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Caught Off Guard #1
Bolt From the Blue
Milo
I am tired of my friends trying to set me up with whatever guy they feel is suitable, regardless of my feelings. So naturally I resort to throwing myself at the first cute guy I see and ask him to pretend to be my boyfriend.
I’m happy but shocked when the hockey jock agrees to play along and help me out.
If my friends won't listen to my words, maybe they’ll back off once they see I’m in a relationship.
Shame it’s not real because Austin is everything I want.
Austin
I have had a crush on the barista at my local coffee shop since I first laid eyes on him.
When Milo serves me my drink with a kiss on the cheek, it’s like all my Christmas’ and birthdays have come at once.
I have college, hockey, and parents to deal with, but I am willing to go along with whatever Milo asks.
Anything, just to be able to spend more time together.
**Fake boyfriends, real dates, new friendships, lovable hockey players, low angst, HEA guaranteed**
I am tired of my friends trying to set me up with whatever guy they feel is suitable, regardless of my feelings. So naturally I resort to throwing myself at the first cute guy I see and ask him to pretend to be my boyfriend.
I’m happy but shocked when the hockey jock agrees to play along and help me out.
If my friends won't listen to my words, maybe they’ll back off once they see I’m in a relationship.
Shame it’s not real because Austin is everything I want.
Austin
I have had a crush on the barista at my local coffee shop since I first laid eyes on him.
When Milo serves me my drink with a kiss on the cheek, it’s like all my Christmas’ and birthdays have come at once.
I have college, hockey, and parents to deal with, but I am willing to go along with whatever Milo asks.
Anything, just to be able to spend more time together.
**Fake boyfriends, real dates, new friendships, lovable hockey players, low angst, HEA guaranteed**
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2022
127 people are currently reading
415 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
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March 26, 2022First things first, I spent a long time debating how I wanted to rate this book. The forward of this book states how the author lost the files for the book just before the releases, which means that the book is incomplete and that more scenes will be added later. And since most of my complaints about this book are easily explained by this incident happening, I don’t feel right rating this book, for now, I honestly think I would have loved this book if I got the complete story, so I rather wait until the book is complete to rate it. I did feel like the book was missing a lot of the story and there was a lot of inconsistencies, and a lot of the timeline didn’t make much sense, but all of this can be explained by the fact that this book isn’t the complete story it was meant to be, so I cannot really fault the book for that.
Look, I’m Canadian, you tell me that a book is about hockey, and I will read it, no questions asked. And I’m glad I read this one because I quite enjoyed it.
Brief summary
Milo tells their friends that he’s dating someone to get them off his back because they keep pestering him to date someone he does not want to date. He ends up making up that he’s dating Austin, a cute hockey player that often visits the place that Milo works at. Turns out that Milo has been attracted to Austin too and they fall in love.
First, low angst books about people meeting and falling in love with each other with a fake relationship and pining thrown in are some of my favourite books to read so safe to say that the premise of this story really worked for me, I really appreciated it the entire story beyond this book, it just really worked for me.
Second, I really loved how well this book captured the feel of the start of a new relationship and how it is to marvel at every little thing about the person you’re into. I loved how much they were pining after each other and how they just always wanted to spend time together. The relationship development in this one just really worked for me.
Also, this story was just so sweet. I kept swooning over the character’s actions because it was just the sweetest thing.
Third, there is a lot of scenes in this book about Milo’s meddling friends and while those scenes weren’t my favourites because I just don’t like those type of scenes in books, I loved how Austin tried to protect Milo from them and how protective he was of Milo. That part really made the scenes with the meddling friends almost enjoyable for me.
This book has all the ingredients to be a book I will really enjoy, and I’m sure that it will get when more scenes are added to the book because it was really enjoyable for me already. This book showed a lot of promise, and it has a really strong foundation to continue building a story on.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
Look, I’m Canadian, you tell me that a book is about hockey, and I will read it, no questions asked. And I’m glad I read this one because I quite enjoyed it.
Brief summary
Milo tells their friends that he’s dating someone to get them off his back because they keep pestering him to date someone he does not want to date. He ends up making up that he’s dating Austin, a cute hockey player that often visits the place that Milo works at. Turns out that Milo has been attracted to Austin too and they fall in love.
First, low angst books about people meeting and falling in love with each other with a fake relationship and pining thrown in are some of my favourite books to read so safe to say that the premise of this story really worked for me, I really appreciated it the entire story beyond this book, it just really worked for me.
Second, I really loved how well this book captured the feel of the start of a new relationship and how it is to marvel at every little thing about the person you’re into. I loved how much they were pining after each other and how they just always wanted to spend time together. The relationship development in this one just really worked for me.
Also, this story was just so sweet. I kept swooning over the character’s actions because it was just the sweetest thing.
Third, there is a lot of scenes in this book about Milo’s meddling friends and while those scenes weren’t my favourites because I just don’t like those type of scenes in books, I loved how Austin tried to protect Milo from them and how protective he was of Milo. That part really made the scenes with the meddling friends almost enjoyable for me.
This book has all the ingredients to be a book I will really enjoy, and I’m sure that it will get when more scenes are added to the book because it was really enjoyable for me already. This book showed a lot of promise, and it has a really strong foundation to continue building a story on.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
March 30, 2022
when i saw that this book wasn’t complete i thought that it would be shorter or something like that. it wasn’t.
let me explain: a week before the release date the author deleted the manuscript and she had to decide if she wanted to rewrite it in a week or wait for one year.
she decided to go with what can i do in one week.
wrong decision.
first of all there were so many typos and grammar mistakes which i just can’t accept.
i would like to mention the overuse of exclamation points that gave me the hives.
but let’s talk about the story.
the idea is good. the plot, in theory, is good.
the execution is terrible.
the story went so fast i got dizzy. i’m all for going a bit faster because it’s fiction and not reality. but this was bullshit. and i’m not only talking about the MCs, all the other characters as well.
yes, let’s become best friends after two sentences, seems like a great idea!
i have to mention the dialogues. i would like to delete them from my mind but i have to mention them.
these characters are like 20/21 but they act and talk like immature 12 years old. cringe doesn’t cover it.
don’t let me talk about the sex scenes that weren’t bad taken out of context, but with characters so immature of felt too weird.
now, the last problem.
the author said that she will add scenes to this book because this isn’t finished.
so the people that bought this now paid for the shitty version and who cares?
this isn’t the right way to treat your readers.
if you decide to rewrite the book in a week, once it’s out it’s out. the ship has sailed (unfortunately). i don’t agree at all with this decision.
let me explain: a week before the release date the author deleted the manuscript and she had to decide if she wanted to rewrite it in a week or wait for one year.
she decided to go with what can i do in one week.
wrong decision.
first of all there were so many typos and grammar mistakes which i just can’t accept.
i would like to mention the overuse of exclamation points that gave me the hives.
but let’s talk about the story.
the idea is good. the plot, in theory, is good.
the execution is terrible.
the story went so fast i got dizzy. i’m all for going a bit faster because it’s fiction and not reality. but this was bullshit. and i’m not only talking about the MCs, all the other characters as well.
yes, let’s become best friends after two sentences, seems like a great idea!
i have to mention the dialogues. i would like to delete them from my mind but i have to mention them.
these characters are like 20/21 but they act and talk like immature 12 years old. cringe doesn’t cover it.
don’t let me talk about the sex scenes that weren’t bad taken out of context, but with characters so immature of felt too weird.
now, the last problem.
the author said that she will add scenes to this book because this isn’t finished.
so the people that bought this now paid for the shitty version and who cares?
this isn’t the right way to treat your readers.
if you decide to rewrite the book in a week, once it’s out it’s out. the ship has sailed (unfortunately). i don’t agree at all with this decision.
January 30, 2023
This was just bad. I know other reviews mentioned the author said it wasn't complete and it would be updated, but there was nothing mentioned in the version I read so I assumed it was updated. Wrong!
It reminded me of when I write uni assignments and just get all my thoughts out before I go back through and get it to work. There was so much inconsistency, we learn literally nothing about the characters except one plays hockey and one serves coffee. I couldn't even tell you what they're supposed to look like.
The friends and side characters were all so odd too, and the social interactions just read like a bot had written them. The language was so stiff, almost like words had been separated out to up the word count e.g. I am instead of I'm, it just didn't come across as conversational.
There was also a lot of focus on explaining the obvious too, like what bisexuality is, and the sex scenes kind of read more like a very vague instruction manual 🤷🏻♀️
If the author had taken the time to update it, and make it into a full story with characters that aren't flatter than pancakes then I think it really would have been good, but as it is it just makes no sense and I really don't care about any of the characters - I can't even remember their names and I literally just finished reading it 😬
Can't say I'll be reading any more and I hate not finishing series!
It reminded me of when I write uni assignments and just get all my thoughts out before I go back through and get it to work. There was so much inconsistency, we learn literally nothing about the characters except one plays hockey and one serves coffee. I couldn't even tell you what they're supposed to look like.
The friends and side characters were all so odd too, and the social interactions just read like a bot had written them. The language was so stiff, almost like words had been separated out to up the word count e.g. I am instead of I'm, it just didn't come across as conversational.
There was also a lot of focus on explaining the obvious too, like what bisexuality is, and the sex scenes kind of read more like a very vague instruction manual 🤷🏻♀️
If the author had taken the time to update it, and make it into a full story with characters that aren't flatter than pancakes then I think it really would have been good, but as it is it just makes no sense and I really don't care about any of the characters - I can't even remember their names and I literally just finished reading it 😬
Can't say I'll be reading any more and I hate not finishing series!
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June 20, 2023DNF @ 43% - College aged guys do not say things like “she really is a lovely person with a great sense of humor”. At least not in the US where it seems like this book takes place.
Or “Oh, Monopoly. How lovely”. Both MCs use the term lovely and it’s used four times in the book.
It doesn’t ring true.
Dialogue was ridiculously formal and awkward.
Also, exclamation points used in weird places.
Or “Oh, Monopoly. How lovely”. Both MCs use the term lovely and it’s used four times in the book.
It doesn’t ring true.
Dialogue was ridiculously formal and awkward.
Also, exclamation points used in weird places.
Read
July 17, 2022DNF
I really liked the premise of this book, but it didn’t seem all that fleshed out.
The writing style also isn’t for me, which threw me in a few scenes.
I really liked the premise of this book, but it didn’t seem all that fleshed out.
The writing style also isn’t for me, which threw me in a few scenes.
Read
March 26, 2022Withholding a star rating for now because, according to the author's foreword, this is an incomplete book, as she lost the manuscript from her computer a week before the release date. So what is here as of today is choppy, to say the least. There were some continuity errors throughout, and some spelling and grammar errors, but from chapter 16 on, it just fell apart. There are massive holes in the storyline, and obviously many paragraphs (whole chapters, even?) missing. I hope she is able to repair the story to a level she is happy with, as it is actually quite a lovely little story
September 10, 2024
This was short, but I liked it. Some reviewers said they read the book before it was finished, but it seemed ok to me. At least there was a plot. This was my first book by Willow Thomas and I’ll be sure and check out some of her other works.
March 27, 2022
Bolt From The Blue is the first book in the Caught Off Guard Series by new author Willow Thomas. It’s an M/M fake dating sports romance.
What a great start to a new series. I loved this book.
The characters are sweet and I loved the plot line. These two were great together.
Milo has some seriously hideous friends, which leads him into fake dating the gorgeous hockey player Austin who has a thing for him. (Not that he knows that!) Both Austin and Milo are attracted to each other but don’t say anything. The fake dating is just supposed to be getting Milo’s friends off his back and turns out to mutually help Austin when he comes out to his parents.
These two together (even fake dating) are incredibly sweet, the chemistry is amazing and they just fit so well.
Austin is quite protective of Milo. He knows how his so called friends treat him and hates it. He helps in any way he can and introduces him to his own friends who are on the hockey team. Their all incredibly nice and supportive.
There’s been trouble for the team too with one of the players that leaves things heated and tense. Especially for the team captain.
This was a solid start to the series and I know Willow had some bumps along the way when her hard work was accidentally deleted. I just want to say she’s done an incredible job and really done this story justice. I would highly recommend reading. You won’t be disappointed.
I for one am looking forward to book two in this interconnected series.
A huge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From me.
What a great start to a new series. I loved this book.
The characters are sweet and I loved the plot line. These two were great together.
Milo has some seriously hideous friends, which leads him into fake dating the gorgeous hockey player Austin who has a thing for him. (Not that he knows that!) Both Austin and Milo are attracted to each other but don’t say anything. The fake dating is just supposed to be getting Milo’s friends off his back and turns out to mutually help Austin when he comes out to his parents.
These two together (even fake dating) are incredibly sweet, the chemistry is amazing and they just fit so well.
Austin is quite protective of Milo. He knows how his so called friends treat him and hates it. He helps in any way he can and introduces him to his own friends who are on the hockey team. Their all incredibly nice and supportive.
There’s been trouble for the team too with one of the players that leaves things heated and tense. Especially for the team captain.
This was a solid start to the series and I know Willow had some bumps along the way when her hard work was accidentally deleted. I just want to say she’s done an incredible job and really done this story justice. I would highly recommend reading. You won’t be disappointed.
I for one am looking forward to book two in this interconnected series.
A huge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From me.
November 18, 2022
If I'd have read this at the time of publication I wouldn't have even left a star rating or review. The foreward explains that the book was unfinished due to the author accidentally deleting the file and chose to publish instead of pushing the date back. I guess I just thought that the book would be finished now that it's been 8 months and there are two new books in the series published since then.
This could be a 5 star book if it were finished and had some editing. My biggest issue is the continuity errors. At one point Milo goes to work two hours early. Then Austin and his friends walk in right after he starts his early shift. When asked Milo says he has an hour left. Going by that he wasn't even scheduled that day. Then later in the book Austin shows up to Milo's dorm at 6 something in the morning, they have sex, and Milo asks about Austin staying the night. Not huge issues but they bugged the crap out of me.
Also Milo's shitty friends were shitty and everyone around him knew but never said anything. Kind of rude.
I am going to read the next book because again, the story could be great if it were finished. Book two is also enemies to lovers and if y'all know me you know I will die for that trope. Fingers crossed it goes better than this one.
This could be a 5 star book if it were finished and had some editing. My biggest issue is the continuity errors. At one point Milo goes to work two hours early. Then Austin and his friends walk in right after he starts his early shift. When asked Milo says he has an hour left. Going by that he wasn't even scheduled that day. Then later in the book Austin shows up to Milo's dorm at 6 something in the morning, they have sex, and Milo asks about Austin staying the night. Not huge issues but they bugged the crap out of me.
Also Milo's shitty friends were shitty and everyone around him knew but never said anything. Kind of rude.
I am going to read the next book because again, the story could be great if it were finished. Book two is also enemies to lovers and if y'all know me you know I will die for that trope. Fingers crossed it goes better than this one.
September 25, 2022
This book was recommended to me and when I saw it was on sale, I took a chance on it. And boy was I glad I did. I instantly fell in love with Milo and Austin (and the other characters...except Milo's toxic "friends", instant dislike for them). The MCs were so cute, sweet, and sexy together. The transition from fake dating to real dating was written smoothly and fun, no unnecessary drama. There was no angst between the MCs, just a little between Milo and his original group of friends, which I'm glad I didn't have to read about them for long. Nasty people. But then I read something that had me cracking up and I'll forget all about them. The interactions between the MCs and the secondary characters were hilarious.
It was a short story but it didn't feel like it. The story was complete and not dragged unnecessarily to add more pages. The characters were well developed and loveable, adding to the story and not just fillers. And I really can't wait to read their stories, especially Mel 😍
It was a short story but it didn't feel like it. The story was complete and not dragged unnecessarily to add more pages. The characters were well developed and loveable, adding to the story and not just fillers. And I really can't wait to read their stories, especially Mel 😍
March 29, 2022
This is book 1 in the Caught Off Guard Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. This is the story of Milo and Austin. Two university students who meet at The Blue coffee shop. Milo is a barista and is having trouble with his friends trying to set him up with someone who he has no spark. Austin is a hockey player who has a huge crush on his favourite barista. He is also too shy to approach Milo so he just worships from afar. In order to get his friends to back off, Milo walks up and kisses Austin. He begs him with his eyes to go along. Since that is what Austin wants to happen, he has no problem playing along. One fake boyfriend relationship coming up. This is their story. It is well written. I really enjoyed watching as their relationship grew. This is a sweet story that you will enjoy. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 14, 2022
Austin and Milo! Sweet, fast and swoonworthy!!
(Note: I read the newly edited file that released the other day.)
Ahhh this book was sweet, fun and adorable. Milo is tired of his friends trying to set him up with someone he isn't attracted to. Meanwhile Austin is crushing hard on the local barista. So when Austin walks into the Cafe to visit his crush and hopefully get up the nerve to ask him out, Milo decides enough is enough, and what Milo needs is a fake boyfriend. Good thing they both secretly want to spend time together.
This book was fast and sweet. The chapters are short which I appreciated because it kept me hooked! I was eagerly flipping pages and wanting more. Milo and Austin's story doesn't focus on hockey, but we do get to meet two Austin's team mates (who I hope get an enemies to lovers romance!)
If you are looking for a fast and sexy romance that will make you smile. I recommend this low angst MM story.
(Note: I read the newly edited file that released the other day.)
Ahhh this book was sweet, fun and adorable. Milo is tired of his friends trying to set him up with someone he isn't attracted to. Meanwhile Austin is crushing hard on the local barista. So when Austin walks into the Cafe to visit his crush and hopefully get up the nerve to ask him out, Milo decides enough is enough, and what Milo needs is a fake boyfriend. Good thing they both secretly want to spend time together.
This book was fast and sweet. The chapters are short which I appreciated because it kept me hooked! I was eagerly flipping pages and wanting more. Milo and Austin's story doesn't focus on hockey, but we do get to meet two Austin's team mates (who I hope get an enemies to lovers romance!)
If you are looking for a fast and sexy romance that will make you smile. I recommend this low angst MM story.
July 11, 2022
Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the author's note at the beginning of the book. The author accidentally deleted the book's finished copy a week before the release date. When faced with choosing either to push the release date back a year or rewrite the book in a week, the author chose the latter. Thus, the book often felt rushed and incomplete since it is not the true finished copy.
My most significant issues with this were the pacing as well as the writing. The pacing was a bit all over the place due to being a condensed, hastily written version of the original. I felt like I did not get enough of Austin and Milo's character development to truly fall in love with them and their relationship. Besides this, they were cute together, and I think their relationship would have greatly benefitted from being lengthened. There were a large number of grammatical issues and misspellings in this one, and I am choosing to believe that is due to having to rewrite the book in a week.
I think the idea of this book was very cute, and it would have been a good full-length novel. Nonetheless, I am interested to read the second book in this series to get a true grasp of the author's writing.
My most significant issues with this were the pacing as well as the writing. The pacing was a bit all over the place due to being a condensed, hastily written version of the original. I felt like I did not get enough of Austin and Milo's character development to truly fall in love with them and their relationship. Besides this, they were cute together, and I think their relationship would have greatly benefitted from being lengthened. There were a large number of grammatical issues and misspellings in this one, and I am choosing to believe that is due to having to rewrite the book in a week.
I think the idea of this book was very cute, and it would have been a good full-length novel. Nonetheless, I am interested to read the second book in this series to get a true grasp of the author's writing.
dnf
June 6, 2022DNF at 52%
The author mentions that she accidentally deleted the manuscript file a week or so before the set pub date, and hurriedly put this together so she could get it out and avoid the Zon’s punishment. And that she’s edit and get a new file uploaded.
I had hoped since that was a couple months ago, the new edit would be posted. It was not.
This book is rough. I feel for the author, I really do. But this was so clearly written in a week — horribly stilted dialogue, inconsistent characters, British-isms, grammar issues — that it’s near unreadable.
6/6
The author mentions that she accidentally deleted the manuscript file a week or so before the set pub date, and hurriedly put this together so she could get it out and avoid the Zon’s punishment. And that she’s edit and get a new file uploaded.
I had hoped since that was a couple months ago, the new edit would be posted. It was not.
This book is rough. I feel for the author, I really do. But this was so clearly written in a week — horribly stilted dialogue, inconsistent characters, British-isms, grammar issues — that it’s near unreadable.
6/6
April 1, 2023
Quick, fun, and hot. This gave me basically everything I wanted in less than a hundred pages. I will say though I wish that the ending was wrapped up a little better, it felt very abrupt.
July 12, 2022
AS of June 8th Bolt From The Blue has been re-edited. Thank you everyone for your support and understanding
January 16, 2024
I keep seeing in other reviews that the initial manuscript of this book was lost/deleted a week before publication and it would have scenes added later. That being said, this copy did not have that note so I am guessing it has since been edited. I really truly wanted to like everything about this book, but after finding out that it had been written in a week, you can tell, and it makes sense why this felt so stunted and jumpy.
The bones and premise of this book are GOOD. A barista and a hockey player? Yes, please! Fake dating?? Also yes! I did feel like we got SOME relationship building, and some character growth, but again, it jumped around and made it kind of difficult to connect with any of the characters. Each one of the problems that the MC’s face were rushed through; their step from fake dating to real dating seemed glossed over; there were a lot of instances where more details, and more showing us as readers what’s going on between Milo and Austin, would have been really beneficial.
I’m not sure if this was meant to be a novella or a novel, because I keep seeing it listed as a novel—but this book is only 93 pages long, that’s not a novel, and definitely doesn’t give enough time to include all that a novel should. So that being said, I would consider this a novella, but still, even for a novella it was extremely erratic and the book ends and it left me feeling that “wait, what?!” feeling because it was SO sudden and abrupt.
I did really like Austin and Milo, and their friend group, but there were quite a few grammar mistakes (calling the NHL the NFL from Austin’s POV), that it really pulled me from the story. It’s a quick and somewhat fun little read, but definitely needed more fleshing out prior to being published!
Total Rating: 2.5⭐️
The bones and premise of this book are GOOD. A barista and a hockey player? Yes, please! Fake dating?? Also yes! I did feel like we got SOME relationship building, and some character growth, but again, it jumped around and made it kind of difficult to connect with any of the characters. Each one of the problems that the MC’s face were rushed through; their step from fake dating to real dating seemed glossed over; there were a lot of instances where more details, and more showing us as readers what’s going on between Milo and Austin, would have been really beneficial.
I’m not sure if this was meant to be a novella or a novel, because I keep seeing it listed as a novel—but this book is only 93 pages long, that’s not a novel, and definitely doesn’t give enough time to include all that a novel should. So that being said, I would consider this a novella, but still, even for a novella it was extremely erratic and the book ends and it left me feeling that “wait, what?!” feeling because it was SO sudden and abrupt.
I did really like Austin and Milo, and their friend group, but there were quite a few grammar mistakes (calling the NHL the NFL from Austin’s POV), that it really pulled me from the story. It’s a quick and somewhat fun little read, but definitely needed more fleshing out prior to being published!
Total Rating: 2.5⭐️
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 first novel is "Bolt From The Blue."
["Milo
I am tired of my friends trying to set me up with whatever guy they feel is suitable, regardless of my feelings. So naturally I resort to throwing myself at the first cute guy I see and ask him to pretend to be my boyfriend.
I’m happy but shocked when the hockey jock agrees to play along and help me out.
If my friends won't listen to my words, maybe they’ll back off once they see I’m in a relationship.
Shame it’s not real because Austin is everything I want.
Austin
I have had a crush on the barista at my local coffee shop since I first laid eyes on him.
When Milo serves me my drink with a kiss on the cheek, it’s like all my Christmas’ and birthdays have come at once.
I have college, hockey, and parents to deal with, but I am willing to go along with whatever Milo asks.
Anything, just to be able to spend more time together."]
I believe this is one of Willow’s very first published pieces. It shows a little bit in the dialogue and length, but over all, this was a very cute and fun novel. Especially one setting up and entire universe for a series. I can’t wait for the rest of the hockey players (and others) to find their low-angst/high-steam happily ever afters.
#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 first novel is "Bolt From The Blue."
["Milo
I am tired of my friends trying to set me up with whatever guy they feel is suitable, regardless of my feelings. So naturally I resort to throwing myself at the first cute guy I see and ask him to pretend to be my boyfriend.
I’m happy but shocked when the hockey jock agrees to play along and help me out.
If my friends won't listen to my words, maybe they’ll back off once they see I’m in a relationship.
Shame it’s not real because Austin is everything I want.
Austin
I have had a crush on the barista at my local coffee shop since I first laid eyes on him.
When Milo serves me my drink with a kiss on the cheek, it’s like all my Christmas’ and birthdays have come at once.
I have college, hockey, and parents to deal with, but I am willing to go along with whatever Milo asks.
Anything, just to be able to spend more time together."]
I believe this is one of Willow’s very first published pieces. It shows a little bit in the dialogue and length, but over all, this was a very cute and fun novel. Especially one setting up and entire universe for a series. I can’t wait for the rest of the hockey players (and others) to find their low-angst/high-steam happily ever afters.
#boltfromtheblue #unexpected #knockedforsix #doubletake #blownaway #caughtoffguard #caughtoffguardseries #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
March 28, 2022
*ARC provided by the author*
This was quite obviously not the version of the story that the author had in mind, so I can still appreciate how brave it was to send it off as it was, after what happened (honestly, if something like that had happened to me, I would have a) cried for weeks and b) given up, so kudos all around).
That being said, I still have to judge this one fairly, and what got to my hands was a bit of a mess.
The story had potential, but some parts were quite hard to read (I'm not going to outright say illegible, but close). It's understandable that there would be pace issues with it being so short, but even then, it felt like everything went a bit too fast, I think it could have easily been twice as long to clean up nicely and resolve everything, because the potential was obviously there.
My vote goes for a new edition when the trauma of what happened to the original manuscript for this one has subdued a little. I understand deadlines can be a bitch and that shit happens, but I feel like a slightly different planning (I don't think the story being this short was a matter of reorganization in two days to make release date in time) would have gone a long way here.
I do wish Willow Thomas a brighter, less accident-prone future with the projects to come.
This was quite obviously not the version of the story that the author had in mind, so I can still appreciate how brave it was to send it off as it was, after what happened (honestly, if something like that had happened to me, I would have a) cried for weeks and b) given up, so kudos all around).
That being said, I still have to judge this one fairly, and what got to my hands was a bit of a mess.
The story had potential, but some parts were quite hard to read (I'm not going to outright say illegible, but close). It's understandable that there would be pace issues with it being so short, but even then, it felt like everything went a bit too fast, I think it could have easily been twice as long to clean up nicely and resolve everything, because the potential was obviously there.
My vote goes for a new edition when the trauma of what happened to the original manuscript for this one has subdued a little. I understand deadlines can be a bitch and that shit happens, but I feel like a slightly different planning (I don't think the story being this short was a matter of reorganization in two days to make release date in time) would have gone a long way here.
I do wish Willow Thomas a brighter, less accident-prone future with the projects to come.
September 7, 2023
Is this one of the best novellas I've read?....Absolutely not, but it was still a nice quick, enjoyable read.
Yeah, there were some errors with the grammar and punctuation, but nothing that gets in the way of being able to read it.
Yes, the story does feel a little rushed at times and with very little character development, but that's usually the case with novellas so it's not something I'm going to get too caught up on, especially since it is less that 100 pages.
Overall, no, it's not the best thing I've ever read, but I still enjoyed it none the less and the MCs were so sweet. And a nice change to read something where there was no gay/bi awakening, and the MCs were already out and proud.
I've read this novella as a palette cleanser from some of the heavier stuff I've read lately, and it was nice to just read something light and easy. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series in between some of my other reads now.
Only rated 3 stars due to the fact that there are some errors, and that personally, I do struggle to rate any novella above 3 stars unless it really is exceptional 😆
Yeah, there were some errors with the grammar and punctuation, but nothing that gets in the way of being able to read it.
Yes, the story does feel a little rushed at times and with very little character development, but that's usually the case with novellas so it's not something I'm going to get too caught up on, especially since it is less that 100 pages.
Overall, no, it's not the best thing I've ever read, but I still enjoyed it none the less and the MCs were so sweet. And a nice change to read something where there was no gay/bi awakening, and the MCs were already out and proud.
I've read this novella as a palette cleanser from some of the heavier stuff I've read lately, and it was nice to just read something light and easy. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series in between some of my other reads now.
Only rated 3 stars due to the fact that there are some errors, and that personally, I do struggle to rate any novella above 3 stars unless it really is exceptional 😆
April 15, 2023
Sweet fake boyfriends story
I really enjoyed this story. Milo and Austin have been secretly crushing on each other for a few months. When Milo tells his overbearing friends that he has a boyfriend so they would stop harassing him about dating their friend, they don't believe him and confront him at his job. Austin steps up and pretends to be Milo's boyfriend. As they go on a few fake dates and get to know each other, they catch real feelings. I loved how Austin stood up for Milo when his so-called friends were being really rude to him. And with the help of his new friends Celeste and Mel (loved them!), Milo is finally able to end the toxic friendship. This was a fast paced story that I read in one sitting which is pretty low angst, sweet, and spicy. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this story. Milo and Austin have been secretly crushing on each other for a few months. When Milo tells his overbearing friends that he has a boyfriend so they would stop harassing him about dating their friend, they don't believe him and confront him at his job. Austin steps up and pretends to be Milo's boyfriend. As they go on a few fake dates and get to know each other, they catch real feelings. I loved how Austin stood up for Milo when his so-called friends were being really rude to him. And with the help of his new friends Celeste and Mel (loved them!), Milo is finally able to end the toxic friendship. This was a fast paced story that I read in one sitting which is pretty low angst, sweet, and spicy. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 1, 2024
⭐️: 5/10 🌶️: 2,5/5 😭: -/5 🤣: 1/5
Tropes:
🩵 Fake relationship
💜 College
(ESP) Una buena historia como inicio de cierre pero como romance en general el trope y la trama resulta ambiciosa para desarrollarse en una novela por lo cual todo termina ocurriendo de manera apresurada dificultando el disfrute de la lectura.
Milo y Austin son personajes entrañables de los que hubiera querido saber un poco más pero conforman una relación muy bella.
Veremos cómo sigue la serie.
(ENG) A good story as a series opener, but as a romance overall, the trope and plot are ambitious for a novella, so everything ends up happening in a rushed manner that makes it difficult to enjoy the reading.
Milo and Austin are endearing characters that I would have liked to know a little more about, but they make for a nice relationship.
We'll see how the series continues.
Tropes:
🩵 Fake relationship
💜 College
(ESP) Una buena historia como inicio de cierre pero como romance en general el trope y la trama resulta ambiciosa para desarrollarse en una novela por lo cual todo termina ocurriendo de manera apresurada dificultando el disfrute de la lectura.
Milo y Austin son personajes entrañables de los que hubiera querido saber un poco más pero conforman una relación muy bella.
Veremos cómo sigue la serie.
(ENG) A good story as a series opener, but as a romance overall, the trope and plot are ambitious for a novella, so everything ends up happening in a rushed manner that makes it difficult to enjoy the reading.
Milo and Austin are endearing characters that I would have liked to know a little more about, but they make for a nice relationship.
We'll see how the series continues.
July 4, 2024
story of Milo and Austin
This is a fake boyfriends to lovers romance, featuring Milo and Austin, and is the first book in the Caught Off Guard series.
Milo and Austin have been crushing on each other for a while but neither was brave enough to make a move, that is until Milo is in desperate need of a fake boyfriend and Austin volunteers to help out, bless.
This was a super sweet book, low angst with a lot of supportive friends (some not so supportive), great relationship development from fake to real, and loving family.
I am loving Willow Thomas’s writing style, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
College romance
Barista x Hockey Hottie
Fake rating
Both crushing
Spicy times
HEA
This is a fake boyfriends to lovers romance, featuring Milo and Austin, and is the first book in the Caught Off Guard series.
Milo and Austin have been crushing on each other for a while but neither was brave enough to make a move, that is until Milo is in desperate need of a fake boyfriend and Austin volunteers to help out, bless.
This was a super sweet book, low angst with a lot of supportive friends (some not so supportive), great relationship development from fake to real, and loving family.
I am loving Willow Thomas’s writing style, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
College romance
Barista x Hockey Hottie
Fake rating
Both crushing
Spicy times
HEA
April 12, 2022
Loved the idea this book is built around, but the editing is so horrifically awful it is a slog to get through. The foreword by the author says she deleted her finished manuscript a week before deadline and chose to do a hasty rewrite to keep her publication date. This was a mistake. I love the idea she has–the fake boyfriends, toxic friends, etc– but the writing, dialog, characters, plot, EVERYTHING is so poorly executed I have no desire to continue with this series. There isn't enough backstory or character development to understand any of the actions taken by the characters and you just don't care what is going on.
July 21, 2022
Short, hot, and so much more.
Contains: hockey player, cute barista, fake relationship, super hot scene, and a few toxics friends.
In an unreal world where half of the hockey team is queer, we meet a real friendship that supports each other. On the other side, there is the barista who really needs new friends. When his friends get too persistent, he makes them think he has a boyfriend. Austin, the hockey player.
I love short story, but this one is so well writing, I would have love it to be a full lenght book. The love scenes are hot, the chemistry is there, and the new friendships are really the cutest.
Contains: hockey player, cute barista, fake relationship, super hot scene, and a few toxics friends.
In an unreal world where half of the hockey team is queer, we meet a real friendship that supports each other. On the other side, there is the barista who really needs new friends. When his friends get too persistent, he makes them think he has a boyfriend. Austin, the hockey player.
I love short story, but this one is so well writing, I would have love it to be a full lenght book. The love scenes are hot, the chemistry is there, and the new friendships are really the cutest.
May 18, 2024
3,25 stars for Austin and Milo
I loved the idea. Barista and hockey player with crushes accept a fake relationship to prevent Milo's friends from meddling.
The story had so much potential. They both already flirted like pros with each other. The one friend front was to die for, the other one to support them in dying. All the many opposite attracts aspects... The troubled history they shared with each other.... And then it did not have me any emotional response to the story. It might be due to the very short length but it also was a bit too fast paced and didn't get me on the same page with them both to catch up how their relationship progressed.
I loved the idea. Barista and hockey player with crushes accept a fake relationship to prevent Milo's friends from meddling.
The story had so much potential. They both already flirted like pros with each other. The one friend front was to die for, the other one to support them in dying. All the many opposite attracts aspects... The troubled history they shared with each other.... And then it did not have me any emotional response to the story. It might be due to the very short length but it also was a bit too fast paced and didn't get me on the same page with them both to catch up how their relationship progressed.
October 14, 2024
This is a MM college sports based story.
Milo has some very dubious friends who want to set him up with Greg, but Milo doesn't want to be set up with Greg.
Milo has had eyes for Austin who comes into the coffee shop where he works. Austin is part of the hockey team and he has a crush on Milo.
Milo tells his friends he is seeing someone, but they don't believe him so he sits on Austin's lap in the cafe and kisses him. Austin agrees to be his fake boyfriend but both are hiding the truth that they are really in love with each other.
A sweet book, it lacks something that I can't put my finger on, but I enjoyed this story and will read more by Willow Thomas.
Milo has some very dubious friends who want to set him up with Greg, but Milo doesn't want to be set up with Greg.
Milo has had eyes for Austin who comes into the coffee shop where he works. Austin is part of the hockey team and he has a crush on Milo.
Milo tells his friends he is seeing someone, but they don't believe him so he sits on Austin's lap in the cafe and kisses him. Austin agrees to be his fake boyfriend but both are hiding the truth that they are really in love with each other.
A sweet book, it lacks something that I can't put my finger on, but I enjoyed this story and will read more by Willow Thomas.
March 27, 2022
It's always wonderful to get a new author in the m/m romance genre and this book prompts me to give a big shout-out to Willow Thomas. I loved Milo and Austin and their fake boyfriends romance. It's clear from the first these two have great chemistry and the trope is well handled with no overtly contrived bumps in the road for these two. The hockey is not overly intrusive for readers who may not be fans of the sport but provides a nice background for those who do like sports. Very much looking forward to book #2.
June 14, 2022
Such a great book. Couldn't put it down. Sweet and steamy. Reads like a dream. Milo's friends put trying to fix him up with a guy from their group. Milo isn't interested at all. His friends won't let it go and harass him constantly. One time at work being harassed he turns to the cute hockey player, Milo asks Austin to pretend to be his boyfriend to get his friends off his back. Austin accepts immediately. He has had a crush on Milo for awhile now. It doesn't take long for the fake part to become real on both men's part.
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