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Starlight Haven Lumbersnacks #2
Axe Marks the Spot: The sizzling, small town lumberjack romance
PRE-ORDER Axe Marks the Spot, the low-stakes, high-heat lumbersnack romance about second chances, secret identities, and finding control through surrender. . .
One struggling single mum 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.
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Lindsey Clark is a single mum 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 favour 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.
spicedom sub romancesecond chancessecret identitiesrugged lumberjacks decked out in flannel
One struggling single mum 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 mum 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 favour 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.
spicedom sub romancesecond chancessecret identitiesrugged lumberjacks decked out in flannel
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
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.
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 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!!
April 5, 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!
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! 💚
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 6, 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 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 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
May 6, 2026
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⭐️.
But because I liked the characters themselves I’m giving this 3⭐️.
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.
March 16, 2026
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
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
July 9, 2026
Edited 7/9/26 to include my ALC review.
Thank you to Forever, Hatchette Audio, and NetGalley for copies to read and listen to before publishing.
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 🌶️
Thank you to Forever, Hatchette Audio, and NetGalley for copies to read and listen to before publishing.
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 🌶️
July 9, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
After feeling a bit of reviewer's regret upon requesting this ARC, especially since I only gave the first book in the series a 2-star rating because it lacked emotional depth. Anywho, I was incredibly pleased by how much Kayla Grosse improved the relationship foundation in *Axe Marks the Spot*. The story follows Lindsey, a struggling single mom who utilizes a friend’s connection to hire a Professional Dom, Dane, to help her regain the structure, routine, and balance she feels she has lost control of. Though I did internally question why she wouldn't just hire a standard life coach instead, the dynamic was a fascinating concept for a book. Dane typically provides platonic, non-sexual D/s services to his clients (so life coach?), but everything changes when he realizes his new anonymous client is the exact same attractive woman he crossed paths with earlier that day. While I didn't fully understand the narrative need for total anonymity initially, their mutual identity reveal shifts things instantly, prompting Dane to realize he wants a real, romantic relationship with Lindsey.
What really set this apart from other D/s books I've read was the focus on communication and boundaries. Grosse gives us a classic case of insta-love, but she balances the quick pace by showing Lindsey and Dane actively negotiating (and renegotiating) their contract as their relationship evolves. Because Lindsey is entirely new to the sub lifestyle, she naturally struggles with insecurity and with being honest, but the narrative does a wonderful job of showing both characters making mistakes, owning up to them, and working together to overcome obstacles.
Admittedly, given the subject matter, I went into this expecting an incredibly high level of heat. The spice is definitely there, but the overall ratio was actually much lower than anticipated. However, this lower spice level turned out to be a massive positive because it allowed the emotional work and the building of a solid, respectful foundation to take center stage. I still had a few minor plot gripes and issues with Grosse's writing style, but the emotional growth salvaged the book for me. I'm rating this a 3.5, rounded down to 3.
Update: It turns out a stellar audiobook performance can completely change the game! Hearing Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy bring Lindsey and Dane to life greatly enhanced the entire experience, completely erasing my reviewer's regret and officially lifting my rating from a 3.5 rounded to a solid 4 stars.
Honestly, my original skepticism about why Lindsey wouldn't just hire a standard life coach was entirely swayed by Cassidy’s vocal performance. He was that good, to the point where I am officially afraid a Dom confidently telling me what to do would actually work on me! Cassidy is a new-ish narrator to me, but he is quickly becoming a new favorite. Meanwhile, Samantha Brentmoor is absolutely everywhere right now, and for good reason. She is incredibly professional, massively talented, and this performance only solidified why I am such a huge fan of her work.
The incredible depth and emotion they both gave to the performance perfectly elevated the story. While Kayla Grosse definitely delivers her signature quick-paced instalove, the lower spice ratio in the text allowed the characters' communication, boundary-setting, and emotional foundation to take center stage, and the audio format made that connection feel even more pronounced. If you were on the fence about this one after book one, the audiobook is absolutely the way to go!
After feeling a bit of reviewer's regret upon requesting this ARC, especially since I only gave the first book in the series a 2-star rating because it lacked emotional depth. Anywho, I was incredibly pleased by how much Kayla Grosse improved the relationship foundation in *Axe Marks the Spot*. The story follows Lindsey, a struggling single mom who utilizes a friend’s connection to hire a Professional Dom, Dane, to help her regain the structure, routine, and balance she feels she has lost control of. Though I did internally question why she wouldn't just hire a standard life coach instead, the dynamic was a fascinating concept for a book. Dane typically provides platonic, non-sexual D/s services to his clients (so life coach?), but everything changes when he realizes his new anonymous client is the exact same attractive woman he crossed paths with earlier that day. While I didn't fully understand the narrative need for total anonymity initially, their mutual identity reveal shifts things instantly, prompting Dane to realize he wants a real, romantic relationship with Lindsey.
What really set this apart from other D/s books I've read was the focus on communication and boundaries. Grosse gives us a classic case of insta-love, but she balances the quick pace by showing Lindsey and Dane actively negotiating (and renegotiating) their contract as their relationship evolves. Because Lindsey is entirely new to the sub lifestyle, she naturally struggles with insecurity and with being honest, but the narrative does a wonderful job of showing both characters making mistakes, owning up to them, and working together to overcome obstacles.
Admittedly, given the subject matter, I went into this expecting an incredibly high level of heat. The spice is definitely there, but the overall ratio was actually much lower than anticipated. However, this lower spice level turned out to be a massive positive because it allowed the emotional work and the building of a solid, respectful foundation to take center stage. I still had a few minor plot gripes and issues with Grosse's writing style, but the emotional growth salvaged the book for me. I'm rating this a 3.5, rounded down to 3.
Update: It turns out a stellar audiobook performance can completely change the game! Hearing Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy bring Lindsey and Dane to life greatly enhanced the entire experience, completely erasing my reviewer's regret and officially lifting my rating from a 3.5 rounded to a solid 4 stars.
Honestly, my original skepticism about why Lindsey wouldn't just hire a standard life coach was entirely swayed by Cassidy’s vocal performance. He was that good, to the point where I am officially afraid a Dom confidently telling me what to do would actually work on me! Cassidy is a new-ish narrator to me, but he is quickly becoming a new favorite. Meanwhile, Samantha Brentmoor is absolutely everywhere right now, and for good reason. She is incredibly professional, massively talented, and this performance only solidified why I am such a huge fan of her work.
The incredible depth and emotion they both gave to the performance perfectly elevated the story. While Kayla Grosse definitely delivers her signature quick-paced instalove, the lower spice ratio in the text allowed the characters' communication, boundary-setting, and emotional foundation to take center stage, and the audio format made that connection feel even more pronounced. If you were on the fence about this one after book one, the audiobook is absolutely the way to go!
April 3, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Axe Marks the Spot by Kayla Grosse
Narrated in duet by Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy.
Wow... this was hot as F. 🥵
From the dedication read by James Cassidy, I was already all in. I mean, what do you even expect when you pair two superstar narrators like Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy?
🎧 Samantha Brentmoor is one of my favorite female narrators, and this performance is exactly why. The range she has and the emotions she brings to every scene are absolutely incredible. I actually had to force myself to stop listening because I was avoiding all of my life responsibilities just to keep going.
James Cassidy was equally phenomenal, and together they created the perfect chemistry between our FMC and MMC. Their performances elevated every emotional moment and every spicy scene. Let's just say this audiobook had me hot and bothered... and at one point a little uncomfortable sitting at my desk at work. 😂
Beyond the incredible narration, I really enjoyed the story. The slow burn paid off, the chemistry was fantastic, and I loved the blend of romance, found family, and kink exploration. This audiobook also convinced me that I absolutely need to go back and read book one.
If you like:
• Slow burn / high heat
• Single mom
• Found family
• Grumpy × Sunshine
• Roleplay
• Dom/Sub dynamics
• Incredible narration
Definitely add this one to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Overall, 4.5 stars story
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 6 stars narration
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 chilis
Thank you so much NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this awesome review copy, all opinions are my own.
Narrated in duet by Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy.
Wow... this was hot as F. 🥵
From the dedication read by James Cassidy, I was already all in. I mean, what do you even expect when you pair two superstar narrators like Samantha Brentmoor and James Cassidy?
🎧 Samantha Brentmoor is one of my favorite female narrators, and this performance is exactly why. The range she has and the emotions she brings to every scene are absolutely incredible. I actually had to force myself to stop listening because I was avoiding all of my life responsibilities just to keep going.
James Cassidy was equally phenomenal, and together they created the perfect chemistry between our FMC and MMC. Their performances elevated every emotional moment and every spicy scene. Let's just say this audiobook had me hot and bothered... and at one point a little uncomfortable sitting at my desk at work. 😂
Beyond the incredible narration, I really enjoyed the story. The slow burn paid off, the chemistry was fantastic, and I loved the blend of romance, found family, and kink exploration. This audiobook also convinced me that I absolutely need to go back and read book one.
If you like:
• Slow burn / high heat
• Single mom
• Found family
• Grumpy × Sunshine
• Roleplay
• Dom/Sub dynamics
• Incredible narration
Definitely add this one to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Overall, 4.5 stars story
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 6 stars narration
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 chilis
Thank you so much NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this awesome review copy, all opinions are my own.
May 10, 2026
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.
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.
March 29, 2026
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!
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!
April 19, 2026
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. 🪓🪵
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. 🪓🪵
July 1, 2026
I devoured this book, it was so fun!
thanks so much to Kayla Grosse, Netgalley and Forever for this eARC!
I LOVED this book!
I feel like books with kids in it always bring a lightheartedness to a book that might not otherwise be there and always more laughter ☺️
I loved the way the FMC and MMC met, and how they kept running into each other, almost like fate was pushing them together.
The FMC Lindsey, single mom who works too hard, who loves her kid and never stops…okay I’m done with that 😂 but truthfully, she was just running herself to burn out and in need of some structure and help with her daily tasks. I can’t imagine doing the whole mom thing by myself and having a full time job plus trying to be there for my kid, I give serious props to those who are single parents!
Oh Dane, logger Dane 😂 *sigh*
Idk if being an online dom is a real thing, but they got me to drink my water and stop doom scrolling, maybe I need to look into it 😅 the difference between his online persona and real life is so drastic, and seeing his relationship with Lindsey and how it blurred the lines was so fun to watch the progression.
I love the plus size/normal size body representation. Someone who has stretch marks and curves and saggy boobs 😂😂
The dom/sub/bdsm aspect is relatively new to me, I have read one other book with that in it. The spice was spicy, I thought the chemistry between Dane and Lindsey was realistic and flowed really well!
And I’m also excited to go back to book 1 and read Axes and O’s!
thanks so much to Kayla Grosse, Netgalley and Forever for this eARC!
I LOVED this book!
I feel like books with kids in it always bring a lightheartedness to a book that might not otherwise be there and always more laughter ☺️
I loved the way the FMC and MMC met, and how they kept running into each other, almost like fate was pushing them together.
The FMC Lindsey, single mom who works too hard, who loves her kid and never stops…okay I’m done with that 😂 but truthfully, she was just running herself to burn out and in need of some structure and help with her daily tasks. I can’t imagine doing the whole mom thing by myself and having a full time job plus trying to be there for my kid, I give serious props to those who are single parents!
Oh Dane, logger Dane 😂 *sigh*
Idk if being an online dom is a real thing, but they got me to drink my water and stop doom scrolling, maybe I need to look into it 😅 the difference between his online persona and real life is so drastic, and seeing his relationship with Lindsey and how it blurred the lines was so fun to watch the progression.
I love the plus size/normal size body representation. Someone who has stretch marks and curves and saggy boobs 😂😂
The dom/sub/bdsm aspect is relatively new to me, I have read one other book with that in it. The spice was spicy, I thought the chemistry between Dane and Lindsey was realistic and flowed really well!
And I’m also excited to go back to book 1 and read Axes and O’s!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
I have been frothing at the mouth for this book ever since it was announced. If you read book 1 in the series, you will have met Nathan, who is our FMC Lindsey’s brother. And Fox and Morgan are friends of the MMC Dane.
🪓D/s dynamic
🪓Single mom
🪓Role play
🪓Found family
Lindsey is a single mom who has the weight of the world on her shoulders, so when her friend introduces her to an online Dom, Lindsey becomes intrigued.
Dane is an online anonymous Dom, and he is quite fantastic at it. He has never gone offline with any of his subs. But Lindsey has him questioning that.
These two were so hot! And I’m not even talking about just the intimate moments. They had genuinely hot moments that had nothing s3xual in nature to them.
This was one of those books that I tried to pace myself reading but if I wanted to, I could have read in one day. But I enjoyed savoring this one!!
🪓D/s dynamic
🪓Single mom
🪓Role play
🪓Found family
Lindsey is a single mom who has the weight of the world on her shoulders, so when her friend introduces her to an online Dom, Lindsey becomes intrigued.
Dane is an online anonymous Dom, and he is quite fantastic at it. He has never gone offline with any of his subs. But Lindsey has him questioning that.
These two were so hot! And I’m not even talking about just the intimate moments. They had genuinely hot moments that had nothing s3xual in nature to them.
This was one of those books that I tried to pace myself reading but if I wanted to, I could have read in one day. But I enjoyed savoring this one!!
July 7, 2026
I enjoyed this one. I don't read a lot of dom/sub stories but this one caught my attention. I liked the care the Kayla Grosse took with the story, highlighting why people seek dom/sub relationships. It's an intriguing relationship dynamic and I could see why it's appealing to some.
The progression in Lindsey and Dane's relationship felt natural and inevitable. They had great chemistry and although their dom/sub relationship did not start as sexual, they eased into the sexual intimacy in way that made them both feel safe. Communication and consent is key!
I had the opportunity to listen to the book and I thought the narration was great!
I received a complimentary audiobook via NetGalley.
The progression in Lindsey and Dane's relationship felt natural and inevitable. They had great chemistry and although their dom/sub relationship did not start as sexual, they eased into the sexual intimacy in way that made them both feel safe. Communication and consent is key!
I had the opportunity to listen to the book and I thought the narration was great!
I received a complimentary audiobook via NetGalley.
June 30, 2026
ARC Review-I love that Dane helped Lindsey better herself, in every aspect of her life. This book is a slow burn in my opinion but the spice really flows after it gets going! You can see the research that Kayla put into the Dom/sub lifestyle because this book has amazing explanations. I enjoyed seeing Fox, Morgan and Nathan from the first book. Dane is really the mature MMC that knows what he wants and knows how to get it. After meeting Dane, I see why this is the Lumbersnack series. Logger Dane is a copy and paste of Fox from the first book so if you like the brooding Dom, but want more communication you’ll love this book!
July 4, 2026
This was a fun and spicy read! I love me a lumbersnack and Dane was perfect for Lindsey. They had great chemistry and banter and I loved their meet-cute. Oh Lindsey, my heart went out to her - she was juggling so much and was a bit of a mess. Her confidence was low and I loved how Dane helped build her up.
I loved the cameos from Axes & O’s and the found family vibes were perfect. Lindsey’s daughter was a spitfire and had me laughing.
✨What To Expect:
🌲Small Town
☀️Single Mom
🔥Slow Burn/High Heat
💋Curvy / Plus Size FMC
💕Found Family
👓Secret Slutty Glasses
🎯"Funishment"
❤️🔥Role Play Dom/Sub
👀Secret Identity
I loved the cameos from Axes & O’s and the found family vibes were perfect. Lindsey’s daughter was a spitfire and had me laughing.
✨What To Expect:
🌲Small Town
☀️Single Mom
🔥Slow Burn/High Heat
💋Curvy / Plus Size FMC
💕Found Family
👓Secret Slutty Glasses
🎯"Funishment"
❤️🔥Role Play Dom/Sub
👀Secret Identity
June 10, 2026
Breaks were taken while reading this book (iykyk)
The spice was absolute top TIER in this book. I absolutely loved Dane and Lindsey’s relationship and how they both wanted more from each other so quickly. Dane was attentive with Lindsey and was her sounding board. These two fit together like puzzle pieces. I loved everything about Dane connecting with Kas and how he helped Lindsey establish more rules with her.
This book was a tad long for me, I started skimming because some parts felt repetitive. Other than that, I loved this book so much!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The spice was absolute top TIER in this book. I absolutely loved Dane and Lindsey’s relationship and how they both wanted more from each other so quickly. Dane was attentive with Lindsey and was her sounding board. These two fit together like puzzle pieces. I loved everything about Dane connecting with Kas and how he helped Lindsey establish more rules with her.
This book was a tad long for me, I started skimming because some parts felt repetitive. Other than that, I loved this book so much!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 7, 2026
entirely too long
We got wayyyyy too "in the weeds" of what a D/s dynamic looks like, instead of actually experiencing it. Felt more like I was reading a manual on how to be a DOM, instead of a romance between characters featuring that kind of relationship. Add in the fact that this was a slow burn...you've lost me.
Axes & O's (book one) was definitely better than this one imo. It was spicier, the characters were more interesting, the dynamic was more interesting and it came in HOT AND HEAVY right off the bat, from what I can recall.
We got wayyyyy too "in the weeds" of what a D/s dynamic looks like, instead of actually experiencing it. Felt more like I was reading a manual on how to be a DOM, instead of a romance between characters featuring that kind of relationship. Add in the fact that this was a slow burn...you've lost me.
Axes & O's (book one) was definitely better than this one imo. It was spicier, the characters were more interesting, the dynamic was more interesting and it came in HOT AND HEAVY right off the bat, from what I can recall.
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