Wood You Rather?: Lovewell Lumberjacks, Book 3

Lovewell Lumberjacks #3

by Daphne Elliot, Lucy Rivers (narrator), Stephen Borne (narrator)

My new fake boyfriend? I can't stand him.

Pascal Gagnon is a broody lumberjack with a pine tree stuck up his self-righteous ass.

He needs my help investigating his father's accident, and I need the work to help my PI business get off the ground.

We're total opposites—he's an uptight control freak, and I've been described as a hurricane. Forced to live together to keep up appearances while I gather evidence, we bicker nonstop, but the fake relationship ruse is the perfect cover. Even if it means having to tolerate his shirtless piano playing.

This small town is hiding secrets, and as we work together to uncover them, things heat up between the sheets and in the case.

The danger is as real as the feelings I'm developing for my fake boyfriend. As we close in on the truth, can we also find our happily ever after?

Wood You Rather? is a standalone, full-length small-town romance featuring a broody lumberjack hero and a strong, sassy private investigator heroine. If you enjoy idiots to lovers with nonstop banter, wood chopping, blizzard snuggles, and endless moose shenanigans, then come visit Lovewell, Maine!

Each book in this series is a standalone. However, they are most fun when listened to in order.

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Enemies To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Contemporary

Audible Audio

Published August 27, 2024

About the author

In 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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Reviews

[Romance_book_obsessed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Wood You Rather is the 3rd book in the Lovewell Lumberjack series.
Pascal Gagnon wants to investigate his father’s death, so he asks a PI for help. Parker doesn’t want to be a PI, but she lost her job in the police force due to Pascal. She doesn’t want to help at first, but decides to go to Lovewell. The Gagnon’s decide that the best excuse for Parker coming to town is that she’s Paz’s girlfriend. This book was more heavy on the suspense and investigation than the one before. I wanted a little more focus on the love story. It took me a little while to get into the story.
The spice begins around the 50% mark and was really great. The story really picks up around the 70% mark. No third act break up, so that made me happy!

The Bonus epilogue was so perfect 😍😍


Check this out on KU on July 20th!


Tropes:
🪵 Fake Dating
🌲 Small Town
🫎He Falls First
🪵 “good boy”
🌲No third act breakup

[Sophie (sophiesbookarchive) · Rating 5 out of 5]

wood you rather by daphne elliot


guys i am BEGGING you to read these books ❤️‍🔥 i am seriously so obsessed with this series and i need you guys to understand my OBSESSION for daphne and her lumberjacks. these are FREE ON KU btw so go read them asap, thank me later!!!!


this series is about the gagnon brothers (and sister) who are all secy lumberjacks who take their shirts off and chop wood for funzies.

wood you rather is about the second oldest brother pascal who is a rich suit on the outside but secretly a nervous lumbersnack on the inside, and parker who is a former cop turned private pi.

paz hires parker to help look into the mystery surrounding their dads trucking accident. they fake date to provide a cover as to why parker moved to the small town lovewell (and obviously they also have to live together 🤭)

pascal is sweet and caring and a little anxious and he puts on an asshole front, but parker can see right through him. these two together are just my absolute faves.

with bras left on door knobs, and asshole moose, secret stakeouts, being snowed in, and some piano ‘playing’ this book has be giggling and swooning the whole time. (also did i mention they all get shirtless and chop wood? cause that’s a very important detail to me)

i love the continuation of the mystery in this series and the addition of parker and her pi skills 🕵️‍♀️

[Heather Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Small Town, Fake Dating, Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, Suspense

TW: Kidnapping, Attempted Murder, Drug Trafficking, Mention of Death, Anxiety

Thank you to the author for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

*These can be read as standalones, but I recommend reading the first 2 books to have a better understanding of the mystery. * This book follows Pascal, Parker, and the mystery on who killed the Gagnon patriarch. Pascal hires Parker, a private investigator who will help Parker investigate the accident that caused his father's death from two years ago. The two main characters have a past together based on stereotypes and first impressions; will they be able to work together?

I enjoyed reading this book and watching these two characters come together. We meet Pascal in Book 1, and he is GRUMPY AND SASSY. Then in Book 2, you see more of Pascal, which will probably make you not like him. In this book, you see him learn to deal with his anxiety and the regret's that he carries. Parker has some family issues of her own, and a "failed" career that she's been living with. Throughout the book, you see Pascal and Parker slowly come to together. I loved Pascal and Parker's banter. Parker does not take crap from anything or anyone. She knows how to do her job and knows how to take care of herself. This book felt more suspense than the other two books in this series, but I liked it! I'm excited to see what Daphne writes for the 4th book!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it 3 stars compared to some of my other 3 star reads? Maybe not, but this book made me laugh out loud several times (both on purpose and not on purpose), and I flew threw it.

[Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of repetitive language in this one. It gave me Deja vu

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wood You Rather is book three in the Lovewell Lumberjacks series. It has everything you could want and more. Sweet romance, toe curling spice & heart pounding suspense.

In book one, I became smitten with Henri, and then in book two, I fell hard for Remi. Surely, there was no way I would go from wanting to punch Pas in his stupid face to wanting to... do other things to his face... but hot damn I was wrong. 🥵

I highly recommend this series by Daphne Elliot. You will not be disappointed!!

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

O-M-Geez!! This book is spicy in places and the mystery regarding Poppa Gagnon is so fascinating. I started Wood You Rather? and finished it in one sitting. I’m supposed to be getting on a better sleep schedule, but good books often keep me up all night. Who needs sleep anyway?!

Pascal Gagnon, Paz, is the middle brother who left town, got rich, and then came home when Henri called needing help. The first two books painted this man as a grumpy a$$hole who wasn’t very nice. However, the author Daphne Elliot had me revising my opinion and falling for Paz rather quickly. Her dedication stole my breathe away.

Parker Harding on the other hand is someone I knew I would immediately like after her first chapter. She doesn’t take crap from anyone, she has faith in her abilities, and even as a sexy beautiful woman still feels a bit insecure. She has put her life back together once after quitting the force and now she’s going to help Paz and his family find the answers they need.

Seriously, this series gets better and better each book. And for the love of all things Daphne Elliot why would you give us such a sneaky peak at Adele’s story? I’m not going to last until October, just sayin. As for Wood You Rather?, I didn’t think I could fall in love with Paz. There was nothing, no way, that could happen. Never say never boys and girls, because a talented author can and will make you eat your words. Daphne Elliot sure did make me eat mine. The interactions between Paz and Parker were hilarious and steamy. They got hotter as the book moved on. My favorite scene? When Paz took care of Parker when she had a migraine. Oh be still my heart! As a person with migraines, I wanted to curl into a ball during that chapter and my heart thudded when he came home to take care of her. Read this series, tell me that you didn’t fall for Paz. I don’t think I’ll believe it, but you can try and convince me. 😉

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Wood You Rather
Author: Daphne Elliot
Hero/Heroine: Pascal & Parker
Tropes: Small Town, Fake Dating, He Falls First, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Grumpy x Sunshine,

tw/cw: mention of an abusive parental relationship, detailed description of grief, death of a parent (off page), detailed mention of anxiety attacks,

✨the good ✨

Throughout the previous two books in the series, I spent a lot of time thinking Pascal was the dickhead to end all dickheads. And now he’s my favourite Gagnon brother. How. HOW DID YOU DO THIS DAPHNE?!! I didn’t think Pascal could be redeemed, yet throughout this story I found myself literally swooning any time he opened his mouth, even when he was being the ultimate grump.

Wood You Rather was perfection, there’s simply no other word for it. Pascal and Parker’s constant back and forth built the sexual tension so well between them, I was like ‘is it hot in here? It’s hot in here, let me open every goddamn window in my flat’. I absolutely adored Parker’s wit and headstrong personality, and I loved how she didn’t allow Pascal to hide behind his standoffish exterior. And Pascal. Pascal friggin Gagnon. He was the ultimate grump with a cinnamon roll centre, I loved how he put everyone’s health and well being first, and it broke my heart how he felt like he had to prove his worth within the family after the death of his father. These two just got each other and brought out softer sides where it allowed them to let their defences down.

I cannot say enough amazing things about this book, and the whole series if I’m being honest. Up there with one of my favourite series ever, cannot wait to read Adele’s book.

✨ the bad ✨

Not a goddamn thing. Actually, Parker’s ex boyfriend was a pretty big twatwaffle, that’s the most polite thing I can think to call him.

✨overall thoughts: just wonderful, even Clive is still a legend despite nearly ruining a wedding
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am shamelessly addicted to this series, to this family of lumberjacks and to the town of Lovewell, Maine. Pascal is a lumberjack in a suit, the brother who decided he needed to leave his hometown to accomplish his goals, but returned to Lovewell after his father died. Parker is a former cop, now a P.I., and she heads to Lovewell to help him find out who was responsible for his father’s tragic death. Pascal and Parker can’t stand each other, so when she agrees to pose as his fake girlfriend for cover and live in his big farmhouse, what could go wrong?? I loved that Parker is smart, strong, independent and kinda messy! Pascal really doesn’t appreciate the dirty dishes, and he gets really irritated by all the bras hanging all over the place….he likes being in control, even of things that he can’t control, no matter all the safeguards puts in place for his family, and especially not the walls he’s placed around his heart. The relationship between these two is sarcastic, passionate, and fiery; I loved how they fought, how they teased, and how they loved. Although this book, as well as the others in this series, are perfect as standalones, you are going to want to read them all, because once you’ve met the Gagnon family, you’ll want to spend lots of time with them!

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this addition to the Lovewell Lumberjacks! Daphne Elliot really brought her A-game for this one.

The set up for the fake dating is believable and created great sexual tension too. I loved Parker. She was such a fun character. I especially liked seeing her show off her PI skills. She was clever and could knock Pascal down a few pegs. Pascal took a little warming up to since I really wasn't a fan of his in the previous books but his interactions with Parker and his love for his family won me over. The relationship is developed at the perfect pace and definitely delivered on the spice (piano scene!). The mystery was interesting too.

I loved seeing some of characters from previous books too (Remy & Hazel are my faves after all). Plus our favourite moose Clive made an appearance too.

Overall, another great read from this family of lumberjacks. Would recommend if you enjoy fake dating, opposites attract, forced proximity, romantic suspense, top notch banter, steamy romances and no 3rd act breakups.

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Remy was my favorite Gagnon but move over Remy, Paz is my favorite! I've been waiting for Paz's book and it's finally here!

If you love small town, lumberjack *lumbersuit ;)*, forced proximity, opposites attract, fake dating, then this is definitely a book you don't want to miss out on!

I love a good fake dating romance and Daphne sure hit it out of the park with this one. Pascal is definitely redeemable in his book which I love a book where the difficult main character gets redeemed. Daphne did a great job! I mean Paz is guarded, a grump, and will do anything for his family when they're trying to figure out how their father died. That's where Parker comes in as she is a P.I. and oh boy, she is a tough woman. She's strong and doesn't take anyone's crap, especially Paz!

These two together? Wow, better bring a fire extinguisher or two. Their chemistry is so hot and I loved the banter between them.
I can't wait to read the next book!

[Smuttybooks_geekystuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pascal Gagnon hires PI Parker to investigate his father's death.
But the small town he lives in doesn't talk to outsiders, so they agree to fake date as a cover.

When I read the previous book in the series, I liked Remy and Hazel a lot, but I love Pascal and Parker so much!

These two are complete opposites, but they bounce off each other and just fit together perfectly.

There's a lot more emphasis on the investigation and suspense than the previous book, but I really enjoyed connecting the dots along with the characters.

It doesn't skimp on the spice either! Let's just say I won't be able to look at a piano without blushing for a while 😉

Oh, Clive, the moose is just brilliant! He steals every scene he's in 😂

I've got a feeling that Adele's story is going to be so good and can't wait! ❤️

[Erika Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I had any room in my life to love another lumberjack. I was completely WRONG! The 3rd novel in the Lovewell Lumberjacks series is straight fire! The grumpy, reclusive Paz hires Parker to look into his father's death when it's found that the brakes on his truck were tampered with. Under the guise of a fake relationship, Parker takes Lovewell by storm and befriends the townsfolk. She and Paz are constantly quipping back and forth, and their relationship evolution is *chefs kiss*

The characters, the community, and the storyline progression from the first book to the third is fantastic. I didn't think I could fall for another Gagnon, but I fell head over heels for Pascal!

[Hazel Khatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m late to the party on finishing this book. Fell in a huge slump and shit went sideways, literally. But I recently finished it and I enjoyed it so much. I’m partial to the first two books and I’m pretty sure the next one is going to be my favorite (the dedication bought me)! But this one so good. I honestly enjoyed the mystery a lot. I didn’t personally relate with Parker or Paz, maybe in a remote sense but their stories are too specific to get comfortable. However, the story was definitely worth reading. Their chemistry is dope and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. All in all, definitely going to reread it some other time. 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[Mick C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a rollercoaster of a story. Sitting on the edge of my seat reading each page as we get closer and closer to the answers we've all been waiting for. Closure, family and love. This book has it all.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

I didn’t think this series could get any better, and yet it does! Pascal and Parker are a total opposites-attract couple, and the sparks fly between them in all sorts of ways. Their chemistry is off the charts, and will have you using your eraser as a fan.
The suspense is amped up in this one, as Parker investigates to help the Gagnons find out what happened to their dad, and brings with it some pulse-pounding moments, and a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
I absolutely loved it, will read it again and again, and can’t wait for Adele’s story!

[Marisa BG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! This one took a little longer than the others to get somewhere, but it got there.

[Wallis Moulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

PAZ NEEDS SO MUCH HELP IT'S CRAZY. BUT I LOVE HIM AND I LOVE PARKER. 2/4

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wood love a billionaire lumberjack

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wood You Rather? by Daphne Elliot follows wealthy playboy Pascal Gagnon and private investigator Parker Harding in their forced proximity romance.

Daphne will always provide well-written smut scenes, especially if hot lumberjacks are involved. But I also adored how Paz, in spite of his reluctance when it came to caring for Parker, was constantly by her side and possessive of her.

Though, I dislike how Daphne finds a way to leave her books, or at least the books in the Lovewell Lumberjack series, on a cliffhanger. Basically, the chapters before the epilogue are always intentionally left open-ended, and this chapter was no exception because I felt that there was still a lot that needed to be said.

Overall, I loved seeing Paz and Parker get together, especially seeing Paz be a girl dad in the epilogue, because he was so meant to be one!

*Thank you to the author, Daphne Elliot, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Tropes: fake dating, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, small town, “good girl”, “good boy”, anxiety rep, roommates, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine

Triggers: drug trafficking, death of parent (off page)



Parker Harding's career went off track a few years back. After a case fell apart and she was ostracized from the state PD, she now runs a private investigation business. Trailing cheating spouses wasn't exactly how she thought her life would go, but at least she can use her skill set. But when Pascal Gagnon needs her help to bring answers into the death of his father for his family, she feels compelled to help, even if she can't stand Pascal.

Pascal Gagnon knows he's not the easiest person to deal with. An outsider among his family, Pascal is the only one to leave their small town of Lovewell to make it big in the city. A life in finance, Pascal found himself surrounded by money, but with no other connections. The death of his father may have brought Pascal back to town, but helping run the family business and figure out the truth has him sticking around. He needs to help bring about closure for his mother, his siblings, and himself. And he knows Parker could be just the person to help him.

In order for Parker to be able to convincingly ask questions in the small town of Lovewell without raising suspicions, the two pretend to date. Being the "new girlfriend" to one of the town's most elusive bachelors will be just what she needs to get everyone talking. What neither of them expected was how easy it is to pretend.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

The plot that connects the Lovewell Lumberjacks books keeps getting better and better (says someone who hates suspense & mystery mixed with romance) and I love that things are starting to unravel for the Gagnon family, plus Pascal & Parker were so much more beautiful than I expected and I loved reading them arguing and falling in love.

I have to say that I started this book hating Pascal 🫢, and although he is still not my favorite Gagnon, that place will ALWAYS be Remy's, I really enjoyed reading his character and he managed to steal a little piece of my heart. I really liked reading him with that grumpy, cocky and arrogant image that gradually fades the more we get to know him, but I think what I liked most about Pascal was reading the sincerity with he shows Parker his feelings and what he wants from her, the love he has for his family, how hard it is for him to communicate that love and reconnect with them after so many years away. Another thing that Daphne Elliot executed perfectly with Paz were the moments in which the character showed his most vulnerable, tender and complex side, although I would have loved that the author will delve much deeper into his protective side, his anxiety for the safety of his loved ones and that little detail that Parker discovers about him towards the end of the book.

Parker is a very interesting female character, with a tragic family history that affects her at different times in the series, but which is already working and mostly resolved. She's a woman very strong, intelligent, a former police officer who is now a private investigator and is fighting to earn a place in a world dominated by men, plus she made me enjoy the story a lot every time her personality clashed with Pascal's.

And these two have some of the most absurd, fun and complex banter I've ever read! and I really enjoyed reading them falling in love with each other, sharing their vulnerabilities, insecurities and true personality with each other. I think the timing of their relationship was perfect and I love that Pascal & Parker always be there for each other and support each other unconditionally, plus those moments when Paz shows how much she cares about Parker with actions were what stole my heart.

🪵Pascal: 4/5
🪵Parker: 4.5/5
🪵Plot: 4/5
🪵Love story: 5/5
🪵Secondary characters: 5/5
🪵Cover: 3.5/5
🌶️: 2.5/5

🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

La trama que conecta los libros de Lovewell Lumberjacks cada vez se pone mejor (lo dice alguien que odia el suspenso & misterio mezclado con el romance) y me encanta que las cosas comiencen a resolverse para la familia Gagnon, además, Pascal & Parker fueron mucho más hermosos de lo que esperaba y me encantó leerlos discutiendo y enamorándose.

Tengo que decir que empecé este libro odiando a Pascal 🫢, y aunque sigue sin ser mi Gagnon favorito, ese lugar SIEMPRE será de Remy, disfruté mucho leyendo su personaje y logró robarse un pedacito de mi corazón. Me gustó mucho leerlo con esa imagen de gruñón, engreído y arrogante que se va desvaneciendo poco a poco mientras más lo conocemos, creo que lo que más me gustó de Pascal fue leer la sinceridad con la que le muestra a Parker sus sentimientos y lo que quiere de ella, el amor que tiene por su familia, lo mucho que le cuesta comunicarles ese amor y reconectar con ellos después de tantos años alejado. Otra cosa que Daphne Elliot ejecutó a la perfección con Paz fueron los momentos en los que el personaje mostró su lado más vulnerable, tierno y complejo, aunque si me hubiera encantado que la autora profundizará mucho más en su lado protector, su ansiedad por la seguridad de sus seres queridos y ese detallito que Parker descubre sobre él hacia el final del libro.

Parker es un personaje femenino muy interesante, con una historia familiar trágica que la afecta en diferentes momentos de la serie, pero que ya trabajo y está en su mayoría resuelta. Es una mujer muy fuerte, inteligente, una ex policía que ahora es investigadora privada y esta luchando para ganarse un lugar en un mundo dominado por hombres, además me hizo disfrutar mucho de la historia cada vez que su personalidad chocaba con la de Pascal.

Y es que estos dos tienen de las discusiones más absurdas, divertidas y complejas que he leído! y me gustó mucho leerlos enamorándose del otro, compartiendo sus vulnerabilidades, inseguridades y verdadera personalidad con el otro, creo que el ritmo de su relación fue perfecto y me encanta que Pascal & Parker siempre estén ahí para el otro y se apoyen de manera incondicional, además esos momentos en los que Paz demuestra lo mucho que le importa Parker con acciones fueron lo que me robaron el corazón.

🪵Pascal: 4/5
🪵Parker: 4.5/5
🪵Trama: 4/5
🪵Historia de amor: 5/5
🪵Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🪵Portada: 3.5/5
🌶️: 2.5/5

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to begin by thanking the author for the e-ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review of the book.

My rating is much closer to a 4.25

I am pretty sure that I have mentioned this in my other reviews, but it must be said again. Reading any book in this series feels like receiving a big warm hug. I am utterly shocked by how invested I am in this cute little lumberjack town full of mystery and unexpected ugly truths. This book warmed my heart and kept me in suspense to unfathomable extents. I freaking adored it all.

Parker is PI who is hired by the Gagnon family to do some investigative work and her passion for puzzles as well as justice make her perfect for the job. She was such a strong, intelligent, and empathetic FMC. My absolute favorite thing about her was her sense of humor and ability to remain levelheaded in stressful situations. She loved to push Paz's buttons and question him to no end, which is what exactly allowed her to peel back all of his layers. Parker was not afraid to put Paz in his place when he lashed out with his emotions and actually fell harder for her as a result of it. Parker didn't have the most loving and healthy relationship with her own family growing up, so it warmed my heart to see her flourish amongst all the affection that Lovewell has to offer.


Paz was so beautifully unexpected in his demeanor and inner thoughts. His appearances in the other books, made me believe that he was going to be the asshole playboy of the family and that was all intentional on the author's behalf because that is exactly how everyone else sees him. I was absolutely baffled at the fact that he was the character that I related to the most. His uncontrollable anxiety and worries were something that spoke to me on an in depth level He likes to present this cold, unattached, and mean front, but in reality, he loves and worries so intensely that he is always on edge as a result. This big scary looking lumberjack that wears these expensive suits tries to hide his emotions, anxiety, and controlling tendencies as best as he could to prevent anyone from looking too closely and looking at his flaws. I am so proud of his growth and accountability in this book. He was tired of being stuck and chose to become a better man for his family and Parker.



The romance was fake dating tension goodness. They both tried so hard to maintain a professional relationship amidst it all, but ultimately the call to one another was too strong. The banter between these two was hilarious. The summary of their dynamic is basically Parker trying to remove the permanent pine tree that Paz has up his rear and him acting like he doesn't enjoy her nonsense. These two are so good for each other. They instill such confidence in one another and try their best in helping healing journeys along the way.


As a quick side note, in addition to the Gagnon family, I absolutely loved Liv and all her chaotic goodness. She was such a sweet and slightly unhinged best friend to Parker and I sincerely hope that we get to see more of her. Liv is literally us fanatic romance readers in this case scenario since she is a writer and I was obsessed with all of her commentary on the whole fake dating arrangement.

Clive the "asshole moose" is always the absolute show stealer in every book and every single time I see him, I can't help but get so excited. He is literally such an unbothered icon that doesn't let anybody get in the way of what he wants.


This whole series will hold a special place in my heart. I never thought that I would have an obsession with Lumberjacks when I got back into reading, yet here we are. I cannot wait to read about Adele and a certain single father in the next book. Adele doesn't take nonsense and knows her worth, so I am excited to see this Amazonian genius goddess try her chance at true love.

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 3 in the Lovewell Lumberjacks Series and is better enjoyed if you've read the previous books as certain subplots continue to be explored. The book's blurb lets you know what to expect. It's a great fake dating dual pov romance.

After a case gone wrong, Parker is working as a PI but she misses the challenge that came with being a Sergeant. When Paz asks her to investigate his father's accident, she wants to turn him down as she blames him and dislikes him but she gives into her feelings of wanting to help his family and do something more than what she's currently doing. She thinks that pretending to date him is a good and easy cover but she wasn't counting on actually developing feelings for him. Parker has a strong mind and thoughts and she isn't scared to share them. She's used to having to prove herself. I love that she didn't back down from Paz and got him to open up to her. It was fun to see her rile him up too. And, while he frustrated her, she was able to see past his cold exterior and recognize his vulnerability.

Paz is known for being uptight, a jerk, and a ladies man. He won't deny any of this claims and comes off as not caring but it does bother him. The guilt he feels surrounding his father's accident leaves him unsure with how to deal with his feelings so he does what he knows best and tries to control his situation. Asking Parker's help isn't something that he wants to do, especially pretending to be dating, but he's willing to do anything to find out the truth about his father's incident. As Parker invades his space and disrupts his peace, Paz finds himself not minding as much as he thought he would. Out of all the Gagnon siblings, Paz's story was the one I was most curious about because of his behavior and his story didn't disappoint at all! He was struggling to fill a void and I enjoyed his transformation as he allowed Parker into his life. I loved how he was a man who actually cared too much and simply wanted his family safe. His conversation with Remy was definitely one of my favorite moments of the book.

While Parker and Paz weren't enemies, they certainly didn't get along and clashed so enjoyers of the enemies to lovers trope will be satisfied. Their back and forth was fun to read, especially when Paz would get embarrassed. Though he doesn't cross the line, readers will love how Parker can handle her own against Paz. &, although their fake dating isn't in your face like it is in other books, it plays its role well with having them both start to want things between them to be real. Their chemistry is sizzling. Having read the previous two books, I really enjoyed that this book was more heavily focused on revealing some of the mysteries presented before. Even if readers may guess who is responsible, I still kept eagerly turning the pages curious to see how things would end. Overall, this was another great book to the series and I can't wait for Adele's book next!

[Jess aka Bones · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 5 ⭐️ / 3 🌶️
𝐏𝐎𝐕: Dual
𝐓𝐖: kîdnãppîng, drüg trãffîckîng, & attempted mūrdér
𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫: tropes, blurb, character thoughts, & favorite quotes

Once again Daphne has knocked it out of the park with the latest installment for the Lovewell series! Get ready to cue the swoon! Head right over to KU now to get your binge reading on and fall in love with the Gagnon family. 🙌🏼

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞...
🪓 Opposites Attract
🪵 Forced Proximity
🪓 Sexy Lumbersnacks & broody Lumbersuits
🪵 Small Town
🪓 Suspense & Crime Solving
🪵 No 3rd act breakups! 🙌🏼
🪓 Spice 🥵

One of my favorite things about reading a book is when the writer adds in little details that make it so relatable it hits home. There were many times this book made me pause and say “wow that’s me too” or “damn, I didn’t realize I did that too”. The depictions of the anxiety, the need to be prepared for any outcome, wanting to take care of everyone, and the spot on migraine symptoms/feelings was literally *chef’s kiss* for this girl. If you’re new around here, I have suffered from migraines for well over 20 years and get them pretty frequently. I actually read through most of this when I was bedridden with my latest one and needed to focus on something to help the spins even though my head wanted no part in it. Being with these characters and diving back into the charming town of Lovewell gave me some much needed relief and escapism on a day I really needed it and I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to arc read again for this series. 🫶🏼

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
🪓 the couch dream scene 🤣
🪵 the piano 🥵
🪓 the brothers wood chopping
🪵 “Good Boy” 🥵🥵🥵😮‍💨
🪓 Clive the moose getting up to more crazy antics

Parker is my favorite FMC in the whole series and may quite possibly be my favorite for the year so far. She is a badass and doesn’t take shit from anyone. She’s strong, fierce, fiery af, determined, and Paz’s total opposite in every single way. She sees right through every facade he has built to keep others from seeing too much of him and she breaks it down in her typical hurricane fashion. Their banter was top tier and was one of my favorite things in the whole book! 🤌🏻

Paz was everything I didn’t know I needed in an MMC and then some! He’s broody, arrogant, and a complete uptight control freak to the point he has a literal pine tree stuck up his ass- BUT that man has more vulnerability and emotion than I think I’ve ever seen. He cares deeply and loves hard for everyone in his life. My heart hurt for him many times for all the weight he constantly carried and felt responsible for. Although his only flaw is that he hates chocolate and I don’t know if that is even forgivable, but I guess he can have a pass. He is officially my favorite Gagnon sibling. 👏🏼 Forget good girl, good boy brings a whole new level of hotness! 🤤🥵

I absolutely love this whole series. There were a few twists that I wasn’t expecting and some things that I am still waiting to see the conclusion of, but I cannot recommend this series enough. Highly, highly recommend!

[Daphne Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wood You Rather by Daphne Elliot
Tropes: Forced Proximity/ Fake Dating/ No 3rd Act Breakup/ Dual POV/ Opposites Attract/ Suspense/ Reformed Playboy

*ARC Review*

“Wood You Rather” is the third book in the "Lovewell Lumberjack" series. It focuses on the mystery of who killed the Gagnon patriarch, as it is discovered that it wasn’t an accident after all. Pascal Gagnon hires Parker Harding, a PI who goes against every one of his beliefs, and they share a past that strongly makes them dislike each other.

Parker Harding is a PI struggling to find her footing in life after experiencing a job setback. She decides to embark on a new adventure as a private investigator, but unfortunately, her business is not thriving, and she’s bored out of her mind with only catching cheating husbands. Until the job of her lifetime lands at her very own office in the form of a stuck-up lumberjack whom she strongly dislikes.

Pascal Gagnon is a lumberjack dressed as a businessman who carries a lot of guilt over his family. He’s eager to discover what happened to his father after his death was ruled as an accident, until a new discovery leads his family to believe it wasn’t. That's why he decides to swallow his pride and hire the only PI who can ultimately help him find the truth. Parker is ambitious and willing to uncover every single secret she encounters. The only problem is that he will find answers, but there’s a price he will have to pay. Will losing his sanity over her be worth it?

Pascal and Parker’s story is a rollercoaster of emotions from chapter one. I was hooked from the beginning. What I loved about this book is that we get to see how these two characters banter over the silliest things, how they work together to solve a mystery that haunts them every time they find a new lead, their character growth, and how they eventually fall head over heels in love. The plot was perfect. We see how Parker unravels a web of lies and how strong she is, never giving up on finding the answers that will finally help the Gagnon family find closure over the death of their patriarch.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Parker was such a strong female lead who was never deterred by Pascal, even when she was in danger. And Pascal, he has my heart. It was humbling to read how he loved his family and how he cared for them. I can't describe how wholesome it was to get to know and read about them.


I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

I rated it with 5 stars.

[Kelsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang…Daphne Elliot knows how to write Lumberjack romances that keep you right on the razors edge.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Once again Daphne Elliot does not disappoint, so if you are coming here for A lumberjack alpha, a kickbutt heroine, an enemies to lovers romance that burns oh so sweet, and suspenseful twists and turns that will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the night, forgetting all responsibilities you have the next day… well then I highly recommend you pick up Wood You Rather? Immediately.

I will say the plot line of this book does pick up after some things that happened in book two, Wood You Marry Me? So while it may not be necessary to read this series in order because you get a brief summary of what’s going on I would highly recommend it. However if you have read the other books in this series and we’re left with questions at the end of book two much like I was well then be prepared to…read this wonderful book yourself and just maybe you’ll get those answers!

Follow that up with a romance that doesn’t quit and I mean really where can you go wrong. From the beginning I was rooting for Paz and Parker, I mean who doesn’t love a bit of a spurned enemies, learning that the other one might not be so bad when you get down to who they are as a person, only to simmer over into a romance they can’t resist!! And the pacing of this romance, a true *chefs kiss* because I’ve read a lot of enemies to lovers/ fake dating romances and sometimes the pacing is fabulous and sometimes the pacing is ohh the FMC saw him do one nice thing and omg her mind is changed forevermore. Not in this book though! Elliot managed to pace this romance just perfectly so that it feel’s believable, it feels as if our main characters are slowly learning about each other, slowly coming together to learn what burdens the other ones carry that make them cold to the world, as well as learning the passions that set their souls on fire. Truly it read almost as if you were reading about some of your own friends who started off hating each other but after being forced to spend more than half a second together realize that maybe the other is simply not so bad. But I can say no more as I refuse to spoil this amazing story for you all!!

Overall, Id highly recommended picking up any one of Daphne Elliot’s books as you can’t go wrong! But if lumberjacks, strong heroines, suspense, and romance are what you’re looking for than Wood You Rather? is the book for you.

HAPPY READING 📖

[HappyKT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignore the cheesy title and cover art. This story is lovely. Also. This is the 3rd book in the series I highly suggest you read the first two to fully appreciate the characters and storyline.

Pascal Gagnon left his fancy job in the city to run the financial side of the family logging business shortly after his father's death. Now his sister in law found some information that his father's death was not an accident. With a desperate need to control what he can control, Paz decides their family needs help and he knows the exact woman for the job. And he knows that she is in a need for a new assignment since he accidentally got her fired from her job as a police officer.

Parker Harding is at a crossroads in her life. Her new job as a private investigator isn't her passion. She is currently living with her friend in a home full of various and sundry strangers. So when the arrogant financial bro that ended her career comes waltzing into her office asking for her help with his signature smirk, she hates that she is considering it.

With little convincing, Parker decides to take on the Gagnon family case. In their small Maine town where strangers are ostracized, they decide Parker needs to pose as Paz's long term girlfriend visiting from out of town. Parker is fascinated with the puzzle of this case and all the people in this town. As she gets to work, her and Paz cover their sexual tension with grumpy looks and sassy banter.

Paz has been carrying a lot of anger and resentment for the past few years. His response was control and Parker eventually calls him out on it. Parker is good at her job but her hardest task is keeping a professional distance from the gorgeous, stuck up lumber-suit she lives with. They fight and bicker but could not be more perfect for each other.

Dual POV, fake relationship, hint of enemies to lovers, some suspense, grumpy/sassy, open door love scenes.

Okay this is my favorite in the series so far. Henri and Remy's stories were enjoyable but Pascal is a dream book boyfriend. He can cook, he is wealthy, he has impeccable taste, he plays piano, listens to opera and loves his family fiercely. Parker is a fun, intelligent, kick arse FMC. She can hold her own with almost anyone but especially with the tall, handsome, and brooding Paz. Their tension was built up perfectly. The HEA was fulfilling. The Epilogue was sexy. The Bonus Epilogue was one of the best I've ever read in any book.

[Shani (Bttrflymama88) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book! A must read!!! Lumbersuit Paz is 🥵🥵🥵

🪓🪵 It’s a lot more than some. I crave you, Parker. Your touch. Those sassy little looks you give me. I want to possess that smart mouth and make you scream my name.

🪓🪵 I spend every single minute of my day thinking about you. How gorgeous you are. How smart and fearless. How badly I want you. Your body and your mind. You don’t have to say anything. I’ve never met a woman I felt was made for me. Someone who could push my buttons and go ten rounds with me intellectually, then wake up ready to do it all again the next day. You see through my bullshit and all my masks. And I hate it. But fuck if it doesn’t make me respect you that much more. You’re fucking spectacular.

🪓🪵 Tell me what I need to do to make you mine. I’ll do anything to have you forever.

🪓🪵 A gunshot didn't take me out, but having to live a single day without you might.

🪓🪵🌲❤️🪓🪵🌲❤️🪓🪵🌲❤️🪓🪵🌲❤️🪓

Wood You Rather? by Daphne Elliot

Back in our favorite town with our favorite family full of lumbersnacks! This time our Black sheep Pascal! And can we say yummy!

What I loved most about this book was the banter between Parker and Paz! The way they played off each other! They gave as well as they took! ( & we can take that statement however you want! Because the way Paz tool those good boys! 🥵).

Paz is a Grumpy Lumbersuit. Hot as sin, gruff and guarded, but masked behind that fancy suit, shoes & car is a teddy bear. One Who would do anything for his family, to keep them safe and love him the only way he knows how. And man oh man is he so freaking swoony!!

Parker. God I love her! & her lady balls! She's freaking amazing! She's independent, strong willed and such a fighter. Fighting to prove the people who doubted her wrong. And redeem herself. But also help a grieving family find the truth.

This two are a match made in lumber jack Heaven! This book was everything and so much more! I really didn't doubt that it would be amazing because Daphne's books are top notch anyways. But this book had the instant attraction, semi slowburn while their relationship grew, the deep connection they goes behind just the physical. The banter, the spice! But the deep need to care for one another! Absolutely LOVED! & I hate to say I may have to trade Remy in for Paz! 😬 I said what I said! 🥰🥰 & that bonus epilogue!! 👨‍🍳💋

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake dating never looked so good between an anxious, control freak lumbersuit (lumberjack turned finance bro turned back into a lumberjack) and a sassy private investigator. That's the premise of Wood You Rather, third book of the Lovewell Lumberjacks series, that revolves around the second oldest brother Pascal as he hires a private investigator, Parker, to help dig into the murder of his father. While this book is a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first two to get the background of the murder mystery that evolves across all the books.

Qᴜɪᴄᴋ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴠɪᴇᴡ: ᴘᴀꜱᴄᴀʟ ʜɪʀᴇꜱ ᴘᴀʀᴋᴇʀ, ᴀ ꜰᴏʀᴍᴇʀ ᴄᴏᴘ ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ʜɪꜱ ᴘᴀꜱᴛ, ᴛᴏ ᴅɪɢ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ʜɪꜱ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɪʟʟᴇɢᴀʟ ᴀᴄᴛɪᴠɪᴛʏ ᴅɪꜱᴄᴏᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴜᴍʙᴇʀ ʀᴏᴀᴅꜱ ʜɪꜱ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ'ꜱ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴏᴡɴꜱ. ꜱɪɴᴄᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴡᴇʟʟ, ᴍᴀɪɴᴇ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴠᴇʀʏ ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴠᴇʀʏ ɴᴏꜱʏ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ, ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴘᴀʀᴋᴇʀ'ꜱ ᴛʀᴜᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴀ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ, ʜᴇʀ ᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴘᴀꜱᴄᴀʟ'ꜱ ɢɪʀʟꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ. ꜱʜᴇ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ᴀ ᴊᴏʙ, ʜᴇ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟᴘ ʜᴇʀ ɢᴇᴛ ᴀ ʀᴇꜱᴏʟᴜᴛɪᴏɴ ꜰᴏʀ ʜɪꜱ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇʏ ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ, ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴏᴘᴘᴏꜱɪᴛᴇ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀꜱ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ ᴏɴᴇ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ. ᴀꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʟʟ ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘꜱ, ɪᴛ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴇᴘᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇʏ ɢᴇᴛ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴠᴇꜱᴛɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ...

This third book is so cute. I really loved getting to know Pascal and understand him so much better. In the previous books, he was kind of a short tempered a-hole to Remy. Now we understand why he is the way he is. This story is a lot more mystery solving than romance at times but I was invested. Parker is the messy, pop song singing siren who is the fun to Pascal's classical music, everything in order grump. Their banter is top tier and when they get spicy, I loved how he became a "good boy".

This story was exciting, sexy, heartwarming and if you are already deep into this series, you'll get the answers you're looking for when it comes to Frank Gagnon's murder. Such a great read and I am on my way to dive into the 4th and final book of this series.

Tropes & Elements:
✨ Fake Dating
🏡 Small Town Romance
❤️ He falls first
➶ Opposites Attract
📸 Lumbersuit x Private Investigator
🫎 Clive (IYKYK)
😂 Great Banter
✌🏻 Dual POV

My rating: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐️