Little Bird: A Stepdad, Lumberjack, MFM Romance

by Quinn Marlowe

Taryn

I thought I was safe. That I knew what I was doing.
But I was wrong, and when everything goes sideways, I dial the first number I think of. The one that belongs to my stepfather. The only man who’s ever made me feel protected.

Years ago, my mother and I blew into his life like a whirlwind. I was ripped away just as abruptly, and I wouldn’t blame him for turning away from me now.

He doesn’t. He comes when I need him, just like he always did.
But when he arrives, I realize that things have changed.

This man isn’t the warm, charming stepfather I used to know. And my stepbrother isn’t the giggling friend I once relied on. My stepfather’s eyes are heated. Brooding. And my stepbrother’s heart is closed and sheltered.

I’m not the gangly teenager they used to know. And they aren’t the safe haven I thought they were.

I ask for safety and find myself back in their house, my hands starting to remember the way to chop wood and feed horses. I begin to fit myself into their world again.

And then everything changes. I’m caught in an avalanche and face death in those mountains, and when I survive it, the world is altered. The men who were shutting me out have shifted, and I can actually see them.

One is tough and unyielding, full of unspeakable desires.

The other has a tender soul, and a heart that melts in my hands.

And suddenly, Gunner and Gabe become more than the stepfather and stepbrother I thought I’d left behind.

They become everything.

If I’m brave enough to reach out and take them.

Little Bird features stepdad, stepbrother, lumberjack, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, snowed-in Christmas, why choose, HEA, and some extreme spice, and starts the brand new series Hawke’s Wood from bestselling author Quinn Marlowe.

Genres: Forbidden Romance, Why Choose

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Quinn Marlowe is a fan of red wine, cheesecake, perfect hash browns, and really good punk rock. She’s also obsessed with everything piratical—though she refuses to acknowledge any actual connection to pirates. She studied English and Film at UCLA and, when forced to choose a career, chose publishing rather than teaching or being a film maker. Quinn lives in San Diego with her husband, dogs, and far too many cats.

Her Romeo is Quinn’s first book, though she hopes it will be followed by many more.

Reviews

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re not a little bird. You’re a hawk. You just don’t know it yet.”

That’s the line I kept whispering to myself after finishing Little Bird. All three characters stories were transformative; they all changed for the better from beginning to end. This story didn’t just toe the line of taboo, it carved a path through it with calloused hands, a brooding stare, and a promise of safety that tasted like sin.

“I thought I was safe. That I knew what I was doing. But I was wrong.”

Taryn’s voice is raw, aching, and so real. She’s not just a runaway girl with a past, she’s a woman caught in the gravitational pull of two men who should be off-limits: her stepfather and stepbrother. But in Hawke’s Wood, nothing is simple. Not the rules, not the relationships, and definitely not the heat.

“He comes when I need him, just like he always did. And for a moment, I can breathe.”

What I loved most? The emotional tension. This isn’t just about spice (though, trust me, it delivers). It’s about belonging. About being seen. About the terrifying beauty of being wanted by people who know your worst and still choose you. The age gap, the forced proximity, the shared caretaking dynamic, it all builds into something that feels both dangerous and deeply tender.

Quinn Marlowe doesn’t flinch. She leans into the discomfort, the longing, the blurred lines. And somehow, she makes it feel like home.

If you’re into MFM dynamics with actual emotional depth, stepdad/stepbrother taboos that don’t rely on shock value, grumpy, protective men who burn for their girl, and found family in the most unexpected, off-grid places then Little Bird will wreck you in the best way.

[ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a tough one to rate because while I loved certain aspects of this book, there were some that I didn’t.

There was a lot of back and forth with the guys. Which is normally expected but it kind of dragged out. I did like the wilderness setting but what irked me was Tayrn getting in the truck a second time to run away while the weather is “dangerous”. Like, I know she’s young, but come on…

The overall story and plot was good. I’d definitely recommend reading if you like anything taboo.

✨ T r o p e s + T r i g g e r s ✨
Taboo
Why Choose | MFM
Self Harm
Past Trauma
Grump + Sunshine
Snowed In
Forced Proximity
HEA | Spicy

Thank you to NetGalley, Spitfire Press, and Author Quinn Marlowe for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[DesN2004 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hard to rate....I did finish the book, so it was good to a point, there are just some aspects that were annoying. At times the h is portrayed as tstl, and there are things that are repetitive. There are also inconsistencies, something has already happened and then couple chapters later is like it didn't. Both of the H's are assholes at times, no apologies and the h just ignores and lets them have their way. The back and forth of I like you and have feelings to, I can't let you in, it went on to long of a time. I did like the characters, the world building, and there is good chemistry between them. The story itself is good, it needs a good editor and may be some beta readers. So decent story and I did like it, for those that have issues with the above problems I had, I would skip, for those that can get past it, read it.

I received an ARC of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is VERY Credence-coded (IYKYK).

This is a stepdad, lumberjack, MFM forbidden romance (Book 1 of a series), and it wastes zero time letting you know that subtlety is not on the agenda. The MMCs are pure, unfiltered testosterone—very much “this little bird is mine” energy turned up to eleven. If immature characters who act impulsively rather than talk through their feelings are your thing (and hey, no judgment)… download to Kindle stat. 🪵🔥

For me, the execution just didn’t land. The writing felt stilted, the storyline fragmented, and honestly very repetitive from about the 30%–75% mark. This is definitely brain candy– trope-forward, dramatic, and indulgent—but it didn’t fully hold my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and Spitfire Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to 3 stars)

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

taboo step father & stepbrother forced proximity snowstorm fmc hiding from mob& abusive mother. small town credence vibes. was ok. 🥰❄️

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Little Bird by Quinn Marlowe
* * * * *
A naughty forbidden MFM romance that will have you hooked and wanting more from this author after being served with this spicy grumpy/sunshine, stepfamily romance.

Taryn's landed herself into some trouble - not her fault of course. Already stuck under the thumb of her mother's latest powerful underworld husband, she yearns to escape. With her father long gone, and little in the way of friends who can help her flee, she turns back to the memories and the family she once had.
Gabe, her handsome stepbrother and first lover.
Gunner, her stepfather who loved her like she was his own.
Their happy home in their small town surrounded by nature and snow and freedom.
Only, it's no longer the safe haven she once knew.
Feels shift from resentment to unwanted desires. A bond that was once family spins to something forbidden. As danger looms closer and their home is threatened, will Taryn leave them feeling abandoned again for their safety?

Absolutely fabulous saucy read.
GIVE. ME. THE. NAUGHTY.
Tons of drama. Tons of chemistry. Action that is just going to have you spinning in circles and wanting more form this growing series. The resentment from Gabe and Gunner towards Taryn is gobsmacking, even if the actions of two young teens years ago is what started to have the family first be torn apart. Taryn's mother is wicked, and her late loving father is something that is really carried with our FMC. Lots of memories to look into, feeling the shift of how a step-family figure turns into a lover.
Already a possible new romance developing for what may come, and I am very interested. Sign me up!

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so deeply to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me !!

“Every day is a new chance … The sunrise is just the beginning of it”

“I make it as far as the top of the stairs before I realise that I’m running away from my best friend for the hideous sin of him caring too much about me”

Loved it loved it loved it!!! This book is everything Credence should have been in my opinion. The forbidden, poly and spicy side of it mixed, in perfect balance, with the depth and emotionally driven relationship that we all want more than we can express. Taryn has been through it all. She is tryjng to survive. To live for real. And Gunner and Gabe … they have been alone and lonely for so long … loving might not come easy to them. But loving her … that’s the easiest thing they could ever do. Polar opposite: Gunner is … an imposing figure … authoritative, assertive, dominating … I definitely had the hots for him. And Gabe … she had left him. He had turned a bit dark and wild. He never thought he was worth it. But the way he loves … it’s unconditional. Should I choose ? I don’t think I want to. I don’t think y’all will either !!! The author made it so that we would have been conflicted. She created the home we all want. That feeling of acceptance and peace and safety we all deserve. And if it is delivered from two people … who are we to say no to that?

Read this book NOW !!!

“Because this is safety. This is home. And this time, when it’s my choice, I’m going to choose to stay”

“You think we can’t love you?”
“No one ever has”

[Heidi Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me about a day to read this book, totally wished work didn't get in the way or reading time. Though there were some times where things seemed to repeat alot, but I get it that in real life it can feel that way, like something is on repeat so tome it made it feel more organic. Gunner and Tayrn in bed after her first attempt of leaving in the snow storm, dang! I must say I kept going back and forth between team Gabe and team gunner. The present at the end that Gabe got her almost tipped the scale but I don't know something about gunner won me to him, Maybe I like my man broody and all over the place as well as detached from feelings at first. Honestly it's probably wrong to think it but I kind of wish Helen and Gabby got more happen to them. And for Johnny this supposed mobster to let Helen run things with his goons, well either he's a pussy playing gangster or she has something on him, because I wouldn't see him giving up so easily on life changing money.
Though I do also wish there was more to the book, I just felt like I need more time with them,not ready to leave their little world yet.
This book also hit hard with some thoughts that sometimes run through my head, not the being in love with my step brother or step father but other ones. The ones that makes people spiral into that dark void sometimes.

[Hannah Benniman · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read the blurb I was so bloody excited - taboo, snowed in the cabin, spicy - give it to me!!

This just sadly didn’t hit the mark for me I’m afraid. I enjoyed the characters mostly - I think I’m team Gabe but also really liked Gunner (despite some of his questionable decisions - the one scene really irked me). I thought certain aspects of Taryn’s struggles were written well. I enjoyed the woodworking business.

I didn’t enjoy the start of the book - I think it was to make the new stepdad more believable but it was too complicated for me and I don’t think it was needed. I didn’t understand the mafia crossover, it just felt too unbelievable for me. I didn’t understand Gunners relationship with her mum. Overall I have more questions than answers unfortunately.

The whole thing left me frustrated mostly. To not get any spicing until over 60% blew my mind a little - and I found the spice a little lacking unfortunately. If you’re giving spice over plot, give me the bloody spice! I’ve enjoyed cowboy ranch, snowed in, spicy before and maybe that’s what I was expecting and this book didn’t hit those marks for me.

Yeah just not for me this one unfortunately. Thank you to NetGalley, Quinn Marlowe and Spitfire Press for the ARC. #LittleBird #NetGalley

[Caitlynne Glemba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bird by Quinn Marlowe feels like stepping into a story that wraps silk around your throat and calls it devotion. It’s tender, but there’s teeth underneath. The kind of book that makes you slow down because every look, every touch, every whispered line means something.

The dynamic? Protective but not suffocating. Intense without tipping into caricature. The “little bird” nickname could have felt cliché in lesser hands, but here it lands soft and dangerous all at once. There’s this beautiful tension between vulnerability and strength — she isn’t fragile, she’s becoming. And he doesn’t just cage her, he builds something solid enough for her to choose to stay.

What really works is the emotional pacing. The connection unfolds in glances and restraint before it ignites. When it does, it’s not just heat for heat’s sake — it feels earned. There’s a quiet ache under the romance, that sense that both characters are carrying ghosts and trying to decide if love is a risk worth taking.

It’s sweet in that dark, possessive way you like — the kind where protection feels like worship and devotion feels a little unhinged but sincere. Soft moments braided with tension. A love story that says, “You’re safe with me,” and means it.

[Síle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Quinn Marlowe and Spitfire Press for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What in the Credence multiverse did I just read?
No, genuinely. Somebody hold me down, because my soul just tried to leave my body like it saw scandal incarnate.

This book is feral.

This book is debauched.

This book is the kind of taboo that makes you look over your shoulder while reading as if your nan might materialise behind you with a rosary.

The obsession?

Ravenous.

Carnal.

Unhinged like a door ripped off in a tornado.

WHY ARE THEY CRAVING EACH OTHER LIKE THEY’RE STARVED CREATURES WHO JUST DISCOVERED SKIN?
Why is every scene dripping with tension like it wants to ruin my moral compass permanently?

It’s disturbing. It’s intoxicating. It’s morally catastrophic.
And yet here I am, clutching my metaphorical pearls and whispering “again.”

Yes, I bought the book.

Yes, I regret nothing.

Yes, I need holy water directly injected into my veins.

Yes, I need an audiobook so these filthy little monsters can whisper in my ears.

I’m going to hell, and this book is driving the getaway car.

[Haylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Bird by Quinn Marlowe is a steamy, emotionally charged romance that combines family, protection, and unexpected desires. The heroine, Taryn, reaches out to her stepfather in a desperate moment and ends up reconnecting with him and her stepbrother Gabe in a rugged, snow‑covered mountain town.

The book leans into MFM dynamics, featuring a stepdad and stepbrother relationship, forced proximity, and a grumpy hero and sunshine heroine vibe. There's also a snowed-in Christmas feel, lots of cabin‑in-the-woods energy, and very high spice.

Taryn's survival after a harrowing experience brings rawness and vulnerability. Meanwhile, her stepfather, Gunner, is harsh and unyielding, and Gabe is more gentle and soft. The contrast between them adds real emotional weight to their relationship with Taryn. If you're into taboo but consensual dynamics, mountain‑life settings, and steamy romance with heart, Little Bird is definitely a wild, emotionally-charged ride.

Tropes: Stepdad, Stepbrother, Forced Proximity, Grumpy × Sunshine, MFM, Snowed‑In Christmas, Age Gap

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bird pulled me in right from the start. Taryn’s return to Hawke’s Wood feels both comforting and unsettling, and I loved how the story captures that mix of nostalgia and change. The snowy mountain setting is so vivid you can almost feel the cold air and hear the crunch of boots in the snow — it makes the whole book feel immersive and alive.

What really stood out for me were the relationships. The dynamic between Taryn, her stepfather, and stepbrother is complicated, messy, and full of tension, but also surprisingly tender at times. It’s the kind of story where you’re constantly torn between wanting to shake the characters and wanting to hug them.

There’s plenty of drama and spice, but underneath it all is a story about belonging, survival, and finding connection in unexpected places. By the end, I felt like I’d been on an emotional journey right alongside Taryn — and that’s what makes this book so memorable.

With thanks to Quinn Marlowe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Taryn, Gunner and Gabe. Taryn is a girl that things she knows what she is going. But you quickly figure out that she is making a big old mess and everything is going to go sideways. When she needs someone the first person she can think of to call is her stepfather. He is the only man in her life that has made her feel protected. But when her stepfather and stepbrother get there they are not the people she remembers. One is closed off and one has heat in his eyes. Both of these men are off limits and the gravitational pull they have toward each other bleeds off the pages. There is some serious emotional tension in this book too. But these two grumpy like men sure do know how to protect a girl and keep her safe. This is the book you don't want to miss if you love taboo age-gap romances.

[Michelle N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an MFM taboo romance involving Taryn’s ex-stepdad and ex-stepbrother. When Taryn runs into trouble, she tries to remember the last time she felt safe. She reaches out to her ex-stepdad, Gunner, whom she hasn’t spoken to in years. He offers to let her stay in his home in a small town up the mountain. Once there she is reunited with her ex-stepbrother, Gabe, who isn’t so young anymore. He has turned into a broad, ax wielding lumberjack who turns fallen trees into art. Taryn learns that these two men have grown apart and she tries to bring back the happiness she used to know in that house by baking and decorating for Christmas. But they aren’t the only ones who have changed. They now she Taryn for the beautiful woman she has become. When a snow storm traps them on the mountain the forced proximity becomes too much and lines get blurry.

I will say there was one event with Taryn’s friends in the beginning that wasn’t fully explained but it doesn’t impact the rest of the story.

[Aubrey Schoonmaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

the makings of something great

This book could have been everything!! The tropes. The story. The FMC in need of help.. But I just fell flat for me. Which is a huge bummer.

Through out the book we are presented with questions that never get answered! I’m not a stickler for plot holes but there were a lot. And I really wanted our FMC to stick up for herself a little more. She let her men hurt her and sort of laughed it off and changed the subject. Or she ran away without talking to them. And our MMC’s never communicated why they treated her poorly and there were no apologies for that behavior. Lots of inner thoughts but they never spoke to each other or resolved any issues that arose.

The book was written well and it truly had the makings of a great book. The author is really talented and I’d read more of her work. This one just fell a little short

[Cindy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bird is the first story in the Hawke's Wood series. It is a very taboo story.

Taryn has trouble and needs help. She contacts her ex-stepfather, Gunner. She has not talked to him in a long time. Gunner offers her help and says she can stay with him at his house in a small town. She goes there and also sees her ex-stepbrother, Gabe. Gabe is not the young man she saw before. He is now a lumberjack. Taryn tries to bring Gunner and his son back together again. She also wants to bring back her happy times of living in the house. It is Christmastime. A snow storm comes and traps them on the mountain together. What will happen when they are all forced to be together?

This is an enjoyable story for readers who enjoy MFM or taboo stories. I look forward to more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Nikki Strahota · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a little while to get into, but once I did, the story was lovely. A little spicy, a little sweet, all sorts of forbidden. Taryn is running from trouble in New York. She turns to the only place she ever really called home and the 2 men she was wrenched away from 4 years ago: Gunner, her gruff, quiet and damaged ex stepfather and Gabe, her firey, complicated ex stepbrother. Taryn takes it upon herself to fix the broken men and help their failing buisness, all while hiding what is coming for her. Also loved the snowed in at Christmas trope.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the Author for the chance to ARC read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Skylar Keeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
Little Bird Hawke's Wood Book 1 by Quinn Marlowe
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Spitfire Press for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading this, but it did fall a little flat for me. I wish we would've gotten a little more info or even flashbacks of Taryn's life when she was a kid.
I loved both Gabe and Gunner, they are Hot 🥵 🥵 but I wish we would have gone a little further into their backgrounds. But overall I enjoy the book it was good and well written but for me personally it fell flat. But if somebody were to ask me for a taboo lumberjack book I would definitely point them towards this one!!!

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time that I've read this author and while it's not a perfect story, it was a story that held my interest from start to finish. Sections of this story were handled so well - the confusion of the characters when they felt their initial attraction given their previous relationships - but other parts seemed to be glossed over. I went through a whole gamut of feelings about these three characters. At different times I both liked and loathed all of them.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that could do with a bit more polish, but I would definitely read more from this author.

[Queso Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please be aware of the trigger warnings on this one! Lots of taboo content that might not be everyone's taste!

SPOILER FREE REVIEW:
There is NO time wasted in this spicy romance. Lots of chemistry between our main characters, and the intrigue starts right away. This series reminds me a bit of the Blood Ties series with some of the tropes and themes, which I also enjoyed. Lots of "why chose" moments and family drama. Definitely check this series out!

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandi Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to read this as an arc on netgalley. Thank you for approving it.

I actually really enjoyed this read. I only wish there was more book to read. When you take three traumatized characters and throw them together stuff gets real really fast. I loved both men and their personalities. She was trying to find a safe place and in desperate need of caring souls and ones she can trust. I highly recommend it. I will definitely read more of the authors books including the rest of this series when books are released.

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a first for me from Quinn. It was a good book. I felt for Taryn. Her mother was a real fantastic person. Taryn went through a lot. But when she is in trouble she calls Gunner. Gunner is closed off and hurt. Gabe has always loved Taryn. I am totally#teamGabe. This book brings out a lot of emotions. I liked the book but I had my own issues with the relationship between Taryn and Gunner. But did really enjoy the book!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book checked a lot of boxes for me. Forbidden romance is a big one for me because I admit that I am a fanatic and this book skates the razor's edge of taboo deliciously. I also love me some sizzling, scorching heat which this book offers plenty of. The dynamic between the three characters (Taryn, Gunner and Gabe) was compelling and multilayered which lead to experiencing some major feelings and emotions as the story unfolds.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better as a novella

I feel like the story itself was a little repetitive - I would have liked a little more depth of the characters and maybe some more background or flashbacks of her time when she was younger to understand their bind more. It read more like a quick smutty novella in my opinion and kinda anticlimactic at the end...but I did like the plot in general it was just missing something....

[Adrianna Lamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. It was pleasant read. Little Bird was not as spicy as I was expecting. The best part of the book to me was the dynamic between Taryn, Gabe and Gunner it was compelling. I was into my feelings for Taryn about her relationship with her mother. The overall story and plot were good I just wish there was more depth to the issue that caused Taryn to call Gunner for help. But it is a great taboo read.

[E.R. Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! It was excruciating slow burn, and if you're not a fan of taboo relationships, stay away! It is exactly what that blurb says it is! Stepdad, stepbro, lumber-hotness...and I was here for every complicated, angsty second of it. Despite the menage a'trois, t's not a Credence wannabe; it's its own little birdie.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bird brings spice, taboo romance and intense tension between Taryn, Gunner and Gabe. The dynamics between them is intense and the slow burn simmers until it ignites. The pull towards two men, her stepfather and stepbrother, who should be off limits is electric and the storyline is deeper than just the spice. But belonging, being loved, even when that person has seen you at your worst.

[Kaelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved!

I usually only read books that are on Kindle unlimited, but I decided to pay the $3.99 and it was so worth it. I have not read a book like this since Credence and I am so glad I have found this author. I love taboo romance, and I think this was done so well that it wasn’t trashy or classless. It was a beautiful story and I loved every bit of it.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taryns story is definitely a unique one where she had a family that she could depend on until things change. This book has a hea and a new twist to what should or shouldnt be. Loved it.