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A review by justbookedup
Pain in the Axe by Daphne Elliot
5.0
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: