his frustration about former teammate Donny on the new guy (Max). A pretty classic enemies to lovers arc - they’re forced to spend time together and their anger hits a boiling point. 🤭
This one had less plot going on than book 1 which funnily enough in a novella is often a good thing imo! It means we got to spend more time with the guys and watch their relationship develop in and out of the bedroom. It was also nice to see crossover character Nicky who at the time of this review has his own book! Another fast, fun read! I’m excited for what’s next 😍
**the version I read is from the box set.
This one had less plot going on than book 1 which funnily enough in a novella is often a good thing imo! It means we got to spend more time with the guys and watch their relationship develop in and out of the bedroom. It was also nice to see crossover character Nicky who at the time of this review has his own book! Another fast, fun read! I’m excited for what’s next 😍
**the version I read is from the box set.
July 21, 2022
Cute Quick Read
This was a cute quick read! After meeting the MCs in the first book “Bolt from the Blue” you know there will an enemies to lovers trope. Grumpy Bron finally realizes it’s not Max’s fault that his best friend and teammate got expelled from school/hockey team. Max is a cute virgin jock, who finally feels loved by someone, since his parents have never been the lovey type. If you’re looking for a quick read that doesn’t take more than a couple hours this book (and the first in the series) are for you!
This was a cute quick read! After meeting the MCs in the first book “Bolt from the Blue” you know there will an enemies to lovers trope. Grumpy Bron finally realizes it’s not Max’s fault that his best friend and teammate got expelled from school/hockey team. Max is a cute virgin jock, who finally feels loved by someone, since his parents have never been the lovey type. If you’re looking for a quick read that doesn’t take more than a couple hours this book (and the first in the series) are for you!
July 21, 2022
Quick and romantic .
A sweet and fun enemies to lovers novella. I am loving Willow Thomas' quick and swoonworthy style. This author is good at hooking you and keeping you invested until the end. Each book is sweet and filled with romance. Even though they are sports related, they are romance focused with a side of steam. I'm excited to see what will be featured in her next book!!
A sweet and fun enemies to lovers novella. I am loving Willow Thomas' quick and swoonworthy style. This author is good at hooking you and keeping you invested until the end. Each book is sweet and filled with romance. Even though they are sports related, they are romance focused with a side of steam. I'm excited to see what will be featured in her next book!!
July 24, 2022
whoosh
There's unbelievably quick, and then there's this book. Literally no character development, a shitty apology for being a dick, and boom they're in love? We don't even get a real date or getting-to-know-you talk before they're all in. I know this is a newer author, but oof.
There's unbelievably quick, and then there's this book. Literally no character development, a shitty apology for being a dick, and boom they're in love? We don't even get a real date or getting-to-know-you talk before they're all in. I know this is a newer author, but oof.
November 5, 2023
MM romance
No OW drama
One H is a virgin, never even kissed anyone before
The other H lost his v card at 16 (just mentioned) and only does hookups. He has a rule about no dating and no hookups with teammates.
No real OM
No OW drama
One H is a virgin, never even kissed anyone before
The other H lost his v card at 16 (just mentioned) and only does hookups. He has a rule about no dating and no hookups with teammates.
No real OM
dnf
November 30, 2022DNF 30%
All the supporting characters were awful. One of the MCs was ghastly.
The book was getting more and more miserable.
All the supporting characters were awful. One of the MCs was ghastly.
The book was getting more and more miserable.
October 14, 2024
Cute, sweet story! Bron is captain of his college hockey team with dreams of playing professionally. When his best friend is kicked off the team, he takes responsibility for not noticing he needed help. His friend's spot on the team is filled by transfer student Max, who had to transfer because his team disbanded. Bron takes all his anger out on Max, even though it wasn't his fault Bron's friend was kicked off the team. Their fighting gets so bad the coach forces them to do some team bonding.
It isn't long before that tension turns sexual and things escalate quickly between these two. Especially since Max has never even been kissed!
🔥: Super steamy once these two get going. Scenes are quickly paced with graphic details and even some risky locations.
😆: This team is fun and will leave you smiling.
😭: No tears!
The progression of these two getting together is a blast and this novella makes for a fun read!
CW: parental neglect
It isn't long before that tension turns sexual and things escalate quickly between these two. Especially since Max has never even been kissed!
🔥: Super steamy once these two get going. Scenes are quickly paced with graphic details and even some risky locations.
😆: This team is fun and will leave you smiling.
😭: No tears!
The progression of these two getting together is a blast and this novella makes for a fun read!
CW: parental neglect
July 21, 2022
Loved it. This was a sweet novella about Max, who came aboard late to the college hockey team and Bron, who is the captain of the hockey team. This is a enemies to lovers story and how they got together. Great chemistry between the MCs and looking forward to reading who is next.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
July 20, 2022
This was such a great addition to the series. I loved reading about Bron and Max and their adventure. The chemistry was there from the beginning, Bron was just using it in the wrong way. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
June 9, 2024
old post reposted
Trying to cross another author off my to-binge list (which, yes, for those of you who are following along, is my third TBR list in 24 hours--I have at least another three). Caught Off Guard is another one of Willow Thomas's series. The second book is "Knocked For Six."
["No hooking up with teammates. We can’t stand each other so it should be simple. Right?
My best friend just got expelled and the coach has already filled his spot with someone who lacks passion for the game. Hockey means everything to me. I’m not going to let him ruin my chances at playing in the NHL.
After a blow up during a game, we have no choice but to take part in team bonding. Every time he looks at me with his fiery green eyes, sparks fly. Especially when I find out he’s never been kissed.
One taste has me tossing the rules aside and needing more of him. It’s OK though. It’s not as if we’re going to catch feelings…"]
Enemies to lovers. Hockey romance. Low angst. HEA.
Surprisingly, the angst was pretty low. That blow up was actually two, but it was kinda small and the first one was a misunderstanding of sorta. And the kiss happened pretty quickly. As did the steam. And the happily ever after.
I, honestly, really liked these two. I would have looooved to read a full-length novel of the two of them, a little more slow burn and a little more angst (and a lot more steam ;) ).
#boltfromtheblue #unexpected #knockedforsix #doubletake #blownaway #caughtoffguard #caughtoffguardseries #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Trying to cross another author off my to-binge list (which, yes, for those of you who are following along, is my third TBR list in 24 hours--I have at least another three). Caught Off Guard is another one of Willow Thomas's series. The second book is "Knocked For Six."
["No hooking up with teammates. We can’t stand each other so it should be simple. Right?
My best friend just got expelled and the coach has already filled his spot with someone who lacks passion for the game. Hockey means everything to me. I’m not going to let him ruin my chances at playing in the NHL.
After a blow up during a game, we have no choice but to take part in team bonding. Every time he looks at me with his fiery green eyes, sparks fly. Especially when I find out he’s never been kissed.
One taste has me tossing the rules aside and needing more of him. It’s OK though. It’s not as if we’re going to catch feelings…"]
Enemies to lovers. Hockey romance. Low angst. HEA.
Surprisingly, the angst was pretty low. That blow up was actually two, but it was kinda small and the first one was a misunderstanding of sorta. And the kiss happened pretty quickly. As did the steam. And the happily ever after.
I, honestly, really liked these two. I would have looooved to read a full-length novel of the two of them, a little more slow burn and a little more angst (and a lot more steam ;) ).
#boltfromtheblue #unexpected #knockedforsix #doubletake #blownaway #caughtoffguard #caughtoffguardseries #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
July 5, 2024
story of Max and Bron
This is an enemies to lovers romance, featuring Max and Bron, and is the second book in the Caught Off Guard series. This is a novella sized book.
Max joins the hockey team when he transfers to LHU, what he doesn’t know is that he is replacing a player who was expelled, Bron’s friend. Bron is pissed with the world and himself about his friend’s downfall and he takes his anger out on Max, causing discord in the team.
It’s not until the coach makes everyone go on a team building weekend, where Max and Bron are forced to share a room that things come to a head. Max confronts Bron and then kisses him, taking his first kiss ever, surprising both of them. That’s all it takes to ignite their desire for each other.
This is a great story, for an enemy to lovers, it’s still low angst. Max and Bron are really good together and make each other better, I was so happy they found each other. I love all of the secondary characters too, Celeste is frigging awesome!
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
College romance
Hockey Hotties
Enemies to lovers
Teammates
Touch starved
Forced proximity
Virgin MC
First times
HEA
This is an enemies to lovers romance, featuring Max and Bron, and is the second book in the Caught Off Guard series. This is a novella sized book.
Max joins the hockey team when he transfers to LHU, what he doesn’t know is that he is replacing a player who was expelled, Bron’s friend. Bron is pissed with the world and himself about his friend’s downfall and he takes his anger out on Max, causing discord in the team.
It’s not until the coach makes everyone go on a team building weekend, where Max and Bron are forced to share a room that things come to a head. Max confronts Bron and then kisses him, taking his first kiss ever, surprising both of them. That’s all it takes to ignite their desire for each other.
This is a great story, for an enemy to lovers, it’s still low angst. Max and Bron are really good together and make each other better, I was so happy they found each other. I love all of the secondary characters too, Celeste is frigging awesome!
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
College romance
Hockey Hotties
Enemies to lovers
Teammates
Touch starved
Forced proximity
Virgin MC
First times
HEA
January 18, 2024
I could not wait to jump into this one after seeing the tension between Max and Bron in Bolt From the Blue! This is a short novella, and I am reminded again why I don’t love reading novellas, because I ALWAYS want more!!
Max and Bron are teammates; Max comes in to replace one of the players that gets kicked off the team/suspended, and this really, really upsets Bron, the team’s captain, because the suspended player was one of his best friends. Their tension is good; it’s built up well, even for how short this book is!
This one is very fast paced; it goes from Bron despising Max to being in love, but I think it was done well for the length that the book is! I felt like even though quick, all the details that were necessary, were covered!
If you’re looking for a quick, somewhat spicy, hockey romance, I’d definitely recommend this one! This series definitely redeems itself, at least for me, with Max and Bron!
Max and Bron are teammates; Max comes in to replace one of the players that gets kicked off the team/suspended, and this really, really upsets Bron, the team’s captain, because the suspended player was one of his best friends. Their tension is good; it’s built up well, even for how short this book is!
This one is very fast paced; it goes from Bron despising Max to being in love, but I think it was done well for the length that the book is! I felt like even though quick, all the details that were necessary, were covered!
If you’re looking for a quick, somewhat spicy, hockey romance, I’d definitely recommend this one! This series definitely redeems itself, at least for me, with Max and Bron!
September 30, 2022
This book can be read as a stand alone but definitely enjoyed more if you read the prior book, Bolt From The Blue (won't regret it). This a quick read but it doesn't feel like it, it does not feel rushed or incomplete.
Bron and Max's meeting is not very good. Bron is not very friendly to Max who is so sweet. It made me want to shake Bron and say get over it. But luckily the author snaps Bron out of it quickly and he screwed his head on right. Max is so quiet and sweet that I instantly fell in love with him. But he stood up for himself and gave Bron back as good as he got. When Bron realizes he was being unfair and really saw Max, not just an intruder, sparks began to fly. And when they finally get together, so hot! The story also had me cracking up cause the group of friends are hilarious.
I can't wait for Taylor's story, and finally discover who this mystery guy is
Bron and Max's meeting is not very good. Bron is not very friendly to Max who is so sweet. It made me want to shake Bron and say get over it. But luckily the author snaps Bron out of it quickly and he screwed his head on right. Max is so quiet and sweet that I instantly fell in love with him. But he stood up for himself and gave Bron back as good as he got. When Bron realizes he was being unfair and really saw Max, not just an intruder, sparks began to fly. And when they finally get together, so hot! The story also had me cracking up cause the group of friends are hilarious.
I can't wait for Taylor's story, and finally discover who this mystery guy is
July 27, 2022
3.5 for this enemies to lovers
I enjoyed the story but I feel that certain parts could have been elaborated on more. The storytelling improved but it still felt rushed. I know it's a short story but at times some scenes were too short. If some points were drawn out just a little more, it would have elevated the story a lot. With that said, I did enjoy it. It gave us that sweet love after realizing that you don't truly hate the person, you hate the circumstance. These two are another pairing I wouldn't mind seeing a follow-up story on.
I enjoyed the story but I feel that certain parts could have been elaborated on more. The storytelling improved but it still felt rushed. I know it's a short story but at times some scenes were too short. If some points were drawn out just a little more, it would have elevated the story a lot. With that said, I did enjoy it. It gave us that sweet love after realizing that you don't truly hate the person, you hate the circumstance. These two are another pairing I wouldn't mind seeing a follow-up story on.
July 21, 2022
I really enjoyed Bron and Max's relationship and the way the author brought them together. It made sense that with Bron feeling the way he does about Max's addition to the team there would be friction but I really loved that their Coach took matters in hand and forced them to bond as teammates. That led to so much more. This was a nice, quick read that was less angsty than I thought it would be and nicely steamy.
October 23, 2025
Rushed and lacking depth.
There's barely any background, and some characters talk like you should already know what they're referring to — maybe it’s from another book or series? Either way, it didn’t make sense. It honestly felt like whole chunks of the story were missing.
The main characters go from avoiding each other (without really explaining why they even hate each other) to being madly in love in like two pages.
Definitely not worth it for me
There's barely any background, and some characters talk like you should already know what they're referring to — maybe it’s from another book or series? Either way, it didn’t make sense. It honestly felt like whole chunks of the story were missing.
The main characters go from avoiding each other (without really explaining why they even hate each other) to being madly in love in like two pages.
Definitely not worth it for me
August 27, 2025
Ok read although the sudden instalust/instalove gave me whiplash, and it felt like MCs had personality transplant, they changed too fast imo, one being over submissive while other kinda dom vibe that came out of nowhere. The spice was ok. I only pushed through to finish because it was a short novella. I enjoyed side characters
April 18, 2023
Short yet hot!
This was a short, quick read following Max and Bron from the first book. I liked how their dislike for each other exploded into hot, fiery passion. I'm enjoying this sweet and spicy hockey series.
This was a short, quick read following Max and Bron from the first book. I liked how their dislike for each other exploded into hot, fiery passion. I'm enjoying this sweet and spicy hockey series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews