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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
Once again just upset at the immaturity of the MFC. She wanted to be a mature person, but then kept acting like an idiot and only thinking about herself and nobody else. I thought I was going to like her until about 1/3 of the way in. Unfortunate too since this could’ve been a super cute book.
Owen and Lila meet for the first time (at least that is what Owen believes) when he has to come back home to deal with the financial state his dad left their company in. However, Lila was in a relationship with his younger brother for years; Owen has hardly looked back after moving away, and he is not close with his brother. The two have to work together to untangle the mess that was left for them, especially with the sell of the company quickly approaching. Owen gave her her time to shine when it came to their meetings, and it was nice to see how smart she was. Owen is definitely a man who falls first, and I love that he wanted to learn how to make pizza for her and got so many options for it (and that Lila knew how important it was for him to spend time with his brothers). Gus and Chloe’s story is next, and it has already gotten off to an interesting start.
I wanted to like this so much more. But 500+ pages of basically nothing?! I don't normally make myself finish books anymore, but I did with this one. Still don't know why.
It was just mid and far, far too long.
It was just mid and far, far too long.
Although I have read Daphne before, I have yet to read her lumber jack books... I know I've been missing out! When I saw she was starting a spin off series and the first book is Brothers ex, i knew i needed that in my life... and I'm glad I took a shot on Owen and Lila!
These two put a smile on my face whenever together, Lilas sunshine and bubbly personality made me love her instantly, mix in her caring personality and sassiness and she as the makings of a favorite FMC. Her natural bubbly personality instantly attracts Owen and seeing how they both care so much about those in their life, brought these two together. This is a workplace romance, with some close proximity trope vibes... but you could tell from their first meeting they were it for each other.
Their instant attraction is instantaneous, but their emotional connection is just as strong, Owen instantly becomes protective of Lila and has this need to care for her, which I found totally swoony. But although he feels that need, Daphne doesn't write door mat heroines, who need a man... she writes strong unique FMC's that the relationship is needed because it adds value to the characters life in some way. Owen adds that for Lila as does Lila for him, they are equals.
Overall, this was an enjoyable small-town romance, with found family vibes, and suspense... you will find yourself turning the pages to see what's happening next, but also swooning at the same time.
These two put a smile on my face whenever together, Lilas sunshine and bubbly personality made me love her instantly, mix in her caring personality and sassiness and she as the makings of a favorite FMC. Her natural bubbly personality instantly attracts Owen and seeing how they both care so much about those in their life, brought these two together. This is a workplace romance, with some close proximity trope vibes... but you could tell from their first meeting they were it for each other.
Their instant attraction is instantaneous, but their emotional connection is just as strong, Owen instantly becomes protective of Lila and has this need to care for her, which I found totally swoony. But although he feels that need, Daphne doesn't write door mat heroines, who need a man... she writes strong unique FMC's that the relationship is needed because it adds value to the characters life in some way. Owen adds that for Lila as does Lila for him, they are equals.
Overall, this was an enjoyable small-town romance, with found family vibes, and suspense... you will find yourself turning the pages to see what's happening next, but also swooning at the same time.
I am fully in my Lumberjack Era. Unashamed and proud of it. But who wouldn’t be with Daphne Elliot’s swoony characters, amazing banter, and themes that hit you right in the gut. Caught in the Axe is dedicated “To all the recovering people pleasers.” and my heart immediately soared. All through Daphne’s series about the Gagnon family I felt seen and connected with all her characters and the town of Lovewell, Maine. And I am thrilled to be back, this time with the Hebert brothers!
Here’s the thing: I would read Daphne Elliot’s list of chores if she published it. Her character descriptions are better than an Oat Milk Honey Latte.
“In my mind, he was a cruel, money-grubbing city guy. Like Patrick Bateman without the murder, or a younger, hotter, Ebenezer Scrooge.”
Lila’s description of Owen made me giggle maniacally and also? Give me a younger, hotter, Ebenezer Scrooge all day long. Especially when he is Owen Hebert. Grumpy, strong, AND a math nerd? I swooned along with Lila as Owen discussed the best way to itemize receipts, records retention, and fiscal responsibility. As a spreadsheet fan, he had me at GAAP.
Is there plenty of forbidden attraction spice? Lahd, yes.
Are there pages of face-fanning, panty-melting moments? You betcha.
And do you get insightful, gut-wrenching statements like this: “Personal growth in a small town is impossible. A person’s childhood indescretions will haunt them forever, and people make judgements based on the actions of past generations. In this town, I was Mitch Hebert’s second son. That was it.” (Owen)
Yes.
This novel brings romance and starts a new Lovewell mystery (oh I am so here for it) and also such prescient commentary on society’s views on women and people pleasing and the sins of the father. (In Owen’s case, literally. His father is an incarcerated monster.) Like Lila, my “…instinct to please runs deep and wide.” and I have been working so hard on this. So Lila’s personal journey hits so close to home, as I’m sure it does for so many readers. And to read a book about a character that touches me at my core being adored and cherished and celebrated by a smart, protective, supportive, hunk like Owen Hebert was everything.
My goodness, read this book. I adore Lovewell, Maine. I adore the characters, both main and additional, in all their complex and flawed glory. This book got me hot and bothered, and squishy and weepy, and fist-pumping and fired up. I cannot wait for the next installment of the Hebert series.
And definitely go visit the Desert of Maine.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
emotional
lighthearted
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol
3.5 ⭐️
I liked this, it’s a good start to the series, but felt it was a bit long and parts dragged for me. I found myself skimming more and more as I went on as I just wanted it to get to the point. Owen was so cute, instantly being smitten by Lila and finding her gluten free snacks of all the things she said she missed. I also really liked Lila.
I liked this, it’s a good start to the series, but felt it was a bit long and parts dragged for me. I found myself skimming more and more as I went on as I just wanted it to get to the point. Owen was so cute, instantly being smitten by Lila and finding her gluten free snacks of all the things she said she missed. I also really liked Lila.
I loved this story! Owen was the swoony book boyfriend we all wanted. He reminded me a lot of my husband, who is 9 years older than me. Lila's character was lovable and relatable. And their tension was on point! I felt like the pacing was slow to start. I did read Wood You Be Mine, but I have yet to finish the rest of that series, and I feel like the book had alllllllll the spoilers for the rest of that series. So I would recommend that if you plan on reading that series, start there first. Then come back here!! Daphne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!