Axe Backwards

A Single Dad Lumberjack Romance (Maine Lumberjacks, Book 4)

De: Daphne Elliot

Narrado por: Gabriel Spires, Samantha Cook

Once in a while, after life gets you down, the universe throws you a bone. And if you’re really lucky, it comes in the form of a tattooed baby-wearing firefighter with piercing blue eyes and a heart of gold.

When Noah Hebert swung his axe and rescued me from a coffee shop bathroom, I had only a vague sense of who the tattooed lumberjack was. Turns out he’s more than broad shoulders and a thick beard. He’s a devoted single dad and my new neighbor.

Soon after, we find ourselves falling into an easy friendship. I help him with his fussy baby, and he helps me survive my ex-husband and little sister’s wedding. Despite my vow never to risk my heart again, my defenses quickly crumble. The sight of him rocking his sweet baby in those muscular, inked arms only makes matters worse. And when he defends me to my toxic family, the sparks of attraction between us catch fire.

I moved back here with a mission. Grow the food pantry and make our little town a better place. I can’t get mixed up with the grieving single dad, even if he likes to braid my hair and slow dance in the kitchen.

He moved across the country to escape the flames of his past and protect the little girl he now calls his own. But our town is sitting on a bed of secrets ready to ignite.

And when the heat causes my world to go up in smoke, I’m not sure it’s possible to sift through the rubble and find our happily ever after.

Author’s Note: Axe Backwards is a standalone small-town romance featuring a bleeding-heart heroine, a lumberjack firefighter, and a cute baby. If you enjoy single dads, fake dating, small-town shenanigans, lumberjack competitions, and baby sign language, you will not be disappointed. Come for the wood chopping, stay for the moose!

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

Loved the characters and their journey narration

Axe Backwards is book 4 in the Maine Lumberjacks Series but I’m prove single dad and firefighter Noah Hebert and Victoria Randolph’s story can be read and enjoyed as a standalone as this was the first book I picked up in this series.
Noah is doing his best to look after 10 month old baby Tess but this little girl will only sleep when she is being walked around and on one of his night walks he disturbs his neighbour Victoria and that’s when things get real interesting.
Gabriel Spires and Samantha Cook did a great job bringing the characters and their story to life. They were spot on with the banter and small town life plus they were very easy to listen to.
I loved everything about this book from the characters, to the story and even the name of the town this book is set in. I’m excited to play catch up with this series and I’m excited for my next visit to Lovewell, Maine.

How do these lumberjacks keep getting better?

Just when I think I meet my favorite Hebert brother, Daphne says, ‘hold my drink’ and brings us another. This time it’s Noah Hebert. He’s the forest firefighter that’s been on the opposite coast for years. He’s back now as the new guardian for 10-month-old Tess. A tattooed, firefighter, backwards cap wearing, single dad. Need more?

Noah does everything, including moving across country back home, to put his daughter’s best interest first. His devotion will melt you from the multiple slings he keeps handy so he can keep her close to the internet hair braiding tutorials. Because he’s a girl dad and needs to be prepared. Sigh….
Victoria left her corporate job after her divorce was final to help her aunt with the town’s food pantry. When she’s not dealing with her toxic parents and sisters, she’s flourishing as she creates ways to grow the food pantry. She’s passionate about her town and helping others. She’s also left a bit broken after her marriage. She’s forced to see him since he is now marrying her sister (oh and they’re pregnant).
Vic is tired of being disturbed by her upstairs neighbor and when she finally confronts him, she’s shocked to find Noah pacing the floor trying to calm Tess and get her to sleep. She immediately steps in to help. From there, these two find a fast friendship and eventually end up in a fake dating situation.
These two were delightful together. They both had baggage and history they were dealing with but just seemed to get what the other needed to help heal. They really were champions for each other, and I thought they helped each other grow stronger and were the comfort they needed when things felt too tough to handle.

Duet narration by Gabriel Spires and Samantha Cook and they nailed it! Both narrators are newer to me and I’m going to look for more from them based on this audio. Gabriel had a smooth, easy-going tone to him. However, he gave us pure, raw, emotion when Noah faces his past. Not to mention, he has a brilliant Olaf voice. Ha! Samantha portrayed all things Vic – from her vulnerability dealing with her family and ex, her determination and grit while fighting for her town and the moments with Tess will melt your heart.

The suspense continues throughout this book. While some things are answered, we are left with a big clue about what’s coming in the next book, and I can’t wait!!

The female narrator was odd…

So the female narrator sounded like she either had a bad mic or she was constantly playing with her vocal cords (covering her finger up and down in her throat) while she was speaking and I hated it. I couldn’t focus on anything BUT this.

Friends to More

Absolutely love this audiobook. Samantha Cook and Gabriel Spires' performance is perfection. All the emotion they put into Noah and Vic could be felt. Noah and Vic are two beaten down and broken souls who lean on each other in a time of need. I love their journey from friends to lovers to so much more. The growth of these two on their own and together is inspiring. They really are each other's rock in everything. This book has lots of angst, heat, and the perfect amount danger and suspense. This town and all the people in it show what community support can really accomplish. Also, we finally get more clarity on all the town turmoil surrounding the Herbert family. Definitely a 4.5 star must listen.

I was sent an advanced copy audiobook from HCB and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

4.5 stars!

Loved this audiobook and devoured it! Narrated in duet by Gabriel Spires and Samantha Cook and they both did a lovely job! Noah & Vic's friendship is literally goals and I love how she doesn't hesitate to jump in and help with Tess. And I mean, who wouldn't want to love up on a little cutie like her! It's a slow burn, but so worth it when they give in to their feelings! The plot following this series also has me hooked and with the ending of this book, I can't wait to jump into the next one!

What to expect:
-Single dad
-Neighbors
-Fake dating
-Small town
-Friends to lovers
-Slow burn