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Maine Lumberjacks #5
Axe-ing for Trouble
On the run, injured, and out of options, I had no choice but to go back to him.
Back to the one place I swore I wouldn’t—because staying away was the only way to keep him safe.
Jude Hebert.
My one-night stand turned unexpected protector.
A rugged, guitar-playing lumberjack with broad shoulders and blue eyes that could light up the darkest Maine night.
And the man determined to keep me safe.
When we’re forced to hide out in his cozy cabin, we make the best of it by playing Scrabble and sharing stolen laughter, pretending the world outside isn’t closing in. He carries me like I weigh nothing, cleans my wounds with gentle hands, serenades me with his guitar and makes heat bloom beneath my skin with every stolen glance.
He insists I take the bed every night. Eventually, I ask him to stay.
The way Jude looks at me—like I’m worth protecting—breaks down my defenses. Soon, he’s my protector and confidant, and in these stolen moments, I begin to imagine a life I’d long ago given up on having.
But the danger I’m running from is catching up. Though the answers I’ve been chasing are within reach, so is the threat that could destroy us both.
In the depths of the Maine wilderness, love can be wild, unexpected, and terrifying.
And sometimes it takes a burly, stubborn lumberjack to help a woman find her way home.
Author’s Note: Axe-ing For Trouble is a standalone small-town romance featuring a protective lumberjack and a daredevil heroine fighting their attraction while seeking justice. If you enjoy swoony banter, found family, an awesome dog and forced proximity, you will not be disappointed. Don’t worry, Clive makes an appearance!
Back to the one place I swore I wouldn’t—because staying away was the only way to keep him safe.
Jude Hebert.
My one-night stand turned unexpected protector.
A rugged, guitar-playing lumberjack with broad shoulders and blue eyes that could light up the darkest Maine night.
And the man determined to keep me safe.
When we’re forced to hide out in his cozy cabin, we make the best of it by playing Scrabble and sharing stolen laughter, pretending the world outside isn’t closing in. He carries me like I weigh nothing, cleans my wounds with gentle hands, serenades me with his guitar and makes heat bloom beneath my skin with every stolen glance.
He insists I take the bed every night. Eventually, I ask him to stay.
The way Jude looks at me—like I’m worth protecting—breaks down my defenses. Soon, he’s my protector and confidant, and in these stolen moments, I begin to imagine a life I’d long ago given up on having.
But the danger I’m running from is catching up. Though the answers I’ve been chasing are within reach, so is the threat that could destroy us both.
In the depths of the Maine wilderness, love can be wild, unexpected, and terrifying.
And sometimes it takes a burly, stubborn lumberjack to help a woman find her way home.
Author’s Note: Axe-ing For Trouble is a standalone small-town romance featuring a protective lumberjack and a daredevil heroine fighting their attraction while seeking justice. If you enjoy swoony banter, found family, an awesome dog and forced proximity, you will not be disappointed. Don’t worry, Clive makes an appearance!
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2025
913 people are currently reading
2109 people want to read
About the author
Daphne Elliot
27 books1,199 followersIn High School, Daphne Elliot was voted “most likely to become a romance novelist.” After spending the last decade as a corporate lawyer, she has finally embraced her destiny. Her small town steamy novels are filled with flirty banter, sexy hijinks, and lots and lots of heart.
Daphne is a coffee-drinking, hot-sauce loving introvert who spends all her free time in her garden. She lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, two kids, two dogs, twelve backyard chickens and a hive of Italian honeybees.
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Daphne is a coffee-drinking, hot-sauce loving introvert who spends all her free time in her garden. She lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, two kids, two dogs, twelve backyard chickens and a hive of Italian honeybees.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE:
https://www.amazon.com/Daphne-Elliot/...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/daphneellio...
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/DaphneElliot...
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER:
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Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
September 9, 2025
I love the Fall vibes and found family comfort of this series.
Mila had me so curious after the dramatic ending to the last book. Like, what was her connection to Jude that had her trusting him when she ran from a dangerous situation? That's quite a risk for what is going on. But of course, she ends up in safe hands and after she gets doctored up and tucked into Jude's bed, we get the story of her undercover operation.
I loved how protective Jude was and his strong, silent, rocker vibes. He was a steady and true force the whole time. That deep and broody but always supportive type of guy. He also fed my competency kink to the fullest extent of the law. Haha!
Overall, this was sweet, sexy, suspenseful and engaging. I liked the characters and the anima guest stars as well. I need to go back and read this series from the beginning now.
It was done in Duet narration style by Gideon Frost & Victoria Connolly. They were excellent at bringing this series to life.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Home Cooked Books Promo and the author for an ALC of this title.*
Mila had me so curious after the dramatic ending to the last book. Like, what was her connection to Jude that had her trusting him when she ran from a dangerous situation? That's quite a risk for what is going on. But of course, she ends up in safe hands and after she gets doctored up and tucked into Jude's bed, we get the story of her undercover operation.
I loved how protective Jude was and his strong, silent, rocker vibes. He was a steady and true force the whole time. That deep and broody but always supportive type of guy. He also fed my competency kink to the fullest extent of the law. Haha!
Overall, this was sweet, sexy, suspenseful and engaging. I liked the characters and the anima guest stars as well. I need to go back and read this series from the beginning now.
It was done in Duet narration style by Gideon Frost & Victoria Connolly. They were excellent at bringing this series to life.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Home Cooked Books Promo and the author for an ALC of this title.*
October 15, 2025
5th & final book in the series! I am so excited about Jude’s story! One night stand turned end game. He falls first. Heavy plot with the secrets of the illegal dealings of the family. Spicy too! I think this one was my fav book in series!
May 20, 2025
4.65⭐️ | 3🌶
I absolutely loved this one. Might just be my favourite in the series. I was intrigued by Jude from the start and then in Book 3 where we get a glimpse of his fmc, I was so ready for their book. I loved how conclusive this was. The suspense that spanned the series was concluded in a way that satisfied the reader and left no questions. Jude and Mila's relationship with Ripley was so heartwarming. I'll miss Maine and Lovewell but cannot wait to see what's next for Daphne. Thank you to the author agency for this arc.
I absolutely loved this one. Might just be my favourite in the series. I was intrigued by Jude from the start and then in Book 3 where we get a glimpse of his fmc, I was so ready for their book. I loved how conclusive this was. The suspense that spanned the series was concluded in a way that satisfied the reader and left no questions. Jude and Mila's relationship with Ripley was so heartwarming. I'll miss Maine and Lovewell but cannot wait to see what's next for Daphne. Thank you to the author agency for this arc.
May 20, 2025
HEYYYY JUDE.
Thank you so much to The Author Agency and Daphne Elliot for the ARC. These are my honest thoughts!
THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD LAST INSTALLMENT OF THE MAINE LUMBERJACKS. I have been WAITING for quiet Jude's story, and this did NOT disappoint.
Jude and Mila, or Amy as he knew her at the time, had a one night stand a year ago, and she just showed up on his doorstep injured, dirty, and scared. When she tells him everything that's been happening, and all that she's been investigating and undercover for, his protective instincts kick in.
Mila trusts no one. But she's forced to trust Willa first, Jude's sister-in-law who is also a doctor, and then she has to trust Jude because he makes her stay at his house to recover. And then when their chemistry comes back to life, things get... rocky. Mila still doesn't really KNOW Jude, and she doesn't trust her feelings for him. What she does trust is her instincts and Ripley, Jude's dog, who helps her feel safe and comfortable.
The more time Jude and Mila spend together, the more their feelings catch fire until they just can't help themselves. Mila calls Jude a Lumbersnack, but also says he's a "danger bang" for her. On the flip side, Jude has real feelings for Mila, and knows she's skittish, but he wants a future with her so badly. He's sweeting and attentive and giving. He talks about the dates he wants to take her on and the ways he wants to make her feel special. He supports her, and instead of making her stop her reckless bravery, he joins her to keep her safe. And it's so dang sweet.
The suspenseful mystery that's woven throughout this series comes to a head in this book, and it's so fun to see all the dots connecting. Plus, Jude as the hero. Or is it Mila? You'll have to read and see!
Read if you love:
- Lumbersnacks
- Healthy food (and treats)
- Suspenseful adventure
- He takes care of her
- Hebert brother shenanigans
- A dog that will steal your heart
- Side plots about moose
- A guy who can play guitar
- Reckless bravery
- Forced proximity
- One night stand -> Danger Bangs -> More
- Love her and leave her wild
- Glasses-wearing-MMC
- Secret identity/heroine in hiding
Out May 19th and available in KU! 4.5 stars rounded up here!
Thank you so much to The Author Agency and Daphne Elliot for the ARC. These are my honest thoughts!
THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD LAST INSTALLMENT OF THE MAINE LUMBERJACKS. I have been WAITING for quiet Jude's story, and this did NOT disappoint.
Jude and Mila, or Amy as he knew her at the time, had a one night stand a year ago, and she just showed up on his doorstep injured, dirty, and scared. When she tells him everything that's been happening, and all that she's been investigating and undercover for, his protective instincts kick in.
Mila trusts no one. But she's forced to trust Willa first, Jude's sister-in-law who is also a doctor, and then she has to trust Jude because he makes her stay at his house to recover. And then when their chemistry comes back to life, things get... rocky. Mila still doesn't really KNOW Jude, and she doesn't trust her feelings for him. What she does trust is her instincts and Ripley, Jude's dog, who helps her feel safe and comfortable.
The more time Jude and Mila spend together, the more their feelings catch fire until they just can't help themselves. Mila calls Jude a Lumbersnack, but also says he's a "danger bang" for her. On the flip side, Jude has real feelings for Mila, and knows she's skittish, but he wants a future with her so badly. He's sweeting and attentive and giving. He talks about the dates he wants to take her on and the ways he wants to make her feel special. He supports her, and instead of making her stop her reckless bravery, he joins her to keep her safe. And it's so dang sweet.
The suspenseful mystery that's woven throughout this series comes to a head in this book, and it's so fun to see all the dots connecting. Plus, Jude as the hero. Or is it Mila? You'll have to read and see!
Read if you love:
- Lumbersnacks
- Healthy food (and treats)
- Suspenseful adventure
- He takes care of her
- Hebert brother shenanigans
- A dog that will steal your heart
- Side plots about moose
- A guy who can play guitar
- Reckless bravery
- Forced proximity
- One night stand -> Danger Bangs -> More
- Love her and leave her wild
- Glasses-wearing-MMC
- Secret identity/heroine in hiding
Out May 19th and available in KU! 4.5 stars rounded up here!
September 9, 2025
🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧🎧
Talk about ending with a bang! This story was action packed from beginning to end and I loved it! If you’ve been with the series from the beginning, you should already know this story is going to be action packed because of the ”father” arc plot element that the series has followed. If the series is coming to an end, then this too must be resolved or at least come full circle, and full circle it most definitely came! It was perfect! And the epilogue brought yet another perfect full circle(ish) moment that just made my heart explode!
I love Jude & Mila’s journey so much! Their romance journey was their own, but it was also an integral part of the above mentioned “story arc” that has followed and built with every book. One could not have happened without the other and it just made it kind of kismet in my mind. The #feels in the story matched the action packed suspense point for point it seemed, and it made the story truly captivating to the point that I listened waaaay longer than I should have had two evenings in a row! LOL But it was worth it. Jude & Mila were addicting to me, nit just because they truly were two puzzles pieces that fit perfectly together but I also needed to know the what’s what of the above mentioned story arc! I mean I was twichy for it! LOL
🎧DUET narration by 🎤Gideon Frost & Victoria Connolly🎤 was utter perfection! Every single aspect of this story was heightened by the way both Gideon & Victoria performed this story. I “knew” a lot of emotions were happening in the story but Gideon & Victoria made me “feel” them tenfold and put me in the middle of the chaos. It was brilliant I tell you! I could not stop listening!👏👏👏👏
I’m sad to see this series end but I’m also not because everyone found their ❤️sweet spot❤️ and the Heberts and Mila finally found the closure they needed as a family so they could be at peace in their future. So for me, it’s bittersweet I guess, but I sure am looking forward to all things Daphne Elliot that might be coming! :)
Talk about ending with a bang! This story was action packed from beginning to end and I loved it! If you’ve been with the series from the beginning, you should already know this story is going to be action packed because of the ”father” arc plot element that the series has followed. If the series is coming to an end, then this too must be resolved or at least come full circle, and full circle it most definitely came! It was perfect! And the epilogue brought yet another perfect full circle(ish) moment that just made my heart explode!
I love Jude & Mila’s journey so much! Their romance journey was their own, but it was also an integral part of the above mentioned “story arc” that has followed and built with every book. One could not have happened without the other and it just made it kind of kismet in my mind. The #feels in the story matched the action packed suspense point for point it seemed, and it made the story truly captivating to the point that I listened waaaay longer than I should have had two evenings in a row! LOL But it was worth it. Jude & Mila were addicting to me, nit just because they truly were two puzzles pieces that fit perfectly together but I also needed to know the what’s what of the above mentioned story arc! I mean I was twichy for it! LOL
🎧DUET narration by 🎤Gideon Frost & Victoria Connolly🎤 was utter perfection! Every single aspect of this story was heightened by the way both Gideon & Victoria performed this story. I “knew” a lot of emotions were happening in the story but Gideon & Victoria made me “feel” them tenfold and put me in the middle of the chaos. It was brilliant I tell you! I could not stop listening!👏👏👏👏
I’m sad to see this series end but I’m also not because everyone found their ❤️sweet spot❤️ and the Heberts and Mila finally found the closure they needed as a family so they could be at peace in their future. So for me, it’s bittersweet I guess, but I sure am looking forward to all things Daphne Elliot that might be coming! :)
July 6, 2025
Lovewell is finally safe
KU Read
352 Pages
ONS
Girl on the run
Protective MMC
He Falls First
Jude is the reclusive twin who lives in his cabin with his dog Riley in the Maine forest all by himself. Then Mila shows up on his doorstep having escaped a near death run in with drug runners and in need of a place to hide.
But Jude knows her as Amy, a girl he had been obsessed with for over a year after a one night encounter and then she ghosted him after. Only she's an undercover journalist trying to catch bad guys, the same bad guys that have been plaguing Judes family since his father was thrown in jail for working with only a few short years ago.
Can Jude and Mila put the final piece of the puzzle together and get the drug runners locked up once and for all? With so many lives in the line and a HEA in the balance, let's hope so...
KU Read
352 Pages
ONS
Girl on the run
Protective MMC
He Falls First
Jude is the reclusive twin who lives in his cabin with his dog Riley in the Maine forest all by himself. Then Mila shows up on his doorstep having escaped a near death run in with drug runners and in need of a place to hide.
But Jude knows her as Amy, a girl he had been obsessed with for over a year after a one night encounter and then she ghosted him after. Only she's an undercover journalist trying to catch bad guys, the same bad guys that have been plaguing Judes family since his father was thrown in jail for working with only a few short years ago.
Can Jude and Mila put the final piece of the puzzle together and get the drug runners locked up once and for all? With so many lives in the line and a HEA in the balance, let's hope so...
May 22, 2025
Mila has been secretly undercover, researching the corruption that put her brother in a coma. She's finally caught her big break and is convinced she'll be able to get justice - until she wakes up to them pounding on her door, calling her by her real name, and demanding answers. With everything to lose, she sneaks away and runs off to the one man she's convinced can give her a safe haven for the night - lumbersnack Jude Herbert.
*****
This was such a great conclusion to the series. Jude was an adorable MMC. Sweet, nerdy, protective, and filthy. He took care of Mila while also helping her be a better person. She was finally able to heal, lean on someone, and have clarity to take apart the corruption that surrounds Lovewell, piece by piece.
I really enjoyed that we had the forced proximity romance aspect, while still keeping up the suspense and excitement of the main storyline on the page. At no point did one eclipse the other, and it was great to see Jude and Mila grow into a cohesive team over the weeks they spent together. Also Ripley? Adorable, and the perfect pooch to round out their little cabin in the woods.
(The only issue with this book, is the idea that Canada would ever smuggle an influx of drugs and guns into America. Everything is so restricted here that it's absolutely the other way around, and well known by both Canadians and Americans alike as they publish the border reports annually, so this part felt a little wild to include.)
Otherwise, this was a fast read full of chemistry, and was a great finish to the series.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This was such a great conclusion to the series. Jude was an adorable MMC. Sweet, nerdy, protective, and filthy. He took care of Mila while also helping her be a better person. She was finally able to heal, lean on someone, and have clarity to take apart the corruption that surrounds Lovewell, piece by piece.
I really enjoyed that we had the forced proximity romance aspect, while still keeping up the suspense and excitement of the main storyline on the page. At no point did one eclipse the other, and it was great to see Jude and Mila grow into a cohesive team over the weeks they spent together. Also Ripley? Adorable, and the perfect pooch to round out their little cabin in the woods.
(The only issue with this book, is the idea that Canada would ever smuggle an influx of drugs and guns into America. Everything is so restricted here that it's absolutely the other way around, and well known by both Canadians and Americans alike as they publish the border reports annually, so this part felt a little wild to include.)
Otherwise, this was a fast read full of chemistry, and was a great finish to the series.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 8, 2025
A solid end to the Maine Lumberjacks series that has a one night stand coming back to haunt dog-daddy, Jude when the one he never stopped thinking about shows up at his door on the run needing shelter while she investigates a hot story.
Great on audio narrated by Gideon Frost and Victoria Connolly and perfect for fans of authors like Catherine Cowles. This was a bit more suspenseful than the other books in the series but still a very enjoyable listen!!
Many thanks to @homecookedbooks for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Great on audio narrated by Gideon Frost and Victoria Connolly and perfect for fans of authors like Catherine Cowles. This was a bit more suspenseful than the other books in the series but still a very enjoyable listen!!
Many thanks to @homecookedbooks for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
May 9, 2025
Our time in Lovewell, Maine and the lumbersnack Herbert boys has come to an end.
I love series that has a continuous plot throughout the books. Because finally getting the big grand finale feels so rewarding.
Jude & Mila
The quiet musician, glasses wearing, wood chopping man
The strong willed “undercover” journalist
Forced proximity & trapped in a cabin trope
So much suspense
They’re in danger
Protective & swoony MMC
Injured FMC
He washes her hair 🫠
Top notch dog
Arc review ✨
I love series that has a continuous plot throughout the books. Because finally getting the big grand finale feels so rewarding.
Jude & Mila
The quiet musician, glasses wearing, wood chopping man
The strong willed “undercover” journalist
Forced proximity & trapped in a cabin trope
So much suspense
They’re in danger
Protective & swoony MMC
Injured FMC
He washes her hair 🫠
Top notch dog
Arc review ✨
May 19, 2025
Obsessed (and a little heartbroken it’s over)
I’m genuinely sad that the Lovewell chapter has officially closed. Between The Lovewell Lumberjack and the Maine Lumberjacks series, I’ve spent a lot of time in this world, and saying goodbye is bittersweet. That said, this was the perfect ending. It was emotional, satisfying, and filled with beloved characters (including the best Clive moment ever!).
Mila is the sister of the park ranger who was attacked and is now in a coma on the Herbert's land. She’s been quietly working behind the scenes to bring down those responsible. She’s fierce, determined, stubborn, independent, and completely falling for Jude.
And Jude? Our bespectacled, comic book-loving, guitar-playing, dog-cuddling protector who’s been low-key obsessed with Mila since he first saw her a year ago. The moment she shows up at his door bruised and bleeding, he switches into full protector mode and never once lets up.
This is a slow burn, second chance romance with real emotional stakes. Both Mila and Jude are deeply guarded, but they slowly let each other in. The tension and suspense are at an all-time high in this final book, and the culmination of all the mystery and danger from earlier books makes for a gripping read. Plus, we get one last glimpse of everyone from both series which is such a treat.
Tropes:
Nerdy MMC with glasses
Musician MMC
Journalist FMC
She’s being hunted
Hurt/comfort
He washes her hair
ONS ➝ Danger Bangs ➝ Love
Forced proximity
Epic Clive moment
Thank you, Daphne and The Author Agency, for the ARC and the chance to experience this incredible conclusion.
I’m genuinely sad that the Lovewell chapter has officially closed. Between The Lovewell Lumberjack and the Maine Lumberjacks series, I’ve spent a lot of time in this world, and saying goodbye is bittersweet. That said, this was the perfect ending. It was emotional, satisfying, and filled with beloved characters (including the best Clive moment ever!).
Mila is the sister of the park ranger who was attacked and is now in a coma on the Herbert's land. She’s been quietly working behind the scenes to bring down those responsible. She’s fierce, determined, stubborn, independent, and completely falling for Jude.
And Jude? Our bespectacled, comic book-loving, guitar-playing, dog-cuddling protector who’s been low-key obsessed with Mila since he first saw her a year ago. The moment she shows up at his door bruised and bleeding, he switches into full protector mode and never once lets up.
This is a slow burn, second chance romance with real emotional stakes. Both Mila and Jude are deeply guarded, but they slowly let each other in. The tension and suspense are at an all-time high in this final book, and the culmination of all the mystery and danger from earlier books makes for a gripping read. Plus, we get one last glimpse of everyone from both series which is such a treat.
Tropes:
Nerdy MMC with glasses
Musician MMC
Journalist FMC
She’s being hunted
Hurt/comfort
He washes her hair
ONS ➝ Danger Bangs ➝ Love
Forced proximity
Epic Clive moment
Thank you, Daphne and The Author Agency, for the ARC and the chance to experience this incredible conclusion.
May 20, 2025
I can't believe this is the last Hebert brother! I know there's already one half, brother, but what about a SECRET half-brother, lol?
Jude Hebert is the quiet brother, the one who lives in solitude with his sweet dog. All of his brothers are married or in a relationship. Jude can't get over this one night stand he had. A woman who left him alone.
When that same one night stand pops up at his house, cold, hurt, and on the run, he offers his place. Even though he now knows she lied to him.
Jude is also a great protector. He takes great care of Mila even though there's times she can be very stubborn. Very stubborn.
Mila has been living a lie, trying to find out who hurt her brother, separated from her mother. She's so kickbutt. She gets some schemes going on (to try to solve this mystery!), and Jude is honestly helpless to deny her.
Of course, the Hebert brothers pop in. It's a series long mystery that finally gets resolved. So, of course, you'll miss the action of the past books if you don't read them too, lol.
I don't know if this is our last book from Lovewell. I hope not, but I do know this author will create a great new place if it is.
Jude Hebert is the quiet brother, the one who lives in solitude with his sweet dog. All of his brothers are married or in a relationship. Jude can't get over this one night stand he had. A woman who left him alone.
When that same one night stand pops up at his house, cold, hurt, and on the run, he offers his place. Even though he now knows she lied to him.
Jude is also a great protector. He takes great care of Mila even though there's times she can be very stubborn. Very stubborn.
Mila has been living a lie, trying to find out who hurt her brother, separated from her mother. She's so kickbutt. She gets some schemes going on (to try to solve this mystery!), and Jude is honestly helpless to deny her.
Of course, the Hebert brothers pop in. It's a series long mystery that finally gets resolved. So, of course, you'll miss the action of the past books if you don't read them too, lol.
I don't know if this is our last book from Lovewell. I hope not, but I do know this author will create a great new place if it is.
September 24, 2025
Jude was definitely the hottest brother.
May 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
ARC Review
Tropes:
ONS to Lovers
Soulmates
He falls First
Protective MMC
Loving Dog
Journalist FMC
Suspense
He takes care of her
This is the last book in the series following the Herbert brothers. It was a wonderful way to end the series and I really enjoyed the suspenseful storyline.
Mila & Jude had a ONS last year and neither of them was able to forget that night. Now Mila appears on Jude's doorstep injured and running for her life.
I absolutely loved Mila. She was an amazing character that was strong, yet showed vulnerability multiple times. With Mila the author showed us that strength and having emotions go hand in hand.
Jude was so adorable. He did everything in his power to protect and take care of Mila. He was hurt, but knew that Mila's mission was bigger than the both of them.
Seeing these two grow and evolve as a couple, but also individuals was a pleasant journey. It was the perfect sense of sweet & spicy.
I loved the suspense and how the mystery of the whole series came to an end. Everything worked out and the Herbert family is finally free.
This story would have been a 4 star read for me if it weren't for a comment the FMC made about journalism in certain countries. The comment felt tone deaf with all the events happening in the world now; especially with journalists being targeted by a certain county and journalists in the West being silenced for speaking about injustices for the past 18+ months.
ARC Review
Tropes:
ONS to Lovers
Soulmates
He falls First
Protective MMC
Loving Dog
Journalist FMC
Suspense
He takes care of her
This is the last book in the series following the Herbert brothers. It was a wonderful way to end the series and I really enjoyed the suspenseful storyline.
Mila & Jude had a ONS last year and neither of them was able to forget that night. Now Mila appears on Jude's doorstep injured and running for her life.
I absolutely loved Mila. She was an amazing character that was strong, yet showed vulnerability multiple times. With Mila the author showed us that strength and having emotions go hand in hand.
Jude was so adorable. He did everything in his power to protect and take care of Mila. He was hurt, but knew that Mila's mission was bigger than the both of them.
Seeing these two grow and evolve as a couple, but also individuals was a pleasant journey. It was the perfect sense of sweet & spicy.
I loved the suspense and how the mystery of the whole series came to an end. Everything worked out and the Herbert family is finally free.
This story would have been a 4 star read for me if it weren't for a comment the FMC made about journalism in certain countries. The comment felt tone deaf with all the events happening in the world now; especially with journalists being targeted by a certain county and journalists in the West being silenced for speaking about injustices for the past 18+ months.
October 29, 2025
“She pushed me and made me brave, and every day with her made me want more.” —Jude Hebert
4.5🌟
screaming swooning wheezing squeaking screaming throwing up
Oh, how do I say goodbye when my soul is still clinging to the Hebert brothers like emotional Velcro?!?!?
Hell yes. My gut was right. Jude Hebert definitely shares that top spot as (one of) my fav Hebert brother with Noah, because those two are the definition of hot-mess twins. And yep, this was the perfect way to wrap up the series.
Axe-ing for Trouble was a swoony, suspense-laced romance that delivered emotional depth, slow-burn tension, and the kind of payoff that made my heart do cartwheels. Jude, the broody, competent, emotionally constipated Hebert twin, finally gets his moment—bcs i'm dying to get to know him ever since book three—and it was worth every second of buildup. Mila (or Amy, as Jude once knew her) shows up on his doorstep after a year apart, injured, exhausted, and fresh off an undercover operation that ties directly into the mystery arc that’s been simmering since book one.
Their reunion is messy, tender, and full of tension. Mila doesn’t trust easily, but Jude’s quiet steadiness, his protective instincts, and his absolute refusal to let her face things alone slowly chip away at her walls. He doesn’t try to fix her, he stands beside her, joins her fight, and makes her feel safe. Mila, in turn, slowly tearing her wall down and finally admitting to herself about the feeling she had for him. Their chemistry was off the charts. Their banter was so perfect I am highlighting most of their convos like a damn maniac. And their emotional connection was even better and so much more.
And the way Jude and Mila grew into a team—two people who’d been surviving alone, finally learning how to heal together—was just ugh, massive quadruple chef’s kiss. Also, Ripley the dog deserves her own novella for being the emotional support MVP. The cabin-in-the-woods forced proximity setup was everything. Jude, Mila, and Ripley? That’s a little family I’ll be rooting for forever as well. 🥹🫶🏻
My only gripe with this book is the lack of Hebert sibling chaos. I needed more brotherly moments—especially with Owen. I didn’t hate him, didn’t love him either, but knowing he's the first one who finding out the odds and also played a key role in wrapping up the suspense arc and Jude even asked for his help. It felt jarring not to see that play out more on-page. I was also craving more twin bonding between Jude and Noah. Their connection in previous books was so strong, and I missed that emotional thread here. Same goes for the sisterhood vibes. Mila only really had bonding scenes with Willa, and while those were great, I wanted more moments with Lila, Chloe, and Victoria too. This was the final book, and I was hoping for a full-circle found-family moment with all six couples together (along with Finn and Adele)—chaotic, heartfelt, and healing. That said, the way this book tackled the final boss mystery and tied up the suspense arc was solid. So yeah, forgivable. But I’m still over here wishing for more group scenes and emotional messiness to send this series off with a bang. 🙂
So yeah, that’s why even though this is my favorite book in the series and I really wanted to love it more, the missing pieces held me back from rating it higher than the previous one. Still, the suspense arc wraps up here and the payoff was satisfying, twisty, and full of heart. Not to mention, my moose-sense was spot on. Clive did make it to the very end of the series. His cameo this time was less chaotic, a little more tense, but still iconic. He messed with the bad guys just enough to give Mila the opening she needed to save herself. So yeah, Clive the moose? Scene-stealer status: maintained. 🫡🦌
Through with it, massive appreciation for Gideon Frost and Victoria Connolly for absolutely crushed this duet. Their voices blended perfectly, his steady delivery paired with her expressive warmth brought Jude and Mila's story to life in the most intimate way. Every emotional beat landed with precision, and the slow-burn tension? Even more magnetic in audio. They didn’t just perform it, they embodied it.
Overall, I devoured this entire series with zero regrets. Every messy, swoony, emotionally chaotic second was pure gold. Each couple brought their own flavor of tension and charm, and it was all worth the wait. And the suspense subplot? Way more gripping than I expected for a romance series. The found-family threads woven throughout were priceless as well. If small-town suspense romance is your thing, this series is an absolute must-read. 🔍🪵❤️🔥
May 22, 2025
Thankyou to The Author Agency and Daphne Elliot for the ARC 𖹭
I finally got to read one of my most anticipated ARCs for this month!! 🤭 This is the last (5th) book to the Maine Lumberjacks Series, and I think the series got it's sweet happy ending. I've only read book 4 (Axe Backwards) and was curious about the crimes happening in their town, and I'm definitely gonna read book 1, 2 & 3 soon on KU because the author wrote book 4 & 5 books so well. While these books are inter connected, they can definitely be read as standalones.
Axe-ing for trouble has a trope that I usually dislike (one night stand) , but I wanted to read it anyway because in book 4, we get one chapter of Jude and Mila and it made me curious. The author already impressed me with the previous book that I'd applied an ARC for, so I grabbed my opportunity to read this one as well. 😌 Not only for the story but the characters seemed complex and interesting. Just how I like them, real and dimensional. I love when a character has personality and a reason behind why they are a certain way, instead of feeling like a collection of randomly generated traits.
Jude and Mila are that typical opposites attract combination. They go together like sugar and salt in a cupcake. They weren't irresponsible and communicated a lot. I really liked the duality that both of these characters had. I looove when a character is written with so much personality and they can switch up from strong and badass to soft, smiley, hungry for some chocolate, and needy for cuddles from a sweet dog.
Mila is courageous, yet silly, she loves hogging up food meanwhile Jude is a gymrat who only eats healthy, she's stubborn, emotionally unavailable for a long time, until Jude gives her multiple reasons to trust her. I can totally understand why both of these characters were avoidant in the beginning. But as time passes, the way he protects her, bathes her when she's fractured??? So gentlemanly 😩 How can a woman resist a nerdy lumberjack that makes pizza for her, yaps random animal and tree facts when he feels comfy??? The care taking bits of the story was the best. My standards have been raised 😔. His dog Ripley is just like him, grumpy but protective and loving, you'd love this book if you're a dog person.
I thought that since Noah (from book 4) and Jude are twins, they'd have a similar personality, story line or something, but both these couples are SO different, and it does justice to all the characters. The found family trope in this story was heart warming.
Throughout the story, people were being sexist towards Mila because she's a woman who's trying to bring forth the truth and justice towards the victims of the town, and I liked that the author subtly made a lot of parts of the book political. She did this in the last book too. Jude is suchhh a feminist, we love to see it. And Mila is strategic. There was one scene in the book where she breaks down because she finally feels safe with someone else, for once she lets go of her burdens, and it was raw, and beautiful to read.
Psychologically, this book is a treat. The mystery, comedy, and Ripley's cuteness? A whole meal of a book in itself. I can't wait to read more from the author, she really puts in the werrrkkk in her work. 😌
I finally got to read one of my most anticipated ARCs for this month!! 🤭 This is the last (5th) book to the Maine Lumberjacks Series, and I think the series got it's sweet happy ending. I've only read book 4 (Axe Backwards) and was curious about the crimes happening in their town, and I'm definitely gonna read book 1, 2 & 3 soon on KU because the author wrote book 4 & 5 books so well. While these books are inter connected, they can definitely be read as standalones.
Axe-ing for trouble has a trope that I usually dislike (one night stand) , but I wanted to read it anyway because in book 4, we get one chapter of Jude and Mila and it made me curious. The author already impressed me with the previous book that I'd applied an ARC for, so I grabbed my opportunity to read this one as well. 😌 Not only for the story but the characters seemed complex and interesting. Just how I like them, real and dimensional. I love when a character has personality and a reason behind why they are a certain way, instead of feeling like a collection of randomly generated traits.
Jude and Mila are that typical opposites attract combination. They go together like sugar and salt in a cupcake. They weren't irresponsible and communicated a lot. I really liked the duality that both of these characters had. I looove when a character is written with so much personality and they can switch up from strong and badass to soft, smiley, hungry for some chocolate, and needy for cuddles from a sweet dog.
Mila is courageous, yet silly, she loves hogging up food meanwhile Jude is a gymrat who only eats healthy, she's stubborn, emotionally unavailable for a long time, until Jude gives her multiple reasons to trust her. I can totally understand why both of these characters were avoidant in the beginning. But as time passes, the way he protects her, bathes her when she's fractured??? So gentlemanly 😩 How can a woman resist a nerdy lumberjack that makes pizza for her, yaps random animal and tree facts when he feels comfy??? The care taking bits of the story was the best. My standards have been raised 😔. His dog Ripley is just like him, grumpy but protective and loving, you'd love this book if you're a dog person.
I thought that since Noah (from book 4) and Jude are twins, they'd have a similar personality, story line or something, but both these couples are SO different, and it does justice to all the characters. The found family trope in this story was heart warming.
Throughout the story, people were being sexist towards Mila because she's a woman who's trying to bring forth the truth and justice towards the victims of the town, and I liked that the author subtly made a lot of parts of the book political. She did this in the last book too. Jude is suchhh a feminist, we love to see it. And Mila is strategic. There was one scene in the book where she breaks down because she finally feels safe with someone else, for once she lets go of her burdens, and it was raw, and beautiful to read.
Psychologically, this book is a treat. The mystery, comedy, and Ripley's cuteness? A whole meal of a book in itself. I can't wait to read more from the author, she really puts in the werrrkkk in her work. 😌
May 16, 2025
WOW. It's the end of an era. The lumbersnack-filled world of Lovewell, Maine has come to its conclusion and this was the most exciting read of the current series. Thank you to the author and her team for the early copy of the story; this review is given freely and contains my own opinions!
The most important takeaway for me regarding this book: JUDE IS A MUSICIAN SLASH LUMBERJACK SLASH COMICBOOK COLLECTOR SLASH GLASSES-WEARING PROTECTOR. The character art so many talented artists put together for this book was STEAMY and the man is literally just wearing his hot AF glasses lol.
Second most important takeaway: MILA IS A LITERAL BOSS. I loved her passion and intensity, the determination to seek justice for the brother who was caught unawares in the crossfire of the illegal activities going down in Lovewell. She's tough, she's direct, she's ferociously independent.. but she's also a human being who is getting so. Darn. Tired. of doing all the things by herself.
In total transparency, Jude's protector instincts suffocated me at the beginning lol - I can only imagine how conflicted Mila was feeling as she was the sole focus of this monumental protective instinct. I loved how the history they shared (ONS-style, SO HOT) was the source of a constant undercurrent of tension between them. While they didn't dance around their tendencies to find solace in the arms of someone else for brief periods off time, it was QUITE CLEAR that neither of them was totally in love with the idea of it happening for the other again.
I won't give it away, but I must say the conclusion to the over-arching mystery/source of suspense through the stories of Lovewell was very well done. I enjoyed how the full picture came together, how there wasn't just one character who was the person solely responsible for exposing the corruption and criminal activities.
If you like:
- animal side characters, new and old, who have impeccable timing and know exactly what to do and where to be for the people they love
- strong, independent FMCs who can absolutely handle their business on their own .. but are also relieved when an MMC is willing to keep pushing to help unburden the load
- glasses-wearing, flannel-rocking, suspenders-embracing lumberjack types who bake a mean pizza and play panty-melting guitar solos for a one-person audience
- action and tension akin to spy-based TV series..
.. get this one added to your TBR. You do not have to read the preceding stories, but you'll have a much stronger appreciation for the hard work and satisfaction of this conclusion if you do!
The most important takeaway for me regarding this book: JUDE IS A MUSICIAN SLASH LUMBERJACK SLASH COMICBOOK COLLECTOR SLASH GLASSES-WEARING PROTECTOR. The character art so many talented artists put together for this book was STEAMY and the man is literally just wearing his hot AF glasses lol.
Second most important takeaway: MILA IS A LITERAL BOSS. I loved her passion and intensity, the determination to seek justice for the brother who was caught unawares in the crossfire of the illegal activities going down in Lovewell. She's tough, she's direct, she's ferociously independent.. but she's also a human being who is getting so. Darn. Tired. of doing all the things by herself.
In total transparency, Jude's protector instincts suffocated me at the beginning lol - I can only imagine how conflicted Mila was feeling as she was the sole focus of this monumental protective instinct. I loved how the history they shared (ONS-style, SO HOT) was the source of a constant undercurrent of tension between them. While they didn't dance around their tendencies to find solace in the arms of someone else for brief periods off time, it was QUITE CLEAR that neither of them was totally in love with the idea of it happening for the other again.
I won't give it away, but I must say the conclusion to the over-arching mystery/source of suspense through the stories of Lovewell was very well done. I enjoyed how the full picture came together, how there wasn't just one character who was the person solely responsible for exposing the corruption and criminal activities.
If you like:
- animal side characters, new and old, who have impeccable timing and know exactly what to do and where to be for the people they love
- strong, independent FMCs who can absolutely handle their business on their own .. but are also relieved when an MMC is willing to keep pushing to help unburden the load
- glasses-wearing, flannel-rocking, suspenders-embracing lumberjack types who bake a mean pizza and play panty-melting guitar solos for a one-person audience
- action and tension akin to spy-based TV series..
.. get this one added to your TBR. You do not have to read the preceding stories, but you'll have a much stronger appreciation for the hard work and satisfaction of this conclusion if you do!
May 19, 2025
3.5/5 rounded to 4 for GR
This was a nice end to the series!
Jude was cute, loved his quietly cheeky teasing self! He seemed heartfelt and quieter but also protective. I would have liked to get to know him a bit more, to be honest, and more about who he is internally.
Mila is super cool and I felt like we got to know her quite a bit more and what she’s all about. Total kick-ass person.
I was intrigued throughout the book and enjoyed the read overall, kept the pages turning.
While the series has always had an intrigue thread running through it, it’s been kind of minor with the romance more central in prior books. The intrigue/suspense plot really culminates in this final book. For me, that type of story isn’t what I’m into so much and there’s quite a lot of focus on it in this one, so I didn’t gel with this book as much as the others.
However, the writing is still great - no issues there at all and I enjoyed reading what the author’s put down. I could picture everything well and the story was interesting. I think those who like some intrigue and suspense will really like this book! It’s just not for me really as far as that element goes. I would have preferred a little less of that and instead a little more depth in Jude and Mila as characters and their relationship with each other. I was really looking forward to knowing Jude more and I don’t really feel like I got it as much as I wanted.
Overall, a good read and good end to the series. I love the series and the previous related one on the whole and do recommend it, even if this book in particular wasn’t up in my faves for the series. Do check it out!
While these are meant to be interconnected standalones, I would say that this series is best read in order on the whole especially before reading this book and, if possible, the Lovewell Lumberjack series first too! They do have more threads running between them than a usual standalone series, IMO.
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
This was a nice end to the series!
Jude was cute, loved his quietly cheeky teasing self! He seemed heartfelt and quieter but also protective. I would have liked to get to know him a bit more, to be honest, and more about who he is internally.
Mila is super cool and I felt like we got to know her quite a bit more and what she’s all about. Total kick-ass person.
I was intrigued throughout the book and enjoyed the read overall, kept the pages turning.
While the series has always had an intrigue thread running through it, it’s been kind of minor with the romance more central in prior books. The intrigue/suspense plot really culminates in this final book. For me, that type of story isn’t what I’m into so much and there’s quite a lot of focus on it in this one, so I didn’t gel with this book as much as the others.
However, the writing is still great - no issues there at all and I enjoyed reading what the author’s put down. I could picture everything well and the story was interesting. I think those who like some intrigue and suspense will really like this book! It’s just not for me really as far as that element goes. I would have preferred a little less of that and instead a little more depth in Jude and Mila as characters and their relationship with each other. I was really looking forward to knowing Jude more and I don’t really feel like I got it as much as I wanted.
Overall, a good read and good end to the series. I love the series and the previous related one on the whole and do recommend it, even if this book in particular wasn’t up in my faves for the series. Do check it out!
While these are meant to be interconnected standalones, I would say that this series is best read in order on the whole especially before reading this book and, if possible, the Lovewell Lumberjack series first too! They do have more threads running between them than a usual standalone series, IMO.
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
September 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Axe-ing for Trouble was the perfect conclusion for the Maine Lumberjacks series. We finally get to the sweet and swoony Jude Hebert.
Mila has been undercover trying to bring down the people responsible for putting her brother in a coma. Her cover was blown, and she was on the run after getting injured, and she only had one place to go, Jude's. She had a one night stand with Jude a year ago and shows up at his place for help. Jude is determined to keep her safe and provides amazing caretaking.
Jude was the perfect hero. I loved how he was a sweet musician, lumberjack, who also wore glasses.
I loved their romance. It was the best part of this book. I just have not been as interested in the suspense elements from the last few books.
I loved that Jude's dog was named Ripley from the Alien movies.
🪓 One Night Stand
🪓 Woman on the Run
🪓 Forced proximity
🪓 Musician Lumberjack
🪓 Feisty Journalist
🪓 Small Town
🪓 Romantic Suspense
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Gideon Frost & Victoria Connolly
Gideon Frost and Victoria Connolly were new to me narrators, and I really enjoyed their performances. I thought Victoria portrayed the strong and independent nature of Mila while also showing her vulnerable side.
Thank you to Homecooked Books for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Axe-ing for Trouble was the perfect conclusion for the Maine Lumberjacks series. We finally get to the sweet and swoony Jude Hebert.
Mila has been undercover trying to bring down the people responsible for putting her brother in a coma. Her cover was blown, and she was on the run after getting injured, and she only had one place to go, Jude's. She had a one night stand with Jude a year ago and shows up at his place for help. Jude is determined to keep her safe and provides amazing caretaking.
Jude was the perfect hero. I loved how he was a sweet musician, lumberjack, who also wore glasses.
I loved their romance. It was the best part of this book. I just have not been as interested in the suspense elements from the last few books.
I loved that Jude's dog was named Ripley from the Alien movies.
🪓 One Night Stand
🪓 Woman on the Run
🪓 Forced proximity
🪓 Musician Lumberjack
🪓 Feisty Journalist
🪓 Small Town
🪓 Romantic Suspense
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Gideon Frost & Victoria Connolly
Gideon Frost and Victoria Connolly were new to me narrators, and I really enjoyed their performances. I thought Victoria portrayed the strong and independent nature of Mila while also showing her vulnerable side.
Thank you to Homecooked Books for providing the ALC.
May 18, 2025
I am genuinely sad that this series has come to an end! Lovewell, Maine and The Hebert family became a true comfort place for me and easily one of my favourite small town series of all time!
I say it every time with each new release but I think this one may be my favourite 🤭
We finally have the answers that we have been needing throughout this whole series and it has all come to a rewarding and satisfying end.
I was loving every bit of Jude and Mila, their chemistry that was still there after their one passionate night, the suspense of her being on the run but also how Jude stands by Mila and wants to help and be apart of everything she has going on so that he can also keep her safe!
Mila is such a queen, so tough and strong and will not stop to help bring down the men who attacked her brother and have also been causing havoc in Lovewell. Jude is definitely a “Lumbersnack” quiet, reserved musician who lives up in the woods but under all that he is THAT MAN, glasses, sex appeal and won’t hesitate to split a piece of wood with his hands!
100% recommend this series with my life. Sexy lumberjacks are what you didn’t know you needed in your life until now 🪵🪓
I say it every time with each new release but I think this one may be my favourite 🤭
We finally have the answers that we have been needing throughout this whole series and it has all come to a rewarding and satisfying end.
I was loving every bit of Jude and Mila, their chemistry that was still there after their one passionate night, the suspense of her being on the run but also how Jude stands by Mila and wants to help and be apart of everything she has going on so that he can also keep her safe!
Mila is such a queen, so tough and strong and will not stop to help bring down the men who attacked her brother and have also been causing havoc in Lovewell. Jude is definitely a “Lumbersnack” quiet, reserved musician who lives up in the woods but under all that he is THAT MAN, glasses, sex appeal and won’t hesitate to split a piece of wood with his hands!
100% recommend this series with my life. Sexy lumberjacks are what you didn’t know you needed in your life until now 🪵🪓
May 7, 2025
As the final book in the Maine Lumberjacks series, there are a lot of loose ends from the four prior books to be wrapped up - although not all mysteries are solved, it’s still a satisfying end. However, if this is the first in the series you’re reading, I highly recommend you read the other books before diving into this one.
This book centers around Mila and Jude, with lots of heavy lifting by Ripley the wonder dog. Without giving too much away, Mila had a one night stand with the notoriously non-casual Jude about a year before this book opens, then disappeared into the wee hours of the next morning. Now she’s run back to the gentle giant who lives in the woods and is *kind of* trusting him with a very select amount of intel she’s gathered since their one off and the horrible tragedy that befell her brother at the hands of the same thugs who’ve been making life difficult for Jude’s family.
Will they survive the threats surrounding them to embark on something more than a one night stand?
I was furnished an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest review.
This book centers around Mila and Jude, with lots of heavy lifting by Ripley the wonder dog. Without giving too much away, Mila had a one night stand with the notoriously non-casual Jude about a year before this book opens, then disappeared into the wee hours of the next morning. Now she’s run back to the gentle giant who lives in the woods and is *kind of* trusting him with a very select amount of intel she’s gathered since their one off and the horrible tragedy that befell her brother at the hands of the same thugs who’ve been making life difficult for Jude’s family.
Will they survive the threats surrounding them to embark on something more than a one night stand?
I was furnished an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest review.
May 18, 2025
The way I’ve been so ready for Jude’s story!! I absolutely love him and Mila. I immediately got sucked in, and could not put it down. I loved learning about the ways Jude & Mila had connected a year ago and just how intensely that short time had impacted both of them. They’re both hesitant to get involved–Jude wanting to protect his family and Mila because of the danger she’s running from, but you can’t avoid the chemistry they have. I looooved Jude’s protectiveness and the way he showed up for Mila, and I loved Mila’s determination. The two of them together make such a good team.I loved getting the finale to the suspense we’ve been waiting for, but I’m so sad to be done with the Hebert fam!
[ARC review]
[ARC review]
May 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️
I read the first book in this series and didn’t have enough time to read the rest before the ARC of this one came out but I was able to read this book as a standalone without reading the rest of this series.
This is book 5 of the Maine lumberjack series.
Jude and Mila had a one night stand and then she disappeared. Only to show up over a year later at his house after being ambushed by drug smugglers. Jude finds out this all is connected to his Dad’s dirty dealings that landed him in jail. Mila and Jude get closer as they’re stuck together to keep her safe, and work on finding the evidence to finally get justice for her brother.
Jude is a sexy lumberjack who also is the guitarist in a band, and Mila is a tough journalist who is out for justice.
I feel like I’m running through the woods and living in an isolated cabin with the MCs in Daphne’s book and I love that.
I read the first book in this series and didn’t have enough time to read the rest before the ARC of this one came out but I was able to read this book as a standalone without reading the rest of this series.
This is book 5 of the Maine lumberjack series.
Jude and Mila had a one night stand and then she disappeared. Only to show up over a year later at his house after being ambushed by drug smugglers. Jude finds out this all is connected to his Dad’s dirty dealings that landed him in jail. Mila and Jude get closer as they’re stuck together to keep her safe, and work on finding the evidence to finally get justice for her brother.
Jude is a sexy lumberjack who also is the guitarist in a band, and Mila is a tough journalist who is out for justice.
I feel like I’m running through the woods and living in an isolated cabin with the MCs in Daphne’s book and I love that.
June 11, 2025
4.5 Stars!
All I can say is wow. What a way to end the Maine Lumberjacks series🌲. Jude and Mila are really interesting characters because the dynamic was very different than usual. Mila is the definition of a bad ass. She knew what her end game was in her personal life and career. I’m also happy than even though a lot of it was dangerous Jude was very aware of her intentions and was there to help her in anyways possible. They both complimented each other in ways that they both needed.
I don’t want to give away too much in regard to the suspense because it really spans the entire series. Which I REALLY loved that it did. It kept me interested and wondering what was going to happen next! What was a great constant to me, was that the found family (but they’re all brothers lol) kept building and building and became more solid throughout each book. What a wonderful series and I can’t wait to see what else Daphne has in store.
All I can say is wow. What a way to end the Maine Lumberjacks series🌲. Jude and Mila are really interesting characters because the dynamic was very different than usual. Mila is the definition of a bad ass. She knew what her end game was in her personal life and career. I’m also happy than even though a lot of it was dangerous Jude was very aware of her intentions and was there to help her in anyways possible. They both complimented each other in ways that they both needed.
I don’t want to give away too much in regard to the suspense because it really spans the entire series. Which I REALLY loved that it did. It kept me interested and wondering what was going to happen next! What was a great constant to me, was that the found family (but they’re all brothers lol) kept building and building and became more solid throughout each book. What a wonderful series and I can’t wait to see what else Daphne has in store.
May 20, 2025
ARC Review - Huge thanks to Daphne Elliot and The Author Agency for the opportunity to receive a review copy of Axe-ing for Trouble!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Following Axe Backwards - which remains one of my favourite books of the year thus far - this one was a big disappointment for me. From the get go, this book felt a lot less polished than its predecessor. To start out, it sort of felt like we were dropped into the action without the necessary context. I love when a book jumps right in, but this felt jolted.
Jude, a quiet, glasses wearing lumberjack musician has all of the makings of my next book boyfriend - and he really was presented without flaw, but I don’t feel like we got enough of an opportunity to delve into his character - at least not to the same extent as his FMC counterpart Mila. I found Mila’s character really frustrating overall - entitled and acting brashly which endangered others (including Jude’s dog without seeking his permission first) even though her apparent intention is to prevent harm from coming to Jude and his family.
I really didn’t feel any chemistry between the MCs, and more than that, could not understand why they continually stated that they could never be together long term and therefore shouldn’t indulge in their feelings for one another. Once the whole mysterious crime ring Mila plot line (and the town of Lovewell at large) are trying to solve has come to a conclusion, there would literally be nothing holding them back from getting together so this felt like a lot of angst for no reason.
Final thought: I get that this book takes place in Maine and the author is American, but as a Canadian, the concept of having a huge influx of drugs and guns being sourced from Quebec, Canada - where most firearms are restricted and prohibited - felt absurd to me. It is a known fact that Canada’s illegal firearms are smuggled in from the US - not the other way around as it is portrayed in this book. Perhaps the plot would have felt a bit more realistic if it was proposed that the illegal goods started in Maine and were being smuggled into Quebec.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Following Axe Backwards - which remains one of my favourite books of the year thus far - this one was a big disappointment for me. From the get go, this book felt a lot less polished than its predecessor. To start out, it sort of felt like we were dropped into the action without the necessary context. I love when a book jumps right in, but this felt jolted.
Jude, a quiet, glasses wearing lumberjack musician has all of the makings of my next book boyfriend - and he really was presented without flaw, but I don’t feel like we got enough of an opportunity to delve into his character - at least not to the same extent as his FMC counterpart Mila. I found Mila’s character really frustrating overall - entitled and acting brashly which endangered others (including Jude’s dog without seeking his permission first) even though her apparent intention is to prevent harm from coming to Jude and his family.
I really didn’t feel any chemistry between the MCs, and more than that, could not understand why they continually stated that they could never be together long term and therefore shouldn’t indulge in their feelings for one another. Once the whole mysterious crime ring Mila plot line (and the town of Lovewell at large) are trying to solve has come to a conclusion, there would literally be nothing holding them back from getting together so this felt like a lot of angst for no reason.
Final thought: I get that this book takes place in Maine and the author is American, but as a Canadian, the concept of having a huge influx of drugs and guns being sourced from Quebec, Canada - where most firearms are restricted and prohibited - felt absurd to me. It is a known fact that Canada’s illegal firearms are smuggled in from the US - not the other way around as it is portrayed in this book. Perhaps the plot would have felt a bit more realistic if it was proposed that the illegal goods started in Maine and were being smuggled into Quebec.
September 10, 2025
9/9 Audio Review:
🎧: Gideon and Victoria did such a fantastic job concluding this series in this duet narration. They paired together so well to bring two of my favorite Daphne characters to life. Gideon’s performance had me falling for the charming Jude all over again, and Victoria portrayed the strong-willed and fun Mila so very well. This was such a joy to listen to.
Thank you so very much to Daphne and Home Cooked Books for the advance audio!
----------------------
Thank you so very much to Daphne for the advance copy! I have been so ridiculously excited for Jude’s book, even though it’s bittersweet to be saying goodbye to my lumbersnacks. We’ve been following the drama surrounding the Gagnons and Heberts for two series, and this was the perfect conclusion to their story.
Jude Hebert, love of my life, had a one night stand with a girl who came back into his life as quickly as she’d left over a year before. But this time, Mila was injured and running from some pretty bad guys.
I just love Jude and Mila. It was so easy to see how they’d had such an instant connection upon first meeting, and then the way Jude got all protective when she showed up injured…? *SWOON* Jude is our sweet, bespectacled, guitar-playing lumbersnack, and I absolutely adore him. Of course, I felt an immediate attraction to him when I discovered that he, too, played a recorder solo in third grade. Be still my heart.
He really is the whole package, and he and Mila worked so well together as they tried to bring down the bad guys. And that closeness makes it hard to ignore the fact that they work well in other areas too. Their chemistry is so strong!
I love this series and these families so very much. I look forward to returning to Lovewell in the future for many rereads to come.
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
🫦Daredevil x Geek
🪓Protective Lumberjack
🥾 Heroine On The Run
🫶Found Family
🌲Romantic Suspense
✨Forced Proximity
🫎They had one night together, and then she disappeared...
🎧: Gideon and Victoria did such a fantastic job concluding this series in this duet narration. They paired together so well to bring two of my favorite Daphne characters to life. Gideon’s performance had me falling for the charming Jude all over again, and Victoria portrayed the strong-willed and fun Mila so very well. This was such a joy to listen to.
Thank you so very much to Daphne and Home Cooked Books for the advance audio!
----------------------
Thank you so very much to Daphne for the advance copy! I have been so ridiculously excited for Jude’s book, even though it’s bittersweet to be saying goodbye to my lumbersnacks. We’ve been following the drama surrounding the Gagnons and Heberts for two series, and this was the perfect conclusion to their story.
Jude Hebert, love of my life, had a one night stand with a girl who came back into his life as quickly as she’d left over a year before. But this time, Mila was injured and running from some pretty bad guys.
I just love Jude and Mila. It was so easy to see how they’d had such an instant connection upon first meeting, and then the way Jude got all protective when she showed up injured…? *SWOON* Jude is our sweet, bespectacled, guitar-playing lumbersnack, and I absolutely adore him. Of course, I felt an immediate attraction to him when I discovered that he, too, played a recorder solo in third grade. Be still my heart.
He really is the whole package, and he and Mila worked so well together as they tried to bring down the bad guys. And that closeness makes it hard to ignore the fact that they work well in other areas too. Their chemistry is so strong!
I love this series and these families so very much. I look forward to returning to Lovewell in the future for many rereads to come.
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
🫦Daredevil x Geek
🪓Protective Lumberjack
🥾 Heroine On The Run
🫶Found Family
🌲Romantic Suspense
✨Forced Proximity
🫎They had one night together, and then she disappeared...
September 8, 2025
4.5⭐, 2.5🌶️
"It’s bad enough you walking around looking so sexy and being so kind all the time. But now, when my defenses are down you wander out here wearing fucking suspenders and start destroying trees? It’s truly unfair. I expected better of you. You know I’m lusting after you.”
My FAVORITE book of the series - I loved the romance, the suspense and mystery, and Mia was my favorite FMC. I looooved how strong and independed she was, pushing past any fea and anxiety she had to fight the mysteries behind what the HECK happened to her brother and the safety of her community. I enjoyed that Jude is just so protective towards Mia after only meeting her once in a one night stand months ago (but he's been pining the whole time too.)
It cracked me up that Jude continued the tradition of using his lumberjacking stills to seduce Mia 🤣
🌲One Night Stand
🪓Woman on the Run/ In Hiding
🔥Small Town
🪓Forced Proximity
🌲Found Family
“Trouble, be quiet.
“You don’t tell a woman to be quiet.
“You do when you’re about to kiss her.”
I loved this series. Every book got better and better for me and I loved the growth of mystery each story built off of. Now I'm gonna go backtrack and read the Lovewell Lumberjack Series (because the crossover is clearly there and its had me twitchy this whole series I was missing some storylines)
Thank you Home Cooked Books for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"It’s bad enough you walking around looking so sexy and being so kind all the time. But now, when my defenses are down you wander out here wearing fucking suspenders and start destroying trees? It’s truly unfair. I expected better of you. You know I’m lusting after you.”
My FAVORITE book of the series - I loved the romance, the suspense and mystery, and Mia was my favorite FMC. I looooved how strong and independed she was, pushing past any fea and anxiety she had to fight the mysteries behind what the HECK happened to her brother and the safety of her community. I enjoyed that Jude is just so protective towards Mia after only meeting her once in a one night stand months ago (but he's been pining the whole time too.)
It cracked me up that Jude continued the tradition of using his lumberjacking stills to seduce Mia 🤣
🌲One Night Stand
🪓Woman on the Run/ In Hiding
🔥Small Town
🪓Forced Proximity
🌲Found Family
“Trouble, be quiet.
“You don’t tell a woman to be quiet.
“You do when you’re about to kiss her.”
I loved this series. Every book got better and better for me and I loved the growth of mystery each story built off of. Now I'm gonna go backtrack and read the Lovewell Lumberjack Series (because the crossover is clearly there and its had me twitchy this whole series I was missing some storylines)
Thank you Home Cooked Books for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 23, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with e-ARC of the book. I am choosing to leave a review, and all my thoughts are my own honest ones.
The rating is closer to about a 3.5 and I am merely rounding up.
I cannot believe that our time in Lovewell,Maine has come to an end. This little town and its inhabitants never fail to leave my heart with a warm and fuzzy feeling. It all began with the Gagnon siblings and then continued with the Heberts, but now everyone has gotten their happy ever afters.
I have been patiently waiting for Jude's story since the beginning of this series. How can I not be excited to get to learn more about the quiet, dog daddy, lives in the woods, wears glasses, musician Hebert brother.
Jude and Mila's relationship began with a fiery flame one night and then a year goes by and the reunion has even more of a bang because she is on the run from some dangerous people. Mila is determined to find answers for her brother's assault and she uses her journalism skills to do som but this also gets her in serious trouble.
I really like how all of the Hebert brothers are these big and often times intimidating lumberjacks, but they are really just these softies who become the number one fans for their intelligent and capable women. It is honestly so refreshing seeing these men support the careers of their women and to see them content being on the sidelines.
I am going to miss this little town and Clive the moose who was a hero I might add this time around. That's what I call growth.
The rating is closer to about a 3.5 and I am merely rounding up.
I cannot believe that our time in Lovewell,Maine has come to an end. This little town and its inhabitants never fail to leave my heart with a warm and fuzzy feeling. It all began with the Gagnon siblings and then continued with the Heberts, but now everyone has gotten their happy ever afters.
I have been patiently waiting for Jude's story since the beginning of this series. How can I not be excited to get to learn more about the quiet, dog daddy, lives in the woods, wears glasses, musician Hebert brother.
Jude and Mila's relationship began with a fiery flame one night and then a year goes by and the reunion has even more of a bang because she is on the run from some dangerous people. Mila is determined to find answers for her brother's assault and she uses her journalism skills to do som but this also gets her in serious trouble.
I really like how all of the Hebert brothers are these big and often times intimidating lumberjacks, but they are really just these softies who become the number one fans for their intelligent and capable women. It is honestly so refreshing seeing these men support the careers of their women and to see them content being on the sidelines.
I am going to miss this little town and Clive the moose who was a hero I might add this time around. That's what I call growth.
May 27, 2025
This was such a bittersweet read knowing it was the end of such a wonderful, much enjoyed series. I have adored the Hebert and Gagnon families and loved seeing them each get their happily ever afters. This was such a satisfying ending to the series.
Jude and Mila were so special, the connection they formed and chemistry they shared during their one night stand was still so strong when she turned up again. The way Jude protected her, trusted her and took care of her was everything. The suspense in this one had me on edge, just waiting for it all to catch up with them. It was weaved so well into the story, I was completely consumed by it from start to finish.
This book also saw the sending to the major plot that’s been running throughout this series and I loved the way it was wrapped up. The way these families came together to seek answers and justice. I just loved the pure love and support between them.
Highly recommend this series and recommend reading in order for the best experience. I mean a family of lumberjacks who will do anything for their women? Yes please. I’m looking forward to seeing what Daphne brings us next!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: lumberjack romance, one night stand, heroine on the run, he falls first, no third act breakup.
Jude and Mila were so special, the connection they formed and chemistry they shared during their one night stand was still so strong when she turned up again. The way Jude protected her, trusted her and took care of her was everything. The suspense in this one had me on edge, just waiting for it all to catch up with them. It was weaved so well into the story, I was completely consumed by it from start to finish.
This book also saw the sending to the major plot that’s been running throughout this series and I loved the way it was wrapped up. The way these families came together to seek answers and justice. I just loved the pure love and support between them.
Highly recommend this series and recommend reading in order for the best experience. I mean a family of lumberjacks who will do anything for their women? Yes please. I’m looking forward to seeing what Daphne brings us next!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: lumberjack romance, one night stand, heroine on the run, he falls first, no third act breakup.
June 18, 2025
Daphne Elliot’s “Axe-ing for Trouble” is the fifth and final book in her Maine Lumberjacks small town contemporary romance series, and it tells the tale of Jude and Mila’s suspenseful forced proximity romance.
I’ve been waiting for Jude to get his happily ever after for a long time now, and this book definitely does not disappoint. I’ve been a fan of Daphne Elliot’s writing style ever since I read her debut novel, and this book was no exception!
Jude is a total sweetheart. He also has a heart of gold, and although I loved that he tried his best to be a gentleman with Mila and not take advantage of her, I also loved those moments when his control snapped and he finally gave in to the intensity of his feelings for her.
Mila’s carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders, and honestly, I just want to give her a hug. I loved how intelligent and vivacious she was, as well as the way she was determined to do whatever it took to get justice for her brother. I also loved how being with Jude helped her learn how to trust and let someone else past her walls.
I’m feeling bittersweet now that I know that the Maine Lumberjacks series has come to an end, and with it, the fictional town of Lovewell, Maine. I truly enjoyed reading Jude and Mila’s love story, and I can’t wait to see what Daphne Elliot writes next! All in all, I highly recommend reading both “Axe-ing for Trouble” and the entire Maine Lumberjacks series.
I’ve been waiting for Jude to get his happily ever after for a long time now, and this book definitely does not disappoint. I’ve been a fan of Daphne Elliot’s writing style ever since I read her debut novel, and this book was no exception!
Jude is a total sweetheart. He also has a heart of gold, and although I loved that he tried his best to be a gentleman with Mila and not take advantage of her, I also loved those moments when his control snapped and he finally gave in to the intensity of his feelings for her.
Mila’s carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders, and honestly, I just want to give her a hug. I loved how intelligent and vivacious she was, as well as the way she was determined to do whatever it took to get justice for her brother. I also loved how being with Jude helped her learn how to trust and let someone else past her walls.
I’m feeling bittersweet now that I know that the Maine Lumberjacks series has come to an end, and with it, the fictional town of Lovewell, Maine. I truly enjoyed reading Jude and Mila’s love story, and I can’t wait to see what Daphne Elliot writes next! All in all, I highly recommend reading both “Axe-ing for Trouble” and the entire Maine Lumberjacks series.
September 30, 2025
Axe-ing for Trouble is the final book in the 5-book Maine Lumberjacks series. This one definitely can't be read as a standalone because the ongoing storyline about the Heberts being targeted by criminals comes to a big conclusion in this final book, and that plot is more integral to the romance than some of the previous books.
As much as I loved MMC Jude, the FMC of this one, Mila, just did whatever she wanted and didn’t seem to listen to reason or common sense. That type of character always annoys me, so it was just unfortunate that my least favourite FMC was in the final book. This meant that I just wasn't very invested in the romance and it didn’t hit in the way that the other books did, especially the last few which had been getting better and better.
Book preference order:
Axe-Backwards (#4) - Noah & Victoria (5)
Axe-identally Married (#3) - Cole & Willa (4.5)
Pain in the Axe (#2) - Gus & Chloe (4)
Caught in the Axe (#1) - Owen & Lila (3.5)
Axe-ing for Trouble (#5) - Jude & Mila (3)
The whole series being in Audible Plus has lead to me bingeing all 5 audiobooks in about a week, so they're definitely easy to listen to and the duet narration is a great feature.
As much as I loved MMC Jude, the FMC of this one, Mila, just did whatever she wanted and didn’t seem to listen to reason or common sense. That type of character always annoys me, so it was just unfortunate that my least favourite FMC was in the final book. This meant that I just wasn't very invested in the romance and it didn’t hit in the way that the other books did, especially the last few which had been getting better and better.
Book preference order:
Axe-Backwards (#4) - Noah & Victoria (5)
Axe-identally Married (#3) - Cole & Willa (4.5)
Pain in the Axe (#2) - Gus & Chloe (4)
Caught in the Axe (#1) - Owen & Lila (3.5)
Axe-ing for Trouble (#5) - Jude & Mila (3)
The whole series being in Audible Plus has lead to me bingeing all 5 audiobooks in about a week, so they're definitely easy to listen to and the duet narration is a great feature.
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