Axe Marks the Spot

Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks #2

by Kayla Grosse

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, 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.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Spicy, Erotica

480 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[abby :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!*

[Joy Metzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Anna]

“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.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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

[Brandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axe Marks the Spot was my first read by Kayla Grosse, and I enjoyed the setting, characters, and story that Kayla has created.

The Dominant/submissive relationship featured in Axe Marks the Spot IS the plot; however, Kayla does an incredible job of taking a relationship dynamic that may only seem sexual in nature on the surface and layers it within the complexities of life. I appreciate the way that Dane and Lindsey's relationship developed over time, and that they took the time to get to know not only each other but themselves as well in terms of this new relationship. It was refreshing to have a slow burn in a book that you knew was going to be spicy.

Overall, I recommend Axe Marks the Spot for readers who love a relationship driven spicy, Romance.

3.5 🌶️

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I went for this book because I like how Kayla Grosse writes her characters. I love seeing fat girls on the page. This one appealed too because I like this single parent trope. The reason this one missed the mark for me though was the way the story was told. I’ve got no problem with BDSM or kink or any of that and if you are totally clueless about the D/s world you would probably find this book more interesting than I did. However, for it me it came across as D/s relationship for Dummies or a beginners guide to starting a D/s relationship. I was just bored.
But because I liked the characters themselves I’m giving this 3⭐️.

[Kristen ⭐️ (beansbooktrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you Kayla Grosse for this ARC!!! i can’t even believe it!

this one is SUCH a good sequel to Axes and Oh’s 🥵🔥 it’s spicy, it’s endearing, and it’s fantastic!

sub/dom relationship, single mother, body rep all mashed together into the perfect combination of erotica and romance! SO GOOD

and i loved seeing our beloved Axes & Oh’s throuple throughout this

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve got to be honest the last few of Kayla’s new releases have not been my favorite so I was really nervous for this because I loved the first book in this series so much. Well I’m happy to report this book was fabulous and boy oh boy did I have fun!

I feel like in the last few books she’s put out the stories have been missing the emotional depth. But Dane & Lindsey story had all of that plus amazing spice from beginning to end! Plus I love that we got to see the fatherly relationship form between Kas and Dane. It brought so much extra emotional connection to the story.

Another thing I loved about this story is how if you are new to reading about Dom/Sub relationships. Kayla does a phenomenal job of breaking it down and making it super easy to understand. Even though this wasn’t my first time reading a Dom/Sub relationship in a book I can appreciate the effort that went in to make it inclusive.

Going back to the characters. I absolutely adored Lindsey. She was so freaking relatable. And even though I don’t have kids, I totally understand how overwhelming life can be especially right now. her at times. Then we have Dane, lord that man was just all kinds of attractive. I love how attentive and caring he was. He never rushed Lindsey and always offered overwhelming support.

Now the only reason I gave this 4⭐️ instead of 5. Was because I felt like the ending was a smidge rushed. And maybe I’m being picky (sue me) but I just wanted more of their relationship especially after how long it took them to build to that point. But overall, this was a great book and I would 100% recommend it! And I can’t wait to own my trophy copy when it releases later this July! Lastly Big thank you to NetGalley & Forever Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

DomxSub / Single Mom / Supported Self-Improvement

This book really pushed my understanding of Dom and Sub relationships. If that is something you aren’t into reading about know that breaking down and expanding on what that relationship books like dominates book. But this book is so much more than that. It covers the realities of being a single mom and how quickly your world can overwhelm when you are trying to balance everything alone. There’s conversations about self-love and self-acceptance. Kayla uses the Dom and Sub relationship to highlight the valuable role Doms have in consent and ensuring Subs feel genuinely cared for in and outside of scenes. Dane is one of those male main characters who are the total package. They come to the scene as grumpy and hard to get to know, but when they want you, there’s nothing that stands between him and supporting Lindsey. I think my favourite part of the book was how Dane just melted for Kas. He so quickly fell into the supportive and role model role with her. Supporting her love of Logger Games and her self-esteem. It is such an important conversation about how bonus parents can truly impact the lives of the child they help parent. That they way they treat them can fundamentally change how they see themselves and seek to themselves just as much as their parents do. I absolutely adored all the Nathan, Fox and Morgan cameos in the book. It was so fun to see how they fit into this book and hearing about their story continuing in the background of this one.

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Axe Marks the Spot
Author: Kayla Grosse
Series: Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks, 2

Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Lindsey (FMC) & Dane (MMC)

What to expect:
*Dom/sub relationship
*Single mother
*Found family / small town

Safety:
No OW/OM drama, no jealousy or third act breakup. BDSM elements/activities featured throughout the book.

Review:
Book two in the Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks series featuring a Dom lumberjack and a submissive single mother. If you have not read the first book in the series I suggest reading it before starting this title. The characters from book one are heavily featured in book two.

I love an attentive Dom that falls first for his submissive! Dane was so sweet and attentive with Lindsey, and so helpful with her daughter.

Very well written and highly recommended!

Thank you to Edelweiss, the author, and Forever/Hachette Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the eARC!

I think Kayla Grosse has created a new genre of romance with lumbersnacks. I very much enjoyed this spicy, lumberjack and single mom romance.
Dane, our MMC, is a virtual Dom providing (non sexual) services to his clients to help them get their life back on track. He also is the leader of a kids obstacle course camp for the summer. Much to his surprise his new sub, Lindsey, has her daughter signed up for the camp. When they meet in real life, sparks fly, but are Dane and Lindsey willing to cross the line and explore more in their relationship.

This is the 2nd book in the series, however you don’t need to read the first book for this one to make sense (though the first couple does make a few appearances!)

This story was fun, spicy 🥵, and just an overall good time. I really loved the dual POV so as a reader you can see where each character stood throughout the book. I also loved all the healthy communication and of course the lumbersnacks. 🪓🪵

[Genevieve (GenLikesToRead) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars
4/5 spice

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an eARC!

I am actually so conflicted about my rating of this book. I think that stems from knowing that this book ultimately was not for me, but I think it might work really well for its intended audience.

I am personally a fairly "vanilla" reader when it comes to spice content. Most of my reads are (on my scale), between 0 to 3 on the spice level, and typically do not include any kink. And, in terms of a Dom/Sub relationship in books, I can really only say that Fifty Shades of Grey is my one and only experience, which I know it's been described as a poor portrayal. So, picking up Axe Marks the Spot, I was excited to try something that sounded interesting, but was outside of my norm and comfort zone. I had not read book 1 in the interconnected standalone series (Axe's and Oh's), but I purposefully chose not to prior to reading this book as book 1 had a trope I was personally not interested in reading about. I know that means I missed out on getting to know some of the side characters that were present in this book, but I also do believe it didn't hinder my experience. I think it would have only enhance the experience if I had read and enjoyed the first book, but I don't necessarily think I would have enjoyed it if I had picked it up beforehand.

Starting Axe Marks the Spot, I quickly realized I had already gotten something very wrong about the book. I thought this book was about BDSM, which is not the same thing as a Dom/Sub relationship. This was just simply something I did not know, and I am glad I am now more educated about it. Unfortunately, for me, the concept of having someone be dominant over your entire life sounds frankly awful to me. So that quickly set the book up for failure, which I was really sad about. If I had better understood the dynamic that was going to be introduced, I may not have picked this ARC up. That being said, I tried to reset my expectations and let myself potentially enjoy the story for what it was.

I did enjoy both of our main characters and the plot set up, and I was interested in learning more about the dynamic unfolding, but I definitely did have some problems with it. Knowing that I simply cannot speak about a Dom/Sub relationship when I truly know nothing about it, I am just using what the book gave me to form an opinion. The biggest thing that I had a problem with was that there was a VERY clear boundary in place when it came to the dynamic and making sure it didn't get sexual. Nevertheless, the Dom, who literally set these rules, was already turned on by the Sub just from her reaching out to learn about his role (which was done anonymously). Then, when he discovered her identity, he was even more sexually attracted to her. If this is a strict rule, especially one that he set, then I think it was highly inappropriate that he continued with the relationship. It was early enough that he could have easily said it wasn't going to work and shut it down. Obviously, the point of the story, being a romance and all, is that they both find mutual attraction with one another and end up together, but I think with this dynamic, the MMC should have been written to not have had sexual attraction to her, beyond maybe just finding her attractive when he figured out who she was, then grown to really care for her as they both got to know one another. Sexualizing the FMC immediately, when that was supposed to be a hard stop, just really irked me.

As expected (once again, this is a romance), the two main characters get together, sexually that is, so there was a dynamic shift. Now, it is still a Dom/Sub relationship, but it became one of a sexual nature, and fell closer to the BDSM nature that I had initially expected. However, at this point I think I honestly just hadn't connected with the story enough to enjoy this progression. I will admit, I think the spicy scenes were well done and quite hot, but that isn't enough to redeem a book for me.

Once we were taught about what it means to accept a collar from your Dom, I think I finally accepted that this book well and truly is not for me and I was kind of ready for it to be over. That being said, I do genuinely think that the correct audience would highly enjoy this book. I think it was written well, had a unique plot, a good cast of characters (although the FMC has a child and she's a little brat), and of course, good spice. I *believe* the dynamic between the Dom and Sub was fairly well done, but that, once again, is based on essentially 0 prior knowledge. The author stated that she had many Beta readers help her craft a mostly realistic story involving Dom/Sub, so I think, at a minimum, she put the work in and it most likely is fairly well done. So, despite my rating, I hope this book succeeds, because I think it deserves to.

Going forward, I would definitely be interested in reading another book by Kayla Grosse, but I would have to be very intentional about knowing what exactly I was picking up.

[kilmosnaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect reading experience.

Read the book jacket for the plot. This is the story of the most perfect dom ever - even though Dane wouldn’t agree, lol. Like OF COURSE this HOT lumberjack hasn’t had sex in a year! He’s stoic but great with kids!

This could’ve read like a College 101 Intro to BDSM class, but it didn’t. It was two grown people coming together, rekindling their spice for life (pun noted) and learning to love themselves again through their journey of boundaries, etc. You want communication between adults, this is it.

This felt like a real book, no shade to ‘Axes and O’s‘ which I would definitely rate higher in hindsight. That was like he gets stranded after quitting and then they start boning in various places. This was you got their interior/exterior lives. Note: Read Axe’s and O’s. It was phenomenal just different vibe.

I just loved everything about this. Dane being BFF’s with Fox and Morgan gave us further insight into that triad relationship with Nathan. Nathan’s relationship with his sister. Dane burgeoning relationship with Kas, Lindsey’s daughter was just so sweet and lovely.

I need one more book in this series, because Levi, Dane’s friend was amazing. It could be MM and it’s him getting over his crush on Dane (my projection?) by getting under someone else???!!!! Mandy is a real one! Maybe she can become poly with her husband, the new sheriff and get Levi to join. Even Cheryl the diner waitress deserves to join in. Have a square? A quad? I don’t know the terminology.

Also don’t fear the 480 pages - it was partly text messages/email convos and I whipped through this.

So happy I got this advanced reader copy from NetGalley. Another Kayla Grosse banger (pun intended).

Publication Date: July 7, 2026

‘To answer your question, if you’re comfortable with it, please address me as Sir from now on, both in writing and verbally. In power exchange dynamics, titles, like, Sir, are called honorifics. They’re not just labels, but intentional acknowledgements of authority, trust, and mutual respect.’

‘There’s a sentence about not liking her body, which makes me angry. Her body is perfect, and I’ll make it a mission of mind to help her love it, to help her love and accept all parts of her.’

‘There’s also the fact that I had not had sex for over a year or indulge in masturbation and quite some time. I had it needed that release. I’ve had other things to channel my energy into, like running, and working out.’

“Look at me me Lindsey.”
My head snapped up, and my brown eyes meets his beautiful hazel ones.
“Now that we can see each other, keep your eyes on me unless I tell you otherwise,” he says sternly.
“Yes, Sir.”

“Take a breath for me, baby,” I demand.

“Good girl. Now exhale and spread your legs wider. Let me see what you’re freely, giving me, what belongs to me.”

“What about you, Sir?”
“What about me?” I ask.
“Shouldn’t I take care of you, too?”

‘His words not only arouse me, but also make me feel powerful. I don’t know that I fully understand it, but it’s a feeling I could get addicted to.’

‘Lindsey Clark it’s fucking perfect. I nearly lost my goddamn mind when she called her sweet c*nt mine. I kissed her, claiming her, and I fear I won’t ever come back from tonight. Because that kiss… It’s solidified what I’ve been trying to deny. That the reason she ran into me that day is because she is mine.’

“Eyes on me.”

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫
Read this book for:
🪓 Single Mom
❤️ Dom/Sub
🪓 Role Play
❤️ Secret Identity
🪓 Small Town
❤️ Found Family

Synopsis
Lindsey Clark barely has time to keep her life together. Between long nursing shifts, raising her kid alone, and dealing with mounting legal bills, she’s running on caffeine and determination. Romance is the last thing on her mind.

Until one late-night scroll leads her to @DomInTheWoods.

His voice is confident, his rules are clear, and for the first time in a long time, Lindsey wonders what it might feel like to let someone else take control for a change. Their anonymous messages offer structure, comfort, and an unexpected escape from the chaos of her daily life.

Dane Woods keeps his online life carefully separated from everything else. As a professional Dom, he maintains strict boundaries with his clients. No personal details. No real-life meetings. No exceptions.

But when Dane agrees to help run a summer camp for a friend, his carefully organized worlds collide in the most unexpected way. Because the exhausted single mom dropping off her kid looks an awful lot like the woman behind the messages he’s been looking forward to every night.

Now both Lindsey and Dane are faced with a complication neither of them planned for. It’s one thing to keep things anonymous behind a screen. It’s another to share campfires, cabins, and curious glances in broad daylight.

And the closer they get, the harder it becomes to remember where the rules end.

My Thoughts
This book was definitely a step up from the first. The relationship between Dane and Lindsey felt much more natural and believable, developing at a steady pace rather than leaning on the instant connection that stood out in Axes & O’s. That slower burn made their dynamic easier to invest in and gave their emotional growth more weight.

That said, the story still didn’t completely pull me in, and overall it just wasn’t quite my taste. I did, however, really appreciate Lindsey’s journey of rediscovering herself, as those moments added a meaningful layer to the story. Dane’s arc was also satisfying in its own way, especially as he began to recognize what had been missing from his life.

Kas absolutely stole the show at times. Her commentary brought a lot of humor and lightness, and she felt very authentic as an eight-year-old navigating her first crush. If anything, her personality hints that she’s going to be quite the force to reckon with when she hits her teenage years.

[Mayras mini book reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to read this book ahead of its release date thanks to Netgalley and the author.

Spice level: 4.5

I would recommend this book to someone looking for a story that has a Sub/Dom dynamic that is 90% of the story. Has a small town vibe.

I'm a huge fan of BDSM in sweet, contemporary, almost cozy books and this story delivered for me. I loved how much care and accuracy was taken when writing the sub/dom dynamic. I was so glad to see that Lindsey being new to the kink world wasn't overlooked and she was supported by Dane in a positive way. There wasn't that cringe “teach me” vibe to her introduction.
There is so much on page description of how the sub/dom dynamic will work for them and what it will be like between them at every step as their relationship develops. I'm a sucker for good collar etiquette. I loved how it was written in this book.
I appreciated that their sub/dom relationship starts non sexual and works up to it based on how they build trust for each other.

Dane is written so well. From the way he talks and treats Lidsey within their scenes to how he talks and treats her outside of the scenes he is amazing. Plus, the way he is with Lidsey’s daughter is so sweet. There is also some background on how he got into the Dom lifestyle.
Lindsey was so easy to relate to and parts of her life hit close to home. Her parenting struggles were so real and on point to how many moms feel a lot of the time. The way her ex-husband was with her. It made having her interested in a sub/dom dynamic easy to believe.
I couldn't buy into Lindsey’s daughter being 8yrs old. The way she spoke and acted gave me preteen vibes (11 or 12yrs old) but she does add to the story so I was willing to overlook it when rating this book.
I loved how the characters from Axes and Os were worked into this book. Even with both books being part of the same world this book can be read as a standalone without any issues.

The small town vibes in this book are there whenever we meet a townie and with the run-ins that Lindsey and Dane have throughout the town. Plus, we get the Logger games that are a good backdrop to the start of the story which is a big community event.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the characters in it. Kayla Grosse is great at making the spice work with the romance story not against it and this was a great example of it. It never felt like too much spice, not enough story.

[LauraxChristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you NetGalley, Kayla Grosse and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Expected publishing date 7/6/26

Well, add this one to the pile of books I have fallen in love with. I NEED A DANE!! Who is definitely the star of the book. Dane is 100% pure perfection 👌 OH you mean his ONE "flaw" is that he is super introvert and needs to learn how to come out of his shell a little more. Tragic. I would live in an isolated cabin in the mountains with that man without running water or electricity. Zero chance of getting rid of me. Where can I find a DomInTheWoods account? (lol) And we ALLLLL know exactly which TikTok wood chopping sensation we are fan-casting in the roll of Dane... I don't even have TikTok or IG and I know this man exists. Allow him to really bring your fantasies to life by reading this book right here!! Ok, enough about Dane (yeah right), on to the rest.

Lindsey was an instant love. I can relate to her in so many ways! I would dieeee for the type of dynamic Lindsey and Dane have. It's beautiful, sexy, there's so much trust! Communication, understanding. It's simply, perfect. Dane helps Lindsey grow so much and is so damn devoted. I could easily read another full length book about them and not get bored. I love every bit of her sass and brat behavior. Relatable! I too become snarky when I need to be fed attention. Dane has his hands full with Lindsey and loves every bit of it. Even the sassy attitude she passed down to her daughter, Kas. Speaking of Kas, I loved her and Logger Dane's relationship! Kasadilla was definitely the best nickname I mean, cmon! Nathan, Fox and Morgan were around a lot, of course, which was great to revisit. Could use more of them!! Maybe we will get lucky with a 3rd book for Levi? 🙏🙏

To-The-Good-Stuff
The scenes 🥵🥵🥵 OH. MY. GOD. Please allow me to insert myself into Lindsey's body permanently. They're *chef's kiss* superb. Get yourself a boat because there will be flooding. I am anxiously waiting for news of an audiobook because the things Sir says need to be heard and not read. Heard and book marked. And listened to on repeat. With B.O.B.s Don't get me wrong, there is more to the book than the spice. The spice is just so freaking good that it ranks high on my list for favorites.

[FER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing edges you better than a Kayla Grosse book. AXE MARKS THE SPOT is a slow burn layered with teasing tastes of what to expect when Lindsey and Dane finally collide. Collide in the bedroom because their meet-cute is an adorable rush into each other moment that made me giggle. When the smut smuttenings(!?!?!), giggling is not the noise you'll be making.


Alright, a review. Here we go. I love how Kayla builds her characters up, and Lindsey and Dane get that same special treatment. They aren't just falling in love, they are uncovering anxieties and hurts and needs and passions. Their kink relationship is the framework that allows Lindsey a chance to relinquish the responsibility for her pleasure to Dane, and accept the eager support he offers her in her daily life. Dane's role as her Dom fulfills personal desires he's been suppressing in favor of a locked down existence. And though the relationship starts in a very professional context, it's clear Lindsey and Dane's chemistry was going to take center stage. The trust they built in each other from chat to scene to real life was perfection.


Now, be prepared for procedural edging. Yes, I said what I said. Dane is a Consent King and ensures Lindsey enters into their working agreement, every scene, and the full lifestyle with the full power of choice. There are lengthy and repeated moments regarding contracts and boundaries and check-ins. I can tell Kayla ensured safe and sane was represented right alongside pleasure. So lean into the build–the foundation being laid for Lindsey Dane's confidence in each other.


Also, the Axes and O's cameos made me so happy. I can offer my reassurance that they are very necessary to the story. Lindsey needs people on her side, and Fox, Morgan, and Nathan are so happy to be her support system. They are family! And for y'all that read Axes you that means something so special to Fox in particular.


I highly recommend AXE MARKS THE SPOT for the hottest of slow burns. For the exploration of self through kink and power play dynamics. Kayla Grosse books are not to be missed.


Thank you Grand Central Publishing | Forever for the advance digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axe Marks the Spot by Kayla Grosse is a deeply thoughtful and emotionally resonant romance that stands out not only for its compelling storytelling, but for the care and respect evident in its subject matter. This is a five-star read that lingers long after the final page.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its protagonist—a woman in her 30s who feels refreshingly real. Her experiences, insecurities, and desires reflect a truth that is often overlooked in the genre: the longing for love, connection, and self-discovery does not diminish with age. Grosse captures this beautifully, offering readers a heroine who is both relatable and deeply human.
The emotional authenticity extends to the relationships within the story, particularly the dynamic between the male main character and the heroine’s daughter. Their interactions bring a sense of warmth and levity, with moments of humor that feel genuine and lived-in. These scenes add depth to the narrative, highlighting not just romantic love, but the importance of family and emotional safety.
Grosse’s attention to detail is evident throughout, especially in the way sensitive themes are handled with nuance and care. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, allowing the story to unfold naturally without feeling rushed or drawn out. The romantic and intimate elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the emotional stakes rather than detracting from them.
A particularly striking aspect of the book is its honest portrayal of body image and self-worth. The heroine’s insecurities are depicted with compassion, and the male lead’s unwavering support and admiration create a powerful message about acceptance and healing. It’s a portrayal that will resonate with many readers, especially those who have struggled to see their own worth after difficult relationships.
Ultimately, Axe Marks the Spot is more than a romance—it’s a story about reclaiming oneself, about learning to feel worthy of love, and about finding joy and connection even after life has taken its toll. It is a heartfelt and impactful novel that will speak to anyone who has ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or in need of rediscovering themselves.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️So, I don't know if this is controversial, but...

I liked this book way less than book 1 in the series. And I know that this is the one that's traditionally published (I'm fairly certain the last one was full-indie), which makes me feel some type of way. And not necessarily a good one.

This book saves itself (in my eyes) by having that magic Kayla Grosse puts in her romances that makes them exactly what they need to be. But this story didn't resonate with me, or I feel made as much of an emotional impact or relayed connection and chemistry the way Nathan, Morgan and Fox's story did.

A lot of it was the nature of the relationship between Lindsey and Dane. I believe that most of what makes these types of stories feel human is the fact that they convey hardships and new dynamics through a very romantic lens. This did not feel romantic to me. It felt almost clinical, trying and in my opinion failing to show a NOT 24/7, D/s dynamic in a person that's new to k1nk, but focusing so very much on it that there is truly nothing else there. If this were an always-on, never turned off, 24/7 lifestyle change, it probably would have been better. Or at least the glaring holes and misses in the story would be more redeemable.

We are expected to believe this man wanted a true and honest connection and relationship with her outside of their D/s roles, but we see it basically never. She tries to express herself as best she can in any situation, and he is there as a Dom always. Never as a partner, or a possible love interest. Always there to point out the flaw in the way she carries or talks about herself. And it made it all the more unbelievable to see it and then have him admit that he wanted more?

I'm glad it was addressed in the book, but it doesn't take away from the fact that, for a man who is supposed to carry the burden of steering and maintaning course in the relationship, one who is soooo obssesed with her opening up to him from minute one, he keeps a lot of things that would actually help her succeed close to the chest.

Overall, I cannot say that this is a bad book, but I cannot say I enjoyed all that there is here to see.
I CAN and will say that there are hot loggers and sexy scenes galore. So you may take that as you will.

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟 Stars
5 🌶 Spice

I received a free ARC of Axe Marks the Spot in a giveaway on Kayla's patreon.

I blew through this in an afternoon and had a good time. The book is the story of Lindsay, the single mom and caretaker of an 8 year old. She's divorced and her ex won't pay child support, so she's working overtime to support them both.
She feels like she is losing control over everything in her life, and at the advice of her brother's fiancé, Morgan, emails a professional Dom for his services to help her get her life in order.

The Dom happens to be Dane, who is long time friends with Morgan and her husband, Fox. Dane is usually anonymous to his clients, but has met Lindsay before since its a small town. He takes her on as a client as a favor to Morgan, and what starts as a professional arrangement becomes something more.

This book is really slow burn, and while I enjoyed it, the pacing felt way off. Its over 450 pages, and the first half of that is Lindsay learning about subbing and setting up boundaries and such with Dane. I appreciated how well researched the book is, and that the characters didn't rush into anything - that has killed books for me in the past. But Dane did feel a lot more like a life coach in some areas than a romantic partner.
And then it goes from zero to one hundred and the last thirty percent or so feels super rushed. One of the last chapters jumps ahead three months so we can see how their relationship is going, but we never get to see that really develope. The emphasis is always on the sub/Dom aspect and not their romantic relationship. Dane mentions several times he doesn't want a 24/7 sub but thats what it seems to be.

The smut... is smutty. I haven't been in the mood for that sort of read lately, so I did skim through a lot of it, but it was really well done and I'll likely revisit it at some point. I liked that it was hot but still felt realistic, with boundaries and safe words, and Lindsay and Dane did build up to it. There was instant attraction, but they didn't jump straight into bed together.

Despite the pacing, overall I did really enjoy this.
I'll also go back and check out the first book in this series.

Thank you to Kayla for the ARC copy!

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next installment in the Starlight Haven Lumbersnack series is finally here!

Axe Marks the Spot is a spicy BDSM romance featuring a handsome lumbersnack and a single mom doing her best to stay sane. As book two in the series, I strongly recommend reading book one (Axes & O’s) it starts the adventures in Starlight Haven that you don’t want to miss.

I feel like Lindsey is such a relatable character to so many women these days. Overwhelmed, overworked, balancing on the edge of a knife, having the hardest time asking/receiving help but secretly wanting it at the same time. Now, not everyone is going to message an online Dom and enter into a Sub/Dom relationship thinking it’s going to fix all their problems, but for Lindsey, that’s what she needed, and so did our main man Dane. These two had a connection from the moment they bumped into one another, each fighting that connection for their own reasons, but in the end giving in to what they both wanted. I have to give the author such credit for breaking down the Dom/Sub relationship in a way that made it easier to understand. For readers not familiar with BDSM, it made it very simple and easy to grasp the main goals and boundaries, the fundamentals of why they needed it.

Digging more into the characters and story, Kas and Dane were so cute together. You could tell Dane was a little uncomfortable with kids at first, but as they both grew more comfortable with each other their relationship really blossomed. Lindsey is a kick in the pants, you can tell how much she needs the care Dane gives her but also the understanding and protecting she feels like she never got in her marriage. Dane comes with his own baggage and I feel for him so much as we learn more about it, but as he opens himself up to Lindsey, he too becomes the best version of himself. I do have to say, I was very surprised with how much of a slow burn this book felt like, not in a bad way, more like a slow build up to the finale. 😏 There are spicy bits scattered throughout of course, but the moment we're all waiting for…well be prepared to wait, that’s all I’m saying. Ms. Author, you rock and what a book!!

4.5 ⭐️
3.2 🌶️

Tropes:

🪓 Logger & Pro Dom
💗 Single Mom
🏡 Small Town
🥵 Scene Play

[The Millennial Mood Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

🪓𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: 𝑨𝒙𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒕🪓

🔥𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘽𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙎 𝙒𝙃𝙊 𝘿𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝙊𝙁 𝘼 𝙇𝙐𝙈𝘽𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙉𝘼𝘾𝙆 𝘿𝙊𝙈 𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙄𝙉𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙈 𝙏𝙊 𝘿𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙆 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙄𝙍 𝙒𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝘽𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙈 𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙒𝙃𝙀𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙔 𝘿𝙊𝙉'𝙏...𝘾𝙃𝙀𝙀𝙍𝙎, 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 𝙄𝙎 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙔𝙊𝙐.🔥

Okay if that dedication doesn’t do it for you then I don’t know what will!🥵

This is book 2 in the Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks series!
First off I love that the MCs are in their 30s and are mature! I really connected with the FMC Lindsey! She's a single mom and ER nurse who has been struggling in her day to day life. She feels like she’s failing. I think a lot of us moms sometimes feel that even with a partner. A lot of her struggles were things I've struggled with at times.
Dane aka DomInTheWoods is a virtual professional dom (identity is kept hidden for his privacy) who helps clients with their daily life struggles whether it is creating a routine, managing finances or creating better eating habits. I love a power exchange and the D/s lifestyle in books but I’ve never seen one done like this where it’s not solely focused on the sexual side of it and this was SO refreshing and honestly eye opening. Yes they have chemistry of course but it’s beyond that. Dane is so professional and supportive in his role! I also loved how he bonded with Lindsey’s 8yr old daughter, Kas! Her calling him “Logger Dane” made me giggle! Dane didn’t have the best childhood growing up so seeing his growing relationship with Kas was so endearing!

This book is the perfect mix of plot and spice! There is a lot of buildup and tension while also easing Lindsey into the lifestyle, they aren’t even fully together until about 90% and it’s so worth the delayed gratification 👀🔥

Getting to see Nathan, Morgan, and Fox again was an added bonus that I loved!

I can absolutely tell the author put in a lot of research and effort and it paid off because this story is beautiful! Loved IT and highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙏𝙊 𝙀𝙓𝙋𝙀𝘾𝙏:
🪓𝙎𝙇𝙊𝙒 𝘽𝙐𝙍𝙉/𝙃𝙄𝙂𝙃 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏
🪓𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙇𝙀 𝙈𝙊𝙈
🪓𝙁𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿𝙁𝘼𝙈𝙄𝙇𝙔
🪓𝙂𝙍𝙐𝙈𝙋𝙔/𝙎𝙐𝙉𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙀
🪓𝙍𝙊𝙇𝙀𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙔
🪓"𝙁𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙎𝙃𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏"
🪓𝘿𝙊𝙈/𝙎𝙐𝘽
🪓𝙎𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙏 𝙄𝘿𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙏𝙔

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Author Kayla Grosse and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange of an honest review!

I really thought I would LOVE this book, but I sadly didn't. Clearly, I'm in the minority, so a lot of readers will surely love this book, but it did not work for me.

I was so excited this one that I immediately dropped what I was reading to start this. The premise sounded so promising, but the execulation lacked some finesse.

I loved the relationship with her daughter, Kas, and I loved Morgan, Fox and Nathan's appearances! I thought this was all very cute. My main issues are the romance and the pacing.

It is very slow for the first 70% and then really rushed. Their relationship starts virtual which I thought was interesting and I was intrigued by that aspect, but I lost interest quickly. Their interactions and inner-thought were starting to become repetitive and Dane's POV, especially, felt so clinical. The way he talked, his inner thoughts, his actions were all very clinical which left me having a hard time connecting to him. When they started their virtual relationship, I found the contract and instructions to be tedious; it was taking an awfully long time and I was getting tired of it. I loved the whole D/S aspect, but it felt, again, clinical. This part of their relationship went on for too long without development.

There is one scene in particular that I LOVED (no spoilers though) because it gave me insight into what their actual romance could be like, but it wasn't explored enough!!! I didn't feel an emotional connection at all between them; I didn't see the romance blossom. It really just felt like a mutually beneficial agreement, which is what it started as, but this feeling never stopped.

Although the spice was great, I was expecting more of it and earlier!!! I think that genuinely would have helped to see their emotional and romantic connection more as well as see their relationship develop more naturally. It's a lot of build up, for not a lot of results sadly.

Even though this wasn't for me, I'm sure lots of readers will love it!

[SmutForTwo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an arc of this book.
I have been waiting for this book for so long! I loved Axes and O's and couldn't wait to read about Nathan's sister Lindsey. This book starts off a little slow with what feels a bit like homework. Lindsey is very new to this world, she has never been in this type of D/s dynamic before and needs everything to be clear, so she knows what she's getting into and what the expectations are. I love that Morgan is the one to show her Dane’s DomInTheWoods videos and kind of push her in that direction. It was great to see how Nathan, Morgan, and Fox were getting on.

Lindsey is someone who feels out of control in her daily life and wants to gain stability for herself and especially for her daughter. Dane needs to dominate and has pretty rigid routines but keeps to himself and lives most of his life virtually. She discovers calm and feels at peace when Dane takes over. He makes it safe for her to submit and let her emotions flow freely without the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her bratty playfulness comes out to play which is fun for both of them.

Once Lindsey and Dane meet in person, breaking the online anonymity, is when things really heat up. I loved how respectful Dane was even when his libido was trying to take over. He takes his role very seriously and always makes sure Lindsey knows what’s expected with every shift in their dynamic. The spice in this was very delectable. I loved the different ways they enjoyed playing, especially from a distance 😉. The epilogue spice scene was absolutely wild.

I also really enjoyed the family dynamics. How Lindsey and Kas’s relationship changes as she develops routines, gains stability, and is able to spend more meaningful time with her. Kas and Dane’s relationship is adorable. I love his Logger Dane nickname and how he encourages her to try new things. Kas, Lindsey, Dane, Nathan, Morgan, and Fox are one big giant family, and I was so happy when Dane stopped isolating and let friends inside his bubble. The pole climb bonus chapter was delightful.

[Kaightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kayla Grosse and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Axe Marks the Spot follows Lindsey, a divorced mom trying to rebuild her life and rediscover who she is, while still navigating the realities of co-parenting and everyday responsibilities. Enter Lumbersnack Dane, a logger and Dom who approaches his work with structure, care, and intention. Their relationship begins in a non-sexual D/s dynamic, where Dane helps Lindsey establish routine and stability, all while maintaining clear boundaries in his professional life, even as his online persona draws attention.

I absolutely loved this book. It delivered such a strong emotional impact, balancing vulnerability, growth, and connection in a way that felt authentic and grounded. The dynamic between Lindsey and Dane was especially compelling. The non-sexual introduction to a D/s relationship was a unique and refreshing approach, and while I was initially unsure how it would play out, it worked beautifully. Dane’s attentiveness, respect, and focus on Lindsey’s comfort made their connection feel safe and intentional. The slow burn between them built incredible tension, and when the romance deepened, it felt fully earned.

I love a single parent trope and this added even more heart to the story. Lindsey’s journey felt relatable and real, and I loved how naturally Dane stepped into her world, especially in his interactions with her daughter, Kas. Those moments added warmth and depth that elevated the emotion beyond just chemistry. Kayla also handled elements of kink thoughtfully, particularly in emphasizing communication, consent, and aftercare, which is not always explored with this level of care with other high kink books I have read.

I couldn't find anything lacking with this story. It flowed well, the pacing kept me engaged, and the inclusion of familiar characters from Axes and O’s was a nice.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that blended emotional depth with strong character development and romantic tension. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy relatable characters, slow burn romance, and stories that balance emotional growth with a lot of heat.

[Sarah Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lumbersnacks return! And have sexy, capable friends!

⭐️4 🌶️4
Lindsey (FMC) is doing her best to keep her head above water - being an ER nurse, a single mom, and going through a divorce isn't easy. After a little too much to drink one night and some scrolling on social media, she discovers a commanding, anonymous Dom who speaks to her soul. Fortune certainly does favor the bold when Lindsey drunkenly emails him to obtain his services.

Dane (MMC) has done his best to keep his identity a secret from his online followers and clients. As a professional Dom, he's set strict boundaries for himself and his clients - nothing s*xual, no exceptions. He's only offering structure, discipline, and the guiding hand these clients need to enact this structure. Until he literally runs into Lindsey. When he gets her email, all of his boundaries go right out the window (but not without deliberation and careful consideration).
Lindsey is respectful of Dane's boundaries, but she secretly really wants to break them... and break them he does.

And the part that made my heart absolutely melt? When Lindsey's daughter calls Dane "dad" so casually and off hand that everyone thinks she's talking about her bio dad. I was a full puddle on the floor because Dane clearly cared for Lindsey's daughter, but didn't insert himself in a way that was disrespectful as a partner.

Tropes and more:
🪓Dom/sub
🎄Secret Identity
🪓Lots and lots of spicy sex (Toys, Oral, Dom/Sub, Bondage)
🎄K!nk Rep
🪓Single, working Mom
🎄Slow Burn
🪓High Heat
🎄Small Town

Kayla's writing is captivating and hot as hell 🥵 - s*x scenes that span multiple chapters and are given from both POVs, banter that had me giggling, and little glimpses of what could be real life. There is absolutely no way that this book was 480 pages (it really is, but it went by so fast)!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for ARC received from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

I recently got into Kayla Grosse's books thanks to the being available on the Libby app. I listened to the audibook for Axes and O's just two weeks ago so thankfully not to long of a wait.

Axes and O's is a spicy romance read that pulls on my heart strings. It follows Lindsey who is curvy, single mom and nurse. Dane is a well- built logger, online Dom who make thirst traps. This book has a D/S relationship, kinks and BDSM.

So many things I loved about Axe Marks the Spot. I am happy we finally get logger activity because it was lacking in the first book. The characters of the first book are heavily present and it's perfection to see how they support Lindsey.

I love the character Lindsey and can relate on so many levels. I am also a plus size mother and it's hard for us to put ourselves first and be confident. Reading Lindsey's story gave me hope and can't thank Kayla enough for allowing us to be seen in her stories.  I absolutely love her daughter Kas and I am currently also have a bratty 8 year old. I love how much Kas is a part of the book, and how we get the title Axe Marks The Spot. 😉

As for our MMC Dane who is an absolute lumber snack and is tatted. Uggh this man is my new book husband I felt like I was being edged. He is so attentive to Lindsey's needs and builds her up. He is similar to Fox from book 1 in which they are keep to themselves but take care of what's theirs. We love that he breaks the rules for Lindsey.

Beautiful ending with an HEA. Are we getting a book 3 that follows Lumbersnack Levi 🫠

As for the spice 🥵🔥🌶 it was soo good!! When Dane talks her through it via video. The amount of tension in this book before they finally get physical. If you can't tell I love this book. Can't wait to get it in audio.

[Skye Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsey is a sleep deprived, overworked nurse; single mum who's financially struggling, and hates to ask for help. She feels like she is just digging herself deeper and deeper, losing her connection with her daughter since she has to work so much to stay afloat.
After following (drunk drueling and stalking) DomintheWoods, and given the push by Morgan, Lindsey drunk messages the account, asking for more information on the lifestyle.

Dane is the quiet, secluded lumbersnack of the town who prefers his solitude and keeping his professional Dom side anonymous.
Lindsey intrigues him, and he can't resist agreeing to beginning a Dom/sub contract virtually. Before he knows it, he's crossing every line and breaking every rule set.

The second in the series, it's best to read after Axe Marks the Spot, although not necessary.
There's appearances and scenes with previous character's; Morgan, Nathan and Fox, and the townies/locals.

Chaos Kas was a little trooper and spitfire like her mum. She'll be trouble when she's older! The Logger Dad name was so cute. She’s wise beyond her years this one.

Getting into the D/s dynamic, I thought it was well written and played out. It read as if it was well researched into the dynamics and day to day life of that world.

Lindsey needed support in getting her life in order, taking control of her life and self. Dane helped her focus her attention through structure and routine, being a big believer in taking care of yourself to be there for others when they need you. I particularly liked the "you think or you know" effect.

Spice level, these two were smoking. Who knew Dane would be such a 'mine' man! The crawl to me's, the possession, the collaring, phwoar. Quite a few pink highlights in this read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌲🪓 Logger x ER Nurse
💻🔥 Online Dom
👩‍👧💪 Single Mom
🖤⛓️ D/s Kink
🏡🌄 Small Town
💥➡️❤️ Instant Attraction to Slow Burn
🧠💭 Inner Critic vs Self-Worth
🛠️🌲 Reclusive Outdoorsman
🤝💛 Found Family Vibes
👀✨ “He Sees Her” Energy
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I absolutely tore through Axe Marks the Spot and still wanted more when I finished. Lindsey and “DomInTheWoods” Dane had me hooked from the start. That instant spark mixed with a slow, unfolding burn? OH SO Good.

Lindsey completely won me over. She’s a devoted mom and works so hard, but wow… she is running on fumes. And that relentless inner critic of hers does not help. I just wanted to wrap her up and tell her to take a breath. Dane, on the other hand, lives a very intentionally small and isolated life. A few solid friendships, no real need for more, totally content doing his online work… until Lindsey walks in and flips his world upside down. And listen, I will always be here for a man whose entire life shifts when he meets her.

Watching their connection deepen was such a highlight. The way Dane sees Lindsey and makes her feel truly, deeply beautiful exactly as she is? I melted. Fully melted. And the personal growth they both experienced was so beautiful.

Also… the spice is definitely spicing in this one. It might even have you questioning things a little bit. Maybe just a little curiosity about a Dom… or even a Dom-lite situation. D/s isn’t everyone’s thing, but I was all in. And honestly, someone calling me a Good Girl? Not mad about it.

Morgan was a standout too. She’s funny, warm, and exactly the kind of friend you’d want in your corner. And Fox being one of Dane’s few people made perfect sense. Everything just fit.
Loved this story!

Special thanks to the author and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy 🫶🏼

[Erica Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axe Marks the Spot by Kayla Grosse is the second book in the Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks series, and after loving Axes and O’s, I was so excited to pick this one up. It absolutely did not disappoint.

Lindsey is a single mom stretched thin, trying to balance everything on her plate and barely keeping up. At the suggestion of her future sister-in-law, she reaches out to a professional Dom for help. Dane, known online as DomintheWoods, has built a virtual brand and a waitlist full of clients, but when a friend asks him for a favor, he agrees. What begins as an anonymous online connection slowly becomes something far more personal.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the care taken with Lindsey’s kink exploration. The themes of dominance and submission are handled with thoughtfulness, clarity, and communication. I also loved that the dynamic begins more as guidance and life coaching than anything sexual. Honestly, Dane had me wishing I had someone in my life reminding me to stick to routines, stand up for myself, and drink more water.

Lindsey was incredibly relatable as an exhausted, overworked mom, and that made her emotional journey feel even more impactful. This is definitely a slow burn, but the payoff is so worth it. The growth, honesty, and communication between these characters made the romance feel grounded and satisfying. And when the spice finally hits… it really hits.

If you enjoy single-mom romance, slow burn, kink exploration, and a hero who is both commanding and deeply supportive, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kayla Grosse for the advanced copy.

Rating: 5 stars
Spice: 4 peppers