Caught in the Axe (Maine Lumberjacks Book 1)

Caught In The AxeBy Daphne ElliotRating: ★★★★★ (5/5)Going in to Caught In the Axe, I was really excited because Mother Hater from the mom coms series was one of my favorite reads lately – also written by Daphne! I’m a sucker for a good series with amazing characters and cross overs. This book did NOT disappoint!Caught In The Axe takes us through the age-gap story of Owen and Lila, both from a small town in Maine where Lila previously dated Owen’s younger brother long term. Naturally, when they both end up in town at the same time as adults, Owen there to help with the family business in crisis and Lila to try to figure out what she wants to do with her career/life, sparks fly almost immediately. The drawback? Owen knows Lila should be off limits to him since she dated his brother, but he can’t help his attraction.My favorite part of the book was that Lila seemed to be a long lost friend or sister I didn’t know I had. I found myself texting my sister multiple times with references from the book that totally overlapped with our lives/childhoods. I loved Lila’s character! To name a few of these references:- the Chrysler van Lila drives, our mom drove us around in the same dang van! Lol- Captains seats in said Chrysler van, rofl enough said!- Mentions of Lisa Frank notebooks and doodling- Ordering from Thrive market; my sister and I are not Celiac like Lila but we appreciate good snacks that aren’t filled with junk!- Her friends teasing her about Excel pivot tables; guilty, I am an Excel geek & appreciate a good pivot table!- She listens to the podcast Crime Junkie – be weird, be rude, & stay alive, people!The path to happy ever after for Owen and Lila was a bumpy road, for sure. Between denying their feelings for each other in the beginning, or simply trying to hide them, and then attempting to manage the perception of friends and family for fear of backlash from everyone because of Lila’s past relationship with Cole, these two stumbled all around their heated attraction, working together, and navigating their feelings. Owen has such a sense of duty to his family, he is often conflicted about showing his feelings but internally, he doesn’t doubt how Lila makes him feel. Lila becomes much more confident in her decisions the longer she is around Owen and I loved that he brought this person out in her. She was struggling at the beginning of the book and deserved to feel confident and proud of herself!The defining moment for Owen & Lila to go public with their relationship comes on the heels of a major accident which conjures up lots of emotions within all the characters. This pivotal scene was so endearing and emotionally charged, I loved Daphne’s writing ability to make me feel like I was there with the family as it all happened!Readers who enjoy romance as a genre with added humor and steamy scenes will love this book!Quotes:“This baby is a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country. Don’t be intimidated by her grandeur. Pricilla’s just a car.”“ ‘Don’t say a word.’ She laughed. ‘I’m just here for the show.’ […] ‘Daaayuuum,’ Mom hissed under her breath. ‘Is this actually happening?’ I asked, my heart pounding in my ears. Because I thought maybe I’d died in my sleep and now resided in lumberjack heaven. ‘Does it matter?’ She elbeowed me. ‘Shut up and enjoy it.’” (mother and daughter enjoying Owen chopping firewood.)“’I’m Owen’s Lila,’ I said, trying to sound authoritative. ‘I’m his. And he’s mine. And I don’t care what the hospital policy is. I’m not leaving until I see him.’”BookIG: @tequilamockingbirdladyGR profile: mvporter

I liked this book a lot. I love the town of Lovewell and was glad to go back. The characters are great and I enjoyed the storyline. Lila and Owen make a good couple. I can't wait for the next book. Overall this was a really good read.

I’m officially hooked on Lumberjack romance and have Daphne Elliot to thank for that. Caught in the Axe was so much fun. There was plenty of humor, angst and steamy tension to warm up anyone on a cold winters day. Owen and Lila’s story was sweet romantic and relatable. I think everyone has those moments where life takes you in directions you never anticipated or how you may discover priorities change as we ourselves grow and change. Both Owen and Lila had to learn not only more about who they were as individuals, but discover who they wanted to be and who they wanted in their lives.Owen is a successful CFO living in Boston never expecting to have to go back home to the small town he grew up in. His family owns the large lumber company many of the residents have depended on for work and most of his family still lives there. However, he finds himself called to return as the family business is in trouble and he needs to help sort out what he can. There he discovers that the assistant he’s been assigned is his estranged younger brothers ex-girlfriend, Lila. He’s not looking to get involved or attached, but their chemistry is undeniable.Lila is a great FMC ! She is strong, smart and driven. She’s made so many mistakes trying to please people and be everything everyone wants of her, but discovered that in doing so she kind of lost herself. She had put her own dreams aside and discovered she didn’t want to be the supporting character in someone else’s story, but the main on in hers. So she’s back home saving up for Grad School and not expecting to fall for Owen her ex’s older brother.Expect sparks, hot lumberjack men, possibly a new attraction to flannel, beards and axes with plenty of spice to keep you warm. You’ll also get an Age Gap, Grumpy/Sunshine, Ex’s Brother and did I mention Lumberjack?! Yeah this book delivers.It was great learning more about Owen as I’d first met him me via the Mom Com series (those are a must read so please check those out) and I love how these worlds interconnect.I am absolutely biting at the bit for book 2 and you will be as well once you read this one. I highly recommend!!

“You’re quite the surprise, Lila.”After building a new life is Boston, Owen is in the last place he wants to be, in the place where he grew up. After some major things are revealed about his father in the last series, Owen is coming home to help his brothers sell their business. His plan is to get out as quickly as possible but he couldn’t predict how he would feel when he saw Lila again.“And regardless of how painfully gorgeous you are, your mind, Lila, your mind is magnificent.”Lila is back in town, working all the jobs she can muster so she can save for her future. She has a plan.. get into grad school and move to New York with her best friends. An opportunity to work with Owen is something she can’t pass up especially since she needs the experience.“You, Owen Hebert, are one fine vintage piece.”These two were so sweet to watch together. Working together gives them the chance to get to know each other better while the chemistry between them sizzles in the background. I was not expecting such a simp for his girl, but such an alpha in the bedroom.“You’re going to be a good girl and let me play.”I love how Owen encourages her to use her voice in the workplace and how intrigue he is with her mind.I was excited to see glimpses of Owen’s brother and getting to know more of their history. Lila and her girl gang were so funny and I love how they are so supportive of each other and their dreams.“Only the best for my Maple Sugar Queen.”Is it even a lumberjack book written by Daphne if we don’t get glimpses of our favourite Moose who is up to no good. Clive I’ve missed you. Also the bomb that was dropped at the end had me literally screaming and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

This was cute!! Just what I needed! There was heavy parts too and they fit and blended in to the story line amazingly! I can’t wait for the next one after that cliff hanger!

Ex’s sibling, always get me going. Everyone knows this at this point of time and god this book was something else.Read this book if you like:✨Ex’s Brother✨Romantic-Suspense✨Small Town✨Age Gap✨Small Town Gossips & DramaOwen 🧎🏻‍♀️ran away from the town and everything it held, but since his family needs him he is back there to clear the mess his dad created and help in every way he can. What he doesn’t know that his brother has hired someone to help meLila 👑 she went through a lot because of the Herbert’s but she knows she has to take the job for her dream. What she doesn’t realise is his Ex’s half brother has aged like a fine wine which she should not drink.Okay the entire storyline was amazing, the way he was turned on with Lila dominating the conference room was a delight to read. I also liked how the family dynamic healed.Them 💕 I ENJOYED THE SPICE, THE FEELS & ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK.

Daphne Elliot’s books are easy to fall in love with. They have story arcs crossing over from other series’ and characters who have substance.

This was the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The connection between the main characters was easy to spot from the get go. I love the banter between Owen and his family, Lila and her besties and the pure bliss I fell under when Owen started letting Lila know how much he cared for her.The small town of Lovewell Maine has cemented a place in my heart and I look forward to heading back there soon to read about more of the Herbert brothers.