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Axe and Grind
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Expected 6 Jan 26Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 05:15:02
10 copies available
U.S. only
In this decadently dark romance, a virtual dating experiment spins into a deadly web of obsession, greed, love, and passion.
Josie Greene has always been a glass half-full kind of girl. But after a messy breakup, she’s broke, betrayed, and barely getting by. Even her trusted tarot cards point to chaos in her future. And they’re Axe MacKenzie needs her help.
As part of the tech CEO’s latest covert mission, Axe has been developing a simulator to create any user’s “Perfect Match,” and bubbly Josie is the ideal woman to test his product. When the gorgeous, reclusive billionaire makes her an offer—fake date him so he can launch his groundbreaking AI dating app—Josie’s in no position to refuse.
But Axe’s two worlds collide as the criminal underworld corrupts their experimental fling. What started as steamy role-play quickly spirals into a very real threat, leaving both Josie and Axe no choice but to uncover their well-buried pasts. With her life on the line, Josie will have to trust the man who has created the ultimate virtual illusion—and who might be hiding the most sinister truths of all…
Josie Greene has always been a glass half-full kind of girl. But after a messy breakup, she’s broke, betrayed, and barely getting by. Even her trusted tarot cards point to chaos in her future. And they’re Axe MacKenzie needs her help.
As part of the tech CEO’s latest covert mission, Axe has been developing a simulator to create any user’s “Perfect Match,” and bubbly Josie is the ideal woman to test his product. When the gorgeous, reclusive billionaire makes her an offer—fake date him so he can launch his groundbreaking AI dating app—Josie’s in no position to refuse.
But Axe’s two worlds collide as the criminal underworld corrupts their experimental fling. What started as steamy role-play quickly spirals into a very real threat, leaving both Josie and Axe no choice but to uncover their well-buried pasts. With her life on the line, Josie will have to trust the man who has created the ultimate virtual illusion—and who might be hiding the most sinister truths of all…
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
Audible Audio
Expected publication January 6, 2026
3 people are currently reading
8261 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Hutton
4 books72 followersTaylor Hutton is the pseudonym of a pair of writer friends, one of whom has twice been a finalist for the National Book Award and the other who is a New York Times bestselling author and Edgar Award finalist. Between the two of them, they have written over forty books. When they are not passing their latest sexy thriller back and forth on Google Doc, they are browsing bookstores, sending each other ridiculous memes, walking their dogs Trudy and Potato around their Los Angeles neighborhood, and making their children cringe with their TikTok videos.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 3, 2025
3.5 Stars -
The story definitely stood apart from other edgy, darkish romances I’ve read. There were some strong points and a few weaker ones for me.
I liked the overall premise and concept, but the male lead felt a bit inconsistent. On one hand, he had this unsettling CIA background—casually torturing someone in the middle of a party, which was strange and surprisingly brushed off by other characters.
On the other hand, he was portrayed as a brilliant tech developer creating the perfect AI model, completely smitten with our female lead. The contrast between “dark operative” and “soft tech genius in love” didn’t always mesh smoothly.
The female lead came across as more believable in her development. Despite her medical issues, she maintained a generally positive attitude, and I really enjoyed their dynamic as a couple. Some scenes were undeniably odd—especially the virtual-reality sex scene—but they were also creative, sexy, and memorable.
Both characters had their own side plots as well: her eccentric mother and his eccentric potential investor, who ended up playing a bigger role than expected.
Overall, the writing was strong, but certain elements didn’t land as well for me. Axe and Grind hits many tropes readers love—fake dating, darker romance vibes (especially toward the end), a touch of the paranormal through tarot cards, and plenty of steamy moments alongside the slow-building connection.
The story also delivers some welcome twists, and the authors do a great job keeping you slightly off-balance until everything clicks together at the end. It’s a book where you benefit from reading between the lines and paying attention to the details.
The story definitely stood apart from other edgy, darkish romances I’ve read. There were some strong points and a few weaker ones for me.
I liked the overall premise and concept, but the male lead felt a bit inconsistent. On one hand, he had this unsettling CIA background—casually torturing someone in the middle of a party, which was strange and surprisingly brushed off by other characters.
On the other hand, he was portrayed as a brilliant tech developer creating the perfect AI model, completely smitten with our female lead. The contrast between “dark operative” and “soft tech genius in love” didn’t always mesh smoothly.
The female lead came across as more believable in her development. Despite her medical issues, she maintained a generally positive attitude, and I really enjoyed their dynamic as a couple. Some scenes were undeniably odd—especially the virtual-reality sex scene—but they were also creative, sexy, and memorable.
Both characters had their own side plots as well: her eccentric mother and his eccentric potential investor, who ended up playing a bigger role than expected.
Overall, the writing was strong, but certain elements didn’t land as well for me. Axe and Grind hits many tropes readers love—fake dating, darker romance vibes (especially toward the end), a touch of the paranormal through tarot cards, and plenty of steamy moments alongside the slow-building connection.
The story also delivers some welcome twists, and the authors do a great job keeping you slightly off-balance until everything clicks together at the end. It’s a book where you benefit from reading between the lines and paying attention to the details.
October 4, 2025
Josie makes me put my hand to my heart and say, "oh Josie darling bless your heart."
Josie Josie Josie *shakes head back and forth* ok...
So, I like Axe. He's a rich Scotsman and he "needs help" with a new project at the company he created. In steps Josie. She has been sick her entire life and Axe has great healthcare. So she signs on to help him create this AI avatar. The app he is creating the AI person for is a type of dating app so naturally to get the data they need they need to fake date. Their chemistry is top notch. He's a grumpy and she is a tarot loving ray of sunshine. A good portion of the book i wanted to smack Josie upside the head for being an eejit!
I don't know which number it is but it has to be a rule...don't accept drinks from guys that give you the creeps.
HEA for out Josie and Axe!
Josie Josie Josie *shakes head back and forth* ok...
So, I like Axe. He's a rich Scotsman and he "needs help" with a new project at the company he created. In steps Josie. She has been sick her entire life and Axe has great healthcare. So she signs on to help him create this AI avatar. The app he is creating the AI person for is a type of dating app so naturally to get the data they need they need to fake date. Their chemistry is top notch. He's a grumpy and she is a tarot loving ray of sunshine. A good portion of the book i wanted to smack Josie upside the head for being an eejit!
I don't know which number it is but it has to be a rule...don't accept drinks from guys that give you the creeps.
HEA for out Josie and Axe!
September 29, 2025
Axe and Grind by Taylor Hutton was unfortunately not a favorite for me. I love a good dark romance, but this one left me saying “heck no, that couldn’t have happened” more times than I can count. The premise of Axe and Grind, two friends who are also contract killers—had potential, but it just didn’t land. The names alone begged for some tongue-in-cheek commentary that never came, and without it, the setup felt flat and unbelievable.
The most jarring moment for me was the Halloween party scene. Torturing someone in the middle of a party and brushing it off as acceptable because of animal blood and decorations made no sense. Even more confusing, there was no mention of added security or any realistic precautions, which pulled me out of the story completely.
On top of that, the heroine, Josie, leaned heavily into the “I’m not like other girls” trope. She’s written as sweet but spicy, happy but innocent, a combination that never rang true to me. That kind of characterization feels outdated and doesn’t build the kind of depth I look for in a heroine.
The romance also didn’t work for me. I couldn’t buy into their chemistry or their relationship, and without that connection, the story lost a lot of its impact.
While I appreciated the effort to create a gritty, dark romance, the execution didn’t feel grounded or believable. This one just wasn’t for me.
I received this ARC from the Berkley Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The most jarring moment for me was the Halloween party scene. Torturing someone in the middle of a party and brushing it off as acceptable because of animal blood and decorations made no sense. Even more confusing, there was no mention of added security or any realistic precautions, which pulled me out of the story completely.
On top of that, the heroine, Josie, leaned heavily into the “I’m not like other girls” trope. She’s written as sweet but spicy, happy but innocent, a combination that never rang true to me. That kind of characterization feels outdated and doesn’t build the kind of depth I look for in a heroine.
The romance also didn’t work for me. I couldn’t buy into their chemistry or their relationship, and without that connection, the story lost a lot of its impact.
While I appreciated the effort to create a gritty, dark romance, the execution didn’t feel grounded or believable. This one just wasn’t for me.
I received this ARC from the Berkley Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2025
📚Axe and Grind
✍🏻Taylor Hutton
Blurb:
In this decadently dark romance, a virtual dating experiment spins into a deadly web of obsession, greed, love, and passion.
Josie Greene has always been a glass half-full kind of girl. But after a messy breakup, she’s broke, betrayed, and barely getting by. Even her trusted tarot cards point to chaos in her future. And they’re Axe MacKenzie needs her help.
As part of the tech CEO’s latest covert mission, Axe has been developing a simulator to create any user’s “Perfect Match,” and bubbly Josie is the ideal woman to test his product. When the gorgeous, reclusive billionaire makes her an offer—fake date him so he can launch his groundbreaking AI dating app—Josie’s in no position to refuse.
But Axe’s two worlds collide as the criminal underworld corrupts their experimental fling. What started as steamy role-play quickly spirals into a very real threat, leaving both Josie and Axe no choice but to uncover their well-buried pasts. With her life on the line, Josie will have to trust the man who has created the ultimate virtual illusion—and who might be hiding the most sinister truths of all…
My Thoughts;
I really enjoyed this book; it was so easy to get through it flowed really well.This book is brilliantly twisted and it digs into the darker edges of love, power and deception.
Great pacing,, Emotional suspense, Fake dating,Tarot cards,Advanced AI technology,And secrets
Josie has been through somethings. More things than any child should have to go through.
Which also can be said for Axe, his childhood was not ideal, but he was able to make something out of him self.
Josie is on the track of doing the same for her.
The two end up working on an upcoming project together that will bring them closer than they ever thought imaginable.
Thanks NetGalley, Berkley Romance and Author Taylor Hutton for the advanced copy of "Axe and Grind" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BerkleyRomance
#TaylorHutton
#AxeandGrind
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Taylor Hutton
Blurb:
In this decadently dark romance, a virtual dating experiment spins into a deadly web of obsession, greed, love, and passion.
Josie Greene has always been a glass half-full kind of girl. But after a messy breakup, she’s broke, betrayed, and barely getting by. Even her trusted tarot cards point to chaos in her future. And they’re Axe MacKenzie needs her help.
As part of the tech CEO’s latest covert mission, Axe has been developing a simulator to create any user’s “Perfect Match,” and bubbly Josie is the ideal woman to test his product. When the gorgeous, reclusive billionaire makes her an offer—fake date him so he can launch his groundbreaking AI dating app—Josie’s in no position to refuse.
But Axe’s two worlds collide as the criminal underworld corrupts their experimental fling. What started as steamy role-play quickly spirals into a very real threat, leaving both Josie and Axe no choice but to uncover their well-buried pasts. With her life on the line, Josie will have to trust the man who has created the ultimate virtual illusion—and who might be hiding the most sinister truths of all…
My Thoughts;
I really enjoyed this book; it was so easy to get through it flowed really well.This book is brilliantly twisted and it digs into the darker edges of love, power and deception.
Great pacing,, Emotional suspense, Fake dating,Tarot cards,Advanced AI technology,And secrets
Josie has been through somethings. More things than any child should have to go through.
Which also can be said for Axe, his childhood was not ideal, but he was able to make something out of him self.
Josie is on the track of doing the same for her.
The two end up working on an upcoming project together that will bring them closer than they ever thought imaginable.
Thanks NetGalley, Berkley Romance and Author Taylor Hutton for the advanced copy of "Axe and Grind" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BerkleyRomance
#TaylorHutton
#AxeandGrind
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 6, 2025
This book is billed as a dark romance and fits the bill nicely. Josie Hart has just broken up with her fiancé when the story begins and is attending a party at a former asylum turned party venue and movie set. She had a terrible childhood filled with cancer and diabetes and terrible allergies. She's mostly healthy now but needs expensive insulin from Germany and needs a job that will provide health insurance.
Axe MacKenzie has a solution. He's an AI millionaire and needs a model for his latest project - creating the perfect AI companion. He can't think of anyone better than Josie with her optimistic attitude, devotion to tarot, and quirky personality. He doesn't expect to fall in love with her. After all, he's never fallen in love before.
Axe and his partner Strike as former CIA agents have a hobby. They have set a goal of ending human trafficking by murdering traffickers one at a time. The next one in their sites is Niles von Grafenhagen. They are working their way into his computer files while Axe is trying to convince him to invest in his latest AI project.
But Niles has seen Josie and is fixated on her. When he kidnaps her, Axe needs to call on old pals to get her back. He has to return to the scene of his abused childhood.
The story is told from alternate viewpoints with one chapter from Josie's point of view and the next from Axe's. I wasn't surprised to learn that "Taylor Hutton" is two authors because each viewpoint seemed like it was written by a different person.
Much of the darkness comes from each main character's abusive past. Josie was exploited by her mother and Axe by his father. I enjoyed the way the two characters fell in love and dealt with their terrible paths. I felt that murder might have been going a bit far though.
Axe MacKenzie has a solution. He's an AI millionaire and needs a model for his latest project - creating the perfect AI companion. He can't think of anyone better than Josie with her optimistic attitude, devotion to tarot, and quirky personality. He doesn't expect to fall in love with her. After all, he's never fallen in love before.
Axe and his partner Strike as former CIA agents have a hobby. They have set a goal of ending human trafficking by murdering traffickers one at a time. The next one in their sites is Niles von Grafenhagen. They are working their way into his computer files while Axe is trying to convince him to invest in his latest AI project.
But Niles has seen Josie and is fixated on her. When he kidnaps her, Axe needs to call on old pals to get her back. He has to return to the scene of his abused childhood.
The story is told from alternate viewpoints with one chapter from Josie's point of view and the next from Axe's. I wasn't surprised to learn that "Taylor Hutton" is two authors because each viewpoint seemed like it was written by a different person.
Much of the darkness comes from each main character's abusive past. Josie was exploited by her mother and Axe by his father. I enjoyed the way the two characters fell in love and dealt with their terrible paths. I felt that murder might have been going a bit far though.
November 10, 2025
I was asked to read and review this book so… I read it. I got pretty far—91%. Until I read the sentence “But not because he just yeeted his own brother off a cliff”. That’s when I couldn’t take any more. It could be said that I am simply not the target audience for this book. I’m sure that’s it.
I can suspend disbelief for a great story. I’m sad to say that the world’s largest suspension bridge couldn’t hold what is needed for this story to work. None of it worked for me. The billionaire playboy/CIA agent, the naive girl, the health issues, her munchausen by proxy mother, the stupid name Axe, the AI sex suits, the Scottish accent, the sex trafficking family members… you get my point.
Nope. Not for me. Call me a traditionalist.
Despite the book not being for me, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Berkley Romance, the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital ARC for review.
I can suspend disbelief for a great story. I’m sad to say that the world’s largest suspension bridge couldn’t hold what is needed for this story to work. None of it worked for me. The billionaire playboy/CIA agent, the naive girl, the health issues, her munchausen by proxy mother, the stupid name Axe, the AI sex suits, the Scottish accent, the sex trafficking family members… you get my point.
Nope. Not for me. Call me a traditionalist.
Despite the book not being for me, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Berkley Romance, the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital ARC for review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book; it was so easy to get through it flowed really well.
Josie has been through somethings. More things than any child should have to go through.
Which also can be said for Axe, his childhood was not ideal, but he was able to make something out of him self.
Josie is on the track of doing the same for her.
The two end up working on an upcoming project together that will bring them closer than they ever thought imaginable.
I really enjoyed this book; it was so easy to get through it flowed really well.
Josie has been through somethings. More things than any child should have to go through.
Which also can be said for Axe, his childhood was not ideal, but he was able to make something out of him self.
Josie is on the track of doing the same for her.
The two end up working on an upcoming project together that will bring them closer than they ever thought imaginable.
did-not-finish
October 19, 2025Thank you to Berkley for the eARC.
Did Not Finish.
I had high hopes for this one; I really thought it was gonna totally be my jam. But once there was a medical error that took me out of the story, I realized some of the other red flags I had ignored. The "too many tropes" vibe: Scottish (with a ridiculously overt accent) motorcycle riding tech bro that is creating an AI girlfriend but also hunts bad guys on the side. Sorry, I wish it wasn't so, but it was too much for me.
Did Not Finish.
I had high hopes for this one; I really thought it was gonna totally be my jam. But once there was a medical error that took me out of the story, I realized some of the other red flags I had ignored. The "too many tropes" vibe: Scottish (with a ridiculously overt accent) motorcycle riding tech bro that is creating an AI girlfriend but also hunts bad guys on the side. Sorry, I wish it wasn't so, but it was too much for me.
December 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. The twists were a little predictable if you read this genre often, but I think the little mysteries and second guessing kept me involved. I loved the FMC Josie and her carefree, take no crap attitude. Axe is what a true rich, broody, morally grey book boyfriend should be. The story wasn’t exactly a dark romance, more like a dark theme romance.
September 27, 2025
This book is brilliantly twisted and it digs into the darker edges of love, power and deception.
Great pacing
Emotional suspense
Fake dating
Tarot cards
Advanced AI technology
And secrets
This was a book that kept you coming back for more!
Great pacing
Emotional suspense
Fake dating
Tarot cards
Advanced AI technology
And secrets
This was a book that kept you coming back for more!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I think this is a good, easy quick read. But, for me it lacked depth :/
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you so much for the copy if this book!!!! I absolutley loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews