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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
Pain in the Axe is the second book in the Maine Lumberjacks series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Accidental pregnancy between a divorced couple (in their 40s) is a new one.
Gus and Chloe got married at a young age, but miscommunication led to a divorce. Now, twenty years later, she’s out for revenge. But there’s still something between them that they can’t fight.
I dislike second chance romance when one of the characters sleeps around a lot after the break up. And while Gus didn’t sleep around a LOT, he did have a regular hook up. I get that it was 20 years, but then he goes and says Chloe is the love of his life. If she was, then why didn’t he try harder to find her after their divorce?
He was sweet though, and he was very determined to get Chloe back once she was in his life again. And the way he was when he found out about the baby was cute.
Accidental pregnancy between a divorced couple (in their 40s) is a new one.
Gus and Chloe got married at a young age, but miscommunication led to a divorce. Now, twenty years later, she’s out for revenge. But there’s still something between them that they can’t fight.
I dislike second chance romance when one of the characters sleeps around a lot after the break up. And while Gus didn’t sleep around a LOT, he did have a regular hook up. I get that it was 20 years, but then he goes and says Chloe is the love of his life. If she was, then why didn’t he try harder to find her after their divorce?
He was sweet though, and he was very determined to get Chloe back once she was in his life again. And the way he was when he found out about the baby was cute.
We finally have the second book after Caught in the Axe left us hanging on Gus's ex wife (Chloe) buys his family's company and is now his boss. Chloe is snarky, sassy and matches Gus's grumpy exterior perfectly. She is on a mission of revenge as the hurt of their divorce still stings after 20 years. Gus is stuck for at least a year working for her and contrary to what Chloe thought he would do, Gus is leaning into his new role, being as helpful as he can be - which annoys Chloe greatly.
This set up builds such great tension. Gus & Chloe being scorned divorce exes creates such an entertaining dynamic. Between their banter, their hate sex, and of course their love for one another. Every moment between them is filled with emotions - it's just SO GOOD (and SPICY!).
I really loved both Gus and Chloe's personal journey, recognizing their feelings for one another and figuring out how to move forward. Gus is very honest, while Chloe holds her cards more to her vest. The surprise pregnancy forces Chloe's hand a bit and I just really loved seeing her go after what she wants even if that leaves her vulnerable.
The surprise truth to their divorce is something to be expected with this series - what you think you know, isn't always what it seems. But there are some unresolved mysteries that I hope we get to see play out in the next book. Just like with Caught in the Axe, this one leaves us on a cliffhanger with Gus's brother Cole and Willa's surprise marriage in Vegas.
Pain in the Axe can be read as a standalone but I definitely recommend reading Caught in the Axe to get some of the background. If you want even more insight into the Lovewell Maine timber industry, start with the Lovewell Lumberjack series - it's one of my favorite series and you won't be disappointed.
Tropes & Elements:
This set up builds such great tension. Gus & Chloe being scorned divorce exes creates such an entertaining dynamic. Between their banter, their hate sex, and of course their love for one another. Every moment between them is filled with emotions - it's just SO GOOD (and SPICY!).
I really loved both Gus and Chloe's personal journey, recognizing their feelings for one another and figuring out how to move forward. Gus is very honest, while Chloe holds her cards more to her vest. The surprise pregnancy forces Chloe's hand a bit and I just really loved seeing her go after what she wants even if that leaves her vulnerable.
The surprise truth to their divorce is something to be expected with this series - what you think you know, isn't always what it seems. But there are some unresolved mysteries that I hope we get to see play out in the next book. Just like with Caught in the Axe, this one leaves us on a cliffhanger with Gus's brother Cole and Willa's surprise marriage in Vegas.
Pain in the Axe can be read as a standalone but I definitely recommend reading Caught in the Axe to get some of the background. If you want even more insight into the Lovewell Maine timber industry, start with the Lovewell Lumberjack series - it's one of my favorite series and you won't be disappointed.
Tropes & Elements:
Man how many times were we going to learn the characters are 40 years old and they divorced 20 years ago! This was way too repetitive. The story felt jumbled as well. I had different expectations for this one sadly.
I loved this story! I enjoyed seeing him work on himself and do anything he could to show her he had grown. Her character was so relatable and I loved seeing her work to be more open.
Great read.
This was such a heart-warming story, the ultimate in second chance romances. I loved Gus so much, he was the most cinnamon rolly guy ever, and so in love with his ex-wife!
This was such a heart-warming story, the ultimate in second chance romances. I loved Gus so much, he was the most cinnamon rolly guy ever, and so in love with his ex-wife!
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you get when your ex-wife is back in town and it is set on making your life hell after 20 years? You get a fiery and angry one-night stand that leaves Chloe and Gus shocked. If that fiery night hadn’t resulted in a baby.! Chloe and Gus got married at a young age, and things fell apart shortly after leaving a lot of miscommunication between the two. While I am not usually a fan of second chance or accidental pregnancy, this was written so well that I was able to finish it within two days!
I was waiting for this story after Caught in the Axe, and it did not disappoint! After being divorced for nearly 2 decades, Chloe plans a new investment opportunity with her own personal revenge against Gus. The tension between these two was perfect, and the banter was exactly what I suspected from a Grumpy x Grumpy story. I loved reading Chloe and GUs falling in love all over again. Both characters grew to start holding each other accountable and calling each other out for their behavior. Chloe needed to learn to ask for help and be vulnerable, and Gus needed to start putting himself first and doing what makes him happy.
This story left a lot of unanswered questions that had me hollering to figure out who is behind all the property damage and why! The FBI needs to start doing their job! I can not wait for Cole and Willa's story, and I am here for his redemption!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you get when your ex-wife is back in town and it is set on making your life hell after 20 years? You get a fiery and angry one-night stand that leaves Chloe and Gus shocked. If that fiery night hadn’t resulted in a baby.! Chloe and Gus got married at a young age, and things fell apart shortly after leaving a lot of miscommunication between the two. While I am not usually a fan of second chance or accidental pregnancy, this was written so well that I was able to finish it within two days!
I was waiting for this story after Caught in the Axe, and it did not disappoint! After being divorced for nearly 2 decades, Chloe plans a new investment opportunity with her own personal revenge against Gus. The tension between these two was perfect, and the banter was exactly what I suspected from a Grumpy x Grumpy story. I loved reading Chloe and GUs falling in love all over again. Both characters grew to start holding each other accountable and calling each other out for their behavior. Chloe needed to learn to ask for help and be vulnerable, and Gus needed to start putting himself first and doing what makes him happy.
This story left a lot of unanswered questions that had me hollering to figure out who is behind all the property damage and why! The FBI needs to start doing their job! I can not wait for Cole and Willa's story, and I am here for his redemption!
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
