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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Pretty run of the mill but I like a good lumberjack so I read it! Could have been 100 pages shorter and the story would not have changed. I liked the realistic communication between the main love interests but towards the end it felt like the entire story was dragging. FMC falls for her terrible ex’s big brother who’s a tough corporate guy from Boston and realizes she’s a smart and capable human through her relationship with the MMC.
Planned on reading the series until I saw there’s another book where the ex of the FMC in this book (who was HORRIBLE to her) marries said FMC’s best friend- no thanks!
Planned on reading the series until I saw there’s another book where the ex of the FMC in this book (who was HORRIBLE to her) marries said FMC’s best friend- no thanks!
Oh Owen…I adored his transformation from such a grumpy man not looking for love to one that would do anything for Lila. Having read the other books in this series first, it was such a treat to go back and listen to Owen’s story-he visits his small hometown to help sort out troubles of the family lumber business caused by his father, and receives help from Lila, his younger brother’s ex. The banter and filtrations between these two was top tier incredible and so humorous (I was laughing out loud many times). He made her feel seen and cherished, she made him look past the anger he held and their way to a HEA super sweet was all that is should be.
🎧 I was able to devour this book via audio, and wow—was the deep voice of Aiden Snow ever perfect for Owen! Mollie Stark’s sunshiny, happy voice was also perfect for Lila and together, their vibe was so good and enjoyable!
Thanks to HimeCooked Books for the audio copy to listen to
Thanks to HimeCooked Books for the audio copy to listen to
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
No
Story: 8/10
Spice: 3/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
Narration: 4/5, duet
ALC Review-Releases 4/14
Owen has to temporarily leave his fancy job in Boston to return to rural Maine to help his family with the sale of their lumber business. His brother at least planned ahead and hired an assistant…the gorgeous (and former girlfriend of his half-brother) Lila. Lila is out to make a better life for herself and leave her small town behind.
This was a fun way to start a series. I liked how Lila did not shy away from who she is. She did not let her attraction to Owen serve as a reason to change who she is. When Owen was with Lila, he let himself relax in a way he hadn’t before. The way he cheered her on and encouraged her was exactly what she needed. As the story ended I could begin to feel how different stories could play out for the rest of the series and sometimes I simply love that. Lately I have been on a Mollie Stark kick and she brings something fun to each character and makes them feel as if you are listening to a friend tell you about their day rather than reading an author’s words. Is there a more perfect man to bring a very savvy business professional-turned lumberjack than Aiden Snow? It was a beautiful blend of sophistication meets brute strength.
Let me just say that Owen was the perfect guy for Lila and he had me swooning so dang hard with how into Lila for her brain just as much as her beauty he was! I mean, who doesn't love a man who recognizes, appreciates, and falls for a woman for her smarts and Owen was that kind of guy. The fact that he set Lila up to be in situations that made her shine was just so dang good and I loved it so much for both of them. He's a thoughtful, caring guy and was just the perfect bit of sweet for Lila who definitely needed something good in her life and goodness, the way he's willing to change his life to make sure she reaches her goal. He was simply the best!
Can we also swoon for her mom because their relationship was so wonderful and I just couldn't get over how much they genuinely liked being together and how supportive she was.
I really enjoyed how mature Owen was and how he and Lila's relationship build despite the forbidden aspect. This was such a great start to this series!
TROPES:
🖤Small Town Lumberjack
🖤Romantic Suspense
🖤Age Gap
🖤Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
🖤Grumpy x Sunshine
The audiobook was narrator by Mollie Stark and Aiden Snow and they both did an incredible job bringing out realistic emotions in this story. From the sweet moments to the suspense and trying too figure out what was happening, both performances were excellent.
Can we also swoon for her mom because their relationship was so wonderful and I just couldn't get over how much they genuinely liked being together and how supportive she was.
I really enjoyed how mature Owen was and how he and Lila's relationship build despite the forbidden aspect. This was such a great start to this series!
TROPES:
🖤Small Town Lumberjack
🖤Romantic Suspense
🖤Age Gap
🖤Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
🖤Grumpy x Sunshine
The audiobook was narrator by Mollie Stark and Aiden Snow and they both did an incredible job bringing out realistic emotions in this story. From the sweet moments to the suspense and trying too figure out what was happening, both performances were excellent.
Aiden Snow and Millie Stark were fantastic as Owen & Lila. I loved getting to experience my first lumberjack romance all over again. Aiden Snow had the absolute perfect (what I imagine it to be) lumberjack voice, and Mollie Stark nailed sweet Lila. I couldn't imagine a better duo to narrate Owen & Lila's story. Simply perfect from beginning to end.
Daphne Elliot is a lumberjack loving, brilliant writer and she has made me fall in love with lumberjacks too! I will forever be in my lumberjack era.
Caught in the Axe is book 1 in the Maine Lumberjacks series and Lila and Own kicked off this series spectacularly.
Owen is a man in love, love and is willing to do anything for Lila. He fell first, fast, and HARD! The way he supports her dreams and always wants the best for her made my heart pitter patter throughout the book. He catered to her celiac disease, and always made sure she had snacks and food that wouldn't make her sick *swoon* like it was his life long mission to care for her. Lila was a determined woman, had a plan, and wasn't going to let anyone or anything stand in her way. That is until Owen came back to Lovewell to sell the family business.
These two had instant chemistry. Their banter was A+ and the sparks were flying! The forbidden, brothers ex aspect just made their relationship all the more enticing for me. There is no man that would ever love and cherish Lila more than Owen. Owen has raised the bar for book boyfriend expectations and anyone else will have a hard time comparing.
When Lila seduced Owen, whooo weeee!!! Hot! Hot! Hot! That man was ruined. He thought he was coming back to Lovewell to sell the business and would quickly resume life back in Boston as he knew it. He didn't stand a chance of life ever being the same after meeting Lila.
This story was so well developed and the family and friends added more dimension to an already brilliant story. I can't wait for more!
We cannot forget about our boy, Clive the moose. *hehehe* Not only did he get Owen before he even made it into town, he had Lila running for dear life as well. He sure is an A-hole but we love that moose like no other.
Daphne Elliot is a lumberjack loving, brilliant writer and she has made me fall in love with lumberjacks too! I will forever be in my lumberjack era.
Caught in the Axe is book 1 in the Maine Lumberjacks series and Lila and Own kicked off this series spectacularly.
Owen is a man in love, love and is willing to do anything for Lila. He fell first, fast, and HARD! The way he supports her dreams and always wants the best for her made my heart pitter patter throughout the book. He catered to her celiac disease, and always made sure she had snacks and food that wouldn't make her sick *swoon* like it was his life long mission to care for her. Lila was a determined woman, had a plan, and wasn't going to let anyone or anything stand in her way. That is until Owen came back to Lovewell to sell the family business.
These two had instant chemistry. Their banter was A+ and the sparks were flying! The forbidden, brothers ex aspect just made their relationship all the more enticing for me. There is no man that would ever love and cherish Lila more than Owen. Owen has raised the bar for book boyfriend expectations and anyone else will have a hard time comparing.
When Lila seduced Owen, whooo weeee!!! Hot! Hot! Hot! That man was ruined. He thought he was coming back to Lovewell to sell the business and would quickly resume life back in Boston as he knew it. He didn't stand a chance of life ever being the same after meeting Lila.
This story was so well developed and the family and friends added more dimension to an already brilliant story. I can't wait for more!
We cannot forget about our boy, Clive the moose. *hehehe* Not only did he get Owen before he even made it into town, he had Lila running for dear life as well. He sure is an A-hole but we love that moose like no other.
Update: I just finished the ALC for this one and it just reminded me how much I loved this book. Aiden Snow was the perfect Owen, just as I imagined our grumpy, serious Hebert brother would sound as he is trying to navigate helping his family through the business troubles, while also avoiding his growing feelings for his half-brother's ex-girlfriend. Mollie Stark nailed it narrating Lila and I loved how the banter played out even more on audio than I did the first time around. And the fact that it was in duet really made for a fun listen!
Thanks to Daphne and her team for the ALC!
Original review:
Forever in my Lumbersnack era thanks to Daphne's books and Owen Hebert is no exception! This man left Lovewell as soon as he could straight out of high school, doesn't act or look like your typical Lumberjack, but you can take the man out of Maine, but you can't take Maine out of the man!
I was so excited for the Heberts after the last series and this book did not disappoint. It has all the intrigue and suspense I've come to expect from a Daphne Elliot book, along with banter, a swoony MMC, whip-smart FMC, and the oh-so-steamy moments!!
Owen comes back to help his brothers with the family business after their father leaves it in shambles with his criminal activity. Owen wants to sell it off and he needs help getting everything in order. Enter Lila Webster, his younger half-brother's ex-girlfriend. Lila is brilliant and beautiful and before he recognized who she even was, he was a goner. But once he realizes he shouldn't want her and can't have her, that's when the real trouble starts.
These two were amazing together. Owen and Lila really bring out the best in each other and there was no way they were going to be able to resist the temptation.
I'm so excited for the rest of this series, especially Gus' book after that little teaser about what's to come. I look forward to more suspense and cameos from some of our favorite Lovewell residents, including that chaotic moose! Thank you to Daphne and team for the arc!
Thanks to Daphne and her team for the ALC!
Original review:
Forever in my Lumbersnack era thanks to Daphne's books and Owen Hebert is no exception! This man left Lovewell as soon as he could straight out of high school, doesn't act or look like your typical Lumberjack, but you can take the man out of Maine, but you can't take Maine out of the man!
I was so excited for the Heberts after the last series and this book did not disappoint. It has all the intrigue and suspense I've come to expect from a Daphne Elliot book, along with banter, a swoony MMC, whip-smart FMC, and the oh-so-steamy moments!!
Owen comes back to help his brothers with the family business after their father leaves it in shambles with his criminal activity. Owen wants to sell it off and he needs help getting everything in order. Enter Lila Webster, his younger half-brother's ex-girlfriend. Lila is brilliant and beautiful and before he recognized who she even was, he was a goner. But once he realizes he shouldn't want her and can't have her, that's when the real trouble starts.
These two were amazing together. Owen and Lila really bring out the best in each other and there was no way they were going to be able to resist the temptation.
I'm so excited for the rest of this series, especially Gus' book after that little teaser about what's to come. I look forward to more suspense and cameos from some of our favorite Lovewell residents, including that chaotic moose! Thank you to Daphne and team for the arc!
lighthearted
I loved this book. It has everything I look for in a small-town romance: a grumpy, emotionally guarded MMC, a sunshiney, determined FMC, forbidden tension, and just the right amount of spice and drama.
Owen is only back in Lovewell temporarily to help clean up the mess his criminal father left behind. Lila is just trying to save money before heading off to grad school. The plan is to keep things strictly professional… until they realize they’re not just fighting attraction—they’re fighting fate. Oh, and did I mention she’s his younger brother’s ex? Yeah. Cue the internal turmoil.
Owen is only back in Lovewell temporarily to help clean up the mess his criminal father left behind. Lila is just trying to save money before heading off to grad school. The plan is to keep things strictly professional… until they realize they’re not just fighting attraction—they’re fighting fate. Oh, and did I mention she’s his younger brother’s ex? Yeah. Cue the internal turmoil.
The age gap and “off-limits” dynamic is one of my favorite tropes, and Daphne Elliot does it so well here. The chemistry between Owen and Lila had me hooked from the start, and I devoured this book in a single day. The family dynamics, the town gossip, the unresolved pasts—it all blended into a story that felt layered, fun, and emotional.
Narration was spot-on. Aiden Snow brings that perfect deep, rugged vibe to Owen’s character (he is a lumberjack, after all), and Mollie Stark was a great match for Lila—warm, expressive, and full of heart. I hadn’t heard her before, but I’ll definitely be looking for more.
I actually started this series out of order (book 3 first, oops), but now that I’m circling back to the beginning, I can totally see how reading them in order would add to the experience. That said, it does work perfectly as a standalone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Owen was swoon worthy!! I ate this up and I am a big fan of Lumberjacks now!
Owen returns home to help sort out the finances to his families business. His brothers suggest some help and hires Lila, who he doesn't realize is his half brothers ex girlfriend.
Lila was smart, determined and was so independent! I loved her! And Owen!! That man was amazing!! The things he did for Lila just made me swoon!! I mean he freaking imported flour to make gluten free pizza because she has celiac disease!! I loved how he let her shine and supported her. And then he had to go and chop wood and made him that much hotter!! The development of their relationship was so sweet! What a great start to this series!
AUDIO: This was narrated in duet by Aiden Snow and Mollie Stark. I love Aiden's voice and he has the perfect voice for a deep and rough lumber jack! Mollie is new to me and I can't wait to listen to more from her! Her emotions was played out so well and she was perfect for Lila!
-Small Town
-Ex Boyfriends Brother
-Age Gap
-Workplace Romance
-Celiac Disease Rep
-He Falls First
Thank you Daphne and Homecooked Books for this ALC!
Owen returns home to help sort out the finances to his families business. His brothers suggest some help and hires Lila, who he doesn't realize is his half brothers ex girlfriend.
Lila was smart, determined and was so independent! I loved her! And Owen!! That man was amazing!! The things he did for Lila just made me swoon!! I mean he freaking imported flour to make gluten free pizza because she has celiac disease!! I loved how he let her shine and supported her. And then he had to go and chop wood and made him that much hotter!! The development of their relationship was so sweet! What a great start to this series!
AUDIO: This was narrated in duet by Aiden Snow and Mollie Stark. I love Aiden's voice and he has the perfect voice for a deep and rough lumber jack! Mollie is new to me and I can't wait to listen to more from her! Her emotions was played out so well and she was perfect for Lila!
-Small Town
-Ex Boyfriends Brother
-Age Gap
-Workplace Romance
-Celiac Disease Rep
-He Falls First
Thank you Daphne and Homecooked Books for this ALC!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a wonderful story.
I love the chemistry between Owen & Lila. They really bring out the best in each other, and are both wary of starting anything with each other. I love that they have so much fun together, but are also productive, Owen wants to let her star shine, not fun her brightness to fit into a box.
This was such an uplifting story, I love how unexpectedly and hard they both fell. I really enjoyed that Owen was able to mend some broken brotherly bonds, and his family really came together.
This was full of fun, flirting, banter, laughter, spice, & family.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I love the chemistry between Owen & Lila. They really bring out the best in each other, and are both wary of starting anything with each other. I love that they have so much fun together, but are also productive, Owen wants to let her star shine, not fun her brightness to fit into a box.
This was such an uplifting story, I love how unexpectedly and hard they both fell. I really enjoyed that Owen was able to mend some broken brotherly bonds, and his family really came together.
This was full of fun, flirting, banter, laughter, spice, & family.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This is book one in the Maine Lumberjacks series. It is first person dual POV.
Owen Hebert is returning to his small hometown of Lovewell, Maine, to help with his family's lumber business after a devastating act by their father. His brother hires Lila Webster to be his assistant, and Owen does not recognize her as his half-brother's ex-girlfriend. She is trying to make and save as much money as she can so she can attend graduate school at NYU.
Owen and Lila made such a great match. She was open and fun and brought out the not so grump side of Owen. She couldn't have gluten, and he was the best with getting her gluten free snacks and he purchased a pizza oven to try and perfect a gluten free pizza!
The audio is narrated in duet by Aiden Snow and Mollie Stark. I really liked her. She narrates the humor so well. And Aiden...well, his voice is just deep, growly yumminess. I could see him perfectly as the somewhat grumpy Owen.
Tropes:
Age gap (MMC 38/FMC 28)
Brother's ex-girlfriend
Small town
Boss/employee
I loved how the ending was just perfect for the buildup to the next book. It made me wish it was available now.
Thank you to the author for an advanced listener copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Owen Hebert is returning to his small hometown of Lovewell, Maine, to help with his family's lumber business after a devastating act by their father. His brother hires Lila Webster to be his assistant, and Owen does not recognize her as his half-brother's ex-girlfriend. She is trying to make and save as much money as she can so she can attend graduate school at NYU.
Owen and Lila made such a great match. She was open and fun and brought out the not so grump side of Owen. She couldn't have gluten, and he was the best with getting her gluten free snacks and he purchased a pizza oven to try and perfect a gluten free pizza!
The audio is narrated in duet by Aiden Snow and Mollie Stark. I really liked her. She narrates the humor so well. And Aiden...well, his voice is just deep, growly yumminess. I could see him perfectly as the somewhat grumpy Owen.
Tropes:
Age gap (MMC 38/FMC 28)
Brother's ex-girlfriend
Small town
Boss/employee
I loved how the ending was just perfect for the buildup to the next book. It made me wish it was available now.
Thank you to the author for an advanced listener copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.