What do you think?
Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks #2
Axe Marks the Spot
One struggling single mom resorts to hiring an online Dom to know what it feels like for someone to take care of her for once―only to realize he’s the rugged lumbersnack leading her kid’s summer camp.
Lindsey Clark is a single mom doing her best to stay afloat. Between nursing shifts and legal bills, she barely has time to breathe―let alone date. One night, after too much wine and social media scrolling, she stumbles on the anonymous account of @DomInTheWoods. His voice? Commanding. His faceless profile? Hot. And Lindsey? Intrigued enough to email him.
Dane Woods is a professional Dom who keeps his identity private and his boundaries firm. He offers structure, discipline, and control―but nothing physical, nothing emotional. No exceptions … even for his tantalizing new sub, Lindsey, who he can’t stop thinking about.
But when Dane steps in to run a kids’ camp as a favor to a friend, the last person he expects to see is Lindsey. Now that their worlds have collided, the lines between professional and personal start to blur.
Maybe some boundaries are meant to be axed.5-star reader "If you still haven’t picked up a Kayla Grosse book… what are you even doing?"“A perfect slow burn with just as much fun and heat as I wanted!""Excuse me while I go pick my jaw up off the floor…""The perfect mix of plot and spice!"" It has been a long time since I’ve read a book that has made me want to stay awake until 3 in the morning, unable to put it down.""Literal. Perfection. That's it. That's the review."
Lindsey Clark is a single mom doing her best to stay afloat. Between nursing shifts and legal bills, she barely has time to breathe―let alone date. One night, after too much wine and social media scrolling, she stumbles on the anonymous account of @DomInTheWoods. His voice? Commanding. His faceless profile? Hot. And Lindsey? Intrigued enough to email him.
Dane Woods is a professional Dom who keeps his identity private and his boundaries firm. He offers structure, discipline, and control―but nothing physical, nothing emotional. No exceptions … even for his tantalizing new sub, Lindsey, who he can’t stop thinking about.
But when Dane steps in to run a kids’ camp as a favor to a friend, the last person he expects to see is Lindsey. Now that their worlds have collided, the lines between professional and personal start to blur.
Maybe some boundaries are meant to be axed.5-star reader "If you still haven’t picked up a Kayla Grosse book… what are you even doing?"“A perfect slow burn with just as much fun and heat as I wanted!""Excuse me while I go pick my jaw up off the floor…""The perfect mix of plot and spice!"" It has been a long time since I’ve read a book that has made me want to stay awake until 3 in the morning, unable to put it down.""Literal. Perfection. That's it. That's the review."
480 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 763 reviews
March 28, 2026
3.75/5
girls just wanna have fun (and read smutty books in one sitting)
miss kayla has been killing it with her fun books lately and they each have an emotional impact as well which i really like! when i saw this on netgalley i immediately decided i was in the mood to read this and sat down to devour after my dinner today, i didn’t even have my sweet treat because i was so locked in…
lindsey is a single mom who is feeling really overworked, tired, and just having a lot of self doubt. enter in dane, a man who is going to ease her stressors one demand at a time. the dynamic between the two of them was really well written and seemed pretty well researched, i personally have no idea if that’s true but from an outside perspective it was great. i loved how we focused on their sexual relationship but also their relationship as a family. kas, and her bond with each of them, really made this book!
i adored lindsey and i really understood her at times. life is overwhelming girl, i too would turn to a hot man if he offered me this much support! i was loving this, set on a four star, but then the ending felt incredibly rushed. i think this is a long book, idk i read it on my kindle, but it just felt strange for all the great tension and excellent buildup to be shoved together once we got to the end.
*thank you to netgalley and forever for the copy!*
girls just wanna have fun (and read smutty books in one sitting)
miss kayla has been killing it with her fun books lately and they each have an emotional impact as well which i really like! when i saw this on netgalley i immediately decided i was in the mood to read this and sat down to devour after my dinner today, i didn’t even have my sweet treat because i was so locked in…
lindsey is a single mom who is feeling really overworked, tired, and just having a lot of self doubt. enter in dane, a man who is going to ease her stressors one demand at a time. the dynamic between the two of them was really well written and seemed pretty well researched, i personally have no idea if that’s true but from an outside perspective it was great. i loved how we focused on their sexual relationship but also their relationship as a family. kas, and her bond with each of them, really made this book!
i adored lindsey and i really understood her at times. life is overwhelming girl, i too would turn to a hot man if he offered me this much support! i was loving this, set on a four star, but then the ending felt incredibly rushed. i think this is a long book, idk i read it on my kindle, but it just felt strange for all the great tension and excellent buildup to be shoved together once we got to the end.
*thank you to netgalley and forever for the copy!*
July 27, 2026
I was looking forward to reading this book because I enjoyed book one so much. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. I liked Lindsey and her daughter. The struggles she was facing as a single mom made me want the best for her. But I don't know if Dane was what she needed. This romance has a Dom/Sub dynamic, and that is what made me feel disconnected from these characters. Dane & Lindsey's relationship felt like she was romanticizing her therapist.
I was hooked on the story and wanted to finish it, but I found myself rolling my eyes so many times. Not every book in a series will be a winner; I know that, and I wish I felt differently about this book. With that said, I would read the next book in this series if there is one. This couple simply wasn't my favorite. Individually, they are great, but I did not feel any chemistry between them.
I was hooked on the story and wanted to finish it, but I found myself rolling my eyes so many times. Not every book in a series will be a winner; I know that, and I wish I felt differently about this book. With that said, I would read the next book in this series if there is one. This couple simply wasn't my favorite. Individually, they are great, but I did not feel any chemistry between them.
July 8, 2026
Axe Marks the Spot by Kayla Grosse
Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks series #2. Contemporary erotic romance. BDSM. Curvy woman. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Lindsey Clark is struggling to keep everything on schedule. She’s working extra hours since her ex isn’t paying any child support, she needs to be home when her daughter is. She needs to call her lawyer to follow up. Her brother is helping with her daughter and she needs to get him a schedule so he can help more but she hates asking. A night out and a few drinks in, a friend tells her about a Dom who might be able to help Lindsey.
Dane Woods hears from a friend, asking for a favor. If a woman reaches out with “I don’t know why I’m doing this”, it’s a friend of hers that needs a little support. Sure enough, he gets an email at his Dom account and he connects with Lindsey to help structure her life with Dom Sub online only interactions. No physical or sexual elements in their contract.
The more Lindsey is successful in the relationship and helped in her life, the more she wants from @DomInTheWoods. She doesn’t realize that they actually know each other. And both are open to changing their professional online sessions to a more personalized and hands-on game.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy, both professionally successful with hundreds of performances in their catalogs. They brought this wonderful duet version to life making it seem as if watching a live play. They also added additional voices to their POV’s for the daughter, friends and locals in the small town. One surprising moment had them exclaiming in unison. Wonderfully done. I will be adding them both to my watch and follow lists.
Lindsey didn’t know much about Doms but she willing did the research to find out more. I learned a few things too. The story is about family, control, passion, and relationships. It’s sentimental, very steamy, and touchingly delicious. And hot. Whew.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks series #2. Contemporary erotic romance. BDSM. Curvy woman. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Lindsey Clark is struggling to keep everything on schedule. She’s working extra hours since her ex isn’t paying any child support, she needs to be home when her daughter is. She needs to call her lawyer to follow up. Her brother is helping with her daughter and she needs to get him a schedule so he can help more but she hates asking. A night out and a few drinks in, a friend tells her about a Dom who might be able to help Lindsey.
Dane Woods hears from a friend, asking for a favor. If a woman reaches out with “I don’t know why I’m doing this”, it’s a friend of hers that needs a little support. Sure enough, he gets an email at his Dom account and he connects with Lindsey to help structure her life with Dom Sub online only interactions. No physical or sexual elements in their contract.
The more Lindsey is successful in the relationship and helped in her life, the more she wants from @DomInTheWoods. She doesn’t realize that they actually know each other. And both are open to changing their professional online sessions to a more personalized and hands-on game.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy, both professionally successful with hundreds of performances in their catalogs. They brought this wonderful duet version to life making it seem as if watching a live play. They also added additional voices to their POV’s for the daughter, friends and locals in the small town. One surprising moment had them exclaiming in unison. Wonderfully done. I will be adding them both to my watch and follow lists.
Lindsey didn’t know much about Doms but she willing did the research to find out more. I learned a few things too. The story is about family, control, passion, and relationships. It’s sentimental, very steamy, and touchingly delicious. And hot. Whew.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
July 27, 2026
This was TRULY delicious. Kayla always delivers for me, and I never doubt that when I pick up her books on a whim.
With a D/s relationship, this could’ve gone sideways fast, but Kayla knows her stuff, so this was smooth, extremely easy reading, and sooooooo sexy and satisfying. The burn was slow but SO HOT and intense and that’s exactly how I love it. The connection between the mcs, Dane and Lindsey, was palpable and genuinely incredible. I loved their dynamic more than anything.
It was so yummy 🤤
I could relate to both of the characters so well, and slip into their POVs so easily. I read this in one sitting. Honestly can never say anything bad about Kayla’s writing.
I may even snag the audio because those also always slap 🥴
Overall,
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever for this advanced copy!
With a D/s relationship, this could’ve gone sideways fast, but Kayla knows her stuff, so this was smooth, extremely easy reading, and sooooooo sexy and satisfying. The burn was slow but SO HOT and intense and that’s exactly how I love it. The connection between the mcs, Dane and Lindsey, was palpable and genuinely incredible. I loved their dynamic more than anything.
It was so yummy 🤤
I could relate to both of the characters so well, and slip into their POVs so easily. I read this in one sitting. Honestly can never say anything bad about Kayla’s writing.
I may even snag the audio because those also always slap 🥴
Overall,
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever for this advanced copy!
July 20, 2026
Axe Marks the Spot by Kayla Grosse 🪓🌲
3,75/5 ⭐️
I was very excited for this release so I jumped right into this fresh audio without any research or second thoughts!
While I loved this author’s previous work and her well written spice scenes, this one left me with mixed feelings. 🤔
A lot of the plot felt less like a story and more like a "how-to manual" on Dom/sub dynamics. The inner monologues and everyday life details dragged on a bit too much for me… 🤷🏻♀️
The saving grace was the duet-style narration! Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy are my number-one favorite narrators and their flawless performance kept me glued to my headphones (well as much as my ADHD allowed it!🤦🏻♀️)
Audio performance 5/5
It was an entertaining listen because of the audio quality but the pacing definitely felt different compared to her other books.
Am I the only one who felt like the lifestyle explanations slowed the romance down? If you read it, let me know your thoughts besties!
No cheating, no sharing, no detailed scenes with OW - monogamous MF relationship.
Spice 3/5
3,75/5 ⭐️
I was very excited for this release so I jumped right into this fresh audio without any research or second thoughts!
While I loved this author’s previous work and her well written spice scenes, this one left me with mixed feelings. 🤔
A lot of the plot felt less like a story and more like a "how-to manual" on Dom/sub dynamics. The inner monologues and everyday life details dragged on a bit too much for me… 🤷🏻♀️
The saving grace was the duet-style narration! Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy are my number-one favorite narrators and their flawless performance kept me glued to my headphones (well as much as my ADHD allowed it!🤦🏻♀️)
Audio performance 5/5
It was an entertaining listen because of the audio quality but the pacing definitely felt different compared to her other books.
Am I the only one who felt like the lifestyle explanations slowed the romance down? If you read it, let me know your thoughts besties!
No cheating, no sharing, no detailed scenes with OW - monogamous MF relationship.
Spice 3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2026
holy hot 🥵 damn this audiobook while ovulating is the perfect combo
July 1, 2026
I love Kayla Grosse & the stories she writes! This one took a minute for me to get into, but I absolutely loved the characters! This is extremely spicy and leans a lot on the dom/sub relationship dynamic. It wasn’t as heavy or dark as some that I have read though. Definitely a good introduction to this trope if you’re new!!
I loved Lindsey and could really relate to the exhausted mom side of her! The friend group & found family dynamics in this one is just so good and loveable. While this one is definitely high spice , lower plot, and extreme slow burn vibes, it had enough heart & tenderness in it to make you swoon & love with their relationship too.
Definitely a quick, fun, and easy spicy read!! Thank you @read forever for this early copy!!
I loved Lindsey and could really relate to the exhausted mom side of her! The friend group & found family dynamics in this one is just so good and loveable. While this one is definitely high spice , lower plot, and extreme slow burn vibes, it had enough heart & tenderness in it to make you swoon & love with their relationship too.
Definitely a quick, fun, and easy spicy read!! Thank you @read forever for this early copy!!
June 20, 2026
I wanted to like this book. Book 1 was spicy and fun, and it may not have had a ton of plot, but the other dynamics made up for it. But this book…I was so bored. The Dom/sub contract was pointless. The FMC should have hired a life coach since her “dom” was not in person and not physical or sexual. You’re just paying a person to boss you around and call you a good girl without anything else? Yeah, no.
Also- the whole contract is moot anyway because it started with a lie. Dane was meant to be anonymous and yet he knew her identity from the start. AND they both agreed that it would be non-sexual and then immediately started getting turned on by each other and breaking all the boring rules.
I have read a few Kayla Grosse books and I do like how she depicts body positivity and sex positive stories. This character dynamic was just simply not for me.
Also- the whole contract is moot anyway because it started with a lie. Dane was meant to be anonymous and yet he knew her identity from the start. AND they both agreed that it would be non-sexual and then immediately started getting turned on by each other and breaking all the boring rules.
I have read a few Kayla Grosse books and I do like how she depicts body positivity and sex positive stories. This character dynamic was just simply not for me.
April 4, 2026
Book 2 in Kayla Grosse’s Lumbersnack series follows Lindsey, nurse and horny single mom and online Dom and consent king Logger Dane. (My brain has totally casted Thoren Bradley as Dane, btw)
This is a highly spicy, well researched book about the D/s dynamic between Lindsey and Dom. Lindsey’s personal life is a mess- she’s an exhausted mom and overworked nurse with a messy house and sassy 8 y-o daughter. She reaches out to Dane (via sister-in-law Morgan from book 1) to help her get her shit together.
A quick, fun read with lots of spice. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!
This is a highly spicy, well researched book about the D/s dynamic between Lindsey and Dom. Lindsey’s personal life is a mess- she’s an exhausted mom and overworked nurse with a messy house and sassy 8 y-o daughter. She reaches out to Dane (via sister-in-law Morgan from book 1) to help her get her shit together.
A quick, fun read with lots of spice. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!
August 13, 2026
This was so beautifully kink-friendly and a really good look into a modern sub/dom relationship (ime) the audio was reallyyyyy good. Loved the gravel to his voice, it really helped to flesh out the MMC in my mind.
I’m ready to deep dive into Kayla’s backlist.
I’m ready to deep dive into Kayla’s backlist.
August 1, 2026
Spicy as heck but not my thing. Very dominant man. 🫣
July 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I am quickly becoming a fan of Kayla Grosse’s writing. After really enjoying the first book, I couldn’t wait to dive back into Starlight Haven, and this one was every bit as fun, heartfelt, and spicy.
Dane and Lindsey’s story was such a refreshing mix of sweetness and heat. I loved how their relationship grew from their online dynamic into something much deeper once they met in person. Lindsey’s role as a single mom added another layer to the story, and I appreciated how thoughtfully both she and Dane approached the relationship. The communication between them was so refreshing, and it made their connection feel genuine every step of the way.
The lumbersnack setting continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. It’s cozy, charming, and somehow makes these romances feel even more unique. Add in the dual POV, plenty of emotional moments, and some seriously spicy scenes, and I was hooked from beginning to end.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about these books is Kayla Grosse’s writing style. Her stories are easy to get lost in, the characters are easy to root for, and she strikes a great balance between humor, heart, and spice. I’ll definitely be exploring more of her backlist because she’s becoming an author I’ll happily pick up again.
If you’re looking for a cozy small-town romance with lovable characters, healthy communication, plenty of chemistry, and lumberjacks who know exactly how to steal your heart, this series is absolutely worth checking out.
I am quickly becoming a fan of Kayla Grosse’s writing. After really enjoying the first book, I couldn’t wait to dive back into Starlight Haven, and this one was every bit as fun, heartfelt, and spicy.
Dane and Lindsey’s story was such a refreshing mix of sweetness and heat. I loved how their relationship grew from their online dynamic into something much deeper once they met in person. Lindsey’s role as a single mom added another layer to the story, and I appreciated how thoughtfully both she and Dane approached the relationship. The communication between them was so refreshing, and it made their connection feel genuine every step of the way.
The lumbersnack setting continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. It’s cozy, charming, and somehow makes these romances feel even more unique. Add in the dual POV, plenty of emotional moments, and some seriously spicy scenes, and I was hooked from beginning to end.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about these books is Kayla Grosse’s writing style. Her stories are easy to get lost in, the characters are easy to root for, and she strikes a great balance between humor, heart, and spice. I’ll definitely be exploring more of her backlist because she’s becoming an author I’ll happily pick up again.
If you’re looking for a cozy small-town romance with lovable characters, healthy communication, plenty of chemistry, and lumberjacks who know exactly how to steal your heart, this series is absolutely worth checking out.
July 15, 2026
2.5 stars. This wasn’t what I expected when I started reading this. This felt more like a manual to a D/s relationship than an actual romance, unfortunately. Dane stated several times during the story that he didn’t want a 24/7 dynamic, but we never see him and Lindsey just having fun, having normal conversations, go on an actual date outside of one of their homes where he’s not acting as her Dom. I’m sorry, but that’s a 24/7 dynamic to me, and I’m not into that. Dane never became more than his Sir persona to me. I needed to see why he was so into Lindsey. With the way it was written, she could have been any sub. Why did he want more with her, when he never wanted to with anyone else?
And I’m sure I don’t get all the nuances of a relationship like this one, but could the guy not just give her a hug sometimes, when she was tired or when Kas acted like a jerk again, instead of making every interaction about her submissiveness? Which brings me to Kas. That little girl was annoying. There’s a smart kid and there’s a rude one. She was rude almost the whole time.
And lastly, the story dragged. It should have been way shorter, or there should have been more conflict / plot. The way it was, I considered dnf-ing several times.
And I’m sure I don’t get all the nuances of a relationship like this one, but could the guy not just give her a hug sometimes, when she was tired or when Kas acted like a jerk again, instead of making every interaction about her submissiveness? Which brings me to Kas. That little girl was annoying. There’s a smart kid and there’s a rude one. She was rude almost the whole time.
And lastly, the story dragged. It should have been way shorter, or there should have been more conflict / plot. The way it was, I considered dnf-ing several times.
July 3, 2026
This was everything I wanted and more. We have Dane Woods, aka DomInTheWoods, he is a ProDom and he keeps his identity secret. But of course he owes a favor to someone we know from the first book who happens to be the sister of Nathan one of the guys from the first book. Lindsey Clark is a single mom and a nurse. She is just trying to stay a float while she battles it out with her ex for child support and just wants to get her life in order and have some shred of normality. When she is shown DomInTheWoods profile and is told that he also takes on clients to help them get their lifestyle under control by giving them structure, discipline, and control. Caveat...they are both in the same small town and Dane ends up running a kids' camp where Lindsey's daughter is going to end up going to.
The spice was spicing. I loved their dynamic I loved the consent! The constant checking in and Lindsey and Dane's connection is just fantastic. The banter between the two because of course, Lindsey is a bit of a brat made if fun and funny at times. This book had me smiling the whole entire time!
THE AUDIO! MY GOD IT WAS SO GOOD. Not only did Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy deliver stellar freaking performances this is a duet narration and the production was immaculate. You would never tell they weren't in a booth together. Also, when they were texting back and forth they added texting sounds, like the sending and receiving sounds. When they were on a phone call they made it sound like they were on an actual phone call. This is the kinda of audio that I dream about when I pick up an audiobook It made the experience a 6 star experience! I would 1000% listen to it again and often!
Thank you so much to Forever and Hachette Audio for the complimentary copies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The spice was spicing. I loved their dynamic I loved the consent! The constant checking in and Lindsey and Dane's connection is just fantastic. The banter between the two because of course, Lindsey is a bit of a brat made if fun and funny at times. This book had me smiling the whole entire time!
THE AUDIO! MY GOD IT WAS SO GOOD. Not only did Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy deliver stellar freaking performances this is a duet narration and the production was immaculate. You would never tell they weren't in a booth together. Also, when they were texting back and forth they added texting sounds, like the sending and receiving sounds. When they were on a phone call they made it sound like they were on an actual phone call. This is the kinda of audio that I dream about when I pick up an audiobook It made the experience a 6 star experience! I would 1000% listen to it again and often!
Thank you so much to Forever and Hachette Audio for the complimentary copies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2026
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
I read book one in this series long before it got picked up for traditional publishing, so I’ve been impatiently waiting for Axe Marks the Spot ever since. And let me tell you… it was worth every second.
I still don’t understand how Kayla Grosse manages to write books that are absolutely feral while somehow giving me all the feelings too. Like ma’am… pick a struggle. 😂
Can we PLEASE normalize authors actually researching BDSM before writing it? Because this is what a real D/S romance looks like. The communication. The trust. The consent. The care. It puts 50 Shades to absolute shame.
And yes… this book is FILTHY. Respectfully. Enthusiastically. Five stars worth of filth. 🥵
I was lucky enough to ARC read this one, but I still immediately bought the audiobook because I needed the full experience. James Cassidy voicing Dane (@DomInTheWoods) should honestly come with a warning label. There were multiple moments where I questioned whether listening while driving was a safe life choice. 😂
But underneath all the spice is Lindsey—a single mom who’s exhausted from carrying the weight of the world. Watching someone finally take care of her hit me just as hard as the spicy scenes.
If you still haven’t picked up a Kayla Grosse book… what are you even doing? Add Axe Marks the Spot to your TBR immediately. Actually, start with book one, because this whole series deserves the hype!
Thank you Kayla for allowing me to ARC read for you again! I will continue to champion your amazing books! 💚
3/5 🌶️
I read book one in this series long before it got picked up for traditional publishing, so I’ve been impatiently waiting for Axe Marks the Spot ever since. And let me tell you… it was worth every second.
I still don’t understand how Kayla Grosse manages to write books that are absolutely feral while somehow giving me all the feelings too. Like ma’am… pick a struggle. 😂
Can we PLEASE normalize authors actually researching BDSM before writing it? Because this is what a real D/S romance looks like. The communication. The trust. The consent. The care. It puts 50 Shades to absolute shame.
And yes… this book is FILTHY. Respectfully. Enthusiastically. Five stars worth of filth. 🥵
I was lucky enough to ARC read this one, but I still immediately bought the audiobook because I needed the full experience. James Cassidy voicing Dane (@DomInTheWoods) should honestly come with a warning label. There were multiple moments where I questioned whether listening while driving was a safe life choice. 😂
But underneath all the spice is Lindsey—a single mom who’s exhausted from carrying the weight of the world. Watching someone finally take care of her hit me just as hard as the spicy scenes.
If you still haven’t picked up a Kayla Grosse book… what are you even doing? Add Axe Marks the Spot to your TBR immediately. Actually, start with book one, because this whole series deserves the hype!
Thank you Kayla for allowing me to ARC read for you again! I will continue to champion your amazing books! 💚
October 2, 2026
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. I loved the first book but I LOVE this book so much more. James Cassidy and Samantha Brentmoor were amazing. I had a really hard time not reacting to this audiobook.
July 1, 2026
STORY
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
100% a feel good, no miscommunication, no 3rd act break up, vibes read.
SPICE
🌶️ hot
RECOMMEND
💳 yes
Full RTC
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
100% a feel good, no miscommunication, no 3rd act break up, vibes read.
SPICE
🌶️ hot
RECOMMEND
💳 yes
Full RTC
June 7, 2026
I loved the development of the D/s dynamic between Lindsey and Dane! While there was spice, I liked that their relationship started out as a non-sexual D/s one. It gave the reader a chance to see the connection grow between the two, while also seeing Lindsey explore her submissive tendencies, both in and out of the bedroom!
Dane’s job as a “Pro Dom” was fascinating! It was like a life coach but hotter. His brand of dominance and confidence was exactly what Lindsey didn’t even realize she needed. I liked seeing her slowly take back control of her life, and really enjoyed how the D/s exploration positively influenced her.
Despite his experience, Dane definitely had never met someone who affected him like Lindsey, and that was clear in every one of their interactions. Just like Dane helped Lindsey see that being submissive indeed gave her power, she helped him realize that there was more to life than the careful persona and routine he’d found himself stuck in.
I adored everything about this book, including Lindsey’s daughter, Kas, and our favorite throuple from the first book (Fox, Morgan and Nathan)! Highly recommend, as this was one of my favorite representations of how a healthy D/s relationship is more than just physical, and Lindsey and Dane were a perfect example!
Dane’s job as a “Pro Dom” was fascinating! It was like a life coach but hotter. His brand of dominance and confidence was exactly what Lindsey didn’t even realize she needed. I liked seeing her slowly take back control of her life, and really enjoyed how the D/s exploration positively influenced her.
Despite his experience, Dane definitely had never met someone who affected him like Lindsey, and that was clear in every one of their interactions. Just like Dane helped Lindsey see that being submissive indeed gave her power, she helped him realize that there was more to life than the careful persona and routine he’d found himself stuck in.
I adored everything about this book, including Lindsey’s daughter, Kas, and our favorite throuple from the first book (Fox, Morgan and Nathan)! Highly recommend, as this was one of my favorite representations of how a healthy D/s relationship is more than just physical, and Lindsey and Dane were a perfect example!
July 12, 2026
I just love a good lumberjack book. There's just something about a character that works really hard...
Lindsey is working hard. Too hard. A newly single mom who's trying to juggle work as a nurse and so many responsibilities she has no time for dating. No time at all. But when she stumbles across an account online that has a guy telling you what to do (in a good, take care of yourself way!) She decides to message him.
Dane is a commanding guy who really tries to help others make decisions. Leading them in the right direction. Honestly, after reading what he does... I was thinking about me, lol.
They start something but then realize that theyre in each other lives. He is working with her daughter. Maybe even more connections.
How do you connect what he does with someone that you actually know? When you're not an anonymous person on the screen but someone whos now in your life?
Loved this slow burn, getting her groove back.
Lindsey is working hard. Too hard. A newly single mom who's trying to juggle work as a nurse and so many responsibilities she has no time for dating. No time at all. But when she stumbles across an account online that has a guy telling you what to do (in a good, take care of yourself way!) She decides to message him.
Dane is a commanding guy who really tries to help others make decisions. Leading them in the right direction. Honestly, after reading what he does... I was thinking about me, lol.
They start something but then realize that theyre in each other lives. He is working with her daughter. Maybe even more connections.
How do you connect what he does with someone that you actually know? When you're not an anonymous person on the screen but someone whos now in your life?
Loved this slow burn, getting her groove back.
August 16, 2026
This one was so beautiful. I loved the exploration of submission not just as something sexual, but as a way of letting someone else take care of you when you’ve spent so long carrying everything yourself.
Lindsey figuring out what she actually needed, and Dane giving her the space and support to let go of some of that responsibility, was incredibly well done. This was less spice-forward than *Axes & O’s*, but I actually loved that because it gave the emotional side of their relationship more room to shine.
A really beautiful romance about finding the freedom in letting someone else take care of you. 💕
Lindsey figuring out what she actually needed, and Dane giving her the space and support to let go of some of that responsibility, was incredibly well done. This was less spice-forward than *Axes & O’s*, but I actually loved that because it gave the emotional side of their relationship more room to shine.
A really beautiful romance about finding the freedom in letting someone else take care of you. 💕
July 5, 2026
I enjoyed revisiting Starlight Haven in Axe Marks the Spot! While I preferred Nathan, Fox, and Morgan’s story in the first book, overall I did enjoy this book as well and want to thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC!
In this book, we are reintroduced to Lindsey (Nathan’s sister) and Dane (aka Logger Dane, if you ask 8-year-old Kas). Lindsey’s life is a bit of a mess. She’s 2 years post divorce, overworked, overtired, and reluctant to ask for help. With a little nudging from Morgan, Lindsey seeks out help from an online Dom. The goal? Have the hottie logger Dom help her prioritize herself.
Initially, their relationship was (sort of) anonymous, but rather quickly their lives intertwine and they get to know each other in person. The first half of their relationship, the portion that was online and partly anonymous, felt impersonal and bland, but the second half, once they pair came together in person, was so much sweeter! I really liked how Dane, Lindsey and Kas interacted as a trio (and eventual family). Kas’ sass with Dane was so fun, as was his cringe attempts at keeping up with slang (not Ohio, Dane). His interactions with Kas, especially that one scene when she was sad about Tyler, convinced me that this guy was meant to be a dad. He was so quietly good at it! His support was exactly what Lindsey needed.
I will say that I preferred the sexual/kink dynamic between Nate/Morgan/Fox over Dane & Lindsey, but that was more based on personal preferences than bad writing. The dynamic didn’t mesh as well for me personally, but I completely believe that it would for others. One of Kayla Grosse’s biggest strengths as a writer is her ability to write steamy, kinky smut that has so much feeling and emotion, and she didn’t miss! I also love the fact that she writes characters with everyday, normal women’s bodies and does it in a way thats both respectful and desirable. I love seeing more diverse bodies in writing! Especially when hunky loggers are lusting over those bodies!
In this book, we are reintroduced to Lindsey (Nathan’s sister) and Dane (aka Logger Dane, if you ask 8-year-old Kas). Lindsey’s life is a bit of a mess. She’s 2 years post divorce, overworked, overtired, and reluctant to ask for help. With a little nudging from Morgan, Lindsey seeks out help from an online Dom. The goal? Have the hottie logger Dom help her prioritize herself.
Initially, their relationship was (sort of) anonymous, but rather quickly their lives intertwine and they get to know each other in person. The first half of their relationship, the portion that was online and partly anonymous, felt impersonal and bland, but the second half, once they pair came together in person, was so much sweeter! I really liked how Dane, Lindsey and Kas interacted as a trio (and eventual family). Kas’ sass with Dane was so fun, as was his cringe attempts at keeping up with slang (not Ohio, Dane). His interactions with Kas, especially that one scene when she was sad about Tyler, convinced me that this guy was meant to be a dad. He was so quietly good at it! His support was exactly what Lindsey needed.
I will say that I preferred the sexual/kink dynamic between Nate/Morgan/Fox over Dane & Lindsey, but that was more based on personal preferences than bad writing. The dynamic didn’t mesh as well for me personally, but I completely believe that it would for others. One of Kayla Grosse’s biggest strengths as a writer is her ability to write steamy, kinky smut that has so much feeling and emotion, and she didn’t miss! I also love the fact that she writes characters with everyday, normal women’s bodies and does it in a way thats both respectful and desirable. I love seeing more diverse bodies in writing! Especially when hunky loggers are lusting over those bodies!
Did Not Finish
April 29, 2026“Axe Marks the Spot” by Kayla Grosse
DNF @ 20%
I think Kayla Grosse just isn’t the author for me. There are a couple of indicators that let me know as I’m reading whether I should DNF or not, one of them is how many highlights I make as I’m reading, and the other is how enthusiastic I am when I reach for my kindle. Does it start to feel like a chore to read the book? If the answer is yes, then I need to really consider DNFing. Unfortunately, by 20% it became very clear I needed to DNF and move on to something else.
I think the biggest reason why I wasn’t looking forward to continuing this story, is the level of deception I was picking up on from the MMC. He runs a professional dom business, and he was approached by the FMC under anonymous pretenses– at least, on the part of the FMC. He figures out pretty fast who she is, they had run into each other on two occasions. However, she has no idea who he is (he keeps his appearance somewhat hidden online). So, with how vulnerable the FMC was in her emails and correspondences with the MMC, and how the MMC knows her identity in real life, I’m just feeling uncomfortable with them establishing a relationship based on this foundation.
This is the second Kayla Grosse book I’ve DNF’d (and both have similar levels of deception from a MMC towards the FMC), so I think this is a sign I should stop seeking out her books.
DNF @ 20%
I think Kayla Grosse just isn’t the author for me. There are a couple of indicators that let me know as I’m reading whether I should DNF or not, one of them is how many highlights I make as I’m reading, and the other is how enthusiastic I am when I reach for my kindle. Does it start to feel like a chore to read the book? If the answer is yes, then I need to really consider DNFing. Unfortunately, by 20% it became very clear I needed to DNF and move on to something else.
I think the biggest reason why I wasn’t looking forward to continuing this story, is the level of deception I was picking up on from the MMC. He runs a professional dom business, and he was approached by the FMC under anonymous pretenses– at least, on the part of the FMC. He figures out pretty fast who she is, they had run into each other on two occasions. However, she has no idea who he is (he keeps his appearance somewhat hidden online). So, with how vulnerable the FMC was in her emails and correspondences with the MMC, and how the MMC knows her identity in real life, I’m just feeling uncomfortable with them establishing a relationship based on this foundation.
This is the second Kayla Grosse book I’ve DNF’d (and both have similar levels of deception from a MMC towards the FMC), so I think this is a sign I should stop seeking out her books.
July 7, 2026
My first time reading Kayla Grosse, but not my last. How this author has not been on my radar is a mystery for another day, but I will be getting into her backlist ASAP. I will admit she had me a Lumbersnack.
It took tries to get into this book, but that was probably a me problem, because the second time was almost a one sitting read. Lindsey is a single mom, nurse, trying to keep herself ahead of the bills and getting her life together after divorce. She is relatable and well written. Dane is a man with two personalities. Dane Woods and his alter ego, DomInTheWoods. Lindsey is shown his profile and interested in the structure and control he can provide. Living in the same small town they are bound to cross paths, and they do as Dane is running the children’s camp Lindsey’s daughter is attending.
These characters are well written the time is taken for the communication and consent of the D/s relationship. The banter is so good, and the spice is fantastic. The relationship outside the lifestyle is a slower build, creating a fantastic dynamic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
It took tries to get into this book, but that was probably a me problem, because the second time was almost a one sitting read. Lindsey is a single mom, nurse, trying to keep herself ahead of the bills and getting her life together after divorce. She is relatable and well written. Dane is a man with two personalities. Dane Woods and his alter ego, DomInTheWoods. Lindsey is shown his profile and interested in the structure and control he can provide. Living in the same small town they are bound to cross paths, and they do as Dane is running the children’s camp Lindsey’s daughter is attending.
These characters are well written the time is taken for the communication and consent of the D/s relationship. The banter is so good, and the spice is fantastic. The relationship outside the lifestyle is a slower build, creating a fantastic dynamic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
April 16, 2026
“Dane’s control doesn’t strip me down; it builds me up. It doesn’t silence me; it grounds me. What we’re doing isn’t just exciting or fun; it’s changing me. I feel more confident every day, more capable.”
Kayla Grosse perfectly introduced the reader to the world of D/s relationships and the way they can be healing and rewarding to both members of the dynamic.
“I am loved, I am beautiful, I am enough.”
Lindsey was an overworked and exhausted single mom that needed someone to finally take care of her and to help her prioritize her needs and wants.
Lumbersnack, Pro DomInTheWoods, Dane, was more than happy to break all of his carefully crafted rules for Lindsey. Right from their first online interaction, they had so much chemistry.
“Lesson number one: Brats don’t get what they want.”
This book is SPICY and I LOVED IT!
“On your hands and knees, baby. Then follow me like the good girl I know you are.”
I enjoyed every single moment between the leads because it was so healing for both of them.
If you are looking for a hot & spicy, D/s romance, add this one to your TBR!
Tropes:
🪓 Lumbersnack Pro Dom MMC
💗 Single Mom Sub
🤭 “That’s my good girl.”
🏡 Small Town
❤️🔥 Scene Play
Kayla Grosse perfectly introduced the reader to the world of D/s relationships and the way they can be healing and rewarding to both members of the dynamic.
“I am loved, I am beautiful, I am enough.”
Lindsey was an overworked and exhausted single mom that needed someone to finally take care of her and to help her prioritize her needs and wants.
Lumbersnack, Pro DomInTheWoods, Dane, was more than happy to break all of his carefully crafted rules for Lindsey. Right from their first online interaction, they had so much chemistry.
“Lesson number one: Brats don’t get what they want.”
This book is SPICY and I LOVED IT!
“On your hands and knees, baby. Then follow me like the good girl I know you are.”
I enjoyed every single moment between the leads because it was so healing for both of them.
If you are looking for a hot & spicy, D/s romance, add this one to your TBR!
Tropes:
🪓 Lumbersnack Pro Dom MMC
💗 Single Mom Sub
🤭 “That’s my good girl.”
🏡 Small Town
❤️🔥 Scene Play
July 22, 2026
This was more like a 2.5 for me. I started out really liking Dane and Lindsey and their chemistry but found myself falling out of the story as it progressed. This book just wasn’t what I was expecting and that’s okay.
I love Kayla’s writing but this book was entirely too long. I can appreciate a good slow burn but this book gave us nothing when it comes to the characters relationship on a deeper level. It felt very surface level and as soon as they got together, their story felt rushed. Take into account Dane’s backstory, we get some details about his upbringing but not enough to really give us insight into his character. I wanted to see Lindsey grow more in her dynamic was Kas and while she did, it again was very surface level.
I love Kayla’s writing but this book was entirely too long. I can appreciate a good slow burn but this book gave us nothing when it comes to the characters relationship on a deeper level. It felt very surface level and as soon as they got together, their story felt rushed. Take into account Dane’s backstory, we get some details about his upbringing but not enough to really give us insight into his character. I wanted to see Lindsey grow more in her dynamic was Kas and while she did, it again was very surface level.
July 12, 2026
This latest by Kayla Grosse sees a struggling single mom entering a dom/sub relationship and falling for her Dom. It was interesting learning more about the sub/dom dynamics but on the whole this one wasn't for me. Just not my cup of tea but it was good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
dnf
July 30, 2026DNF at 48% - listen I LOVED book one, but this just wasn’t doing it for me. I really liked the mmc but his relationship with the fmc at the halfway mark just felt so boring. on top of that, the child in this spoke too damn much and needed to stop using words like “cap” and “sus”. idc if that’s accurate to the times, I don’t want to read it in my fucking books. please & thx!!!!!!!!!!
August 19, 2026
This was incredibly educational for me to learn about myself and this community. I love Dane and how patient he is with Lindsey.
Audio was incredible and the dynamic of these characters were perfect. I loved starlight haven before but love it even more now.
The flirting and hotness was just top tier!!
Audio was incredible and the dynamic of these characters were perfect. I loved starlight haven before but love it even more now.
The flirting and hotness was just top tier!!
July 15, 2026
Omg, I love love looove this book! Dane and Lindsey are my new favorite characters! I missed Fox, Morgan and Nate so much I'll be definitely re-reading Axes and O's.
Anything that Kayla writes I'll EAT Up!
Anything that Kayla writes I'll EAT Up!
July 11, 2026
Absolutely incredible. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
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