Axe to Grind

by M.T. Addams

They’re axe wielding, flannel-wearing psychopaths… and I can’t get enough of them.

As the daughter of an infamous hitman—living in the shadows meant survival.

But when trouble finds and chases me up into the mountains of Pennsylvania, into the arms of my dad’s best friend and his three roommates, I quickly learn what darkness truly is.

These four men are meant to protect me, instead I’m drowning in their sins.

Between playing Rhett and Santiago’s murderous games to accepting Wes’s possessive stake over my body, I know I’m in trouble. Yet, it’s the undeniable, insidious whisper of a forbidden desire constantly taunting me and Leader that confirms I’m willing to sink into an unholy level of depravity to sate the hunger simmering in my veins.

Falling into sin is easy. Staying alive to enjoy it is another.

With the trouble that brought me here not far behind, I have to make an impossible

Return to the shadows to protect the men I’m falling for or stay and fight—knowing that if I fail, I lose everything.


This is a dark why choose lumberjack romance. Axe to Grind is book one of the Gnarly Pines duet and must be read first in order to understand what happens in book two. As always, please check for TWs (found author's website) before diving into any of MT Addams's stories. TROPES

Sexy Psycho Lumberjacks

Dad’s Best Friend

Psycho Golden Retriever

Grumpy/Sunshine

Soft Dom

Genres: Why Choose, Dark Romance

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raised in an unorthodox manner, Blair Shelmore, in the shadow of the world’s greatest hitman, has crafted a normal life, by all appearances. When her father is compromised, so is she.

The rendezvous point for the Shelmores is the Gnarly Pines property deep in the mountains of Pennsylvania. But it’s not just her godfather, Ledger Porter, who lives on the land.

A haven for misfits, Blair quickly has Wesley and Santi smitten. Rhett, however, resents her presence and the danger she presents.

What the actual… I did not see any this coming. Okay, that’s not entirely true. I picked up on the twist. But these characters, all of their emotions and baggage, the relationship building, and the spice? That was all so much more than I expected and in the best possible way. It started out just a little bit slow. That’s not exactly true either. There was action and suspense, and even yearning. I wasn’t fully invested until about the halfway mark though, and then the story became addictive. I couldn’t get enough, I couldn’t read fast enough, and I threw a toddler style temper tantrum when I hit the “To be continued…”

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult

Ending: 🧗🏻‍♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻🧍🏻‍♂️👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏽 {Multiple | Present}
Emotions: 😩😊🤬🥵🤯
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨ Tropes: Age Gap (19), Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Hurt/Comfort, Insta-Obsession, Love After Loss, One Bed, Roommates, Stalker, Why Choose (Slow Build, MMFMM)
 
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Golden Retriever MMC, Hand Necklace, Lap Sitting, Pierced 🐓, Pierced MMC, POC/Interracial, Secrets & Lies, Size Difference, Tragic Past, Trauma Bonding

🔆 Character: Blue Collar, Nurse, Vigilante

💋 Kinks: 🍑, Angel Wings, Degradation, Dirty Talk, Discipline/Punishment, Domination, Hidden Jizz, Power Exchange, Praise, Primal Play, Spanking, STFUATTDLAGB, ⚔️

🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a

🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Bulldozer MMC, Dominant MMC, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, OTT Hero, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying, Unhinged MMC

⛔️ Safety Squad: Suicidal Ideations/Attempt (by MMC), Torture (Not of FMC • Not by MMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📍 Setting: Remote - Appalachian Mountains > Caddawalk, Pennsylvania 🇺🇸

📣 Type: Ace to Grind is the first book in the Gnarly Pines duet and ends on a cliffhanger.

⚠️ Warning: This one-handed read may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It may also leave you questioning your morals.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Fiverrr]

40% DNF

Mi problema con este libro es que Blair nuestra protagonista es perfecta, no hay algo en lo que ella no falle . No tiene tanto crecimiento este libro. Si fuera un libro de 100 páginas estaría perfecto, este tiene más de 400. Me aburrió

[Becki G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy wow! MT, what have you done to me?! I absolutely devoured this book and now I have to wait months for the conclusion! This book was so good. I don’t know what else to say…drama, trauma, emotion, mayhem, deceit, and obsession all rolled into one unputdownable story! I’m impatiently waiting to see how this one ends. Read it, folks…that’s all!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but WHAT did I just read?? I absolutely devoured Axe to Grind (literally read it in one day) and I’m not even exaggerating when I say I need the next book immediately because THAT ENDING? I did NOT see that plot twist coming and now I’m just sitting here like… excuse me???

First of all, these men? Unhinged. Axe-wielding, flannel-wearing, possessive, obsessive, a little (or a lot) psychotic, so basically everything I want in a dark romance MMC 👀

Santi and Rhett pulling Blair into their games? I was eating that UP. The Hunts were such a wild concept and I loved how twisted and addictive it all felt. I loved Santi to pieces, my psychotic golden retriever 🥺🩷 Rhett though… I’m still side-eyeing you. I don’t know whether I love you or want to fight you, but after that ending I’m fully expecting a redemption arc and I am READY.

Wes? Fully giving Daddy vibes and I am so here for it 😩🤌🏻

And then there’s Ledger—dad’s best friend AND her godfather, that tension and the taboo aspect of their relationship… the slow, insidious pull between them, I'M OBSESSED. And he might just be the most unhinged and OBSESSED of them all 👀

Blair has been THROUGH IT. Her backstory is dark, brutal, and honestly heartbreaking, growing up with an assassin father who trained her in the harshest ways imaginable, but she’s still so strong and resilient. I loved that she wasn’t weak or naive. She can hold her own even surrounded by chaos and people actively trying to take her down.

Overall this book is dark, addictive, a little unhinged, and ridiculously easy to binge. If you like morally questionable men, danger, A LOT of obsession, and that “this is a bad idea but I’m here for it” energy… you need this. And again, with that ending? Yeah, I will be counting down the days until the next release because I NEED answers 😭

TROPES:
🪓Dad’s Best Friend
🪓Psycho Golden Retriever
🪓Grumpy/Sunshine
🪓Murder Games
🪓Primal Play
🪓FMC switch
🪓Snowballing
🪓MMFMM
🪓Degradation
🪓Good boy
🪓Touch her and die
🪓Axe crossing

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely feral in the best possible way 👀🪓🔥

Sexy psycho lumberjacks??
Murderous games??
Dad’s best friend tension??

Yeah… this book knew EXACTLY what it was doing and I was obsessed from page one.

The atmosphere alone had me hooked. Isolated mountains, dark cabins, violence simmering under every interaction—it all creates this chaotic, dangerous energy where you know absolutely nothing good is about to happen… and you can’t stop reading anyway.

And the men??
Completely unhinged.

Rhett and Santiago bring that chaotic psycho energy that somehow makes every scene feel unpredictable, Wes is possessive in that intense dark romance way, and then there’s Leader…

Honestly??
The tension with him was INSANE.

That forbidden pull between them builds slowly underneath all the chaos, and every interaction feels heavier because both of them know crossing that line changes everything.

What I really loved is that this book fully commits to the darkness of its world. These characters are messy, violent, morally twisted, and absolutely not pretending otherwise.

But underneath all the chaos and depravity, there’s still emotional vulnerability woven through the story that keeps you invested in all of them.

And the chemistry??
Completely addictive.

Every interaction feels dangerous, possessive, and just a little bit toxic in the exact way dark romance readers will eat up 👀🔥

✨ If you love: • dark why choose romance
• possessive psycho MMCs
• isolated mountain settings
• morally black characters
• forbidden tension and chaotic energy

This one is wild, addictive, completely unhinged, and impossible to put down

[Espy Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axe to Grind by MT Addams follows Blair, a girl raised by a hitman and trained to become one herself but she’s determined to carve out a different path. When her father’s cover is blown and they’re suddenly being hunted, the plan is simple go to Ledger, the man her father trusts like a brother. Except when Blair gets there… her dad is gone. Ledger convinces her to stay with him and his handpicked found family Santi, Rhett, and Wes—who are all morally gray, chaotic, and just the right amount of unhinged. While hiding out, Blair slowly starts to feel like herself again, and the relationships she builds with these men (especially her long-time crush on Ledger) really pull you in but this isn’t a safe story and it doesn’t pretend to be. As things unfold, it becomes clear that Ledger’s feelings for Blair might be more obsession than love… and the possibility that he’s behind the hit on her and her father adds a whole new level of tension. The betrayal hits hard, especially when Blair is attacked and everything starts to unravel. The ending?? Absolute chaos in the best way. Blair fleeing with Rhett after everything goes down had me immediately needing the next book.

I loved the dark, gritty vibe and the morally gray characters you never fully know who to trust, and that keeps the story addictive. If you’re into dangerous love interests, found family with issues, and plot twists that actually hurt, this is 100% worth the read.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY FROM THE AUTHOR

I want to start off by saying this is a Dark Romance and to please check the Trigger Warning list for any possible triggers that may affect your mental health 🖤

Imagine sharing a cabin with four sexy lumberjacks with a troubled past, one of whom is your dad's best friend, and they all seem to be attracted to..you? What could go wrong?

Well, that's exactly the case for Blair. With nowhere else to go she finds herself at Gnarly Pines with her God-Father and his housemates, who just so happen to be the hottest men in all of Caddawalk! Things get complicated fast, will they share her desires? If so, what will that mean for everyone involved?? ..Guess you will have to read it to find out.

Now, for my thoughts on the book overall.

I loved this book! I'm normally a slow reader but this book pulled me in and I was finished in a week which is impressive for me. It has some of my favorite tropes including Dad's Best Friend, Forced Proximity, Unaliving games, and "Axe Crossing." I fell in love with the characters and their stories. I really liked the pacing of this book also. It wasn't too fast or too slow. There was a few shocking surprises and a big cliffhanger at the end that I didn't see coming! I can't wait to see where this story goes next!

[Samantha Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by MT Addams, but it absolutely will not be my last. The second I finished, my brain was already planning a full‑blown binge of her entire backlog. She’s officially one of those authors who deserves to be talked about way more often — the kind you stumble into once and immediately wonder how you ever lived without.

Axe to Grind drops you straight into Blair’s world as she’s thrust into the morally gray orbit of Ledger, Wesley, Santiago, and Rhett. These men have a moral compass, sure — but it’s spinning in every shade of gray, and Addams makes that chaos addictive. And I ate up every second of it.

Then there’s the PLOT! The BREADCRUMBS! The “wait, what the hell is going on but also don’t stop” energy! I was taking mental notes like I was solving a crime scene. I have theories. I have QUESTIONS, oh so many questions. I have a whole conspiracy board forming in my head.

And that cliffhanger? Not devastating, but absolutely disrespectful in the best possible way. The kind where you close the book, stare at the wall, and whisper “are you for real” while needing book two right now, not in six months, not in three months, hell not even in three days — RIGHT NOW PLEASE!

MT Addams, you have ruined me in the best way. I will be inhaling everything you’ve ever written like oxygen.

[Ash Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read for the vibes & the vibes were ✨jawdropping✨

Those last 50 pages? Yeah thats going to stick with me till the next book comes out because wtf do you mean lol.

Blair is a literal badass and she was made this way, through grit and effort. She knows how to defend herself, and I love a FMC that fights back.

Santiago is just a ball of sunshine in a deadly package.

Rhett needs alot of things, therapy for one and a hug. And also needs to be slapped wink wink.

Wesley is my knight in shining armor and I love that.

Ledger? That man is crazy and I dont know why yet(waiting for the second book). But I could tell he was crazy from the beginning.

As far as the relationships, I love that there is sword crossing/MM. I think that Blair gives a good balance to the merry group of killers. As far as the godfather aspect, if it was Ledger alone, I would not have read the book, but for me the reverse harem makes up for the taboo nature of their impending relationship.

I think this is a great book. The author is an amazing writer and I need that second book like asap, pls.

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axe To Grind is the first book in the Gnarly Pines duet written by M. T. Addams.

💜 unusual childhood
💜 use of axes
💜 forced proximity
💜 childhood crush
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice

Blair sometimes gets caught up thinking about how she grew up. There were times where she was left alone with minimal items to keep her occupied and fed. But, it wasn’t always bad. Now she’s grown up and working as a nurse. Right now, she’s on night shift at a hospice facility listening to her co-worker talking about her life. How long will she stay at this facility as a travel nurse? Will she see her dad anytime soon? Does she love what she’s doing?

This was a good start to a new duet. There are lots of ups and downs with emotions as I read this book. I think the character building and world building was done well. All of the characters are complex with extensive histories that are told well without feeling like they are monoling within the book. With it being a duet, you can guess that this book ended on a cliffhanger. I liked this story and I can’t wait until the next book is available so I can see what happens next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the best time reading this book! 🧡
Blair's dad is a famous assassin & he's always taught his daughter how to defend herself if trouble comes for them. When trouble does come... Blair is sent to dad's best friends to lay low.

Enter Ledger... powerful, dominant and determined to protect Blair. He enlists his friend Wesley to help him along with the 2 other lumberjack residents Santi & Rhett.

Santi's energy give me life and I loves him so much. Rhett is the polar opposite moody and mean... but I loved his filthy mouth 🤤.

But what are Rhett & Santi getting up to in the woods? What's The Hunt? Who is still coming after Blair and how is her dynamic going to shake them all up?

MT Addams always hits for me! The why choose is all setting up perfectly for the second book in the duet... the spice is off the scale and I need to know what's next after that bombshell was dropped at the end of book 1.

Why Choose
MMFMM
Hot psycho lumberjacks
Age Gap
Dad's Best Friend
Vigilante Killers
Hitmen
Deception
Obsession

[Carissa Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may have been my first M.T. Addams book, but it certainly won't be my last. And not only because I HAVE to know what happens next. This story will grip you from the very beginning. Then the story will keep you locked in. Blair has lived through some of the toughest things a kid can live through. And she does it with fire and determination. I loved her spark and her no nonsense attitude. Then enter these Gnarly Pines men. Strong, hard working, and yeah maybe a little bit psycho, but it's endearing. Santi is so hard not to fall in love with. He's like a dark, golden retriever. I just wanted to hug Rhett through the entire thing, because while yes he was gruff and a bit mean, it comes from a place of hurt. Wes was exactly what I hoped he'd be and more. Not exactly a hero, but always looking to take care of those he loves. And then of course there's Ledger. Obsessed doesn't even begin to cover it, I don't think. Something about Blair turns him completely feral and I'm both anxious and excited to see where that takes us in book 2.

[Spicy BookNook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. This book...the ending. Excuse me miss ma'am, how in the world do you end a book like this?! I feel like my heart is going to thump right out of my chest. I need answers, ASAP! I'm not sure how I am going to hold off waiting for book 2, this is brutal. You are a cruel, cruel, woman! Haha.

Okay. Now that I have gotten that off my chest. Wow. This book takes you on a whirlwind of a ride. The ups and downs are insane and so many jaw dropping moments that are going to stick with me forever!

These guys...they're each so different and incredible...well except...nevermind. Santi is a ball of joy that I want in my life. Wes, oh my goodness, that man's sweet heart melts me everytime. And Rhett? Ugh, I love his unruly self. After his situation with Blair, I fell for him so fast and ugh I just want to wrap my arms around the 4 of them so bad right now.

MT never ceases to amaze me with her books and this one was absolutely incredible and if I hadn't made that clear, I need book 2 NOW! Haha

[Nicole Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely wild in the best way and I could not put it down. The dark tone is established right away, and it fully commits to the chaos, tension, and morally gray characters without holding back.
Each of the men brings a different energy, which keeps the dynamics interesting and layered. The push and pull between them and the FMC is intense, messy, and completely addictive. The forced proximity and high stakes add to that constant sense of tension, and it never really lets up.
What stood out most is how immersive it feels. The setting, the danger, and the relationships all blend together in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It is dark, it is gritty, and it definitely leans into the more unhinged side of the genre.
Overall, this is a must read if you enjoy dark why choose romance with high tension, strong character dynamics, and a story that is not afraid to go all in.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a huge dark romance girly but that's because I'm super picky about it. I don't like bullies or being outright mean between love interests. I do like dark material and psycho lovers. I am hooked and drooling for the second book. Blair, oh do I love her, she is amazing. Besides strong and smart, she had an... interesting childhood and because of such she can take care of herself very well. She is the child of a hitman an when that life catches up to her she needs to head to the ultimate safe house. Where her dad's best friend & his friends live. Ledger won't touch her despite the fact that she wants him to. Wes is the soft dom and caretaker of the group, he comes with some baggage that is heartbreakingly sad. Rhett's backstory is beyond devastating, I cried for him. He's also got the biggest growth in this book, so proud of him. Santi might be my favorite, I love his psycho energy, he does have a little problem when he gets excited ;-) And that cliffhanger, wow! Read this.

[Chelé-----4 The Love of Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why choose is my thing but this missed the mark for me when it comes to the cohesiveness, taking into to account there's a book 2 I'm hoping that will get better and yes I do plan on continuing so I AM hopeful and liked the characters enough to care what happens.

Things I loved was the mystery behind her dad, his past, how he raised her, and also the guy's flawed pasts.

Things that didn't work for me was Rhett and
Santiago sharing their...*extra curricular* activities in the woods, I know she followed them but then they just let her join in, and Santiago definitely was insta love with Blair. There was just a ton going on and I wished the relationship could have been fleshed out more.

I actually love Wes.

Ummmmm I was really on the Ledger train UNTIL the secret room and the missing poster...how he feels about his goddaughter might be a bit more unhealthy than I'm realizing 🤣 im scared for Blair.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read with an unexpected ending!!! Anxiously waiting for the second book.


When the dangers of Blair’s past life come back to destroy her, she is forced into hiding. As the daughter of an infamous hitman, Archer, Blair knows exactly where to run. The problem? She must place her life in the hands of the one man who not only stole her heart—but shattered it.

Ledger has built a new life far from guns and assassinations in the small town of Caddywalk - Gnarly Pines, alongside his found family: Wes, Santi, and Rhett. When Blair arrives after surviving an attempt on her life, all four men find themselves drawn to her. As they work together to keep Blair safe, long‑buried wounds from their dark pasts begin to surface, and walls slowly fall. But Ledger is hiding secrets of his own ones that threaten to pull Blair back into the life she worked hard to escape.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed my visit to Gnarly Pines immensely, and can’t wait to come back!
Lumberjack RH, I was on board. Hit man yes thank you may I have another.
Godfather? My catholic childhood isn’t sure how I feel about that.
Each new member of the team introduced, yum. Santi and his Dimples!!! Hell yes! Wes and his hot chocolate can warm me up anytime.
“Blue blooded badass” FMC Blair on the run seeks asylum after having to leave the safety of her new life behind.
“Morally gray assholes are the best type of people to have around” These boys feel a bit light to medium gray to me, with more warm and fuzzies than darkness. Do not let that keep you from checking trigger warnings though. This wild ride has some twists and turns.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ends on a Cliff hanger!!!
Emotionally I hope Anchor makes an appearance in Split You Open.

[paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining,Dark, chaotic, tugs at the heart strings and also makes you see red!

4 Unhinged MMC’s and a strong af FMC,
Santi (My fav!) this man is adorable! His like an over active golden retriever puppy.
Rhett, a grumpy a-hole, struggling with past regrets and his mental health.
Wes, ohhhhh big daddy Wes! I feel like this man’s obsession is going to crank up even more in book 2.
Ledger, ledger,ledger.. you have a questionable appetite. (Chapter 32 IYKYK) I don’t know if I like you or hate you..I guess we will find out in book 2.

Blair is a total bad ass!! Learning about her upbringing really pulled on the heart strings. Growing up Blairs life was brutal! Having an Assassin as your father will do that to you. But its trained her to be strong and hold her own.

I was hooked from start to finish, The last 3 chapters had me sitting on the edge of my seat! The plot twist? Like come on!!! I sat there once I’d finished and tried to process wth I just read.. i need the tension, i need more of the twisted games and I definitely need answers!

[Elora Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

🪓 ARC REVIEW 🪓

OH. MY. GOD 🫨 I need book two NOW!!!
One thing I’ve always loved about MT Addams writing is that she does unhinged so well but also gives such poetic romance to go along with it. Axe to Grind was amazing and the cliffhanger!!?! Ugh. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Blair, Ledger, Wes, Santi and Rhett. I instantly became attached to these characters especially Wes with his soft dom ways and Rhett made me fall in love with him while making my heart ache simultaneously.

You’ll love this book just as much as I did If you like the following:

Why Choose
Dark Romance
Found Family
Serial Unalivers 🪓💀
Age Gap
🪓 Axes Crossing
Touch her and 💀
Obsessive/Possessive MC
Betrayal
Unbelievable plot twist

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap this was a wild ride! Blairs upbringing is definitely not what a normal childhood should be like, and because of this she's never been able to truly be herself. Now there's people after her and her dad, so she's off to gnarly pines, where she's supposed to be safe. But there's secrets to be unveiled and darkness lurking around the corner. Wes and santi have stolen my heart. They're absolute sweethearts who adore Blair. Rhett is growing on me, but he's definitely the broody one out of the bunch. Then there's ledger, Blair godfather and her dad's best friend. The tension between those two could be cut with a knife. The spice was so hot, but that ending has me reeling. I need book 2 asap!

[Helen Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the first page and literally could not put it down, I think..... actually I know I have a new favourite book for the year. Gosh I loved it and cannot wait for the second one.
MT Addams thank you for allowing me to read an arc copy of this for you it had me captivated from page one. The talent
I love a good age gap dark romance, however throw in 3 more flannel-wearing psychopaths and it's a recipe for sin and forbidden desires. From playful banter to undeniable sexual tension just makes the red flags fly higher.
That cliffhanger I'm speechless and going to impatiently wait for the sequel.
As soon as it's available to purchase in Australia I'm definitely adding a copy to my trophy shelf.

[Crystal Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌶️🌶️🌶️

🪓 Why Choose
🌲 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Taboo Romance
🪓 MMCs with Red Flags Flying
🌲 FMC on the Run
🖤 Age Gap
🪓 Dark Romance
🌲 Vigilant MMCs
🖤 Found Family
🪓 Lumberjack MMCs

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 I need Book 2 like yesterday! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

Wow wow wow!! This book got my attention immediately and never let go. I was invested from the first few pages and didn’t want to stop reading. That ending rushed up way too fast and I wasn’t readyyyyyyy!!!

These MMCs are more than morally grey, and they do not apologize for their behavior or actions. And honestly, I don’t blame them. They have their reasons. The dynamic of this found family is incredible too.

You gotta read the book Please do check TWs as this is a dark romance!

[Kyla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, what did I read? This had me in a chokehold the entire time and I absolutely loved it.

Blair's dad is a famous assassin and always taught her how to protect and defend herself. She is sent to stay with her dad's best friend for a while until things settle down. Each of the characters: Ledger, Wesley, Rhett, Santi, they all have a huge impact on her and each have a big character growth as well.

I need to read the second book now because the way this one ended on that cliffhanger, oh my gosh, that has me wondering what is going to happen next.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow was that a wild ride! Was not expecting that ending. This is supposed to be a darker story but I kept finding humor in Santi’s antics, he’s such a simple spirit who just wants to be loved. Wes & Ledger were both kinda surprising how they inter with Blair, like how they’re so much older & claimed to need to protect her but still have the dirty mouths & only one managed to keep his hands off. And of course we can’t leave out the tension & drama Rhett created with his misguided thoughts. Can’t wait to read more.

[Jennay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so addicting!! Never have I read a book quite like this one where the plot is serving and the characters were so fun and feisty but you also get some spice in there too. The FMC was is just so great, she's feisty and strong but petite and unassuming, I love that combo!
I ate this up and marked my calendar for book two because I need answers and need more of a fix of these characters!!

[Anna Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars, I would.
I was sucked in right from page one, and it just pulled me in further with each page read.
The character development was immaculate. The spice, banter, action and trauma were perfection.
My ONLY complaint is that I have to wait MONTHS until book 2 comes out, and with the cliffhanger we were left with, that's just downright rude!

[Rachel Garippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhhhh! My first mountain man book and I am hooked...or Axed??? Hahaha! I loved this! Finally an FMC who can take care of herself and isn't whining all the time! Shes tough and deserves so much! Loved all these mountain men but gotta say Ledger has me ready!!!!! The ending is sending me I need book now! Oh and did I forget to mention the spice was on point!!!

[Fran Rosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book by M.T. Addams. wonderful characters and a perfect set up of the story. the different personalities makes this book the type of read you dont want to put down. the way some accepted her and the way some kept their distance adds the right dynamic for the whole book. i love all aspects of the book and look forward to reading the next one in line.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book

I don't know how I go hooked in to this book but I did I am a sucker for a strong FMC. I have been in a slump for months and this book sucked me right in and read the whole thing in 1 day unfortunately i now have to wait until September to read the other half.