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Axford Brothers #1
Kiss My Axe: Alternate Edition
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.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2025
445 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
November 8, 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!
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!
January 8, 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 🥺
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November 16, 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!
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!
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 2, 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 🫶
dnf
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%
November 7, 2025
3.5 stars
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
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 😁
November 3, 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!
November 20, 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 👀🫶🏼
November 17, 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.
October 23, 2025
Talk about every hot lumbersnack fantasy come to life! Beckett definitely fits the bill. This story was so much fun. I am jealous of the treehouse. The animosity between Griffin and Beckett starts from a misunderstanding and both men are too stubborn to drop it…until they’re not. With interfering family and a small town that means well, it doesn’t take long for Griffin to realize there is so much more to this tiny Vermont town than he was expecting. Something that starts to feel a lot like home.
October 15, 2025
I absolutely adored Griffin and Beckett’s story. Circumstances find Griffin living in a quirky treehouse in small town Vermont where he comes in contact with local lumber yard operator Beckett. There’s no delightful meet cute for these men, they basically become enemies at first sight which leads to accusations, bickering and plenty of infuriating moments between them. Somewhere along the way they find themselves drawn together yet still not overly friendly and the chemistry between them doesn’t take long to ignite. As Griffin and Beckett actually start to communicate and learn about each other they discover what’s beneath the surface and outward appearances and find their way to a well deserved HEA.
Of course family and townsfolk can’t help but meddle, Griffin learns to love Beckett’s “Resting Intimidation Face” which hides his gruff sweetness, there’s plenty of innuendos, a photosynthesis song, unresolved family issues and a very unexpected plot twist. Which altogether makes for a very enjoyable and entertaining read that I couldn’t put down. There’s plenty of indicators for who gets their story told next and I can’t wait to return to Winsome for more.
Of course family and townsfolk can’t help but meddle, Griffin learns to love Beckett’s “Resting Intimidation Face” which hides his gruff sweetness, there’s plenty of innuendos, a photosynthesis song, unresolved family issues and a very unexpected plot twist. Which altogether makes for a very enjoyable and entertaining read that I couldn’t put down. There’s plenty of indicators for who gets their story told next and I can’t wait to return to Winsome for more.
January 9, 2026
It's stupid, it's silly, this town makes no sense, pickles are disgusting, and yes I do require there to be like 20 books in this series.
November 14, 2025
Great start to a new series!
October 31, 2025
Cute, if not slightly OTT with all the things. Wish we could allow for a little more built in time before spewing I Love Yous but I guess that is the small town romcom special. Let's shoot for a least a few months for actual emotional connection and understanding of the other person instead of 2 weeks of sporadic meet ups.
December 9, 2025
“Come here, baby,” I call softly. Then I close the distance between us and gently pull the brave, brilliant man I’m falling for into my arms and cradle him against my chest. Griffin just exhales and melts into me, like he’s been holding himself together by sheer force of will and finally has permission to fall apart. His shoulders shake against my chest.
asdfghjkl no yeah i promise i can be normal about this!
I liked:
- Griffin and Beckett's dynamic!!!! I loved how they go from "its on sight" to being hopelessly endeared by each other
- small town influence
- taking care of each other!!!! especially beckett taking care of griffin omg i cry
- griffin finding himself and his whole journey of letting his walls down
- pickles being a main character tbh
what i was meh about:
- confused about griffins height because in the beginning i swear beckett says that griffin is almost as tall as holden who is the tallest sibling but then he also say he is taller than griffin and that a size difference exists?
- too many side characters which i know is a set up for the future books but i simply cannot keep track
asdfghjkl no yeah i promise i can be normal about this!
I liked:
- Griffin and Beckett's dynamic!!!! I loved how they go from "its on sight" to being hopelessly endeared by each other
- small town influence
- taking care of each other!!!! especially beckett taking care of griffin omg i cry
- griffin finding himself and his whole journey of letting his walls down
- pickles being a main character tbh
what i was meh about:
- confused about griffins height because in the beginning i swear beckett says that griffin is almost as tall as holden who is the tallest sibling but then he also say he is taller than griffin and that a size difference exists?
- too many side characters which i know is a set up for the future books but i simply cannot keep track
October 16, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Griffin and Beckett
RTC
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Griffin and Beckett
RTC
October 24, 2025
Everything you absolutely want in a May Archer novel. Perfect start to a series that I can't wait to dive into. Write faster, May. Write faster!
November 1, 2025
2.5 stars
It was nice and wholesome.
It was nice and wholesome.
October 23, 2025
Warning spoilers ahead:
Kiss my axe is by far one of my more favorite books by May Archer. I’ve read and bought many but really enjoyed kiss my axe. The relationship between Beckett and Griffin is not only sweet and caring but has its moments of hilarity and seriousness with it. I’m not one to usually enjoy the enemies to lovers genre but I’m glad I gave this one a chance because it was written beautifully and well. Both MCs were only trying to control there own little corner of the world and prove there worth but kept bumping into each others side. Especially Griffin who had been done extremely dirty by a nepo intern at his previous job and was just trying to gain control of his own life again. He just unfortunately kept having more rocks thrown into his path that kept him from stabilizing his world. Beckett ended up being a big ol’ softy and a great support and grounding system for Griffin as his world kept being tilted off center. I loved the chaos that ensued when all paths merged and everything happened at the same time at the end but Griffin knew beforehand what he was going to do. All in all I really enjoyed this book and it will be on my re-read list. I was given an ARC for an honest review. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.
Kiss my axe is by far one of my more favorite books by May Archer. I’ve read and bought many but really enjoyed kiss my axe. The relationship between Beckett and Griffin is not only sweet and caring but has its moments of hilarity and seriousness with it. I’m not one to usually enjoy the enemies to lovers genre but I’m glad I gave this one a chance because it was written beautifully and well. Both MCs were only trying to control there own little corner of the world and prove there worth but kept bumping into each others side. Especially Griffin who had been done extremely dirty by a nepo intern at his previous job and was just trying to gain control of his own life again. He just unfortunately kept having more rocks thrown into his path that kept him from stabilizing his world. Beckett ended up being a big ol’ softy and a great support and grounding system for Griffin as his world kept being tilted off center. I loved the chaos that ensued when all paths merged and everything happened at the same time at the end but Griffin knew beforehand what he was going to do. All in all I really enjoyed this book and it will be on my re-read list. I was given an ARC for an honest review. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
I adored this book! It was enemies to lovers, grump vs prickly, both sweet but with walls to keep others from getting too close. The lust is undeniable, the more they fought, the lustier it got until they just couldn't keep their hands and lips to themselves. And it was glorious!
The tree house was such a cute idea, and the mysterious Jim added to the whimsical feeling of it all. I loved this small town, and every character we met was a character I needed to know more of. Nosy, matchmaking small town citizens are simply the best.
Beckett and Griffin were perfect for each other; they might've started their relationship on the wrong foot, but the animosity only pulled them closer, letting them being vulnerable, and correcting all the first encounter assumptions they made.
Low angst, right amount of steam, a group of marvelous characters, make the book a comfort one I will definitely revisit soon.
And I'm really looking forward to the next brother to fall in love!
The tree house was such a cute idea, and the mysterious Jim added to the whimsical feeling of it all. I loved this small town, and every character we met was a character I needed to know more of. Nosy, matchmaking small town citizens are simply the best.
Beckett and Griffin were perfect for each other; they might've started their relationship on the wrong foot, but the animosity only pulled them closer, letting them being vulnerable, and correcting all the first encounter assumptions they made.
Low angst, right amount of steam, a group of marvelous characters, make the book a comfort one I will definitely revisit soon.
And I'm really looking forward to the next brother to fall in love!
November 9, 2025
Love this author's humor and I love how the story was set up to have both Griffin and Beckett be responsible for their little feud by both choosing to be a little unreasonable. Their mutual attraction + the dislike + the humor was a great mix that helped make things enjoyable.
Not gonna lie, I felt sorry for Beckett considering how nobody seemed to be batting for him. Aside from his conflict with Griffin, he had to deal with jabs from his family. His mom and brothers were ignoring his words because they already had forgone conclusions that Beckett needed to get set up with Griffin and his dad was being slightly belligerent with Beckett's ownership of their business. At least Griffin had Milo on his side to be a source of support, whereas I felt like Beckett had everybody going against him (which despite being humorous and generally good natured, made me feel bad because that sort of reality where people don't listen to you is never fun).
I loved the scavenger hunt scene and how it transitioned from passionate bickering to passionate sex. Very effective way of showing how strongly the two of them were attracted to one another while also not making it instalove because romantic emotions weren't really involved. And I usually hate when authors set up future books and couples too early, but Ames and Robbie's story was interesting and related enough that I didn't mind it here (mainly because Griffin related to Ames and it was a decent vehicle showing Griffin get closer to the Beckett's family)
I liked the back and forth between Griffin and Beckett and how it wasn't just smooth sailing after they started warming up to each other. Though I wished that they actually had a real conversation earlier about the thing causing the most friction, aka the easement, because while them initially arguing about it made sense because they both were explicitly being unreasonable, that became a bit obsolete when they actually started talking to one another. I mean hell, Griffin literally asked Beckett if not having the easement was an issue and he shut things down because they "agreed" to not talk about serious things that day. What? That didn't really make sense in my eyes considering how much Beckett needed to use that land, so when Griffin himself brings up the topic, I couldn't see why he wouldn't try to use that to move things forward.
I wasn't a fan of how
The ending was a tiny bit cringy with how , but the book was otherwise very enjoyable!
A 4.5 that I'm rounding down just because I feel like the conclusion dropped the ball on a couple of key things, but I'm excited and definitely reading Ames and Robbie's story when it comes out.
Not gonna lie, I felt sorry for Beckett considering how nobody seemed to be batting for him. Aside from his conflict with Griffin, he had to deal with jabs from his family. His mom and brothers were ignoring his words because they already had forgone conclusions that Beckett needed to get set up with Griffin and his dad was being slightly belligerent with Beckett's ownership of their business. At least Griffin had Milo on his side to be a source of support, whereas I felt like Beckett had everybody going against him (which despite being humorous and generally good natured, made me feel bad because that sort of reality where people don't listen to you is never fun).
I loved the scavenger hunt scene and how it transitioned from passionate bickering to passionate sex. Very effective way of showing how strongly the two of them were attracted to one another while also not making it instalove because romantic emotions weren't really involved. And I usually hate when authors set up future books and couples too early, but Ames and Robbie's story was interesting and related enough that I didn't mind it here (mainly because Griffin related to Ames and it was a decent vehicle showing Griffin get closer to the Beckett's family)
I liked the back and forth between Griffin and Beckett and how it wasn't just smooth sailing after they started warming up to each other. Though I wished that they actually had a real conversation earlier about the thing causing the most friction, aka the easement, because while them initially arguing about it made sense because they both were explicitly being unreasonable, that became a bit obsolete when they actually started talking to one another. I mean hell, Griffin literally asked Beckett if not having the easement was an issue and he shut things down because they "agreed" to not talk about serious things that day. What? That didn't really make sense in my eyes considering how much Beckett needed to use that land, so when Griffin himself brings up the topic, I couldn't see why he wouldn't try to use that to move things forward.
I wasn't a fan of how
The ending was a tiny bit cringy with how , but the book was otherwise very enjoyable!
A 4.5 that I'm rounding down just because I feel like the conclusion dropped the ball on a couple of key things, but I'm excited and definitely reading Ames and Robbie's story when it comes out.
October 26, 2025
Griffin Mercer is shattered when he is unfairly dismissed from his dream job in Marketing in Manhattan. When no one will hire him he decides to head to Vermont and check out the cabin his Uncle Jim left him in his Will. His best friend Milo comes with him to help him get settled.
Nothing prepares Griffin for his inheritance of a huge treehouse in the middle of a forest. Certainly not for the situation he faces when a bunch of lumberjacks is trying to tow his car off the road, nor for the huge giant Beckett Axeford who claims rights to the Forest surrounding Griffin’s Treehouse, that causes a stand-off where the Sheriff is called out to settle.
Winsome, Vermont is a delightful little town with loads of quirky events taking place to celebrate all the seasons and Pickles seem to be a prized product that is celebrated too. Axeford Lumber is a family run business and Beckett is the eldest of 5 siblings, Holden is the Sheriff, True is a Furniture maker, Ames is a Baker and their sister Eliza is a local doctor. A lovely welcoming family, and respected in the community.
All eyes are on Beckett (Axe) and what happened at the showdown with Griffin over access to the forest. Winsome has a fabulous bunch of inhabitants and they are so nosy and gossipy, but in such a nice way. All are trying to help both Griffin and Beckett see reason over the access road. But now there are sparks of a different kind when these two come face to face, often with hilarious results. The whole town can sense the chemistry between Axe and Griffin, but not everyone would be pleased if they settle the disagreement.
Between the lovely Axeford family and the warm, generous Winsomefolk, Axe and Griffin work towards a settlement. Beckett is falling first and so fast for Griffin. Families timely interference moves them along towards a happy settlement all round.
Love these small town settings that welcome all with open hearts and minds, where people can live as their authentic selves. I can’t wait for book 2 because I’m desperate to see what happens with Ames, the youngest Axford brother, whose heart has been broken. Roll on launch in 2026.
I received an ARC via the author and this is my freely given,honest review of ‘Kiss My Axe’.
Author May Archer has delivered all that I enjoy in my MM reads, enough passion, humour, setting and characters, that grabbed me and left me feeling that all could be well in the world.
Nothing prepares Griffin for his inheritance of a huge treehouse in the middle of a forest. Certainly not for the situation he faces when a bunch of lumberjacks is trying to tow his car off the road, nor for the huge giant Beckett Axeford who claims rights to the Forest surrounding Griffin’s Treehouse, that causes a stand-off where the Sheriff is called out to settle.
Winsome, Vermont is a delightful little town with loads of quirky events taking place to celebrate all the seasons and Pickles seem to be a prized product that is celebrated too. Axeford Lumber is a family run business and Beckett is the eldest of 5 siblings, Holden is the Sheriff, True is a Furniture maker, Ames is a Baker and their sister Eliza is a local doctor. A lovely welcoming family, and respected in the community.
All eyes are on Beckett (Axe) and what happened at the showdown with Griffin over access to the forest. Winsome has a fabulous bunch of inhabitants and they are so nosy and gossipy, but in such a nice way. All are trying to help both Griffin and Beckett see reason over the access road. But now there are sparks of a different kind when these two come face to face, often with hilarious results. The whole town can sense the chemistry between Axe and Griffin, but not everyone would be pleased if they settle the disagreement.
Between the lovely Axeford family and the warm, generous Winsomefolk, Axe and Griffin work towards a settlement. Beckett is falling first and so fast for Griffin. Families timely interference moves them along towards a happy settlement all round.
Love these small town settings that welcome all with open hearts and minds, where people can live as their authentic selves. I can’t wait for book 2 because I’m desperate to see what happens with Ames, the youngest Axford brother, whose heart has been broken. Roll on launch in 2026.
I received an ARC via the author and this is my freely given,honest review of ‘Kiss My Axe’.
Author May Archer has delivered all that I enjoy in my MM reads, enough passion, humour, setting and characters, that grabbed me and left me feeling that all could be well in the world.
October 28, 2025
Amazing start to a new small town series!
"I will build bridges with you any day of the week, whether it’s here or in New York. Whatever you want, we’ll figure it out.”
Kiss My Axe is an amazing start to May Archer's new series. After a disastrous event causes Griffin to lose his job, he's lost and drifting. When he finds out he's inherited a house in a small town in Vermont, he jumps at the chance for something new. But on his very first day, he clashes with a local lumberjack who gets his blood pumping in so many different ways. The more time he spends with Beckett and the folks of Winsome, the more he finds himself wanting to put down roots in the last place he ever expected.
"I place my hand over my heart and hope he knows I’d hand it to him if I could."
This book had me laughing out loud. The banter and the shenanigans that Beckett and Griffin get up to kept me entertained constantly. They butt heads from the moment they meet and are always trying to one-up each other. But they both end up winning each time when their blistering hot chemistry overtakes every interaction!
“I don’t know how you do it,” he murmurs. “But you somehow make things quieter in my head. Make things feel easier. Or at least… doable.”
For all the fun and games, this book also had a lot of heart. Beck and Griffin are opposites in so many ways. But they're both lost and struggling when they meet. Getting to know each other helps them find new perspectives and insight into their own lives and it was so beautiful to see them blossom throughout this book. I loved how supportive they were and were always ready to just listen and be there for each other even when they weren't on the best of terms. They just connected on a whole other level and I loved to see that connection grow into something so steady and lasting.
"I didn’t know I wanted this. In fact, I would have told you I actively didn’t. But now, I can’t imagine giving it up."
The whole town of Winsome is so delightful. They were the right mix of supportive, meddlesome and just pure fun. I'm so intrigued by all the Axford siblings and I can't wait to dive back into this town with Ames!! He's such a a sweetheart and I just want him to be happy. I also have some hopes about Milo and a certain sheriff that I wish come true. But before that, you need to check out this grumpy/sunshine, small town romance. I had such a good time watching Griffin and Beckett find their HEA!
"I will build bridges with you any day of the week, whether it’s here or in New York. Whatever you want, we’ll figure it out.”
Kiss My Axe is an amazing start to May Archer's new series. After a disastrous event causes Griffin to lose his job, he's lost and drifting. When he finds out he's inherited a house in a small town in Vermont, he jumps at the chance for something new. But on his very first day, he clashes with a local lumberjack who gets his blood pumping in so many different ways. The more time he spends with Beckett and the folks of Winsome, the more he finds himself wanting to put down roots in the last place he ever expected.
"I place my hand over my heart and hope he knows I’d hand it to him if I could."
This book had me laughing out loud. The banter and the shenanigans that Beckett and Griffin get up to kept me entertained constantly. They butt heads from the moment they meet and are always trying to one-up each other. But they both end up winning each time when their blistering hot chemistry overtakes every interaction!
“I don’t know how you do it,” he murmurs. “But you somehow make things quieter in my head. Make things feel easier. Or at least… doable.”
For all the fun and games, this book also had a lot of heart. Beck and Griffin are opposites in so many ways. But they're both lost and struggling when they meet. Getting to know each other helps them find new perspectives and insight into their own lives and it was so beautiful to see them blossom throughout this book. I loved how supportive they were and were always ready to just listen and be there for each other even when they weren't on the best of terms. They just connected on a whole other level and I loved to see that connection grow into something so steady and lasting.
"I didn’t know I wanted this. In fact, I would have told you I actively didn’t. But now, I can’t imagine giving it up."
The whole town of Winsome is so delightful. They were the right mix of supportive, meddlesome and just pure fun. I'm so intrigued by all the Axford siblings and I can't wait to dive back into this town with Ames!! He's such a a sweetheart and I just want him to be happy. I also have some hopes about Milo and a certain sheriff that I wish come true. But before that, you need to check out this grumpy/sunshine, small town romance. I had such a good time watching Griffin and Beckett find their HEA!
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