Caught in the Axe

Maine Lumberjacks, Book 1

De: Daphne Elliot

Narrado por: Aiden Snow, Mollie Stark

My ex’s brother is officially off-limits. Right? He’s ten years older. He’s only in town for a few weeks. And did I mention he’s my ex-boyfriend’s brother? But when I agree to be the grumpy lumberjack’s temporary assistant, it gets harder and harder to resist him. He’s all beard, broad shoulders, and growls, but I savor every one of his rare smiles.

I’m so close to the fresh start I’ve been working toward for so long, but while I’m ready to leave behind the moose, the lumberjacks, and the crazy small-town gossip, I can’t stay away from Owen. We’re tasked with cleaning up a disaster in order for his family to move on from their painful past, and we can only succeed if we trust one another. Our late nights, road trips, and inside jokes bring us too close and make it difficult to stay away. And while on a business trip, we don’t just cross the line, we demolish it. We’ve both been burned by the small-town rumor mill, so we agree to keep things quiet. But secrets don’t keep in Lovewell for long, and it’s only a matter of time before we get caught in the act. We’re headed in different directions and living different lives. And no matter how badly I want him, he can never truly be mine.

Author’s Note: Caught in the Axe is a standalone small-town romance featuring a nerdy, grumpy lumberjack with a heart of gold hidden under his flannel shirt and a sunshine ex-beauty queen who loves to challenge him. If you enjoy flirty banter, wood chopping, moose shenanigans, and possessive mountain men, then take a trip to Lovewell and meet the Maine Lumberjacks.

Series Blurb: Welcome to Lovewell, Maine, where the moose outnumber the people and you can’t swing an axe without hitting a hot, grumpy lumberjack. The Maine Lumberjacks Series are ALL standalones but are most fun when read in order!

©2024 Melody Publishing, LLC (P)2025 Melody Publishing, LLC

Lumberjack perfection! Absolutely loved!

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 Lilah. 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.

Owen and Lila are everything!

I just finished my audio reread 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!

Original Book 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!

worth the credit

I read this book when it came out and I loved it listening to it hit different definitely recommend narrators are amazing

Excellent Narration Realistic Hero

Loved this one!! Mollie Stark and Aiden Snow are fantastic in this one. Love the celiac rep as well. A story for everyone. Great spot to jump in this series and it’s a spin off from Mother Hater (Mom Com series). Worth it!

This was so perfect

Ohhhh so happy to be back to Lovewell and Clive, IYKYK. This is the first book for the Lumberjack Maine Series and let me tell you, this series is going to be amazing. These Heberts brothers are so perfect. This time is Owen and Lila’s turn. I fall in love with them since the first time they met. They are just perfect. The perfect grumpy/sunshine, age gap, small town romance. Everything you’ll need to fall in love and be obsessed with lumberjacks. I love Owen so much, specially here “You can have whatever you want Lila. I’m all yours. For tonight, this year, or forever. I’m here if you want me.” You are definitely going to swoon with this Geeky Lumberjack. He and Lila are the most adorable couple. And I love all the Gagnons and Hebert in this story. Specially Finn, Adele and Henri. Cannot wait for all the Heberts specially Gus (already obsessed with him). The narrator’s performance took the story to another level, it was amazing listening to this story! Excellent