Caught off Guard

The Davenports #3

by Kim Law

A reluctant political son seeks a new life but is caught off guard by hidden truths and his feelings for his best friend…

Bennett Davenport has spent the last twenty years in the military.

Avoiding the reality of the secret truth he learned—that he was simply a pawn in a political game.

Now retired, he plans on two things.

A night of fun with his friends-with-benefits bestie Aubrey.

And a conversation with his mother about the dark cloud that’s hung over him and their relationship for the last two decades.

But when his mother’s life is threatened, investigative journalist Aubrey rushes to help.

The more they dig into the mystery, the closer they grow.

Bennett can’t deny he wants more from his friend.

So much that he shares the truth which has eaten away at him and could cause his family major scandal.

Despite truly caring, Aubrey can’t let herself believe in love.

Not after the way “love” treated her mother.

Yet, learning Bennett’s secret draws her even closer to him.

Until his family skeletons are exposed…and she’s the obvious culprit.

Will Bennett’s inability to trust Aubrey destroy any chance of them having a future, or can they overcome family dramas and hard truths to let love win?

Genres: Romance

574 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2023

About the author

Kim Law is an award-winning bestselling author of contemporary romance. Kim writes epic love stories with heart, heat, and happily ever afters. Her novels are set mostly in small towns and contain a fun mix of drama, family & friends, and laughter. 😊 Her most recent release is Caught off Guard.

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Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I’ve enjoyed previous romance novels by Kim Law, Caught Off Guard will always hold a special place in my (reading) heart since the character of Pam Shudark was based loosely on my mother.
I had won a book title naming contest and the prize was to have a character from this book named after a person. I chose my mother, who at the time had ALS and has since passed, because she was an avid reader later in life and I know she would have gotten a kick out of it, and as a wonderful way for her to live on.
While it made reading this book a little harder to read (and even this review to write), because of all the emotions, Thank You So Much, Kim, for this wonderful tribute.

Now onto the actual book review!

What I love about The Davenport Trilogy is that Law includes an engrossing political story along with all the steamy scenes. This one includes murder, blackmail, childhood emotional trauma, and family bonds. While Caught Off Guard is the last book in the trilogy, and it can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting with the first book, Caught on Camera.

Along with an engaging story that had me quickly turning the page to find out what would happen next, Law writes complex and flawed characters with a perfected finesse. Aubrey and Bennett have been friends with benefits for over 15 years, and Law quickly draws the reader into their past and present, and makes rooting for them feel like you would for your closest friends.

Even if Caught Off Guard didn’t have the highly fashionable, best cake baker, and sage advice giving character of Pam Shudarek in it, I would still highly recommend Law’s contemporary romances.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've waited and Author Kim Law has delivered. What a fabulous ending to the Davenport saga. I won the first two books when they first came out. It seems I've been waiting FOREVER for Bennett's story. I did JUST re-read the first two books this past weekend! I was so ready for Bennett!!

Gosh...so much going on with the conclusion of this series. Bennett's military history, his hook-up friend who might just be something more if he can convince her to not marry a possible Presidential candidate, his dysfunctional parental unit, his trying to make peace with his siblings, even though they love him as is! Murder, intrigue, and romance...oh so much going on. But it is not overwhelming. It fits and Caught off Guard a great read.

I loved this book. I firmly believe you should read the first two books to get the most out of this one. You CAN read it by itself, but there is so much background in the first two books, you should probably make this a weekend binge reading project.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Ms Law's books, so don't know how I missed the first 2 books in the series. This book was not meant to be read as a stand alone, so made it harder to understand the family dynamics. Like in the Montana Cherries series, the Davenports are a dysfunctional family, which is why the oldest son, Bennett, left for the military and has been gone for 20 years. He comes back to DC for his retirement ceremony and meets up with his friend with benefits, for 15 years, Aubrey Kaye. Aubrey's parents were also poor examples of parenting. Both she and Bennet do not believe in love or marriage, but she decided that she wants children and although she would prefer to have them with Bennett, she is soon to be engaged to Jasper, a man who is planning to run for President, although she does not love him. And then Bennett's mother gets shot and all bets are off. Lots of intrigue, twisted family secrets and a convoluted story line, but also great characters.

I read an ARC provided to me as part of the author's Review Crew. The is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much I want to say about Caught Off Guard but won’t, because, spoilers. From the first pages, this story reached out and grabbed me. And did NOT let go. I truly loved it. It has layers upon layers upon layers to it that will make your jaw drop. Just when I thought I knew all the players and their plays? A twist that was just jaw-dropping happened!

Bennett is just sooooooooooooo smexy – and my heart just about broke when I read his story. And Bennett and Aubrey? They are combustible together. They just need to figure that out. I’ll admit, sometimes I wanted to sit both of them down and give them a piece of my mind but they figured it out. What an amazing couple. Just wow! Such a great read. I was often speechless or yelling at characters. Bennett and Aubrey are just a treat and a story that I loved. I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Deb Fernow · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Kim has outdone herself with this one! If you have never read one of her books, you have GOT to read this one! It has it all – a fabulous love story, the angst, the mystery, and the steamy stuff! Families are complicated and messy sometimes and the Davenport’s are one for the history books for that! Hunky Bennett has it all or so he thinks. Aubrey excels at her job as an investigative reporter and doesn’t want to give it up for love or any man. So, friends with benefits works for them both . . . until it doesn’t. Get out your pen and paper so that you can take notes to keep it all straight. You won’t see it anything coming with all the twist and turns! Exceptional writing and a story that puts it all together in the end! Loved it so much I will have to reread it and I don’t usually do that!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read the first two books in the series (that will be remedied very soon), so boy was I in for a surprise. I have read lots of Kim Law books, but nothing I read was like Caught Off Guard. This book had some romance, but it also had politics, mystery, intrigue, deception, and lots and lots of lies! This is supposedly a thicker book, but you couldn't have told it by how long it took me to read it. I was in it so deeply after reading only the first chapter that the rest of it just flew by. I seriously could not find out what was going to happen next quickly enough!

Caught Off Guard has been the most intriguing book I've read in quite awhile!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a true labor of love! For fans of Kim Law, it was well worth the wait. There was so much woven into the pages of this story. There’s romance, tragedy, mystery, crime and politics. This was a long read that went fast because at each turn of the page there was a new twist to the plot. This is the third book in the Davenport series that has been eagerly anticipated.

In this book, Bennett retires from the service and the family meets up in DC. I enjoyed the sights mentioned in the book because I had just visited the DC area and met with some politicians. None of them named Davenport or Harrison. The descriptions Kim uses in her book are so detailed that I had no problem visualizing the events as they happened.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels for this one!! The story of the soldier and his Aubs covers so many emotions that I didn’t want the book to end! I loved this one! Bennett Davenport is the stuff dream men are made of-think super hot outside and gooey mushy inside and Aubrey Kaye has that tough girl power thing that women admire and strive to imitate. Their relationship began 15 years ago and somewhere along the way, their friends with benefits arrangement turned into more without either of them realizing it. This may be my favorite of the Davenport series-I cannot express how fabulous Bennett is! I highly recommend this entire series but Caught off Guard will give you ALL the feels!!

I was gifted an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in the series by far! It’s romance meets mystery and it left me waiting at every turn to find out what would happen next! I am devastated to see the end of the Davenport series and hope some day to get Annabelle’s love story as a bonus to the series!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific finish to the Davenport family series! Captivating, complex plot with intriguing characters. A fascinating look at the private life of a very public, political family.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Recently retired from military service and not sure what he wants to do for the rest of his life Bennett Davenport is at a crossroad. He runs into his long-time no string attach3ed friend and realizes he still has feelings for her and the feeling is mutual Perhaps they might able to admit each other that they want more.

Soon his mom life is threatened and despite their less than happy relationship, he finds himself in a world of secrets that will slowly unravel. Will he be able to trust and love anyone in his life?

Fun and charming read to indulge in.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Law is a must-read author for me, and it's been a minute since she's had a new release. She been open in her newsletters about struggling to get this book just right, and she nailed it! It's the perfect ending to the series. It's been a few years since the first two books in the story were released. I loved them and did a re-read when I heard this one was coming soon. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this is served with a side of secrets, complicated family, politics, and ultimately self-discovery. Thanks for sticking with this one until you got it just right, Kim! I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught off Guard is the third book in The Davenports series by author Kim Law. This was a true labor of love for this author, and it was definitely worth the wait! This book has a little of everything in it...love, family, friendships, betrayal, suspense, and politics.

Bennett Davenport is retiring from the military after serving for twenty years. He does not know what to do with his life after retirement, but the one thing he is looking forward to is celebrating with his best friend, Aubrey. They have been friends with benefits for the past fifteen years. Just seeing Aubrey again makes his day complete...until she tells him their relationship has to end because she is getting married.

Aubrey Kaye is an investigative journalist. She never believed in love or marriage...especially after witnessing her parents failed attempts at it. However, after her mother died, she suddenly had a change of heart on one thing...she wants to have kids. The perfect opportunity has come in the form of a proposed agreement from Senator Jasper Matthews. Jasper has his eye on running for president, and he needs a wife. Aubrey has not given him a definite answer yet, but she is planning to say yes. The problem is Bennett...and how to say goodbye after fifteen years of being there for each other.

The story that unfolds is simply amazing. There is so much going on, not just with the relationship between Aubrey and Bennett, but also with their families. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but will say this story is full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end! I was completely drawn into the story and couldn't wait to see how everything played out. This is definitely a well-written story that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

I highly recommend this book, as well as the previous two books in this series.

I received an ARC from the author. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

[Kay Pflueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Caught off Guard" is the final installment in the series and ties up all the loose ends from the previous books. I would recommend reading the first two books ("Caught on Camera" and "Caught in the Act") before diving into this one as the back story revealed in those books will make this one much more easier to follow.

The Davenport family is well-known in the world of politics but behind closed doors, they are hiding many secrets that could serve to destroy the image they have worked so hard to create. Bennett Davenport is the eldest sibling who has just retired from military service. He is at a bit of a loss as to what he should do with his life at this point and hopes to find solace in his friendship (with benefits) with Aubrey Kaye who is an investigative journalist.

Upon his arrival back in the states, Bennett finds Aubrey in an awkward relationship with another man and he is struggling to make sense of the situation. As secrets begin to surface, he enlists Aubrey's help in dealing with the aftermath. In the course of their investigation, their true feelings come forth and neither is sure how to deal with them

The disfunctionality of the Davenport family is at the center of the storyline and mystery abounds. I enjoyed this final book and found the resolution to the mystery shrouding the family to be quite satisfying. I would recommend this book without hesitation.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Davenports have always been one of my favorite series by Ms. Law but it always felt unfinished, there was more to the story...more to tell. This story has been a few years in the making and it was truly worth the wait! While I wanted to dive in and finish it, at the same time I wanted to savor it because I knew the series was ending. In the first two books we met Bennett, we even found out about the secret of his paternity but that was about the extent of what we knew. He wasn't around the family much and in this final book as he retires from the Army, we get to really know Bennett, why he's stayed away, how he feels about his life and why. He's had a 15 year friends with benefits relationship with Aubrey, who also has a less than stellar history with her family. These two are so hot together but now Aubrey is moving on from Bennett and he's having a hard time with them being over. When there's a tragedy in his family and she shows up to be there for him, he finally figures out how much he wants her in his live but maybe it's too late. There are twists and turns in the mystery of the Davenport family, they are a strong group and there for each other as they attempt to put their troubled family history behind them. Ms. Law out did herself with this final book on this family, it's complete now! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennett Davenport didn't believe that he couldn't be loved for who he was. His family was wealthy and a famous political name. He hated being used for his name. He hadn't been back to his family residence for twenty years after his father's vicious attack. Now he's at crossroads in his life. He's retiring from the military. He's not sure what his future will hold only that he wants to see his longtime friend with benefits, Aubrey. Neither one believes in love. Bennett is devastated when he learns that she plans to marry another so that she can have children. I was upset at how he treated his friend of fifteen years his life further unravels when his mother is shot by a woman. I was glad that Senator Emm Davenport survived but the facts don't add up. What really happened and why? This book is filled with shocking twist, lies and betrayal. I was glad that the siblings worked together to find the truth. They couldn't have been successful with the investigative skills of Aubrey. I was really upset by Bennett's lack of trust. The highlight of this book for me was Pam Shudarek. She's a bright light and a free spirit full of surprises. Kim Law has written a story that was filled with family drama, political intrigue and love.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Caught off Guard by Kim Law, book three in the Davenports series.
This story has it all: family drama, politics, mystery, murder, the angst, a love story, and the sizzle. Families are complicated and messy sometimes and the Davenport’s are one for the history books for that. Hunky Bennett has it all or so he thinks. Aubrey excels at her job as an investigative reporter and doesn’t want to give it up for love or any man. A friends-with-benefits relationship works for them both; until it doesn’t. I was drawn into the story from page one, until I finished. I was caught up in the Davenport drama immediately and was astonished at all the tricks these power hungry parents would pull on their children. You might want to take notes to keep it all straight. You won’t see anything coming with all the twist and turns.

Ms Law outdid herself on this one. I really enjoyed the style of writing, the character development, and the splashes of romance that fell in between the dramas; exceptional writing and a story that pulls it all together in the end. I highly recommend Caught off Guard to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure why I was so anxious for this book to come out. I just wanted to know Bennett's story. While the book could be a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the first two in the series to get the full picture of the Davenport family. Bennett has always been an outcast in his family and after spending 20 years in the military, he decides to retire and face his family issues. The book may be classified as a romance, I felt this book had a lot of mystery. Family secrets and the who dunnit and why? Oh and there is a hot romance between Bennett and his longtime friends with benefits, Aubrey. As the two of them realize they might be more than just friends, they have to rethink all of their preconceived notions about what is a family. This was truly my favorite of the three and I loved the prior two books in the series!

I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Angie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had read the description of this book I never would have picked it off the shelf. Family drama, politics, mystery, murder. NONE of this appeals to me. However, this book kept me enthralled from page 1. I don't know if I've read the others in the series since there has been a large gap in release dates. It didn't matter. I got caught up in the Davenport drama immediately and kept being stunned at all the tricks these power hungry parents would pull on their children! Kim Law outdid herself on this one. This is not a romance writer's flow, this is someone who truly should be writing mysteries and politics. I really enjoyed the style of writing, the character development, and the splashes of romance that fell in between the dramas. If there is a #4, I'll read it. But I'll probably never pick up another one along these lines until then.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The story of Bennett may be the best of the Davenport siblings. Not that you have to read the other books to have a full understanding of the background. Kim Law does a great job intertwining enough background information from the previous books to fill you in and tickle your curiosity to read the other books about the Davenport siblings. Politics has a strange way of complicating everyone’s lives and the Davenports and Aubrey Kaye is no different. It’s family drama, a mystery, and a love story all wrapped up in one. You will definitely feel like you can’t put this book down wanting to find out who is responsible and whether Bennett and Aubrey end up together. There are so many twists and intertwined storylines that it kept me intrigued throughout. Definitely worth the wait.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family secrets can span generations. Just ask the Davenports. Or the Harrisons. Or even Aubrey Kaye. This is Bennett and Aubrey’s book, and it’s a good one. Author Kim Law has written a story that brings in the whole Davenport family with a bit of mystery, some intrigue, and a connection that can’t be denied. Bennett and Aubrey can’t stay apart, but neither believe in love. Yet love is all around them. It’s fun watching them realize what they have could be love.

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline has depth, and the characters are well-developed and enjoyable. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would really recommend reading Caught on Camera and Caught in the Act first. From Atlanta to Connecticut and Washington DC, Caught Off Guard will keep you engaged. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Bennett is really caught off guard. He is retiring from the military, and he isn't sure what to do with his life now. Aubrey has been his friend (with benefits) for 15 years and she tells him that she is going to marry someone else so she can have kids. She is going to marry a politician who also wants a family, but they will be friends raising their family. No love involved. Aubrey doesn't believe in love. Bennett didn't either, but now he isn't so sure. Bennett's family has so many secrets and when his mom is shot, he isn't sure which secret is the cause. As Aubrey helps him discover the answers, she is sure that she can't go through with a marriage like she had been envisioning. But could she have a life with Bennett? Can Bennett convince Aubrey that he really does love her? Will she believe him?

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait was so worth it. I loved Bennett and Aubrey's story!! This book is so full of family drama, twists and turns and suspense you will not be able to put it down. Bennett has just retired form the military, was ready to move on with his life after talking with his mom about her past and continuing a friends with benefits with his bestie, Aubrey. Neither Bennett or Aubrey do the forever love thing. After his mom's life becomes endangered, secrets come out, oh boy do they come out!! Soon Bennett and Aubrey's relationship is put in jeopardy...hmmm. I can't say anything more but you need to grab your copy now!! This book is better if read in order, you will understand the Davenport family so much better.

[Linda Lubbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family secrets, murder, mystery and love This is Bennett and Aubrey’s book, and it’s a good one. Author Kim Law has written another book that I couldn’t put down. I love getting so engrossed in a book that I lose all track of time and my surroundings. Bennett and Aubrey can’t stay away from each other but neither believe in love or marriage or kids.

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline has depth, twists and turns and so many emotional roller coasters. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would really recommend reading Caught on Camera and Caught in the Act first. From Atlanta to Connecticut and Washington DC, Caught Off Guard will keep you engaged and wanting so much more of their story.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught off Guard: I liked the connection that Aubrey and Bennett and the friendship that they have. He asked Aubrey to be at his military retirement ceremony because he wanted to see her and he wasn't there would be anyone else there from his family. He wasn't sure what he was going to do after his life in the military. He was hoping to see more of Aubrey because he really cared about her. Aubrey was unsure what she wanted now that Bennett was out of the military. With the last name of Davenport, he just doesn't know what was next for life. He was something else but he is unsure what he wants to do. It's a story of life and obstacle that they both are dealing with a lot of things and they need to decide what they want to do for themselves first. I really enjoyed this story!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennett and Aubrey have been “friends with benefits“ for 15 years. So when Aubrey tells Bennett, she’s marrying someone else, he’s caught off guard.

And so begins their story. The third and final book in the Davenport series, this book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading his brother JP (Caught on Camera) and sister Cat’s (Caught in the Act) stories as well as the storyline about their mother runs through all three.

My favorite part of this series is the richness and depth of the characters. Kim has done a fabulous job of creating characters that are relatable and you can’t help but root for.

I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Lynn Bremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best by Kim Law! This 3rd and final book in The Davenport Series was worth the wait! We finally get to know Bennet, the oldest Davenport. He has served his country for the last 20 years. Now retired, he is picking back up with his 15 year friends with benefits buddy, Aubrey, only to find she's about to be engaged to a senator. His world is rocked. Aubrey doesn't believe in love or marriage, so what's up? Not only is it a story of two people who realize they are in love with each other, but a mystery also has them trying to solve who shot Bennett's mother, the powerful Senator Davenport, and why. There are so many layers to this story and it is hard to put down. Thank you Kim.

[Josy Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a bit different than what I've come to expect from Kim Law. Don't get me wrong, I have not read a Kim Law's book I did not like, but this one surprised me because it stood out from the rest. More specifically, it held more mystery and twists, and I didn't expect the "who did it" and why at the end. The book captured my interest immediately and held my attention throughout. I had that baby done in two days, and I would have devoured it in one, but life....

I don't like to recap the story in my reviews because I think each reader should discover the ins and outs of the story on their own. However, I highly recommend Caught Off Guard. It is well worth the time and effort!

[Melanie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing wrap up to the Davenport trilogy. The characters were just as riveting in this book as they were in the first two. Such a roller coaster ride waiting to see what would happen next. Just when you think you know what’s coming a new twist occurs. I was hard pressed to put it down until I got to the end. For fans of Kim Law this is a must read. For those who haven’t encountered her books yet, do yourself a huge favor and get all three Davenport books. You will be very glad you did.
I was provided a free advance copy of this book from the publisher and this is my unbiased, voluntary review.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very exciting and intriguing book, there are two parts which run along side each other. One is the love story which unfolds as the two main characters who have been friends with benefits for 15 years follow a difficult path with many twists and turns, until they realise what a lot of people have already, that they love each other.
Two is the intrigue that a powerful political family has and the secrets it keeps. The shooting of Bennett 's mother and her subsequent death unlocks many question. This is a well written book,well worth reading.