What do you think?
Axford Brothers #1
Kiss My Axe
Living in a treehouse? Unavoidable.
Falling for the grumpy lumberjack hottie next door? Unthinkable.
After a viral PR disaster torpedoes my marketing career, I flee Manhattan. The only place left to land? A fairy-tale treehouse in a pickle-obsessed Vermont town, left to me by an uncle I barely knew.
Yes, I said pickles.
No, I’m not okay.
But I’m only here temporarily. Just long enough to regroup, let the notoriety die down, and figure out my next steps in peace.
Unfortunately, my new neighbor has other ideas.
Beckett “the Axe” Axford–cranky local heartthrob and unapologetic tree-murderer–claims Uncle Jim made him promises about the forest around the treehouse, and he’s none too pleased when I won’t take his word for it.
Unfortunately for him, I’m done playing by other people’s rules. I’m not backing down just because some sexy–I mean grumpy–lumberjack says so, and I can handle whatever he dishes out.
Tree climbing? No problem.
Pickle festival popularity contest? Sign me up.
Kissing my unexpectedly-tender, flannel-clad nemesis in the woods after dark? I can take it, bro. And take it. And t– >Ahem. You get the picture.
I’m tired of losing, so I’m not giving up my inheritance or my heart without a fight.
And if Beckett thinks differently, he can kiss my axe.
Falling for the grumpy lumberjack hottie next door? Unthinkable.
After a viral PR disaster torpedoes my marketing career, I flee Manhattan. The only place left to land? A fairy-tale treehouse in a pickle-obsessed Vermont town, left to me by an uncle I barely knew.
Yes, I said pickles.
No, I’m not okay.
But I’m only here temporarily. Just long enough to regroup, let the notoriety die down, and figure out my next steps in peace.
Unfortunately, my new neighbor has other ideas.
Beckett “the Axe” Axford–cranky local heartthrob and unapologetic tree-murderer–claims Uncle Jim made him promises about the forest around the treehouse, and he’s none too pleased when I won’t take his word for it.
Unfortunately for him, I’m done playing by other people’s rules. I’m not backing down just because some sexy–I mean grumpy–lumberjack says so, and I can handle whatever he dishes out.
Tree climbing? No problem.
Pickle festival popularity contest? Sign me up.
Kissing my unexpectedly-tender, flannel-clad nemesis in the woods after dark? I can take it, bro. And take it. And t– >Ahem. You get the picture.
I’m tired of losing, so I’m not giving up my inheritance or my heart without a fight.
And if Beckett thinks differently, he can kiss my axe.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
November 6, 2025
4.5 stars
The amounts of pickles I ate while reading this book! I'm not even kidding. After just a few chapters, I had to go grab my jar, realizing with horror that I didn't have any, so green olives had to do. I fixed it the very next day. 😅
I enjoyed this so much. Especially the first part of the story. I stopped reading so many times to re-read certain lines, either because they were adorable or funny. Loved the writing, the setting, the autumnal vibes, all the characters. It got a bit OTT towards the end, but that's to be expected from this author.
I loved Griffin and Beckett as the main characters. Their first steps into romance were so sweet, but I loved their 'animosity' and the banter just as much. The things we learn about them along the way, especially about their families, were really touching.
I found that I was equally invested in all the other characters in this book, which is not always the case. If you ask me, I could have handled at least 2-3 more couples. 😅 I love Milo, couldn't get enough of him, and Ames and Holden and everybody. I liked that the author didn't just hint at possible future couples, it's pretty much straight in your face, and I was so ready to read about all of them. I hope their stories will be as good as this one!
******
Re-read 3/2026
The amounts of pickles I ate while reading this book! I'm not even kidding. After just a few chapters, I had to go grab my jar, realizing with horror that I didn't have any, so green olives had to do. I fixed it the very next day. 😅
I enjoyed this so much. Especially the first part of the story. I stopped reading so many times to re-read certain lines, either because they were adorable or funny. Loved the writing, the setting, the autumnal vibes, all the characters. It got a bit OTT towards the end, but that's to be expected from this author.
I loved Griffin and Beckett as the main characters. Their first steps into romance were so sweet, but I loved their 'animosity' and the banter just as much. The things we learn about them along the way, especially about their families, were really touching.
I found that I was equally invested in all the other characters in this book, which is not always the case. If you ask me, I could have handled at least 2-3 more couples. 😅 I love Milo, couldn't get enough of him, and Ames and Holden and everybody. I liked that the author didn't just hint at possible future couples, it's pretty much straight in your face, and I was so ready to read about all of them. I hope their stories will be as good as this one!
******
Re-read 3/2026
January 7, 2026
Aaaaw YES!
What a wonderful start to this series that became the first true contender to rival the Sunday Brothers series by the author for me. I just adored everything about it!
Griffin is so adorable and funny and Beckett just such a loveable grump and every encounter between the two was actually hilarious and so so swoony 🫠
I was laughing hard at some of the dialogue and inner musings and HOW COOL IS THAT TREEHOUSE??? I’d move there in an instant!!
Add in small town shenanigans, an incredibly charming pickles festival (yes, you read that right), a mystery inheritance, a lot of push and pull between the two leads and absolutely amazing side characters - Milo, everybody?? What a star!
That ending was absolute chaos but I couldn’t have loved it more! I’m not normally one for public declarations of love but this, here, actually made me squeal and hug my kindle to my chest 🥹
Such an awesome start to the series and a true feel-good story 🥰
Also: shout out to all the future pairings here. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited by that many couples to come (heheh pun intended heheh)!
Cannot wait for Ames story, my heart broke for him here 🥺
What a wonderful start to this series that became the first true contender to rival the Sunday Brothers series by the author for me. I just adored everything about it!
Griffin is so adorable and funny and Beckett just such a loveable grump and every encounter between the two was actually hilarious and so so swoony 🫠
I was laughing hard at some of the dialogue and inner musings and HOW COOL IS THAT TREEHOUSE??? I’d move there in an instant!!
Add in small town shenanigans, an incredibly charming pickles festival (yes, you read that right), a mystery inheritance, a lot of push and pull between the two leads and absolutely amazing side characters - Milo, everybody?? What a star!
That ending was absolute chaos but I couldn’t have loved it more! I’m not normally one for public declarations of love but this, here, actually made me squeal and hug my kindle to my chest 🥹
Such an awesome start to the series and a true feel-good story 🥰
Also: shout out to all the future pairings here. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited by that many couples to come (heheh pun intended heheh)!
Cannot wait for Ames story, my heart broke for him here 🥺
October 31, 2025
~3.5~
Typical Mary Archer (and I mean that in the best way possible) - small town shenanigans, large family with a bunch of brothers (all of whom are gay/bi), banter, puns, and pickles.
Okay, so the pickles are specific to Kiss My Axe, which was a lot of fun to read. Any story that can make me LOL gets a thumbs up from me.
Take one grumpy lumberjack, Beckett, and one down-on-his-luck marketing professional, Griffin, add a Big Misunderstanding, turn up the enemies-to-lovers vibe, throw in some sexy sprinkles, and you have yourself this sweet morsel of a book.
Was the plot realistic? Not even close, but logic is overrated.
Not even the mass introduction of future MCs, including a very obvious plug for book 2, could spoil my reading enjoyment.
P.S. I want to live in Griffin's treehouse!
Typical Mary Archer (and I mean that in the best way possible) - small town shenanigans, large family with a bunch of brothers (all of whom are gay/bi), banter, puns, and pickles.
Okay, so the pickles are specific to Kiss My Axe, which was a lot of fun to read. Any story that can make me LOL gets a thumbs up from me.
Take one grumpy lumberjack, Beckett, and one down-on-his-luck marketing professional, Griffin, add a Big Misunderstanding, turn up the enemies-to-lovers vibe, throw in some sexy sprinkles, and you have yourself this sweet morsel of a book.
Was the plot realistic? Not even close, but logic is overrated.
Not even the mass introduction of future MCs, including a very obvious plug for book 2, could spoil my reading enjoyment.
P.S. I want to live in Griffin's treehouse!
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November 14, 2025
Kiss My Axe is book one in the Axford Brothers series by May Archer. I love May’s books and have been so excited for this new series. And...it was wonderful!
Griffin Mercer is thirty years old. He worked for years in New York building his career in Marketing for a large firm. But, we’ll just say that the biggest project of his career that was supposed to be his biggest break did not end the way he planned. Now, with no job and nowhere to live, he has gone to Winsome, Vermont, where he has inherited a tree house from a man he knew from his childhood. Someone he hasn’t seen in over twenty years! But the timing was perfect. He’ll just stay here until things settle down and he can find a new job and get back to his life. Only, things don’t go quite as planned.
Beckett Axford, one of five Axford siblings, runs the family lumber business. He is thirty six years old. He is constantly stressed, trying to straighten out the business after his father let things go. Beckett is a bit of a grump and has a reputation as such. He also lives right across the street from the tree house.
We’ll just say that the first meeting between these two did not go well. Which immediately put them at odds with each other. When you add in a small town that loves to meddle as well as Beckett’s family, well, these two are perhaps pushed together more than they would have liked. But with each instance that they spend time together, they get to know each other better, and start to realize that they may have misjudged each other. Add in chemistry that keeps making their lips run into each other, and you’ve got a fun, swoony story that I couldn’t stop reading.
I adored Beckett and Griffin. I also loved getting to know the other Axford siblings. As well as this quirky town and their hilarious, pickle infused traditions. Keep in mind that Griffin does NOT like pickles! This was so fun and sweet. I can’t wait for the next book, Hot Axe, which will be Ames’ book. I also want to add in that I loved Griffin’s best friend, Milo. I hope we see him in some future book!
Griffin Mercer is thirty years old. He worked for years in New York building his career in Marketing for a large firm. But, we’ll just say that the biggest project of his career that was supposed to be his biggest break did not end the way he planned. Now, with no job and nowhere to live, he has gone to Winsome, Vermont, where he has inherited a tree house from a man he knew from his childhood. Someone he hasn’t seen in over twenty years! But the timing was perfect. He’ll just stay here until things settle down and he can find a new job and get back to his life. Only, things don’t go quite as planned.
Beckett Axford, one of five Axford siblings, runs the family lumber business. He is thirty six years old. He is constantly stressed, trying to straighten out the business after his father let things go. Beckett is a bit of a grump and has a reputation as such. He also lives right across the street from the tree house.
We’ll just say that the first meeting between these two did not go well. Which immediately put them at odds with each other. When you add in a small town that loves to meddle as well as Beckett’s family, well, these two are perhaps pushed together more than they would have liked. But with each instance that they spend time together, they get to know each other better, and start to realize that they may have misjudged each other. Add in chemistry that keeps making their lips run into each other, and you’ve got a fun, swoony story that I couldn’t stop reading.
I adored Beckett and Griffin. I also loved getting to know the other Axford siblings. As well as this quirky town and their hilarious, pickle infused traditions. Keep in mind that Griffin does NOT like pickles! This was so fun and sweet. I can’t wait for the next book, Hot Axe, which will be Ames’ book. I also want to add in that I loved Griffin’s best friend, Milo. I hope we see him in some future book!
March 14, 2026
4**** stars
Becket & Griffin
*sigh Sometimes this small-town swoon is exactly what I need. And for these I became quite fond of listening to Michael Dean. He really has a neck for this kind of banter.
Looking very much forward to what comes next.
***********
Axford Brothers Series
Book 1 - Kiss my Axe - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Hot Axe - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Axe Backward - release 02/27
Becket & Griffin
*sigh Sometimes this small-town swoon is exactly what I need. And for these I became quite fond of listening to Michael Dean. He really has a neck for this kind of banter.
Looking very much forward to what comes next.
***********
Axford Brothers Series
Book 1 - Kiss my Axe - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Hot Axe - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Axe Backward - release 02/27
March 13, 2026
this was just so CUTE. so WHOLESOME. so FuNnY. such good banter. so
enemies to lovering
(because that’s a word). so EVERYHING. 💗🌸🍂
April 5, 2026
Dear Ms. Archer,
once again, you hooked me -and Pauline, my online bestie/tall German twin- with another family to continue bonding and freaking out over. the Goodmans were wonderful, the Sundays were EVERYTHING and the Axfords are just amazing and lovely and I need the next books asap, please and thank you🙌💖✨
this book felt like Webb's but just like MA, she doesn't copy/paste her main characters, they're all different. Beck was so mean and prickly, I fell in love from the first paragraph!!! and again, just like MA, even the weird and over the top ideas are just smooth and make you love the story and fall in love with her writing even more!!!!
not gonna lie though, Holden is my favorite Axe and I cannot wait a whole damned year for his book. GIMME.
also, cover dude is so 🔥🔥🔥🔥
#The52BookClub
48. Related To The Word "Nemesis"🪓
October 17, 2025
That was absolutely delightful.
It's not quite a full-blown enemies to lovers but more of a instant clash and hackles are raised when Beckett and Griffin's paths first cross as the former tries to access his forest via the latter's access road.
Things take a turn for the hilarious each time these two meet up, with their personalities a complete opposite and both stubborn as the proverbial mule.
However, there's also a more serious side to the story, about families, what makes them, what stops people from living up to their responsibilities, about learning how to ask for help and admitting to making mistakes.
I loved all of Beckett's family, his three brothers (who I am hoping are all getting a story) and his sister, their parents, the crew that work for Beckett, and the people - the Winsomefolk who inhabit the small town of Winsome, Vermont.
There's not much I enjoy more than a small town romance, with people who are friendly and all up in the gossip, it reminds me so much of how and where I grew up, where everyone knows your name and has history going back years.
Of course, there's downsides to it as well, and May plays with this theming a fair bit too as the narrative unfolds and of course the sexual chemistry between them is off the charts.
But, the more time their paths cross, the more they begin to see each other and the more it becomes clear there's the potential for something deeper than just the lustful attraction they keep giving in to.
There's a perfect blend of family, frolics, humour and emotion to start this new series and plenty of potential for future stories, so I am very much looking forward to the second book having seen who that will be featuring!
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
It's not quite a full-blown enemies to lovers but more of a instant clash and hackles are raised when Beckett and Griffin's paths first cross as the former tries to access his forest via the latter's access road.
Things take a turn for the hilarious each time these two meet up, with their personalities a complete opposite and both stubborn as the proverbial mule.
However, there's also a more serious side to the story, about families, what makes them, what stops people from living up to their responsibilities, about learning how to ask for help and admitting to making mistakes.
I loved all of Beckett's family, his three brothers (who I am hoping are all getting a story) and his sister, their parents, the crew that work for Beckett, and the people - the Winsomefolk who inhabit the small town of Winsome, Vermont.
There's not much I enjoy more than a small town romance, with people who are friendly and all up in the gossip, it reminds me so much of how and where I grew up, where everyone knows your name and has history going back years.
Of course, there's downsides to it as well, and May plays with this theming a fair bit too as the narrative unfolds and of course the sexual chemistry between them is off the charts.
But, the more time their paths cross, the more they begin to see each other and the more it becomes clear there's the potential for something deeper than just the lustful attraction they keep giving in to.
There's a perfect blend of family, frolics, humour and emotion to start this new series and plenty of potential for future stories, so I am very much looking forward to the second book having seen who that will be featuring!
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
November 6, 2025
Small town silliness at it's best. I love how May Archer's books always make me feel like I've just wandered in to an existing small town community and every character feels like an actual person, not just a background character.
Beckett was so grumpy and it was really fun to follow along as he opened up to being more social and to falling in love. The way he's so protective of Griffin was so cute, and I loved how he was always finding ways to take care of things for him and make his life easier, even if Griffin was being stubborn about accepting help.
Griffin was interesting for a city boy. I usually don't warm as much to the city character coming to the small town community, but I actually liked Griffin and the journey he went on throughout the book. His presentation was adorable and swoony, and I really liked how he found a place for himself in Winsome.
I'm already obsessed with the other Axford brothers, especially Ames. I can't wait to get his book, I already want to hug him and make sure he's happy after the events of this book! Holden is funny and True is quiet and mysterious and I'm excited to see what happens for all of them.
Beckett was so grumpy and it was really fun to follow along as he opened up to being more social and to falling in love. The way he's so protective of Griffin was so cute, and I loved how he was always finding ways to take care of things for him and make his life easier, even if Griffin was being stubborn about accepting help.
Griffin was interesting for a city boy. I usually don't warm as much to the city character coming to the small town community, but I actually liked Griffin and the journey he went on throughout the book. His presentation was adorable and swoony, and I really liked how he found a place for himself in Winsome.
I'm already obsessed with the other Axford brothers, especially Ames. I can't wait to get his book, I already want to hug him and make sure he's happy after the events of this book! Holden is funny and True is quiet and mysterious and I'm excited to see what happens for all of them.
November 1, 2025
A wholesome and sweet small town romance, despite the rather silly title.
If you’re familiar with May Archer’s books, you know what to expect from a new series: a small town, this time in Vermont. A bunch of friends or brothers, who all will end up with a guy eventually. A lot of quirky, meddling people. And some kind of small town festivity, that everyone takes WAY too seriously.
And that’s exactly what we get here, too: the town is called Winsome, the family we’re focusing on is called Axford (hence the Axe in the title) - with Becket Axford, the lumberjack, being the first to find his HEA. Oh, and the festivity in question is called Winsome Brine, and everything features pickles.
Yes, you read that right. Pickles 🤪
Becket’s counterpart is Griffin, the classic city boy who comes to Winsome to regroup after losing his job in NYC.
So yeah. All the classical May Archer ingredients that make her books so charming, even if they do tend to be quite similar.
It’s all “enemies” to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, city boy /mountain man dynamics. It’s fun, mostly drama free and just what I needed. There’s even a brief mention of apples from Little Pippin Hollow, so it’s consistent with the other series 😅
And don’t we all wish that all small towns were as cute and wholesome as the ones May writes about?
“You slept with him, didn’t you? That’s how he ‘helped.’ He helped you with his big lumberjack penis!”
(…)
But you going mushy as a black banana for a guy you’ve known less than two weeks? Ha! Fuck no. Not on my watch.”
“Who said I’m mushy? I’m not mushy,” I’d protested, but even as I said it, I’d known it wasn’t entirely true. I might not be mushy, but I was definitely… overripe.
Looking forward to seeing so the Axfords happy and settled, it’s just the feel good vibe I need 🫶
If you’re familiar with May Archer’s books, you know what to expect from a new series: a small town, this time in Vermont. A bunch of friends or brothers, who all will end up with a guy eventually. A lot of quirky, meddling people. And some kind of small town festivity, that everyone takes WAY too seriously.
And that’s exactly what we get here, too: the town is called Winsome, the family we’re focusing on is called Axford (hence the Axe in the title) - with Becket Axford, the lumberjack, being the first to find his HEA. Oh, and the festivity in question is called Winsome Brine, and everything features pickles.
Yes, you read that right. Pickles 🤪
Becket’s counterpart is Griffin, the classic city boy who comes to Winsome to regroup after losing his job in NYC.
So yeah. All the classical May Archer ingredients that make her books so charming, even if they do tend to be quite similar.
It’s all “enemies” to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, city boy /mountain man dynamics. It’s fun, mostly drama free and just what I needed. There’s even a brief mention of apples from Little Pippin Hollow, so it’s consistent with the other series 😅
And don’t we all wish that all small towns were as cute and wholesome as the ones May writes about?
“You slept with him, didn’t you? That’s how he ‘helped.’ He helped you with his big lumberjack penis!”
(…)
But you going mushy as a black banana for a guy you’ve known less than two weeks? Ha! Fuck no. Not on my watch.”
“Who said I’m mushy? I’m not mushy,” I’d protested, but even as I said it, I’d known it wasn’t entirely true. I might not be mushy, but I was definitely… overripe.
Looking forward to seeing so the Axfords happy and settled, it’s just the feel good vibe I need 🫶
June 5, 2026
I really loved this. What could be better than a city guy going to a small town? And a hot lumberjack. (or forestry professional lol). And a touch of enemies to lovers. I love May Archer's weird small towns she invents. But I also do not love pickles. And book 2 sounds like exactly my cup of tea.
But a weird side note minor me thing only gripe: I swear I have read several books where the hot lumber jack is named Griff or Griffin or Griffith. But in this book, the city boy is named Griffin. And the hot lumber jack guy is named Beckett. Beckett is such a white suburban people name and Griff is a lumberjack name. Anyway this had me so confused the entire time I was reading the book, I could not keep these people straight. Again, I am sure this is just a weird me kind of thing lol.
Another weird side note: One time there was this person named Beckett (see what I mean: white suburban people name) and I decided to see how many times I could call him bucket before he noticed. After about five he started to look at me weird then I felt bad and stopped. Poor bucket, bless his heart.
But a weird side note minor me thing only gripe: I swear I have read several books where the hot lumber jack is named Griff or Griffin or Griffith. But in this book, the city boy is named Griffin. And the hot lumber jack guy is named Beckett. Beckett is such a white suburban people name and Griff is a lumberjack name. Anyway this had me so confused the entire time I was reading the book, I could not keep these people straight. Again, I am sure this is just a weird me kind of thing lol.
Another weird side note: One time there was this person named Beckett (see what I mean: white suburban people name) and I decided to see how many times I could call him bucket before he noticed. After about five he started to look at me weird then I felt bad and stopped. Poor bucket, bless his heart.
March 16, 2026
Oh, I just love small town romance, and May Archer does it so well.
Unapologetically sappy, with enough sass to balance it out.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series ❤️
Unapologetically sappy, with enough sass to balance it out.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series ❤️
February 10, 2026
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this, but didn’t end up loving it as anticipated. After reading the companion novella, may be I had built up certain scenes in my head too much. I also didn’t expect the MC’s to lock lips so quickly, but that’s a personal preference. Luckily they had plenty of chemistry to keep me invested, but there were a few peaks and troughs along the way.
I loved the premise, the small town setting, the tree house, the side characters, especially Milo. He cracked me up. I found all of the Axford brothers intriguing in their own ways, no matter how unrealistic that they’re all gay/bi (am including True here) and am definitely up for their instalments.
The meet cute was initially funny, but I didn’t like it when Beckett threw the racket in the tree #🚩 I could empathise as to the stress he was under, but the whole dynamic with his dad upset me (not the author’s fault). It was too close to home and not the escape I was looking for. I couldn’t understand why Beckett was such a grump (specifically his early years). I can’t believe it took meeting Griff for him to appreciate Winsome’s true charms. Also, not a big dill 😂, but his use of “City Boy” made me cringe 🥴 However, he had his positives and I really liked how he supported Griffin.
I liked Griff, but there were times when he stuttered/fell into Griff’s arms, which gave off MF vibes. I felt for him, what with his career and his emotions concerning Jim. However, everything that happened there was no shock to me. The only surprise was how it was resolved in the epilogue. I thought Griff came off a tad ungrateful, but may be that was just my interpretation.
As for the penultimate scene … just a tad cray cray 😅
Finally, a very minor point … I was expecting Griff to realise at one point that he had almost collided vehicles with Beckett on the road, but it never materialised. Did I read that wrong?
Anyway, I enjoyed my first May Archer book and am really looking forward to Hot Axe
I enjoyed this, but didn’t end up loving it as anticipated. After reading the companion novella, may be I had built up certain scenes in my head too much. I also didn’t expect the MC’s to lock lips so quickly, but that’s a personal preference. Luckily they had plenty of chemistry to keep me invested, but there were a few peaks and troughs along the way.
I loved the premise, the small town setting, the tree house, the side characters, especially Milo. He cracked me up. I found all of the Axford brothers intriguing in their own ways, no matter how unrealistic that they’re all gay/bi (am including True here) and am definitely up for their instalments.
The meet cute was initially funny, but I didn’t like it when Beckett threw the racket in the tree #🚩 I could empathise as to the stress he was under, but the whole dynamic with his dad upset me (not the author’s fault). It was too close to home and not the escape I was looking for. I couldn’t understand why Beckett was such a grump (specifically his early years). I can’t believe it took meeting Griff for him to appreciate Winsome’s true charms. Also, not a big dill 😂, but his use of “City Boy” made me cringe 🥴 However, he had his positives and I really liked how he supported Griffin.
I liked Griff, but there were times when he stuttered/fell into Griff’s arms, which gave off MF vibes. I felt for him, what with his career and his emotions concerning Jim. However, everything that happened there was no shock to me. The only surprise was how it was resolved in the epilogue. I thought Griff came off a tad ungrateful, but may be that was just my interpretation.
As for the penultimate scene … just a tad cray cray 😅
Finally, a very minor point … I was expecting Griff to realise at one point that he had almost collided vehicles with Beckett on the road, but it never materialised. Did I read that wrong?
Anyway, I enjoyed my first May Archer book and am really looking forward to Hot Axe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
January 18, 2026Ugh, I think I'm going into a reading slump.
It had its cute moments, some funny moments, some cringe moments, but it was also really immature and I'm just not in the mood for that right now.
DNF @ 25%
It had its cute moments, some funny moments, some cringe moments, but it was also really immature and I'm just not in the mood for that right now.
DNF @ 25%
August 13, 2026
So glad I rescued this one from my DNF shelf!
I initially started Kiss My Axe, but between health issues and life distractions, I just couldn't give it the focus it deserved at the time and set it aside. After seeing so many fantastic reviews, I decided to give it another shot last weekend and restarted from the beginning—and I am so glad I did!
If you’ve read May Archer's Sunday series, you'll feel right at home here. It delivers that signature, cozy small-town vibe complete with:
A big family of brothers who constantly meddle in each other's lives 🪓 ✅
Friendly, quirky, and delightfully nosy locals ✅
A city stranger blowing into town and completely shaking up the life of one very grumpy big brother✅
Throw in a literal treehouse, a high-energy opposites-attract dynamic, plenty of fun hijinks, and a touch of genuine angst around finding one's identity, and you get a total delight of a rom-com. ❤️
It’s a fun, light, highly readable story that you'll easily want to devour in one sitting. Highly recommended!👍🏻👍🏻
I initially started Kiss My Axe, but between health issues and life distractions, I just couldn't give it the focus it deserved at the time and set it aside. After seeing so many fantastic reviews, I decided to give it another shot last weekend and restarted from the beginning—and I am so glad I did!
If you’ve read May Archer's Sunday series, you'll feel right at home here. It delivers that signature, cozy small-town vibe complete with:
A big family of brothers who constantly meddle in each other's lives 🪓 ✅
Friendly, quirky, and delightfully nosy locals ✅
A city stranger blowing into town and completely shaking up the life of one very grumpy big brother✅
Throw in a literal treehouse, a high-energy opposites-attract dynamic, plenty of fun hijinks, and a touch of genuine angst around finding one's identity, and you get a total delight of a rom-com. ❤️
It’s a fun, light, highly readable story that you'll easily want to devour in one sitting. Highly recommended!👍🏻👍🏻
November 7, 2025
3.5 stars
September 28, 2026
This book is so far removed from what I usually like that I expected to dislike it. But surprise, surprise, I loved it.
It’s set in a small town, with all the stereotypical small-town shenanigans and characters you’d expect: a meddling mum, a gruff dad, a pack of nosy but well meaning siblings, a bunch of feisty old characters in town… you get the picture.
We have an enemies-to-lovers romance between a city boy and a small town lumberjack. The premise is nothing groundbreaking , but it works. There’s plenty of humor that should feel forced, yet somehow it works, and overall, it was a really fun read.
It’s set in a small town, with all the stereotypical small-town shenanigans and characters you’d expect: a meddling mum, a gruff dad, a pack of nosy but well meaning siblings, a bunch of feisty old characters in town… you get the picture.
We have an enemies-to-lovers romance between a city boy and a small town lumberjack. The premise is nothing groundbreaking , but it works. There’s plenty of humor that should feel forced, yet somehow it works, and overall, it was a really fun read.
November 10, 2025
4.5 stars
Just fully enjoyable. Very few complaints. So thankful for a decent romance lol
Just fully enjoyable. Very few complaints. So thankful for a decent romance lol
May 4, 2026
4.5⭐️
Book 1 Axeford Brothers
🪓 Small Town
🪓 Opposites Attract
🪓 Found Family
Griffin is the big city marketing guru, who’s life has taken a dramatic turn. He moves to Vermont to live in a treehouse left to him by his ‘Uncle’, the town’s eccentric loner, so he can plan his next steps in life.
Beckett is the grumpy local lumberjack (forestry professional), and the oldest of the 5 Axeford children.
Beckett and Griffin’s path cross when Griffin denies Beckett access to his property through a previously agreed upon easement. The animosity between the 2 men grows to breaking point, as does their undeniable attraction to each other.
Some decent banter, good side characters and an all round fun time. Who doesn’t love a Pickle Festival Popularity Contest?
HEA 💙
Next Book 2, Hot Axe
Robbie & Ames
Book 1 Axeford Brothers
🪓 Small Town
🪓 Opposites Attract
🪓 Found Family
Griffin is the big city marketing guru, who’s life has taken a dramatic turn. He moves to Vermont to live in a treehouse left to him by his ‘Uncle’, the town’s eccentric loner, so he can plan his next steps in life.
Beckett is the grumpy local lumberjack (forestry professional), and the oldest of the 5 Axeford children.
Beckett and Griffin’s path cross when Griffin denies Beckett access to his property through a previously agreed upon easement. The animosity between the 2 men grows to breaking point, as does their undeniable attraction to each other.
Some decent banter, good side characters and an all round fun time. Who doesn’t love a Pickle Festival Popularity Contest?
HEA 💙
Next Book 2, Hot Axe
Robbie & Ames
July 12, 2026
7/10 Обожнюю, коли маленьке містечко так гарно описано✨ Ржачна така книжуля, міський хлопчик, який став посміховиськом тіктоку отримує в спадок 🏠 десь в глуші і на його територію приїжджає місцевий лісоруб, який хоче щось там рубати🪵🌲. Хлопчик наш вибігає в трусах з тенісною ракеткою, 🏸🎾значить, захищати свій спадок😄
November 15, 2025
Albo May Archer z wiekiem zaczęła lepiej pisać, albo ja się starzeję 😁
A pewnie i pierwsze, i na pewno drugie 😂
Kiedyś miałam problem z jej książkami - zwłaszcza z tymi normalnej długości, nie połówkami (bo te jakoś wyjątkowo dobrze mi wchodziły). Ale teraz? Zawsze z dużą ochotą sięgam po jej następne tytuły.
I nie - nie są to książki zmieniające życie, ale też takich nie udają.
Są lekkie, łatwe i przyjemne, zazwyczaj z mniejszą lub większą (częściej) dawką humoru, bez żadnej właściwie dramy, z rzeczywistością raczej życzeniową, niż realną, zawsze z małym miasteczkiem i sporym wachlarzem postaci drugoplanowych. Dobrze mi się to czyta, a co najważniejsze - nie mam wrażenia, że zostało to napisane przez AI 👀 Seks oczywiście jest, ale nie dominuje historii.
Szczerze, to od tego typu książek nie ma co wymagać więcej i chyba w najbliższym czasie doczytam te wcześniejsze serie autorki, które ciągle mam nieprzeczytane 😁
A pewnie i pierwsze, i na pewno drugie 😂
Kiedyś miałam problem z jej książkami - zwłaszcza z tymi normalnej długości, nie połówkami (bo te jakoś wyjątkowo dobrze mi wchodziły). Ale teraz? Zawsze z dużą ochotą sięgam po jej następne tytuły.
I nie - nie są to książki zmieniające życie, ale też takich nie udają.
Są lekkie, łatwe i przyjemne, zazwyczaj z mniejszą lub większą (częściej) dawką humoru, bez żadnej właściwie dramy, z rzeczywistością raczej życzeniową, niż realną, zawsze z małym miasteczkiem i sporym wachlarzem postaci drugoplanowych. Dobrze mi się to czyta, a co najważniejsze - nie mam wrażenia, że zostało to napisane przez AI 👀 Seks oczywiście jest, ale nie dominuje historii.
Szczerze, to od tego typu książek nie ma co wymagać więcej i chyba w najbliższym czasie doczytam te wcześniejsze serie autorki, które ciągle mam nieprzeczytane 😁
Did Not Finish
May 27, 2026DNF at 2%.
This is one of those rom-coms that's trying way too hard to be funny rather than making me like the main character.
FYI, if you give an intern the final files to get them published and don't check their work, it IS on you. YOU made the mistake. Trying to blame someone else is you not learning.
This is one of those rom-coms that's trying way too hard to be funny rather than making me like the main character.
FYI, if you give an intern the final files to get them published and don't check their work, it IS on you. YOU made the mistake. Trying to blame someone else is you not learning.
March 23, 2026
I had to give this author a break, because their brand of small town, all-up-in-your-business settings are really, really not my jam, but it's been a few years and I was feeling curious! Very much on brand here, and it did start to grate, but not so bad that I couldn't push through. Light, small-town shenanigans, not particularly plausible, but the characters were fun, and it was exactly the kind of low-commitment read I was in the mood for.
October 30, 2025
5.0 ⭐️ | 3.0 🌶️
-lumberjack muscle hottie x city boy marketing cutie
-small town romance
-meet cute
-enemies to lovers
-meddling neighbors
I love small town romances. I admit this is an old hallmark movie like trope but it never gets old. Story so comforting with just the right amount of spice.
-lumberjack muscle hottie x city boy marketing cutie
-small town romance
-meet cute
-enemies to lovers
-meddling neighbors
I love small town romances. I admit this is an old hallmark movie like trope but it never gets old. Story so comforting with just the right amount of spice.
November 16, 2025
A nice surprise. I enjoyed this book by the author of the Vermont apple picking series. It started a little slow, I wish the two main characters had warmed up to each other a little earlier, but it was cute and heartwarming. I'll probably try the next one in the series.
November 2, 2025
It takes a while to finish this book, but I liked it. Griffin and Beckett are both likeable characters since the first time they met.
This is a good start for a new series. While I can't wait for the next book about Ames and his best friend, I'm really curious about mister law enforcer, and about Carlos!
Please write faster!
This is a good start for a new series. While I can't wait for the next book about Ames and his best friend, I'm really curious about mister law enforcer, and about Carlos!
Please write faster!
September 27, 2026
4.5 stars
Low angst and fun!
Low angst and fun!
November 18, 2025
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Very cute and enjoyable read! This felt like a comeback to the May Archer books I know and love. I’ve had misses with her last few books, but this was a return to form for her. This book was funny and steamy, with an eclectic cast of characters and small town charm. I enjoyed both Griffin and Beckett and their budding relationship. The small town craziness was wayyyy toned down from previous books and was the right amount of silliness! I’m very much looking forward to Ames’s book 👀🫶🏼
Very cute and enjoyable read! This felt like a comeback to the May Archer books I know and love. I’ve had misses with her last few books, but this was a return to form for her. This book was funny and steamy, with an eclectic cast of characters and small town charm. I enjoyed both Griffin and Beckett and their budding relationship. The small town craziness was wayyyy toned down from previous books and was the right amount of silliness! I’m very much looking forward to Ames’s book 👀🫶🏼
April 30, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
🎭Point of view: Dual, 1st person
🏷️TROPES & TAGS🏷️
Grumpy x Sunshine
Strangers to Lovers
Village boy x City Boy
Dislike to Love
Banter and bickering
Found family vibes
🍷SPICE AND KINKS🍷
Anal
Oral
Rimming
Bjs
Frotting (not sure)
• Dynamic: Strict top bottom
⚠️TW/CW⚠️
Mc getting his career sabotaged and fired as a result
💭THOUGHTS💭
even though i will probably not reread this it was still a very comfort read. Reading this was making me remember 90's Bollywood college romance movies. The mc's were really likable. The banter was also top tierrr.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
🎭Point of view: Dual, 1st person
🏷️TROPES & TAGS🏷️
Grumpy x Sunshine
Strangers to Lovers
Village boy x City Boy
Dislike to Love
Banter and bickering
Found family vibes
🍷SPICE AND KINKS🍷
Anal
Oral
Rimming
Bjs
Frotting (not sure)
• Dynamic: Strict top bottom
⚠️TW/CW⚠️
Mc getting his career sabotaged and fired as a result
💭THOUGHTS💭
even though i will probably not reread this it was still a very comfort read. Reading this was making me remember 90's Bollywood college romance movies. The mc's were really likable. The banter was also top tierrr.
November 14, 2025
Kiss My Axe
Axford Brothers Book 1
May Archer
Griffin & Beckett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Small town
Found family
Enemies to lovers
Pickle Festival
Rom Com vibes
City boy vs Lumberjack
This was so funny. Sweet, swoony and funny. I literally laughed out loud.
Griffin moves to Vermont to accept an inheritance. A home. A tree house that is.
It borders Beckett Axfords land.
Immediately hilarity ensues when these two clash over the land.
This town was incredible. The townspeople were amazing. The Axfords, especially Beckett's mom. She was fantastic.
This was such a great Sweet wholesome small town rom com.
These two earned their hea.
Wonderful book
I honestly can't wait for the next book.
Axford Brothers Book 1
May Archer
Griffin & Beckett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Small town
Found family
Enemies to lovers
Pickle Festival
Rom Com vibes
City boy vs Lumberjack
This was so funny. Sweet, swoony and funny. I literally laughed out loud.
Griffin moves to Vermont to accept an inheritance. A home. A tree house that is.
It borders Beckett Axfords land.
Immediately hilarity ensues when these two clash over the land.
This town was incredible. The townspeople were amazing. The Axfords, especially Beckett's mom. She was fantastic.
This was such a great Sweet wholesome small town rom com.
These two earned their hea.
Wonderful book
I honestly can't wait for the next book.
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