rahanahava 's review for:

Caught in the Axe by Daphne Elliot
4.0
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4 stars

This is a wonderful opening for the Maine Lumberjacks series. This is a spinoff of the Lovewell Lumberjack series and also has a call back to Mother Hater (Mom-Coms #4). So, You don't have to read the Lovewell series (I haven't) or Mother Hater (I did) to enjoy this book, but it's fun to have met Owen previously.  I can't wait to go back and read the Lovewell Lumberjacks to get more on the Gagnon's because they're also in this series and they seem like an amazing group of men.

On to Owen and Lila. Here's what to expect with them and their story:
🪓 Age Gap (28 and 38)
🌲 Boss/Employee
🪓 Forbidden Romance
🌲 Ex-Boyfriend’s Older Brother
🪓 Geeky Lumberjack
🌲 Slow Burn
🪓 Small Town Romance
🌲 Spicy 🌶️
🪓 Grumpy/Sunshine

The organic way that Owen and Lila got to know each other and became closer and helped each other heal/move on from their past traumas gave me all the feels. I loved how she already knew a little bit about him and he had to learn about her. The way he supported her and built her up and appreciated her and encouraged her was *chefs kiss* 

I can't wait for book 2! Thank you, Daphne and The Author Agency for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.