What do you think?
Axford Brothers #3
Axe Backwards
A fake engagement to the hot sheriff who escorted me to family camp? Weirdly delightful.
Failing to tell him that my family is a bunch of professional thieves? Small oversight.
I left the Callahan family business years ago. These days I’m a law-abiding citizen. A photographer who takes nothing but pictures. A man who’s learned not to get greedy for anything… or anyone.
But my family hasn’t gotten that memo, so I expect my week at family camp to be filled with guilt-trippy attempts to lure me back into the fold.
Until Holden Axford comes along… and everything goes axe backwards.
Winsome’s gorgeous sheriff was supposed to be nothing more than a one-night-stand.
He doesn’t have a clue why I’m dreading this week, but he takes his protection game seriously.
So when he thinks I need a rescue, he steps in and declares himself my fiancé… and I’m too busy swooning to argue.
Now Holden’s sharing my bed, stealing kisses like Callahans steal Rembrandts, planning a camp heist (for fun, obvs!), and charming my family of criminals.
Our motto is ‘Callahans don’t get caught’ but nobody warned me about catching feelings.
Unfortunately, secrets don’t stay buried forever. And when someone forces the Callahans toward one last impossible job, protecting the family I love means becoming the man I swore I’d never be again.
But if Holden learns the truth about my past, it’ll be goodbye fake engagement, goodbye sheriff… goodbye heart.
Failing to tell him that my family is a bunch of professional thieves? Small oversight.
I left the Callahan family business years ago. These days I’m a law-abiding citizen. A photographer who takes nothing but pictures. A man who’s learned not to get greedy for anything… or anyone.
But my family hasn’t gotten that memo, so I expect my week at family camp to be filled with guilt-trippy attempts to lure me back into the fold.
Until Holden Axford comes along… and everything goes axe backwards.
Winsome’s gorgeous sheriff was supposed to be nothing more than a one-night-stand.
He doesn’t have a clue why I’m dreading this week, but he takes his protection game seriously.
So when he thinks I need a rescue, he steps in and declares himself my fiancé… and I’m too busy swooning to argue.
Now Holden’s sharing my bed, stealing kisses like Callahans steal Rembrandts, planning a camp heist (for fun, obvs!), and charming my family of criminals.
Our motto is ‘Callahans don’t get caught’ but nobody warned me about catching feelings.
Unfortunately, secrets don’t stay buried forever. And when someone forces the Callahans toward one last impossible job, protecting the family I love means becoming the man I swore I’d never be again.
But if Holden learns the truth about my past, it’ll be goodbye fake engagement, goodbye sheriff… goodbye heart.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
September 23, 2026
3.5 stars
A very entertaining read overall.
Even though I really liked the Callahan family, I enjoyed the parts that take place in Winsome more. The beginning is great. I even laughed a few times.
For some reason, I was less invested in the middle part of the story and the heist. It was a bit OTT and far-fetched, but it's not that it bothered me. I just didn't rush to continue reading.
There wasn't much of a relationship development in that part. Holden and Merritt are instantly attracted to each other and then they're just together, no matter what they call it. I did really like them both, though, and I found their chemistry believable. I thought they were adorable together.
Not sure what to think about the next couple. Not what I expected, but I'm looking forward to learn more. Rome and certain someone were really cute.
A very entertaining read overall.
Even though I really liked the Callahan family, I enjoyed the parts that take place in Winsome more. The beginning is great. I even laughed a few times.
For some reason, I was less invested in the middle part of the story and the heist. It was a bit OTT and far-fetched, but it's not that it bothered me. I just didn't rush to continue reading.
There wasn't much of a relationship development in that part. Holden and Merritt are instantly attracted to each other and then they're just together, no matter what they call it. I did really like them both, though, and I found their chemistry believable. I thought they were adorable together.
Not sure what to think about the next couple. Not what I expected, but I'm looking forward to learn more. Rome and certain someone were really cute.
September 21, 2026
Ugh, every time I pick up a new May Archer, my face instantly splits into a wide smile that doesn’t recede until the book is done 🥹
That was not different here! In fact I was smiling even harder because I read this with my girl Reem and neither of us could stop gushing about these two!! 💕💕
So, about the book: we have Holden, our fav Axford brother and Sheriff of Winsome who one morning wakes up next to the most GORGEOUS man he’s ever seen and is absolutely, irrevocably gone on him. Said stranger is Merritt: photographer, freckles owner, and oh yeah, unbeknownst to Holden, son of a very successful (and very charming) family of professional thieves lol
What follows is a whirlwind of a fake engagement, a very suspicious and heist heavy family camp, a glorious obstacle course (team Hold-itt all the way!!), heaps of protectiveness, banter and very tender feelings.
I LOVED the Callahans and all their shenanigans so much! GAH!!
And Holden and Merritt were absolutely perfect for each other. They made me laugh and swoon and cackle and even though the ending was sickeningly sweet, I was on cloud 9 with them by then so I didn’t mind too much 😅
This whole book made me kick my feet and clutch my kindle to my chest in pure JOY! Ugh 🥹
Also (!): do not miss out on the delightful bonus short story about Rome and a certain thief from the rival family! So much fun! 😍
4,5⭐️
That was not different here! In fact I was smiling even harder because I read this with my girl Reem and neither of us could stop gushing about these two!! 💕💕
So, about the book: we have Holden, our fav Axford brother and Sheriff of Winsome who one morning wakes up next to the most GORGEOUS man he’s ever seen and is absolutely, irrevocably gone on him. Said stranger is Merritt: photographer, freckles owner, and oh yeah, unbeknownst to Holden, son of a very successful (and very charming) family of professional thieves lol
What follows is a whirlwind of a fake engagement, a very suspicious and heist heavy family camp, a glorious obstacle course (team Hold-itt all the way!!), heaps of protectiveness, banter and very tender feelings.
I LOVED the Callahans and all their shenanigans so much! GAH!!
And Holden and Merritt were absolutely perfect for each other. They made me laugh and swoon and cackle and even though the ending was sickeningly sweet, I was on cloud 9 with them by then so I didn’t mind too much 😅
This whole book made me kick my feet and clutch my kindle to my chest in pure JOY! Ugh 🥹
Also (!): do not miss out on the delightful bonus short story about Rome and a certain thief from the rival family! So much fun! 😍
4,5⭐️
July 28, 2026
Dear May Archer,
Channing Tatum is not pretty.
This book was FUN. Pauline and I were giggling and screeching over each encounter; we basically took longer to read just because of the fangirling over each paragraph😆 it was such a fun reading experience and I’m hoping to have it again with the next book?
PS. I need Sinclair and Cat’s story🙏♥️
——
it's finally heeere!!! let's go Pauliiiine💃🏻💃🏻 or maybe after we both get back from work? #BRwithMyGermanTwinBestie
PREVIOUSLY ON AXFORD BROTHERS
And then all of a sudden, Holden lifts his head, like he can sense eyes on him.
His gaze locks with Merritt’s.
His whole face goes completely blank.
And he walks directly into the front pole of Flora’s tent.
[…]
“That’s the sheriff?” Merritt asks quietly, cheeks flushed pink.
Milo laughs. “That’s him, alright.”
“He’s usually more coordinated than that,” Ames says with a frown.
——
omgomgomg this says it will be published in sep, yes???!!!!!!! thank you ms. archer for you have made my month & a half🫶🫶🫶
the blurb sounds interesting, a family of thieves are you kidding me rn?!!!!!! as for the fake relationship, I hate those tropes but this is may archer so I’m not worried.
omgggg finally, holden -my favorite axford-’s book🙌
September 16, 2026
Family of thieves + small-town sheriff + freckled photographer + serious hijinks = buckets of fun (and one teeny tiny heist)
Holden & Merritt are so good together!
And I loved Merritt's crazy family (minus devious Devon, but he wasn't a real Callahan). They may be criminals, but they're good people.
The wrap-up of the heist was a bit silly, but this is a romance novel, not a thriller, so I'm not too mad about it.
Axe Backwards is hands down my favorite Axford Brothers book to date.
Holden & Merritt are so good together!
And I loved Merritt's crazy family (minus devious Devon, but he wasn't a real Callahan). They may be criminals, but they're good people.
The wrap-up of the heist was a bit silly, but this is a romance novel, not a thriller, so I'm not too mad about it.
Axe Backwards is hands down my favorite Axford Brothers book to date.
September 24, 2026
Just the happy glow-up I needed - May Archer at her best ❤️
This is definitely one of her best - yes, it’s a middle-of-a-series book, which doesn’t usually bode well because you’re usually bombarded with tons of people and couples you’re already supposed to know (but forgot about in the last months). This one is different: yes, we met some of the “old” people we know, but the main Axford brother we’re focusing on is Holden, the sheriff.
And what better love interest for him than a former criminal, from a “dynasty” of professional (now mostly retired) thieves, while organising a yearly heist/catch the flag thingy with a rival family?
I won’t spoil a thing (although May Archer doesn’t do big drama, and thankfully so), suffice to say that I laughed out loudly while reading/listening (and might have possibly kicked my feet, too), and I loved every minute of it.
If you want a carefree, good time with two very different, but adorable main (and side) characters, you can’t go wrong with this one.
4.5 stars rounded up, because every book that lifts you up so thoroughly deserves nothing less 🫶
This is definitely one of her best - yes, it’s a middle-of-a-series book, which doesn’t usually bode well because you’re usually bombarded with tons of people and couples you’re already supposed to know (but forgot about in the last months). This one is different: yes, we met some of the “old” people we know, but the main Axford brother we’re focusing on is Holden, the sheriff.
And what better love interest for him than a former criminal, from a “dynasty” of professional (now mostly retired) thieves, while organising a yearly heist/catch the flag thingy with a rival family?
I won’t spoil a thing (although May Archer doesn’t do big drama, and thankfully so), suffice to say that I laughed out loudly while reading/listening (and might have possibly kicked my feet, too), and I loved every minute of it.
If you want a carefree, good time with two very different, but adorable main (and side) characters, you can’t go wrong with this one.
4.5 stars rounded up, because every book that lifts you up so thoroughly deserves nothing less 🫶
September 15, 2026
This is my favourite May Archer book! I had SO much fun reading Holden and Merritt's story that I didn't want it to end!!
The whole reformed thief / sheriff trope was just so fun from beginning to end, not to mention the fake fiance aspect. I just loved how Merritt and Holden were head over heels and how their bond developed so quickly.
The Callahan family were thoroughly entertaining and I LOVED the training they were doing, and the whole camp in general. I would kill for a short story showing the Axfords taking part too - Ames and Robbie would be hilarious!
Devon was a giant cockwomble and I just wanted to shout at the dude to take a fucking hint already... he was exhausting!
Rome and Nico were also hilarious and I'm so happy they get a bonus short story because I was pretty obsessed with them too.
This was just such a joy to read and it's going to be hard for any other Axford pairing to top this book.
The whole reformed thief / sheriff trope was just so fun from beginning to end, not to mention the fake fiance aspect. I just loved how Merritt and Holden were head over heels and how their bond developed so quickly.
The Callahan family were thoroughly entertaining and I LOVED the training they were doing, and the whole camp in general. I would kill for a short story showing the Axfords taking part too - Ames and Robbie would be hilarious!
Devon was a giant cockwomble and I just wanted to shout at the dude to take a fucking hint already... he was exhausting!
Rome and Nico were also hilarious and I'm so happy they get a bonus short story because I was pretty obsessed with them too.
This was just such a joy to read and it's going to be hard for any other Axford pairing to top this book.
September 17, 2026
Overall, it's a fun read, featuring a loud, chaotic cast of extended family members just like the author's usual small-town romances. The author's signature humor kicks things off on a strong note in the first few chapters, making me laugh out loud multiple times. Plus, there are plenty of heart-pounding, high-heat moments scattered throughout.
However, since this story features a crime element, by my usual standards, the whole setup is just too ridiculous and unbelievable—the word 'reality' is nowhere to be found in its world-building manual. For example, who in their right mind in 2026 would believe that crucial criminal records are only logged in a single notebook, casually shoved on a bookshelf, and that first-time break-in thieves could pinpoint and steal that exact notebook in the middle of a whole library room? Not to mention, did nobody even stop to think if this was literally the only physical copy? Or whether there's such a thing as digital backup? Anyway, if I were to really get into it, I'd have to write an entire essay.
Also, Holden was such a fun character in the first two books—full of sarcastic wit—but in this story, I feel like those traits have worn off.
Finally, what drove me crazy the most was how draggy the story was. If they had chopped off at least a third of it, I probably would've given it a higher rating.
However, since this story features a crime element, by my usual standards, the whole setup is just too ridiculous and unbelievable—the word 'reality' is nowhere to be found in its world-building manual. For example, who in their right mind in 2026 would believe that crucial criminal records are only logged in a single notebook, casually shoved on a bookshelf, and that first-time break-in thieves could pinpoint and steal that exact notebook in the middle of a whole library room? Not to mention, did nobody even stop to think if this was literally the only physical copy? Or whether there's such a thing as digital backup? Anyway, if I were to really get into it, I'd have to write an entire essay.
Also, Holden was such a fun character in the first two books—full of sarcastic wit—but in this story, I feel like those traits have worn off.
Finally, what drove me crazy the most was how draggy the story was. If they had chopped off at least a third of it, I probably would've given it a higher rating.
October 3, 2026
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
🔐🖼️📓
A May Archer romance will never NOT be e v e r y t h i n g to me.
Her love stories are like comfort food and snuggles, and this series has been nothing but adorable fun so far!
I was hooked from page 1, enamoured by these two gorgeous babes who made me swoon and giggle and sigh dreamily. I was most especially fond of when the Callahan family business started to reveal itself, and the rom-com silliness kicked in, and everyone just got more and more endearing trying to keep 8673458926 secrets…and not just from Sheriff Sexy!
As playful as the vibe was, there was quite a bit of tender, emotional exploration when it came to Merry and his SUUUUPER LOVING family! Ahhhh soooo beautiful to read all the multi-gen love there! And everyone was just soooooo delightful! I love it when a romance is lovable all around, and not just centred on the MCs.
Merritt was a darling, freckled, green-eyed delight, with charm for miles, a multifaceted skillset, and insta-gone for the most controversial fake fiancé he could have ever brought to family camp! I was giddy with the scrambling way he tried to keep his family's business on the dl, and I ached for how deeply he yearned for a life that was free of the unlawful complications from his sketchy past. I didn't blame him, especially since he'd left the game behind years and years ago, and had worked really hard to be a successful photographer who captured vibes instead of lifting art with the fam.
Holden was just such a swoony, sexy-sweet, good time! He was utterly captivated by Merry, like to the point of silly rom-com chaos. He was big ol' thirsty asf heart eyes, and I found his "cute boy" trancing out amusing! His default though was "protect bae no matter what", which led to some fairy-tale fibbing, that eventually led to the tasty stuff, which then found its way home to the truest of truths.
There was only a paragraph of "oh nooo" before the highly entertaining, audacious, and completely expected antics, wrapped things up neatly. Merry and Holden's happily ever after was smushy and wonderful, and I love that another Axford bonus son gets to call Winsome his home now!
This series is a precious beauty and I CANNOT WAIT FOR MILO AND TRUE because omg THAT ENDING?!?!?
Hi.
GET. IN. MY HANDS. RIGHT NOW
please and thanks!
🔐🖼️📓
A May Archer romance will never NOT be e v e r y t h i n g to me.
Her love stories are like comfort food and snuggles, and this series has been nothing but adorable fun so far!
I was hooked from page 1, enamoured by these two gorgeous babes who made me swoon and giggle and sigh dreamily. I was most especially fond of when the Callahan family business started to reveal itself, and the rom-com silliness kicked in, and everyone just got more and more endearing trying to keep 8673458926 secrets…and not just from Sheriff Sexy!
As playful as the vibe was, there was quite a bit of tender, emotional exploration when it came to Merry and his SUUUUPER LOVING family! Ahhhh soooo beautiful to read all the multi-gen love there! And everyone was just soooooo delightful! I love it when a romance is lovable all around, and not just centred on the MCs.
Merritt was a darling, freckled, green-eyed delight, with charm for miles, a multifaceted skillset, and insta-gone for the most controversial fake fiancé he could have ever brought to family camp! I was giddy with the scrambling way he tried to keep his family's business on the dl, and I ached for how deeply he yearned for a life that was free of the unlawful complications from his sketchy past. I didn't blame him, especially since he'd left the game behind years and years ago, and had worked really hard to be a successful photographer who captured vibes instead of lifting art with the fam.
Holden was just such a swoony, sexy-sweet, good time! He was utterly captivated by Merry, like to the point of silly rom-com chaos. He was big ol' thirsty asf heart eyes, and I found his "cute boy" trancing out amusing! His default though was "protect bae no matter what", which led to some fairy-tale fibbing, that eventually led to the tasty stuff, which then found its way home to the truest of truths.
There was only a paragraph of "oh nooo" before the highly entertaining, audacious, and completely expected antics, wrapped things up neatly. Merry and Holden's happily ever after was smushy and wonderful, and I love that another Axford bonus son gets to call Winsome his home now!
This series is a precious beauty and I CANNOT WAIT FOR MILO AND TRUE because omg THAT ENDING?!?!?
Hi.
GET. IN. MY HANDS. RIGHT NOW
please and thanks!
Review of advance copy
Straight onto my Favourite Book list for this one, it had me smiling from start to finish and actually laughing out loud on numerous occasions.
I don't want to give too much away but the scenes at camp when Merritt takes Holden with him as his fake fiancé for the annual family get together are inspired madness!
May has delivered some of the funniest things I've read - without it straying into farcical comedy - in a long time.
Holden's been around the previous two books, he's Winsome's Sheriff, a by the rules kind of guy - or is he? Well, let's just say that as his feelings for Merritt grow, so does his willingness to go with the flow and perhaps some things might get a little bit bent along the way.
I adored Merritt's family, they were an absolute riot but I also loved that they loved him completely too, even though he'd left the family business of being in acquisitions for his life as a jobbing photographer.
The banter is en pointe throughout, as are the hijinks that everyone gets into while preparing for the annual camp heist, and Merritt and Holden get even more emotionally attached while also burning up the sheets of their too small double bed!
There wasn't a single thing that didn't work for me with this narrative, out there as it is, because May just writes things so well that you're willing to go along for the ride.
It's funny, it's heart-warming, it's about family and finding a place even when you've changed, it's about love and responsibilities and it's about showing up, even if you don't necessarily agree with what's happening.
Plus, there's also a bonus short story featuring one of Merritt's brothers and a rival family member which is also superb and just brings even more fun and frolics to the party!
Next up is Milo and True's romance and, if everything follows like the other Axford brothers' stories, it's going to be a cracker! Can't wait.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Give Me Books Promotions, I am voluntarily leaving a review
I don't want to give too much away but the scenes at camp when Merritt takes Holden with him as his fake fiancé for the annual family get together are inspired madness!
May has delivered some of the funniest things I've read - without it straying into farcical comedy - in a long time.
Holden's been around the previous two books, he's Winsome's Sheriff, a by the rules kind of guy - or is he? Well, let's just say that as his feelings for Merritt grow, so does his willingness to go with the flow and perhaps some things might get a little bit bent along the way.
I adored Merritt's family, they were an absolute riot but I also loved that they loved him completely too, even though he'd left the family business of being in acquisitions for his life as a jobbing photographer.
The banter is en pointe throughout, as are the hijinks that everyone gets into while preparing for the annual camp heist, and Merritt and Holden get even more emotionally attached while also burning up the sheets of their too small double bed!
There wasn't a single thing that didn't work for me with this narrative, out there as it is, because May just writes things so well that you're willing to go along for the ride.
It's funny, it's heart-warming, it's about family and finding a place even when you've changed, it's about love and responsibilities and it's about showing up, even if you don't necessarily agree with what's happening.
Plus, there's also a bonus short story featuring one of Merritt's brothers and a rival family member which is also superb and just brings even more fun and frolics to the party!
Next up is Milo and True's romance and, if everything follows like the other Axford brothers' stories, it's going to be a cracker! Can't wait.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Give Me Books Promotions, I am voluntarily leaving a review
September 19, 2026
3.5 Stars
I often don't much care for the 'fake fiancé' trope, but this was cute and fun.
I often don't much care for the 'fake fiancé' trope, but this was cute and fun.
September 23, 2026
I love this series so far, and Holden and Merritt’s book was so much fun. The Callahans remind me of that family of thieves from the Minions movie 😆
It did get a little emotional for me towards the end. I’m not one for usually showing much empathy, but I really felt for Merritt when he confesses to Holden. They’re a lush couple, and even though it happens super fast, we have the saying “ love at first sight” for a reason, don’t we?
I loved the plot line and the camp heist; it was all just so entertaining I couldn’t put the book down. It was great.
So excited for True and Milo’s story now though. I’m also off to read Rome and Nico’s little side story; she had me way too curious with all the little hints.
Definitely read this series if you haven’t already; it’s fun.
……………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and here is my honest review.
It did get a little emotional for me towards the end. I’m not one for usually showing much empathy, but I really felt for Merritt when he confesses to Holden. They’re a lush couple, and even though it happens super fast, we have the saying “ love at first sight” for a reason, don’t we?
I loved the plot line and the camp heist; it was all just so entertaining I couldn’t put the book down. It was great.
So excited for True and Milo’s story now though. I’m also off to read Rome and Nico’s little side story; she had me way too curious with all the little hints.
Definitely read this series if you haven’t already; it’s fun.
……………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and here is my honest review.
September 15, 2026
Pure and joyous, fake relationship romance!
“My time with Merritt feels like the truest thing I’ve experienced in years. Like I’ve been looking at the world through a dirty lens, and I’m finally seeing in color. Like I’ve been half- asleep, but now I’m awake.”
May Archer's books never fail to make me happy and Axe Backwards is no different! My cheeks hurt from how much this book made me smile. There was just something so pure and joyous about this story and I loved every second of it!
"Is it possible to die of adorable? Asking for a friend."
Holden and Merritt are so perfect for each other. These are two men who couldn't be more different. Holden's the law abiding, rule-following homebody while Merritt is the reformed thief, who's constantly flitting from one place to another. But where these two align is in their love and loyalty to the ones they care about. They love with their whole selves and it's no surprise that once they found each other, they fell so hard and fast.
"I want my camera in my hands right now. I want to preserve this moment for eternity so I don’t forget again. But I could take a thousand shots and still not capture everything I feel for Holden Axford."
I loved following these two as they went from fake fiance's to real love. The Callahan family camp was such an entertaining setting for this story. The adventures, the heisting, and the surprisingly wholesome family vibes just made this book so fun. I loved seeing Holden charm the Callahan clan and fall for them in return.
“You take what you want. You hear me, Merritt? It’s yours.”
For all the smiles this book gave me, it also had me shedding a few tears. Merritt's heart to heart with his family, and the moments when Holden and Merritt truly opened themselves up to each other were so sweet and they got me right in the feels. The way they confessed their feelings for each other was also so heartwarming and it just made me love them more.
"When you need me, wherever you need me, for as long as you need me… I’m with you.”
This might have been a fake relationship romance but there's nothing fake about these two. It's clear they belong together from the very beginning. From Merritt's constant delight for Holden's rule-following to Holden's protectiveness and his obsession with Merritt's freckles and pretty green eyes, I just couldn't help but fall in love alongside these two. If you're looking for a book to make you swoon and smile, I'd highly recommend picking this one up! And once you're done, be sure to pick up the bonus short because those two had me swooning too!
"But I don’t just want a future with Holden; I can freaking see it play out behind my eyelids. Days of talking and laughing and learning each other like a new language. Nights wrapped up tight-tight in his arms."
“My time with Merritt feels like the truest thing I’ve experienced in years. Like I’ve been looking at the world through a dirty lens, and I’m finally seeing in color. Like I’ve been half- asleep, but now I’m awake.”
May Archer's books never fail to make me happy and Axe Backwards is no different! My cheeks hurt from how much this book made me smile. There was just something so pure and joyous about this story and I loved every second of it!
"Is it possible to die of adorable? Asking for a friend."
Holden and Merritt are so perfect for each other. These are two men who couldn't be more different. Holden's the law abiding, rule-following homebody while Merritt is the reformed thief, who's constantly flitting from one place to another. But where these two align is in their love and loyalty to the ones they care about. They love with their whole selves and it's no surprise that once they found each other, they fell so hard and fast.
"I want my camera in my hands right now. I want to preserve this moment for eternity so I don’t forget again. But I could take a thousand shots and still not capture everything I feel for Holden Axford."
I loved following these two as they went from fake fiance's to real love. The Callahan family camp was such an entertaining setting for this story. The adventures, the heisting, and the surprisingly wholesome family vibes just made this book so fun. I loved seeing Holden charm the Callahan clan and fall for them in return.
“You take what you want. You hear me, Merritt? It’s yours.”
For all the smiles this book gave me, it also had me shedding a few tears. Merritt's heart to heart with his family, and the moments when Holden and Merritt truly opened themselves up to each other were so sweet and they got me right in the feels. The way they confessed their feelings for each other was also so heartwarming and it just made me love them more.
"When you need me, wherever you need me, for as long as you need me… I’m with you.”
This might have been a fake relationship romance but there's nothing fake about these two. It's clear they belong together from the very beginning. From Merritt's constant delight for Holden's rule-following to Holden's protectiveness and his obsession with Merritt's freckles and pretty green eyes, I just couldn't help but fall in love alongside these two. If you're looking for a book to make you swoon and smile, I'd highly recommend picking this one up! And once you're done, be sure to pick up the bonus short because those two had me swooning too!
"But I don’t just want a future with Holden; I can freaking see it play out behind my eyelids. Days of talking and laughing and learning each other like a new language. Nights wrapped up tight-tight in his arms."
September 29, 2026
THIS SERIES IS SO HARD FOR ME BECAUSE LIKE I really like May Archer's writing style, I like her characterization, I'm very interested in getting into her back catalog and seeing what else she's written. But in this specific series, she keeps landing on tropes and situations that I just don't resonate with. For me, a lie that's kept up over the course of the entire book (a lie between the couple, that is, not like a fake dating trope) is SO uncomfortable for me to sit in, especially after that lie kept going past 40%, past 50%, past 60%, I started speed reading just to get there. Which is really sad, because the premise of this was SUCH a fun story, I loved the Callahans, they were fascinating. So now this is in that rarefied category where I ultimately didn't enjoy the book but I would absolutely recommend it, because the not enjoying is for a very personal reason that won't affect most readers. Once it all came out and that situation played out, I was able to really settle into it, which was nice, but we were already in the climax of the book and then it was over. I wish I'd gotten to have more time of them actually happy together in a fully honest way, like to me all the happy times earlier in the book weren't actually happy because they were built on the lie, so I couldn't enjoy it along with them.
Also, it is and will always be fuck Devon hours, that dude needed to be shanked in the gut with his own cut-out tongue :)
Also, it is and will always be fuck Devon hours, that dude needed to be shanked in the gut with his own cut-out tongue :)
September 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
I absolutely loved this one! It was different from the other two with the stories but it worked perfectly! Still gave the vibes of the other books but unique!
I wasn’t sure how Holden’s character would be and I really liked getting to know the man behind the sheriff and brother. And I adored Merritt! I loved how he and his family had gotten a stronger bond. Plus the camp was so fun to read!
Really love this series and all the characters!!
🌶️🌶️.5
I absolutely loved this one! It was different from the other two with the stories but it worked perfectly! Still gave the vibes of the other books but unique!
I wasn’t sure how Holden’s character would be and I really liked getting to know the man behind the sheriff and brother. And I adored Merritt! I loved how he and his family had gotten a stronger bond. Plus the camp was so fun to read!
Really love this series and all the characters!!
October 4, 2026
i had a lot of fun reading this, considering i was in a foul mood because of previously read books...
September 28, 2026
A very easy, lighthearted read. Love this author and the Axford brothers!
This one is all about how the town sheriff, Holden, fell in love with an retired art thief, Merritt. They have a one night stand but since Merritt is a friend of Griffin of course they meet again, in the most spectacular way possible! Than Holden volunteered to drive Merritt to his family camp and decides to protect him from his ex by staying with him and spending the whole week with a family of thieves where they slowly but surely fall in love.
This one is all about how the town sheriff, Holden, fell in love with an retired art thief, Merritt. They have a one night stand but since Merritt is a friend of Griffin of course they meet again, in the most spectacular way possible! Than Holden volunteered to drive Merritt to his family camp and decides to protect him from his ex by staying with him and spending the whole week with a family of thieves where they slowly but surely fall in love.
September 20, 2026
Here's May Archer's latest: "Axe Backwards." It's the third novel in her Axford Brothers series.
["A fake engagement to the hot sheriff who escorted me to family camp? Weirdly delightful.
Failing to tell him that my family is a bunch of professional thieves? Small oversight.
I left the Callahan family business years ago. These days I’m a law-abiding citizen. A photographer who takes nothing but pictures. A man who’s learned not to get greedy for anything… or anyone.
But my family hasn’t gotten that memo, so I expect my week at family camp to be filled with guilt-trippy attempts to lure me back into the fold.
Until Holden Axford comes along… and everything goes axe backwards.
Winsome’s gorgeous sheriff was supposed to be nothing more than a one-night-stand.
He doesn’t have a clue why I’m dreading this week, but he takes his protection game seriously.
So when he thinks I need a rescue, he steps in and declares himself my fiancé… and I’m too busy swooning to argue.
Now Holden’s sharing my bed, stealing kisses like Callahans steal Rembrandts, planning a camp heist (for fun, obvs!), and charming my family of criminals.
Our motto is ‘Callahans don’t get caught’ but nobody warned me about catching feelings.
Unfortunately, secrets don’t stay buried forever. And when someone forces the Callahans toward one last impossible job, protecting the family I love means becoming the man I swore I’d never be again.
But if Holden learns the truth about my past, it’ll be goodbye fake engagement, goodbye sheriff… goodbye heart."]
Oh this entire thing was insanity. Giggling insanity.
I love how Merritt, sweet, kind, trying his fucking best Merritt has a wildly inappropriate (or Freudian-accurate) giggling-inducing "kink" for Holden's honesty--and the occasional lack there of. Holden: "Because he finds the strangest things about me charming, and I'm charmed that he's charmed, and we're locked in a charm feedback loop."
These two were perfect! They were perfect together, helping each other relax and live. Freedom and safety in strangers, strangers who met doing a lip-sync battle across a bar and...other shenanigans (talk about a fucking meet-cute). They lifted each other up, they supported each other. They did everything backwards, but a love story, a HEA, isn't always a straight line.
Yay for the bonus story with Rome and Nico!
I was hoping that Milo would get a HEA in this universe..somewhere, but I honestly didn't except his to be with True. Then again, opposites attract. Then again, they might not be as opposite-y as we think. I canNOT wait for the next book!
#kissmyaxe #hotaxe #axebackwards #axesandohs #mayarcher #axfordbrothers #axfordbrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["A fake engagement to the hot sheriff who escorted me to family camp? Weirdly delightful.
Failing to tell him that my family is a bunch of professional thieves? Small oversight.
I left the Callahan family business years ago. These days I’m a law-abiding citizen. A photographer who takes nothing but pictures. A man who’s learned not to get greedy for anything… or anyone.
But my family hasn’t gotten that memo, so I expect my week at family camp to be filled with guilt-trippy attempts to lure me back into the fold.
Until Holden Axford comes along… and everything goes axe backwards.
Winsome’s gorgeous sheriff was supposed to be nothing more than a one-night-stand.
He doesn’t have a clue why I’m dreading this week, but he takes his protection game seriously.
So when he thinks I need a rescue, he steps in and declares himself my fiancé… and I’m too busy swooning to argue.
Now Holden’s sharing my bed, stealing kisses like Callahans steal Rembrandts, planning a camp heist (for fun, obvs!), and charming my family of criminals.
Our motto is ‘Callahans don’t get caught’ but nobody warned me about catching feelings.
Unfortunately, secrets don’t stay buried forever. And when someone forces the Callahans toward one last impossible job, protecting the family I love means becoming the man I swore I’d never be again.
But if Holden learns the truth about my past, it’ll be goodbye fake engagement, goodbye sheriff… goodbye heart."]
Oh this entire thing was insanity. Giggling insanity.
I love how Merritt, sweet, kind, trying his fucking best Merritt has a wildly inappropriate (or Freudian-accurate) giggling-inducing "kink" for Holden's honesty--and the occasional lack there of. Holden: "Because he finds the strangest things about me charming, and I'm charmed that he's charmed, and we're locked in a charm feedback loop."
These two were perfect! They were perfect together, helping each other relax and live. Freedom and safety in strangers, strangers who met doing a lip-sync battle across a bar and...other shenanigans (talk about a fucking meet-cute). They lifted each other up, they supported each other. They did everything backwards, but a love story, a HEA, isn't always a straight line.
Yay for the bonus story with Rome and Nico!
I was hoping that Milo would get a HEA in this universe..somewhere, but I honestly didn't except his to be with True. Then again, opposites attract. Then again, they might not be as opposite-y as we think. I canNOT wait for the next book!
#kissmyaxe #hotaxe #axebackwards #axesandohs #mayarcher #axfordbrothers #axfordbrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
September 27, 2026
4.5/5 stars
This book grew on me. Early on, I was hovering around the 3-3.5 star range - cute and Hallmark-y. As the story unfolded, especially once they arrived at camp, it became more layered, the motivations more messy, and the characters started coming to life.
My enjoyment of the story steadily increased with each chapter. By the end, I was grinning like a fool and loving the character arcs; the way the two MMCs grew internally, particularly Holden and his willingness to embrace more nuance, brought things to a satisfying conclusion that has stuck with me more than I expected.
It's the first in the series that I've read, and now I'm looking forward to going back and filling in the other brothers and their stories. I'm most intrigued by quiet, shy True (the epilogue gives us a little peek into what comes next for him).
Holden and Merritt make a fun pair. While I didn't entirely buy Holden's spontaneous outburst that led to their fake engagement, once they were inside the lie, things really came to life. Devon made me want to punch him multiple times over; Merritt's nieces are freaking adorable and precocious (I will never forget Holden fumbling that baseball for eternity); Merritt's dad touched me deeply with his care; and of course, Merritt's brother sneaking around with his not-so-subtle crush... the ensemble at camp was what made this book so strong. I wanted to stay there longer, training and exploring and playing games that centered the kiddos, making smores, and soaking up the family as a whole.
Holden and Merry's chemistry is intense from the get go but it becomes more meaningful as they spend more time together. The spice slowly shifts as their relationship deepens, making the final spice scene explosive and meaningful. Their banter carries a current of its own; you can practically feel the room brighten whenever they share a scene (Holden's Brittney performance in the outfield deserves an award). There's something rare in how they animate each other. It's not just attraction, but a kind of mutual aliveness, and I found myself reading faster just to stay near it.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much. It's easy, sweet, funny, and the Callahan clan make this book as strong as it is.
This book grew on me. Early on, I was hovering around the 3-3.5 star range - cute and Hallmark-y. As the story unfolded, especially once they arrived at camp, it became more layered, the motivations more messy, and the characters started coming to life.
My enjoyment of the story steadily increased with each chapter. By the end, I was grinning like a fool and loving the character arcs; the way the two MMCs grew internally, particularly Holden and his willingness to embrace more nuance, brought things to a satisfying conclusion that has stuck with me more than I expected.
It's the first in the series that I've read, and now I'm looking forward to going back and filling in the other brothers and their stories. I'm most intrigued by quiet, shy True (the epilogue gives us a little peek into what comes next for him).
Holden and Merritt make a fun pair. While I didn't entirely buy Holden's spontaneous outburst that led to their fake engagement, once they were inside the lie, things really came to life. Devon made me want to punch him multiple times over; Merritt's nieces are freaking adorable and precocious (I will never forget Holden fumbling that baseball for eternity); Merritt's dad touched me deeply with his care; and of course, Merritt's brother sneaking around with his not-so-subtle crush... the ensemble at camp was what made this book so strong. I wanted to stay there longer, training and exploring and playing games that centered the kiddos, making smores, and soaking up the family as a whole.
Holden and Merry's chemistry is intense from the get go but it becomes more meaningful as they spend more time together. The spice slowly shifts as their relationship deepens, making the final spice scene explosive and meaningful. Their banter carries a current of its own; you can practically feel the room brighten whenever they share a scene (Holden's Brittney performance in the outfield deserves an award). There's something rare in how they animate each other. It's not just attraction, but a kind of mutual aliveness, and I found myself reading faster just to stay near it.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much. It's easy, sweet, funny, and the Callahan clan make this book as strong as it is.
October 3, 2026
What do you get when you put a small-town sheriff and a reformed thief in a tiny cabin together? This adorably entertaining romance! I had a blast getting to know the Callahan family on their family retreat, and Merritt and Holden's connection was the perfect black cat meets golden retriever energy. Sometimes when you meet someone, you just know they're going to be special, and that's exactly how I felt as I was reading. Merritt wasn't looking for attachments, and Holden was adamant he didn't need a relationship to be fulfilled in life, and yet when they were together they were the happiest, most authentic versions of themselves. Their fake engagement was laughably flimsy, and it was wild how quickly the two felt like partners when they'd only known each other for a handful of days. Over family bonding in the wilderness, dodging a pushy ex, and exploring the depths of their chemistry, Merritt and Holden built a solid foundation, only hampered by the big family secret Merritt was keeping. I grew to love each and every member of the Callahan family throughout the book, but the moral quandary of their profession was ever-present. I knew its reveal would be a make or break moment for Holden and Merritt, but what I didn't expect was to live out a real-life heist as part of the adventurous ending to their romance. I was impressed with the way May Archer developed the familial connections alongside the romance, an imperfectly loving cast of characters who wanted what was best for Merritt but didn't always know how to articulate it. I feel like all of them grew closer thanks to their experiences in this book, and I was really happy to see the life Merritt and Holden carved out for themselves in Winsome in the epilogue!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 17, 2026
An ex-thief turned photographer, Merritt, agrees to a fake engagement with Sheriff Holden Axford during a week-long family camp to dodge his family's pressure to rejoin their criminal empire. What starts as a convenient rescue by his former one-night stand quickly spirals as fake affection turns real. However, when a forced final heist threatens to expose Merritt's past, he risks losing both his reformed life and the sheriff who stole his heart.
I loved this book! Merritt's family of chaotic, professional thieves added so much humour and wild energy to the story, but the real heart of the book was the dynamic between Merritt and Holden. Watching Holden wrestle with his strict code of ethics versus his deep love for Merritt made for such compelling drama—he really had to decide what mattered most when the truth came out. The passion and emotional chemistry between them were off the charts from start to finish. Everything about the writing was accessible, making the feelings, stakes, and romance effortless to read and fall into. Plus, that ending was everything I could have asked for. Highly recommend if you love a fake-engagement romance packed with heart, heat, and a little bit of high-stakes crime! This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this book! Merritt's family of chaotic, professional thieves added so much humour and wild energy to the story, but the real heart of the book was the dynamic between Merritt and Holden. Watching Holden wrestle with his strict code of ethics versus his deep love for Merritt made for such compelling drama—he really had to decide what mattered most when the truth came out. The passion and emotional chemistry between them were off the charts from start to finish. Everything about the writing was accessible, making the feelings, stakes, and romance effortless to read and fall into. Plus, that ending was everything I could have asked for. Highly recommend if you love a fake-engagement romance packed with heart, heat, and a little bit of high-stakes crime! This was an MM story with mature content.
September 30, 2026
"Merritt Callahan - photographer, sometime thief, and f**ing SNACK"
Absolutely glorious, squeal-with-joy delightful cosy sweet small town romance with a low-stakes criminal twist.
May Archer has quickly become my go-to author for cosy MM romance, every book is guaranteed to be filled with characters you fall for with your whole heart, schmoopy moments and gleeful giggles, and Axe Backwards is no exception. Because most of the book takes place away from the town it's a mid-series book that is totally accessible to new readers if you want to dive in without starting from the beginning. Rule-following sheriff Holden and juvenile-criminal-turned-good Merritt are an absolute dynamite pair. I think I fell even more in love with Merry's freckles than Holden did...
September 16, 2026
This book was so swoony and so fun!
Between lip-synch battles, family heists (fake or otherwise), a sheriff who rediscovers how to have fun and a nomadic, ex-thief photographer who finds someone to call his home, this book was simply irresistible.
Holden and Merritt are both wonderful characters, and reading about them falling for each other was incredibly endearing. In Merritt’s sage words: “Is it possible to die of adorable?”… if it is, I might have a problem with these two!
Between lip-synch battles, family heists (fake or otherwise), a sheriff who rediscovers how to have fun and a nomadic, ex-thief photographer who finds someone to call his home, this book was simply irresistible.
Holden and Merritt are both wonderful characters, and reading about them falling for each other was incredibly endearing. In Merritt’s sage words: “Is it possible to die of adorable?”… if it is, I might have a problem with these two!
September 25, 2026
Oh May, what have you done to us with this book?
You’ve created a story where the characters are such a perfect match that you can’t help but wish them nothing but love and happiness. The humor, sharp dialogue, and chemistry draw you into a fantastic tale.
With this, May delivers a truly heartwarming story.
You’ve created a story where the characters are such a perfect match that you can’t help but wish them nothing but love and happiness. The humor, sharp dialogue, and chemistry draw you into a fantastic tale.
With this, May delivers a truly heartwarming story.
October 3, 2026
Axe Backwards is the third book in the Axford Brothers series, it can be read as a standalone but I think is better in order. This is a fake dating, opposites attract, a ONS to more, forced proximity, only one bed read about Merritt and Holden. I loved this book so much, it has been such a fun series and I can't wait to see what comes next.
September 17, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: MM Romance
POV: Dual 1st person
Tropes: Fake fiancé, Law-abiding sheriff/Reformed thief, Forced proximity, FWB to lovers
This is the third book in May Archer’s Axford Brothers series. I loved both of the first books, and I’ve been looking forward to this one!
Holden is the perpetual bachelor and while he’s a white knight by day, by night he’s a love ‘em and leave ‘em kinda guy. When he accidentally wakes up in bed with his latest hookup, he’s in a panic. He never sleeps over. One, he doesn’t want to give his hookups the wrong idea, and two, most of his hookups are tourists staying in his mom’s B&B. . .and who wants to do the walk of shame in front of their mother?
Merritt is only in town for a day before he’s supposed to go on an isolated vacation with all of his family. While he’s a renowned photographer, his family are all “professionals” (AKA. . .thieves). When Merritt’s ride has to bail on him, Holden volunteers to drive him five hours to the campground his family always stays at.
Holden is besotted with Merritt and can’t figure out why. Every time he’s near him, he’s a bumbling mess and his big mouth gets both of them in trouble when Holden says the wrong thing in front of the wrong person. One mis-timed joke and now Holden and Merritt have to pretend to be engaged for the week.
And did I mention that Merritt’s ex is also on this family getaway? And Devon is bound and determined to not only get Merritt back romantically, but professionally as well.
This book had me laughing, swooning, and crying before we finally make it to the HEA. I had no idea how May was going to resolve the conflict of a Sheriff accepting a family of thieves, but she did it and it was just about perfect.
We’ve got one more brother left. . .and a cousin, too. . .so I’m sure we’ll be getting more of the Axford family soon!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: MM Romance
POV: Dual 1st person
Tropes: Fake fiancé, Law-abiding sheriff/Reformed thief, Forced proximity, FWB to lovers
This is the third book in May Archer’s Axford Brothers series. I loved both of the first books, and I’ve been looking forward to this one!
Holden is the perpetual bachelor and while he’s a white knight by day, by night he’s a love ‘em and leave ‘em kinda guy. When he accidentally wakes up in bed with his latest hookup, he’s in a panic. He never sleeps over. One, he doesn’t want to give his hookups the wrong idea, and two, most of his hookups are tourists staying in his mom’s B&B. . .and who wants to do the walk of shame in front of their mother?
Merritt is only in town for a day before he’s supposed to go on an isolated vacation with all of his family. While he’s a renowned photographer, his family are all “professionals” (AKA. . .thieves). When Merritt’s ride has to bail on him, Holden volunteers to drive him five hours to the campground his family always stays at.
Holden is besotted with Merritt and can’t figure out why. Every time he’s near him, he’s a bumbling mess and his big mouth gets both of them in trouble when Holden says the wrong thing in front of the wrong person. One mis-timed joke and now Holden and Merritt have to pretend to be engaged for the week.
And did I mention that Merritt’s ex is also on this family getaway? And Devon is bound and determined to not only get Merritt back romantically, but professionally as well.
This book had me laughing, swooning, and crying before we finally make it to the HEA. I had no idea how May was going to resolve the conflict of a Sheriff accepting a family of thieves, but she did it and it was just about perfect.
We’ve got one more brother left. . .and a cousin, too. . .so I’m sure we’ll be getting more of the Axford family soon!
September 28, 2026
Swoon worthy
I have absolutely loved all the books in this series. But this one has made it to the top. I could barely put it down. I would even wake up during the night and want to pick it up. So worth the read. Loved it!
I have absolutely loved all the books in this series. But this one has made it to the top. I could barely put it down. I would even wake up during the night and want to pick it up. So worth the read. Loved it!
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