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Axedale #3
Wooing the Farmer
Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart, highly successful clean-eating food vlogger and owner of the website Penny’s Kitchen, is looking for a new direction for her brand. At least that’s what she tells herself when she retreats to Axedale to record a new web series and write a cookbook. That sounds so much better than damage control after her only live, on-screen interview ends in an oh-so-public epileptic seizure.
Farmer Sam McQuade is immediately attracted to Penelope, but the ultra femme and high maintenance city girl seems way out of her league. When Penelope struggles to get her health on track, Quade insists on being her knight in shining armor, much to Penelope’s displeasure. Quade is annoyingly good-looking, not to mention kindhearted, and falling for her would be so easy. If only it didn’t force Penelope to face the secrets she’s hidden from everyone. Can love alone bring a complex city girl and a simple rural farmer together?
76,000
Cover Sheri Halal
Contemporary / Romance
Weddings, Friends & Community, Disability, Food, Small Town Romances, Virgins/First Love
Farmer Sam McQuade is immediately attracted to Penelope, but the ultra femme and high maintenance city girl seems way out of her league. When Penelope struggles to get her health on track, Quade insists on being her knight in shining armor, much to Penelope’s displeasure. Quade is annoyingly good-looking, not to mention kindhearted, and falling for her would be so easy. If only it didn’t force Penelope to face the secrets she’s hidden from everyone. Can love alone bring a complex city girl and a simple rural farmer together?
76,000
Cover Sheri Halal
Contemporary / Romance
Weddings, Friends & Community, Disability, Food, Small Town Romances, Virgins/First Love
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2019
61 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Frame
30 books446 followersJenny Frame is from the small town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she lives with her partner, Lou, and their well loved and very spoiled dog. She has a diverse range of qualifications, including a BA in public management and a diploma in acting and performance. Nowadays, she likes to put her creative energies into writing rather than treading the boards. When not writing or reading, Jenny loves cheering on her local football team, which is not always an easy task!
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 5, 2019
3.5 Stars. This is the third and potential final book in Frame’s Axedale series. I’m happy to say I thought it was better than the second book (which was barely average in my opinion) and about on par to how enjoyable the first book was. You do not need to read this series in order. Each individual romance does stand on its own. However, the characters from both previous books do make appearances in this one. One of the parts I enjoyed was catching up with past characters so you would miss that feeling if you only read this book.
This was one of Frame’s classic butch/femme romances. You have Quade the sexy butch farmer and Penny the socialite. When it came to these two mains Quade is easy to love. She is basically perfect. Quade is not really my type, but make a real life version of her and even I’d date her. But that is also part of the problem, Quade is too perfect. And because she is so kind and patient and sweet, she is almost missing a little depth. Not having any flaws made her feel a little shallow of a character. On the other side Penny is not easy to like. She comes across as a Paris Hilton type except she does have a business brain. Her character is extremely hot and cold and it made me wonder why Quade was so attracted to her. At least in the beginning it seemed like Quade only liked for her looks since there was not much substance beyond that. Penny did get better as the book went on, but Frame barely pulled off making her likeable enough.
The romance part was perfectly fine. If you could put your feelings of Penny to the side is was a decent romance that had some chemistry and good sex scenes. Again, it did feel a little on the surface for me. This is not a deep book at all so don’t go reading it expecting that.
I’m left with the opinion of having read a good but not great romance. If you are just looking for a lighter beach read, fluff type book, this may be for you. There was nothing really deep or anything that wowed me, but it was a perfectly fine read.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This was one of Frame’s classic butch/femme romances. You have Quade the sexy butch farmer and Penny the socialite. When it came to these two mains Quade is easy to love. She is basically perfect. Quade is not really my type, but make a real life version of her and even I’d date her. But that is also part of the problem, Quade is too perfect. And because she is so kind and patient and sweet, she is almost missing a little depth. Not having any flaws made her feel a little shallow of a character. On the other side Penny is not easy to like. She comes across as a Paris Hilton type except she does have a business brain. Her character is extremely hot and cold and it made me wonder why Quade was so attracted to her. At least in the beginning it seemed like Quade only liked for her looks since there was not much substance beyond that. Penny did get better as the book went on, but Frame barely pulled off making her likeable enough.
The romance part was perfectly fine. If you could put your feelings of Penny to the side is was a decent romance that had some chemistry and good sex scenes. Again, it did feel a little on the surface for me. This is not a deep book at all so don’t go reading it expecting that.
I’m left with the opinion of having read a good but not great romance. If you are just looking for a lighter beach read, fluff type book, this may be for you. There was nothing really deep or anything that wowed me, but it was a perfectly fine read.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
February 19, 2019
I have given the other books in the Axedale series 3* and I think I actually need to bump Wooing the Farmer up because, of the three, it was my favorite. Quade’s was a story I was looking forward to based on her presence in Charming the Vicar. Of all the Frame characters I’ve been introduced to she seemed to be the most down-to-earth and real.
After having an epileptic seizure on live television, Penny has been staying in the care of her parents for the last 6 months and she needs to get out from under their watch. While she loves them very much, she is really motivated to regain her independence and get her highly-successful business moving forward once more. Her business partner decides that a jaunt in the country would be a good idea, so Penny heads to Axedale to start a new country-based web series and write a country-based cookbook.
Quade is the hottest butch to ever butch, but then again, all Frame’s butches are. She owns a farm in Axedale and is assistant estate manager at Harry’s (MC from book 1) familial estate. While she keeps herself busy, she is also very lonely and all she dreams of is a beautiful femme who wants to be a farmer’s wife. Her expectations that this dream will ever come true are stymied because of the small country setting in which she lives.
Introduce beautiful femme mentioned above, and our story begins.
As a reader, Penny is slow to warm up to because she is characterized much like any stereotypical socialite. As the layers started falling from who Penny presents to the world, and we begin to discover who she really is, it was easy to see why Quade would fall for her. I was particularly impressed with how Frame handled the subject of epilepsy and its effects on a person’s psyche.
Overall, I found Wooing the Farmer well written and entertaining and I was not disappointed in my time spent with these characters. There are certainly aspects of Frame’s books that are cookie cutter, but when you’re in the mood for what she delivers, you know where to go. Standard Frame: butch/femme, everyone is so bloody hot, overly nice/perfect butch with a spicy femme, immediate attraction and sparks for days. If you’re in the mood for a gentle romance with all of that, have a go at it.
Recommend to current fans of Frame’s work and general romance fans. 3.5* rounded up.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
After having an epileptic seizure on live television, Penny has been staying in the care of her parents for the last 6 months and she needs to get out from under their watch. While she loves them very much, she is really motivated to regain her independence and get her highly-successful business moving forward once more. Her business partner decides that a jaunt in the country would be a good idea, so Penny heads to Axedale to start a new country-based web series and write a country-based cookbook.
Quade is the hottest butch to ever butch, but then again, all Frame’s butches are. She owns a farm in Axedale and is assistant estate manager at Harry’s (MC from book 1) familial estate. While she keeps herself busy, she is also very lonely and all she dreams of is a beautiful femme who wants to be a farmer’s wife. Her expectations that this dream will ever come true are stymied because of the small country setting in which she lives.
Introduce beautiful femme mentioned above, and our story begins.
As a reader, Penny is slow to warm up to because she is characterized much like any stereotypical socialite. As the layers started falling from who Penny presents to the world, and we begin to discover who she really is, it was easy to see why Quade would fall for her. I was particularly impressed with how Frame handled the subject of epilepsy and its effects on a person’s psyche.
Overall, I found Wooing the Farmer well written and entertaining and I was not disappointed in my time spent with these characters. There are certainly aspects of Frame’s books that are cookie cutter, but when you’re in the mood for what she delivers, you know where to go. Standard Frame: butch/femme, everyone is so bloody hot, overly nice/perfect butch with a spicy femme, immediate attraction and sparks for days. If you’re in the mood for a gentle romance with all of that, have a go at it.
Recommend to current fans of Frame’s work and general romance fans. 3.5* rounded up.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
February 15, 2019
When I started reading this I was absolutely certain I was going to hate it after being introduced to Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart in the first few pages. She’s a fluffy heiress who has created a business by becoming an icon of fashion, trendy health food and clean-eating meal preparation on social media. She still calls her parents ‘mummy’ and ‘daddy’, has a Ferrari with a driver and carries around a handbag dog, with her own outfits and shoes, named Princess Something-Ridiculous. She’s decided to get away from London, after having a seizure on live television, to a farmhouse in Axedale that she’s rented from a friend. Her meeting of neighbouring farmer Sam McQuade has her heart fluttering but she’s not about to let anybody in.
I ended up not hating Penny and quite enjoyed her ridiculous outfits, antics and the dissolving of her stubbornness. Sam, on the other hand, could have been given something to make her a little less than perfect or have some quirk to give her more than just being safe, honourable and safe. Yes, I said safe twice because she’s very safe. I liked the epilepsy aspect to the story, partly because I haven’t come across it in lesfic yet and partly because it gave Penny an interesting aspect to her character.
Although it’s part of the Axedale series, I don’t think the books need to be read in order. I haven’t read many books by Frame but she does seem to like the gentle butch/fiery femme pairing which is nice once in a while but I prefer things to be shaken up a bit. It might just be sheer luck that I’ve chosen books by her that are fairly similar. I enjoyed the read and it was a pleasant way to while away some time.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I ended up not hating Penny and quite enjoyed her ridiculous outfits, antics and the dissolving of her stubbornness. Sam, on the other hand, could have been given something to make her a little less than perfect or have some quirk to give her more than just being safe, honourable and safe. Yes, I said safe twice because she’s very safe. I liked the epilepsy aspect to the story, partly because I haven’t come across it in lesfic yet and partly because it gave Penny an interesting aspect to her character.
Although it’s part of the Axedale series, I don’t think the books need to be read in order. I haven’t read many books by Frame but she does seem to like the gentle butch/fiery femme pairing which is nice once in a while but I prefer things to be shaken up a bit. It might just be sheer luck that I’ve chosen books by her that are fairly similar. I enjoyed the read and it was a pleasant way to while away some time.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
February 17, 2019
'Wooing the Farmer' is a truly tender love story.
It is the 3rd installment of the 'Axedale' series, but it can be read as a stand-a-lone. The only piece that wasn't explained for me was a vicar's previous nickname that was referenced. It did not impact understanding of the story, however.
This is the story of Penny, a high-maintenance-girly-girl, that travels to Axedale to rebuild her lifestyle brand by doing some work around country living. There is a gorgeous butch farmer, Quade, that owns the property next door to the cottage Penny is staying in. Because of Penny's debilitating epileptic condition, she is standoffish to any help Quade offers, but does she have the fortitude to continue rejecting the swoon worthy courting?
Penny's fears as a result of her epilepsy gives this story a beautiful depth I was not expecting. I found myself very sympathetic toward her character and understanding why she could be so cold, build walls, and ultimately run away from potential feelings. Then throw in a handsome and nurturing next door neighbor that is set on helping Penny through her insecurities, and you have the ingredients for an organic and healthy romance
I enjoyed the intimate scenes. Although explicit, there were major undertones of love and affection that allowed me to connect with the scenes and feel less embarrassment than I usually do with depictions of sex in books.
There were several missing words here and there. And one time there was a reference to the wrong person's name. And I have no idea what happened to Penny's brother Hugo. He was mentioned in the beginning but never heard from again.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. I recommend it for those who like clean and intuitive eating, enemies to lovers trope, and relationships built on deep connections/experiences.
I was provided and ARC through Netgalley from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review
It is the 3rd installment of the 'Axedale' series, but it can be read as a stand-a-lone. The only piece that wasn't explained for me was a vicar's previous nickname that was referenced. It did not impact understanding of the story, however.
This is the story of Penny, a high-maintenance-girly-girl, that travels to Axedale to rebuild her lifestyle brand by doing some work around country living. There is a gorgeous butch farmer, Quade, that owns the property next door to the cottage Penny is staying in. Because of Penny's debilitating epileptic condition, she is standoffish to any help Quade offers, but does she have the fortitude to continue rejecting the swoon worthy courting?
Penny's fears as a result of her epilepsy gives this story a beautiful depth I was not expecting. I found myself very sympathetic toward her character and understanding why she could be so cold, build walls, and ultimately run away from potential feelings. Then throw in a handsome and nurturing next door neighbor that is set on helping Penny through her insecurities, and you have the ingredients for an organic and healthy romance
I enjoyed the intimate scenes. Although explicit, there were major undertones of love and affection that allowed me to connect with the scenes and feel less embarrassment than I usually do with depictions of sex in books.
There were several missing words here and there. And one time there was a reference to the wrong person's name. And I have no idea what happened to Penny's brother Hugo. He was mentioned in the beginning but never heard from again.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. I recommend it for those who like clean and intuitive eating, enemies to lovers trope, and relationships built on deep connections/experiences.
I was provided and ARC through Netgalley from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review
December 8, 2019
4.5 Stars for the third book in Jenny Frame's Axedale series.
This is a nice, pleasant addition to the series. Looking back, I called it in my review of the first book, Courting the Countess - hoping for a Bridget/Vicar or Quade sequel. Well, Bridget's book was #2 (Charming the Vicar). I really didn't care for #2 but I loved both #1 and this book #3. I can't decide which I liked best, maybe because it was first, #1. Its probably not necessary to read #1 & 2 before this book, but I'd recommend #1 to be introduced to the main characters.
In this book we find popular and successful videoBlogger/social media and cookbook author Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart visiting the "Country" for a few months to prepare for her next venture in healthy cooking. Penny comes from a very accomplished and "posh" family - great-great-grandfather was prime minister and her immediate family are notable scholars and her mom a politician and advocate. Penny was hampered by growing up with dyslexia and epilepsy and did not go to college but worked hard to find her place. Penny rents a cottage in Axelrod to work on her new Country Cookbook and videoblog.
Quade is a farmer and asst. Estate Manager of Axelrod Estate and is Penny's neighbor. She is a typical Frame character - a handsome butch in contrast to femme Penny. I think you can figure out where this romance book goes from here. If you are looking for a well written, fluff romance - throw in dogs, Alpacas, and to revisit Axerod characters - this book is for you!
Huh. This book is basically book #1 in reverse. Book #1 you have butch Countess Harry and cook/maid Anne vs. "posh" Penny and Farmer Quade.
***BTW: Book #4 MC is hinted in the last line of this book, that it might center on Harry & Anne's daughter Riley. I assume it takes place a few years in the future.
This is a nice, pleasant addition to the series. Looking back, I called it in my review of the first book, Courting the Countess - hoping for a Bridget/Vicar or Quade sequel. Well, Bridget's book was #2 (Charming the Vicar). I really didn't care for #2 but I loved both #1 and this book #3. I can't decide which I liked best, maybe because it was first, #1. Its probably not necessary to read #1 & 2 before this book, but I'd recommend #1 to be introduced to the main characters.
In this book we find popular and successful videoBlogger/social media and cookbook author Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart visiting the "Country" for a few months to prepare for her next venture in healthy cooking. Penny comes from a very accomplished and "posh" family - great-great-grandfather was prime minister and her immediate family are notable scholars and her mom a politician and advocate. Penny was hampered by growing up with dyslexia and epilepsy and did not go to college but worked hard to find her place. Penny rents a cottage in Axelrod to work on her new Country Cookbook and videoblog.
Quade is a farmer and asst. Estate Manager of Axelrod Estate and is Penny's neighbor. She is a typical Frame character - a handsome butch in contrast to femme Penny. I think you can figure out where this romance book goes from here. If you are looking for a well written, fluff romance - throw in dogs, Alpacas, and to revisit Axerod characters - this book is for you!
Huh. This book is basically book #1 in reverse. Book #1 you have butch Countess Harry and cook/maid Anne vs. "posh" Penny and Farmer Quade.
***BTW: Book #4 MC is hinted in the last line of this book, that it might center on Harry & Anne's daughter Riley. I assume it takes place a few years in the future.
March 16, 2019
I dont know why but my Amazon review did not travel over and I'm too lazy to fully rewrite it. I will say this is a decent read especially if you have been following the series. Its not as good as the other two and that was disappointing because I really liked Quaid and wanted her to have a really good story. Dont know if this is the last one or if we will get a future one with Riley as a possible story along with the three couples. 3.5*
March 3, 2019
This book, like all of Jenny Frames are just one major swoon. I think I lust after most butch protagonists she writes but Sam McQuade was something special.
Sam McQuade is handsome, sweet and an all together good person. All she wants is to meet the woman that she can adore, who will enjoy being a farmers wife in the small village of Axedale. When Penelope comes racing into town with her personal brand, abundance of social media followers and famous cooking blog, she is a force to be reckoned with. Sam and Penelope connect straight away but something is holding Penelope back and it just seems to intrigue sexy Sam more. As she slowly lets Sam in behind her walls, Penelope discovers that Sam might be the only one for her.
I absolutely adored this book. Once again, Jenny Frame just hits the spot for me with her butch/femme trope. I loved the old fashioned idea of Sam courting Penny while secretly Penny is trying to woo Sam, it just made gave all the feels. The intricacies of their relationship are quite different to those of the other characters in the Axedale series and it just made them more unique and me more intrigued with every chapter.
When Penelope comes to town I got the impression she was a little stuck up and spoilt but as Jenny Frame avails facets of her personality, I really began to see what a beautiful person she is and that she hides her true self almost as protection. It’s almost a given that Sam and Penelope are attracted to one another but it's Penny’s honesty that made me realise how special she was and why she and Sam need to take things slow... you’ll realise what I mean more when you read the book but there is more to Penny’s story than meets the eye.
What's great about a series like this is that we get to catch up with old friends from the last two books and it's really great to do so. When I started this novel I really hoped Sam and Penelope's storyline wasn’t going to be the last in the series but in the very last scene in this book, Harry and Annie (from Courting the Countess book) are chatting and their closing statement (or play on words) made me feel that this may not be the end... I'm incredibly hopeful.
5 stars
Sam McQuade is handsome, sweet and an all together good person. All she wants is to meet the woman that she can adore, who will enjoy being a farmers wife in the small village of Axedale. When Penelope comes racing into town with her personal brand, abundance of social media followers and famous cooking blog, she is a force to be reckoned with. Sam and Penelope connect straight away but something is holding Penelope back and it just seems to intrigue sexy Sam more. As she slowly lets Sam in behind her walls, Penelope discovers that Sam might be the only one for her.
I absolutely adored this book. Once again, Jenny Frame just hits the spot for me with her butch/femme trope. I loved the old fashioned idea of Sam courting Penny while secretly Penny is trying to woo Sam, it just made gave all the feels. The intricacies of their relationship are quite different to those of the other characters in the Axedale series and it just made them more unique and me more intrigued with every chapter.
When Penelope comes to town I got the impression she was a little stuck up and spoilt but as Jenny Frame avails facets of her personality, I really began to see what a beautiful person she is and that she hides her true self almost as protection. It’s almost a given that Sam and Penelope are attracted to one another but it's Penny’s honesty that made me realise how special she was and why she and Sam need to take things slow... you’ll realise what I mean more when you read the book but there is more to Penny’s story than meets the eye.
What's great about a series like this is that we get to catch up with old friends from the last two books and it's really great to do so. When I started this novel I really hoped Sam and Penelope's storyline wasn’t going to be the last in the series but in the very last scene in this book, Harry and Annie (from Courting the Countess book) are chatting and their closing statement (or play on words) made me feel that this may not be the end... I'm incredibly hopeful.
5 stars
March 16, 2019
Warm-hearted and well written romance. No angst. I liked it, though not as much as the first book in this series. But I can recommend this one too. I hope there will be a new book after this one because I would like to know how the lives of three couples in this series are developing. 3.8 stars
May 11, 2025
Simply amazing!
A smoking hot, down to earth farmer butch and a stubborn gorgeous city girl. A city girl who hides her fears and her true self for everybody. I really enjoyed watching the determination of Penny to avoid any romantic commitment, the push and pull and how they came to terms with how they felt for one another. And of course I liked how the couples from the previous two installments are now the supporting characters. This is an alluring, slow burn romance with a lot of passionate, emotional feelings. Jenny Frame knows how to capture her readers. Well done!
A smoking hot, down to earth farmer butch and a stubborn gorgeous city girl. A city girl who hides her fears and her true self for everybody. I really enjoyed watching the determination of Penny to avoid any romantic commitment, the push and pull and how they came to terms with how they felt for one another. And of course I liked how the couples from the previous two installments are now the supporting characters. This is an alluring, slow burn romance with a lot of passionate, emotional feelings. Jenny Frame knows how to capture her readers. Well done!
August 31, 2019
This was a really sweet story. So sweet I’ll consider seriously moving to Axedale!
March 1, 2019
There's just something about Frame's writing that is both amusing and annoying. I enjoy the premises of the stories for the most part, and characters are well written. But then she really pulls on one of her characters being an over the top personality that uses it as a wall between her and others. The second character is perfect to a fault. In some cases it makes it boring, and then when they do something out of character, for the sake of plot, I'm often left wondering why that particular plot point set that character off. It often doesn't pan out.
I found that Penny, our ultra feminine socialite turned businesswoman to be annoyingly stuck up at first, but saw that there were some layers to her. The fierce need to be in control and independent because of her epilepsy is spot on. She melts little by little in the wake of Sam McQuade's persistent willingness to just be there wher characters being an over the top personality that uses it as a wall between her and others. The second character is perfect to a fault. In some cases it makes it boring, and then when they do something out of character, for the sake of plot, I'm often left wondering why that particular plot point set that character off. It often doesn't pan out. n she needs it. Quade is a little to perfect in that she seems too good at reading Penny's moods and what drives her even though the just met. I think I would have liked it if Quade's need to be helpful came off as being a "white Knight" type thing, and Penny has to show her that she doesn't always need the help. That way it would feel like Quade and Penny need to learn from each other. The way the story is set up, Quade is perfectly equipped to handle Penny when she's in a fit and how to handle her need to be independent. So most of the learning is done by Penny, and that just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.
I did love the setting of Axedale. The descriptions of the lush country were amazing and Penny's business fit right in with the country life. I also liked Quade's reaction to Penny's recipe's and substitutions for her clean living brand. When Penny gets to actually teach Quade about what Penny does for a living, I think that's when the book shines. Penny softens, but also shows her business acumen, and Quade is an eager, if skeptical student. It's adorable and I love it.
I found that Penny, our ultra feminine socialite turned businesswoman to be annoyingly stuck up at first, but saw that there were some layers to her. The fierce need to be in control and independent because of her epilepsy is spot on. She melts little by little in the wake of Sam McQuade's persistent willingness to just be there when she needs it. Quade is a little to perfect in that she seems too good at reading Penny's moods and what drives her even though the just met. I think I would have liked it if Quade's need to be helpful came off as being a "white Knight" type thing, and Penny has to show her that she doesn't always need the help. That way it would feel like Quade and Penny need to learn from each other. The way the story is set up, Quade is perfectly equipped to handle Penny when she's in a fit and how to handle her need to be independent. So most of the learning is done by Penny, and that just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.
Over all, though, if you're a fan of Femme/Butch romances or Frame, you'll enjoy this one very much.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I found that Penny, our ultra feminine socialite turned businesswoman to be annoyingly stuck up at first, but saw that there were some layers to her. The fierce need to be in control and independent because of her epilepsy is spot on. She melts little by little in the wake of Sam McQuade's persistent willingness to just be there wher characters being an over the top personality that uses it as a wall between her and others. The second character is perfect to a fault. In some cases it makes it boring, and then when they do something out of character, for the sake of plot, I'm often left wondering why that particular plot point set that character off. It often doesn't pan out. n she needs it. Quade is a little to perfect in that she seems too good at reading Penny's moods and what drives her even though the just met. I think I would have liked it if Quade's need to be helpful came off as being a "white Knight" type thing, and Penny has to show her that she doesn't always need the help. That way it would feel like Quade and Penny need to learn from each other. The way the story is set up, Quade is perfectly equipped to handle Penny when she's in a fit and how to handle her need to be independent. So most of the learning is done by Penny, and that just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.
I did love the setting of Axedale. The descriptions of the lush country were amazing and Penny's business fit right in with the country life. I also liked Quade's reaction to Penny's recipe's and substitutions for her clean living brand. When Penny gets to actually teach Quade about what Penny does for a living, I think that's when the book shines. Penny softens, but also shows her business acumen, and Quade is an eager, if skeptical student. It's adorable and I love it.
I found that Penny, our ultra feminine socialite turned businesswoman to be annoyingly stuck up at first, but saw that there were some layers to her. The fierce need to be in control and independent because of her epilepsy is spot on. She melts little by little in the wake of Sam McQuade's persistent willingness to just be there when she needs it. Quade is a little to perfect in that she seems too good at reading Penny's moods and what drives her even though the just met. I think I would have liked it if Quade's need to be helpful came off as being a "white Knight" type thing, and Penny has to show her that she doesn't always need the help. That way it would feel like Quade and Penny need to learn from each other. The way the story is set up, Quade is perfectly equipped to handle Penny when she's in a fit and how to handle her need to be independent. So most of the learning is done by Penny, and that just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.
Over all, though, if you're a fan of Femme/Butch romances or Frame, you'll enjoy this one very much.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 3, 2019
Wooing the Farmer is the 3rd book in the Axedale Series and sometimes this can be a problem if you haven’t read the others and often times not. I definitely felt the gaps while I was reading this book, mostly because the secondary characters were so integral to the storyline. I had no reference point so I kept feeling like I was mentally winging it, trying to figure out certain side stories and what they were supposed to mean to the central story. In the end, I wonder if I had read the first two, which incidentally sounded interesting, would it have made Farmer a better story for me.
So in conclusion, the fish out of water story of society girl Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart falling for farmer Sam Mcquade was okay for me but didn’t ring any big bells. I have to say that in the past, when I disliked one of the main characters, the book was ruined for me, no matter how well written. I loved Sam McQuade but barely tolerated Penny. Why, Quade, why? I read this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So in conclusion, the fish out of water story of society girl Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart falling for farmer Sam Mcquade was okay for me but didn’t ring any big bells. I have to say that in the past, when I disliked one of the main characters, the book was ruined for me, no matter how well written. I loved Sam McQuade but barely tolerated Penny. Why, Quade, why? I read this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2019
**LOVE the cover! Oh-so colourful, so quaint! Bright and joy! Look at the reflection?! So pretty! Makes me happy every time I look at it! Well done!**
I've been looking forward to reading this third installment of Jenny Frame's Axedale Series, "Wooing The Farmer!!!" So naturally, I devoured it in one short sitting as soon as I received it! I couldn't wait to see what Frame had in-store for me favourite farmer, Quade, the shy, adorable, terribly forlorn and lonesome butch who had been looking for the love of her life, the femme of her dreams since Book 1. Aaarghhhh!! Poor Quade!
Not anymore!!! Thank Christ!!
And the ideal femme of Quade's dreams? Well, just wait 'til you read all about Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart (Penny)! Wow! Talk about THE femme of the femmes!!! Frame's detailed description of Penny was so vivid that I could see clearly - with the many bright girly/feminine colours and cute cartoony prints that accompanied them in all of her attire including her footwear, her make-up, accessories, the lot - what exactly she looked like! As if those weren't enough to describe a stereotypical-looking femme, Penny also had a dog, a brown toy poodle named Princess Baby Bear who accompanied her everywhere in the designer dog bag she carried with her all the time. Yes, Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart and Princess Baby Bear. There you have it. Hats off, Frame, for creating this unapologetic, extremely femme-looking femme, whom I'd never come across in any lesfic character described quite like her before! How absolutely refreshing and exciting especially when Penny came face-to-face with the other end of the spectrum - yes, the ultimate butch-looking butch, Quade!! Ah yes, let's not forget that this is a fairy tale romance. Perfection!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
*An ARC copy was given to me by BSB/Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
I've been looking forward to reading this third installment of Jenny Frame's Axedale Series, "Wooing The Farmer!!!" So naturally, I devoured it in one short sitting as soon as I received it! I couldn't wait to see what Frame had in-store for me favourite farmer, Quade, the shy, adorable, terribly forlorn and lonesome butch who had been looking for the love of her life, the femme of her dreams since Book 1. Aaarghhhh!! Poor Quade!
Not anymore!!! Thank Christ!!
And the ideal femme of Quade's dreams? Well, just wait 'til you read all about Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart (Penny)! Wow! Talk about THE femme of the femmes!!! Frame's detailed description of Penny was so vivid that I could see clearly - with the many bright girly/feminine colours and cute cartoony prints that accompanied them in all of her attire including her footwear, her make-up, accessories, the lot - what exactly she looked like! As if those weren't enough to describe a stereotypical-looking femme, Penny also had a dog, a brown toy poodle named Princess Baby Bear who accompanied her everywhere in the designer dog bag she carried with her all the time. Yes, Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart and Princess Baby Bear. There you have it. Hats off, Frame, for creating this unapologetic, extremely femme-looking femme, whom I'd never come across in any lesfic character described quite like her before! How absolutely refreshing and exciting especially when Penny came face-to-face with the other end of the spectrum - yes, the ultimate butch-looking butch, Quade!! Ah yes, let's not forget that this is a fairy tale romance. Perfection!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
*An ARC copy was given to me by BSB/Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
October 26, 2019
A peaceful read - after all my angst with others - that demands nothing, allows the temperature to drop, and breathe. A respite from drama & greatly enjoyed for that.
February 26, 2019
Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart comes from a wealthy family and is a blossoming entrepreneur in her own right. She has a lifestyle brand, social media empire and clean eating franchise. However, her epilepsy, and a very public seizure has sent her running into the English country side to heal both physically and to heal her brand. It's there she meets Quade, gorgeous and challenging her at every turn. Penny wasn't ready to let someone into her life or her heart, but fate has other ideas.
Penny is not someone I would likely become friends with in real life. We have nothing in common. But Jenny Frame is a truly talented author - she took someone I would likely judge and never interact with and turned this quirky character into someone who has a huge heart, her own baggage, hopes and fears. Penny was someone who could have been this caricature character and turned her into a beautiful three dimensional character who I was rooting for and cared for in the end. I was cautious because I was so excited for Quade's story, and I'd grown very protective of my favourite character from the Axedale series. I don't know who I imagined for her partner but it wasn't Penny, but in the end oh my goodness Penny was perfect. I'm over the moon that Quade is happy and found someone like her. I hope I haven't botched this explanation, but I think Jenny Frame outdid herself on the characters in this book and the beautiful romance she created.
I was so happy to catch up with the lives of old friends from Axedale and of course to see the lovely Quade find the love of her life. I am very attached to this lovely little series. Thank you so much Jenny Frame.
I look forward to what comes next from Jenny Frame!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Penny is not someone I would likely become friends with in real life. We have nothing in common. But Jenny Frame is a truly talented author - she took someone I would likely judge and never interact with and turned this quirky character into someone who has a huge heart, her own baggage, hopes and fears. Penny was someone who could have been this caricature character and turned her into a beautiful three dimensional character who I was rooting for and cared for in the end. I was cautious because I was so excited for Quade's story, and I'd grown very protective of my favourite character from the Axedale series. I don't know who I imagined for her partner but it wasn't Penny, but in the end oh my goodness Penny was perfect. I'm over the moon that Quade is happy and found someone like her. I hope I haven't botched this explanation, but I think Jenny Frame outdid herself on the characters in this book and the beautiful romance she created.
I was so happy to catch up with the lives of old friends from Axedale and of course to see the lovely Quade find the love of her life. I am very attached to this lovely little series. Thank you so much Jenny Frame.
I look forward to what comes next from Jenny Frame!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the final book in the Axedale trilogy, and I have been looking forward to this, as Quade was a favourite from the other books. It features Penny, who is some sort of heiress, runs a clean eating business and suffers from epilepsy, which I don’t remember ever reading about in lesfic before. To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to like Penny, she comes across as a vacuous twit when the book starts (and the descriptions of her dressing her dog did not help) but she grew on me as the book went on. Quade on the other hand is a delight from start to finish.
Their relationship is sweet, and it’s a slow burn, but there was a bit too much push and pull from Penny in the first 60% for me to fully enjoy it. I did like how Penny’s medical condition and lack of sexual experience were handled, neither of which is terribly commonplace in lesfic. I also loved Quade’s various reactions to Penny’s clean eating recipes.
Both couples from previous books feature here, though I still didn’t like Bridget. And I sort of wish Frame had introduced the Annie/Harry subplot into book two so that we might have seen the outcome in this book.
Anyway, this is a sweet romance, although I agree with Bethany’s review that Frame’s characters do seem better suited to stories set in a less modern setting (not to mention how unrealistic it is that there would be three such couples in one small English village). Still, this isn’t a bad way to pass a few hours. 3.5 stars rounded down, because it’s not quite 4 stars.
This is the final book in the Axedale trilogy, and I have been looking forward to this, as Quade was a favourite from the other books. It features Penny, who is some sort of heiress, runs a clean eating business and suffers from epilepsy, which I don’t remember ever reading about in lesfic before. To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to like Penny, she comes across as a vacuous twit when the book starts (and the descriptions of her dressing her dog did not help) but she grew on me as the book went on. Quade on the other hand is a delight from start to finish.
Their relationship is sweet, and it’s a slow burn, but there was a bit too much push and pull from Penny in the first 60% for me to fully enjoy it. I did like how Penny’s medical condition and lack of sexual experience were handled, neither of which is terribly commonplace in lesfic. I also loved Quade’s various reactions to Penny’s clean eating recipes.
Both couples from previous books feature here, though I still didn’t like Bridget. And I sort of wish Frame had introduced the Annie/Harry subplot into book two so that we might have seen the outcome in this book.
Anyway, this is a sweet romance, although I agree with Bethany’s review that Frame’s characters do seem better suited to stories set in a less modern setting (not to mention how unrealistic it is that there would be three such couples in one small English village). Still, this isn’t a bad way to pass a few hours. 3.5 stars rounded down, because it’s not quite 4 stars.
March 7, 2019
I rolled my eyes a few hundred times. I don’t really remember a lot of Quade from the other books, but Penny’s constant repetition of her perfectness got old really fast. I don’t think being a punching bag to someone else’s tantrums and never complaining is being perfect, and noble.
Penny's personality is exasperating. Other reviewers nailed it. But in the end it is a romance book. Irritating things and all. So a 3.5 I think.
Penny's personality is exasperating. Other reviewers nailed it. But in the end it is a romance book. Irritating things and all. So a 3.5 I think.
February 14, 2019
I ARC received via NetGalley and in exchange for an honest review.
Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart is successful clean-eating food vlogger and owner of the website Penny’s Kitchen but when she has a epileptic seizure while doing tv interview she decide to look in a new direction for her brand she goes to Axedale to record a new web series and write a cook book.
Sam McQuade is a farmer and she manage her family farm that been in her family for generations although she has a great dog name Dougal and great group of friends she lonely and longs for someone to love and to love her.
When Quade and Penny meet it's not love at first sight when Penny ask her for direction she tips her without giving Quade a second look. This is a slow burn romance because Penny is so stubborn she doesn't want to ask for help when her health isn't getting on the right track I mean I get why she so angry because her condition limits things but I get she doesn't want people sorry for her and she wants to prove to her family that she has the right to wear her family name which in my opinion all her family care about is her being happy and healthy.
I like Quade because she everything you want in a person she kind loving thoughtful even when Penny giving her attitude she takes in stride. I like her friends Lady Harry Annie Finn Bridgett as they push them together I didn't know the other characters had their own story so I'm going to get the other books.
I enjoy this book love the dogs Dougal and Princess it seems they fell for each other right away and hopefully the other characters that was in this book I hope to enjoy their story as well.
Ps. Even though I like this book I really love her supernatural books better.
Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart is successful clean-eating food vlogger and owner of the website Penny’s Kitchen but when she has a epileptic seizure while doing tv interview she decide to look in a new direction for her brand she goes to Axedale to record a new web series and write a cook book.
Sam McQuade is a farmer and she manage her family farm that been in her family for generations although she has a great dog name Dougal and great group of friends she lonely and longs for someone to love and to love her.
When Quade and Penny meet it's not love at first sight when Penny ask her for direction she tips her without giving Quade a second look. This is a slow burn romance because Penny is so stubborn she doesn't want to ask for help when her health isn't getting on the right track I mean I get why she so angry because her condition limits things but I get she doesn't want people sorry for her and she wants to prove to her family that she has the right to wear her family name which in my opinion all her family care about is her being happy and healthy.
I like Quade because she everything you want in a person she kind loving thoughtful even when Penny giving her attitude she takes in stride. I like her friends Lady Harry Annie Finn Bridgett as they push them together I didn't know the other characters had their own story so I'm going to get the other books.
I enjoy this book love the dogs Dougal and Princess it seems they fell for each other right away and hopefully the other characters that was in this book I hope to enjoy their story as well.
Ps. Even though I like this book I really love her supernatural books better.
March 30, 2020
This is a delightful romance with a lot of angst
I usually enjoy this author's books but it took quite a while for me to really get into this story because there were parts of this story that had a lot of unnecessary drama. I still fell in love with Penny and Quade anyway because they both had their own emotional struggles and hang ups to deal with. What I loved most about this story is the fact that I got to meet up with Bridge and Finn, Annie and Harry once again.
I usually enjoy this author's books but it took quite a while for me to really get into this story because there were parts of this story that had a lot of unnecessary drama. I still fell in love with Penny and Quade anyway because they both had their own emotional struggles and hang ups to deal with. What I loved most about this story is the fact that I got to meet up with Bridge and Finn, Annie and Harry once again.
March 13, 2019
2 Stars. This is the third in a series, which I did not realize when I picked this book up as an ARC from Netgalley. This book is about Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart, a successful clean eats vlogger of Penny's Kitchen. She something happen to her and decides to travel to the county side, to the town of Axedale. Penny is a high maintenance girl who has never really experience the country. She meets Sam McQuade, a butch farmer who helps her out when she has an epileptic seizure. Quade soon tries to spend as much time as possible with Penny and teach Penny about the country side.
There are a couple things that bother me about this book. One, it seems like (although I have not read the other books in this series) that they are all the stereotype butch/femme pairings which bothers me a little. Not every couple has to be the stereotype pairing . I have not read the other books but was still able to understand the whole book and know all the characters well enough. There were a few things that were mentioned that I did not understand since I did not read the other books, but that is okay. The interactions between the two characters were fine, but I hated how much of their stereotypes they represented. Quade was a farmer who was a butch through and through and did not even want to wear a suit and Penny was a girl who wore heels and dresses and painted nails and everything. Penny even called her a just a butch most of the book, ugh.
I have never read a Jenny Frame book before and I am not sure I will again. This book was okay and there was a chemistry between the two main characters, but not enough for me. It seems like they fell super fast and I didn't think the story line was that interesting. This book is a pass for me when it comes to recommending it to anyone. I did not enjoy as much as I enjoyed other novels and have many other books I would rather recommend or read.
There are a couple things that bother me about this book. One, it seems like (although I have not read the other books in this series) that they are all the stereotype butch/femme pairings which bothers me a little. Not every couple has to be the stereotype pairing . I have not read the other books but was still able to understand the whole book and know all the characters well enough. There were a few things that were mentioned that I did not understand since I did not read the other books, but that is okay. The interactions between the two characters were fine, but I hated how much of their stereotypes they represented. Quade was a farmer who was a butch through and through and did not even want to wear a suit and Penny was a girl who wore heels and dresses and painted nails and everything. Penny even called her a just a butch most of the book, ugh.
I have never read a Jenny Frame book before and I am not sure I will again. This book was okay and there was a chemistry between the two main characters, but not enough for me. It seems like they fell super fast and I didn't think the story line was that interesting. This book is a pass for me when it comes to recommending it to anyone. I did not enjoy as much as I enjoyed other novels and have many other books I would rather recommend or read.
February 25, 2019
This was such a cute love story. I must admit that I really enjoyed it and after I finished I sorta wanted a Butch Farmer! :) When I started reading this book, I didn't realize that this was part of a series and I wish I had read book 1 and 2 before reading this one. It doesn't seem like you need to read this to be able to get through this one (afterall I got through it with ease).
Penny moves to Axedale to recoup from a medical issue. She is a classic city girl and very femme. She meets Quade the very first day. Quade owns a farm and very Butch. Once they have a chance to officially meet each other, the sparks fly! Penny's character is very annoying at the start with her hot and cold attitude. In the first chapter or so, I thought I might have a hard time dealing with Penny, but Frame does a good job balancing this attitude by giving details on Penny's past and why she is so guarded. As the book progresses, I really like Penny. Quade is super hot! Now, I do think she might be a little too nice, but there were times in the book, where she did stand up for herself which I really appreciated. Never did anyone ever say I just want someone super nice....at least I haven't. This story line just works. The chemistry is there and the obstacles they must overcome to be together makes the book better.
4 stars
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for a honest review.
Penny moves to Axedale to recoup from a medical issue. She is a classic city girl and very femme. She meets Quade the very first day. Quade owns a farm and very Butch. Once they have a chance to officially meet each other, the sparks fly! Penny's character is very annoying at the start with her hot and cold attitude. In the first chapter or so, I thought I might have a hard time dealing with Penny, but Frame does a good job balancing this attitude by giving details on Penny's past and why she is so guarded. As the book progresses, I really like Penny. Quade is super hot! Now, I do think she might be a little too nice, but there were times in the book, where she did stand up for herself which I really appreciated. Never did anyone ever say I just want someone super nice....at least I haven't. This story line just works. The chemistry is there and the obstacles they must overcome to be together makes the book better.
4 stars
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for a honest review.
November 7, 2025
Quade blushed sweetly. “I have lots of flaws, believe me.”
“Not to me,” Penny said.
3.75 stars. Maaaaybe leaning a bit more to 3.5, but this was SO sweet; everything I wanted out of an opposites attract, farm girl/city girl, butch/femme romance. This genuinely had me smiling from ear to ear. It's been a few weeks since I read it, but thinking about it still makes me a little giggly, which is exactly what I want from a romance.
Penny is a posh influencer from a wealthy, famous family in London. Quade is a simple, down to earth farmer living in the countryside. Penny moves to Axedale to try to do new things with her brand and her content (lifestyle, clean eating, et cetera) and ends up living next to Quade. It's SO tropey, but in a delightful way. They're so different, and their meet cute was pitch perfect in how it established that. But even though they misunderstand each other, they're both really sweet and personable, and the ways they clicked together were great. They both have dogs, and it was SO stinking cute, watching the spoiled little handbag dog bond and play with the farm dog. Bonding through pets is such an underrated trope in books.
I really enjoyed the exploration of Penny's trust and intimacy issues, and how Quade was the perfect woman to ease her into a relationship. I can't speak to the authenticity of the epilepsy rep, but it seemed pretty well-researched. Lots of moments that tugged at my heart. In addition to Quade taking care of Penny, I loved all the little domestic scenes with Penny cooking for Quade, introducing her to new things. And the social media bit, Sexy Farmer, and all, was kind of adorable. I usually get really impatient with uber-rich and entitled characters, but the way wealth and class difference was handled in this book... well, it wasn't perfect, but at least it didn't rub me the wrong way.
I had to take some points off for the third act conflict. I just really don't like other woman drama, and I don't like when there's an ~evil~ character trying to break the couple up. This wasn't as bad as some other books, and I do like how the author framed the reconciliation. But the book would have been better without it, or if there'd been another type of conflict for them.
Another thing I didn't love: this is the third book in a series, and I did read and enjoy the first two books, years ago. We get to see those characters, which was nice. But we saw them almost a little TOO much. Like, I didn't really want or need the Harry POV, or to see so much of the wedding planning for Finn and Bridget. It took away page time from Penny and Quade, which did frustrate me. Technically you can read this as a standalone, but since the characters from previous books are so involved, IDK if I'd recommend that.
Side note: POV-wise, there was a fair bit of head-hopping in this book, but it didn't bother me as much as it usually does. Perhaps because I just loved the characters so much. Seriously, they were so CUTE.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Nicola Victoria Vincent, and it was perfect! She had a great voice for the characters. I'm really glad I came back to this series, because this ended up being my favourite of the three. I need to check out more books by Frame!
December 30, 2019
“Wooing the Farmer (Axedale #3)” returns us to the quaint village of Axedale, and features the butch farmer Sam McQuade (Quade) and short-term visitor food vlogger and celebrity femme Penelope.
There’s lots of humor throughout the book; Penny’s pink unicorn onesie and Quade being labeled “sexy farmer” for all her friends, and the world, to see!
Penny is hiding out in Axedale after being humiliated on tv suffering an epileptic seizure. She soon learns that she feels safe with Quade, and her episodes lesson around her.
The big trope here is the “I’m only here for a short while”, but the angst isn’t overdone and it’s fun revisiting the other characters in Axedale. Quade is a bit of an overperfect Mary Sue, but she's right for Penny. 4* for this sweet, if somewhat predictable romance.
There’s lots of humor throughout the book; Penny’s pink unicorn onesie and Quade being labeled “sexy farmer” for all her friends, and the world, to see!
Penny is hiding out in Axedale after being humiliated on tv suffering an epileptic seizure. She soon learns that she feels safe with Quade, and her episodes lesson around her.
The big trope here is the “I’m only here for a short while”, but the angst isn’t overdone and it’s fun revisiting the other characters in Axedale. Quade is a bit of an overperfect Mary Sue, but she's right for Penny. 4* for this sweet, if somewhat predictable romance.
January 1, 2023
25% DNF
You know I almost asked for my money back, then I remembered that I got a free sample from Kindle. What could be said about this book that hasn’t been said about the War on Iraq? Well for one it’s a fucking mess from the start, and mind you that’s just me stopping at the sample pages and not buying the damn thing. Now I know this seems like a hate review, but not really as I like and ONLY like Ms. Frames Werewolf series. However, despite reviewing her other books; I often try not to be bias with her other works despite the trash heaps that she puts out on the regular basis.
Now I know she does the Butch/Fem pairings but really? Don’t you think that the noble butch and the weak ass femme line is getting old? Speaking of old, Penny is a complete knock-off Paris Hilton in the early 2000’s if she were British. I’ve spoke to a person on this site who commented on this exact book, as she said there was something out of place when it came to the flow of the characters. However, I found the answer what makes the book so hard to keep up with when it comes to the characters, and it’s the lack of soul.
Reading Ms. Frames books, it’s become clear that she takes molds of people that she’s seen on TV or from other books of her favorite lesbian authors, and she changes their names and slaps a weak ass overused plot on them.
Now on the characters, I really couldn’t stand Penny in this book the “mummy” thing has me beyond creeped out. Also, the book was so British sounding it made me think I was in a fucking Mary Poppins movie AGAIN. The writing was terrible, as it didn’t convey an emotion just hollow determination from Penny herself. Penny is so dead set on re-building an empire and hiding her Epilepsy that it makes the motivation lack in sagacity; and since Frames world is built like a perfect pony ride, it makes for an unfulfilled conflict when it comes to Penny’s Epilepsy and her struggles with it.
Case and point, in Frames books all her women are in positions of power; they’re rich, of nobility and they’re all out and proud lesbians. I feel like if Jenny Frames world is tolerant of females in power, how could they not be when it comes to Penny and her Epilepsy? To me Penny being ashamed of her Epilepsy in what seems to be a pretty tolerant world of Jenny’s making; renders her conflict with it to be useless, and it’s not based on the reality we live in today. I know if a person on tv were to have the same issue as Penny in real life, people would be sympathetic to the issue.
The only thing that saves her from this poorly executed conflict, is the fact that she has represented Epilepsy in her books something not many people do. It is one of the few things I like about Frame as she is always exploring learning disabilities in her books. Like I’ve said it’s a good highlight to representation, but often with her its poorly executed and untracked through-out the books as you read it more down the line. Then there was the issue with Penny’s attitude, as she was such a jackass that I had to take an extra week to finish the sample.
As for Quade, she is the perfect Mary-Sue character which tends to be an issue with all of Frame’s butch characters no matter the book you read. It seems like she relies on Mary-Sue characters to solve out the day with love. All Jenny Frame’s butches take on the role of perfect, noble, and patient gentlemen and that gets fucking annoying fast. Personally, I’m not a fan of the bitch turned lover in my books, as it points out to readers and society that you have to be an asshole to people to get rewarded with unconditional love. However, that’s what it seems like with Quade and Penny’s relationship; it’s this attitude that makes me scream at the book in a blinding rage. It makes me wanna knock Penny upside her head. Like you being ashamed of your Epilepsy Penny doesn’t qualify you to be an asshole to people.
I’ve never read her other books in this series; but it seems like its pretty much the same so I’m going to hold my breath when it comes to reading them, as there is no way in hell I’m going to track this mess. Now for my final word on this book, it seems like a half-assed fan-fiction novel. So, for me I’ll just wait to pirate it because I’m not spending my money on this crap, maybe after I read the whole thing maybe my rating might change, but I highly doubt it.
You know I almost asked for my money back, then I remembered that I got a free sample from Kindle. What could be said about this book that hasn’t been said about the War on Iraq? Well for one it’s a fucking mess from the start, and mind you that’s just me stopping at the sample pages and not buying the damn thing. Now I know this seems like a hate review, but not really as I like and ONLY like Ms. Frames Werewolf series. However, despite reviewing her other books; I often try not to be bias with her other works despite the trash heaps that she puts out on the regular basis.
Now I know she does the Butch/Fem pairings but really? Don’t you think that the noble butch and the weak ass femme line is getting old? Speaking of old, Penny is a complete knock-off Paris Hilton in the early 2000’s if she were British. I’ve spoke to a person on this site who commented on this exact book, as she said there was something out of place when it came to the flow of the characters. However, I found the answer what makes the book so hard to keep up with when it comes to the characters, and it’s the lack of soul.
Reading Ms. Frames books, it’s become clear that she takes molds of people that she’s seen on TV or from other books of her favorite lesbian authors, and she changes their names and slaps a weak ass overused plot on them.
Now on the characters, I really couldn’t stand Penny in this book the “mummy” thing has me beyond creeped out. Also, the book was so British sounding it made me think I was in a fucking Mary Poppins movie AGAIN. The writing was terrible, as it didn’t convey an emotion just hollow determination from Penny herself. Penny is so dead set on re-building an empire and hiding her Epilepsy that it makes the motivation lack in sagacity; and since Frames world is built like a perfect pony ride, it makes for an unfulfilled conflict when it comes to Penny’s Epilepsy and her struggles with it.
Case and point, in Frames books all her women are in positions of power; they’re rich, of nobility and they’re all out and proud lesbians. I feel like if Jenny Frames world is tolerant of females in power, how could they not be when it comes to Penny and her Epilepsy? To me Penny being ashamed of her Epilepsy in what seems to be a pretty tolerant world of Jenny’s making; renders her conflict with it to be useless, and it’s not based on the reality we live in today. I know if a person on tv were to have the same issue as Penny in real life, people would be sympathetic to the issue.
The only thing that saves her from this poorly executed conflict, is the fact that she has represented Epilepsy in her books something not many people do. It is one of the few things I like about Frame as she is always exploring learning disabilities in her books. Like I’ve said it’s a good highlight to representation, but often with her its poorly executed and untracked through-out the books as you read it more down the line. Then there was the issue with Penny’s attitude, as she was such a jackass that I had to take an extra week to finish the sample.
As for Quade, she is the perfect Mary-Sue character which tends to be an issue with all of Frame’s butch characters no matter the book you read. It seems like she relies on Mary-Sue characters to solve out the day with love. All Jenny Frame’s butches take on the role of perfect, noble, and patient gentlemen and that gets fucking annoying fast. Personally, I’m not a fan of the bitch turned lover in my books, as it points out to readers and society that you have to be an asshole to people to get rewarded with unconditional love. However, that’s what it seems like with Quade and Penny’s relationship; it’s this attitude that makes me scream at the book in a blinding rage. It makes me wanna knock Penny upside her head. Like you being ashamed of your Epilepsy Penny doesn’t qualify you to be an asshole to people.
I’ve never read her other books in this series; but it seems like its pretty much the same so I’m going to hold my breath when it comes to reading them, as there is no way in hell I’m going to track this mess. Now for my final word on this book, it seems like a half-assed fan-fiction novel. So, for me I’ll just wait to pirate it because I’m not spending my money on this crap, maybe after I read the whole thing maybe my rating might change, but I highly doubt it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2019
After reading the first two books in the Axedale series I was looking forward to reading this one. I have to say right now of the three books this is not as good a read as the others. Even though I liked reading about Quade in the first two books with this book not so much. I actually read the whole book, cover to cover but I still couldn’t find a way to say I enjoyed it. The character of Penny wasn’t any better. Penny who suffers with epileptic seizures (now doesn’t that sound better then ‘fit’)comes to Axedale after spending some time with her family. She had a seizure on a tv show and needed time to get back on her feet. Because of said seizures she has always been reluctant to try having a relationship with anyone. But when she comes to Axedale she meets the sexy butch farmer Quade. Quade hasn’t had a lot of luck in the romance department mainly because she is so shy and more then a little old fashioned. But I did get a chance to catch up with the characters from the first two books. I didn’t like either Penny or Quade that much so reading this book was a bit of a chore for me. For that reason, and even though I hate giving a bad review I’ll just say it wasn’t too bad.
ARC via NetGalley
ARC via NetGalley
September 12, 2019
I swapped between the ebook version and the audiobook version of this one. Nicola Victoria Vincent is one of my favorite narrators. Honestly, I really enjoyed the Axedale series. I was excited for Quade to finally find love. However, when I first started reading this one, I wasn't sure about Penelope. I thought Quade deserved a bit better than her. As the book went on the two grew on me. While it isn't my favorite in the series, it is still a decent read. I think this one is much better than the second in the series but not as enjoyable for me as book 1 in the series. I'm a huge fan of Frame and will probably enjoy anything she writes. If you haven't done so, pick up this entire series. It isn't necessary to start with book 1 but I would recommend it.
August 27, 2022
I am so glad Sam finally gets her chance at love. Penny has some health issues that makes her want to be independent. However she can’t help falling for Sam the sexy farmer. Their story has a rough start and moves slowly but is so very romantic. All the regulars are there in the story as well which is nice. The narrator is perfect again keeping all the characters voices the we same throughout the 3 books.
April 7, 2021
One of the Best
By far one of my favorite frame reads. The characters were oh so very real, with real life flaws and situations to navigate.
Penny and quade..just a fabulously classic Butch/femme pairing you can't go wrong with.
By far one of my favorite frame reads. The characters were oh so very real, with real life flaws and situations to navigate.
Penny and quade..just a fabulously classic Butch/femme pairing you can't go wrong with.
April 5, 2019
I will give the book one thing: I finished it. But I felt kind of gross when I did. The characters are all caricatures, and they all objectify each other the entire story. I don't even remember the writing style because of how uncomfortable I was with how these characters think about each other.
March 19, 2019
The third in the Axedale series tells the story of Quade's HEA. You really should read these in order as the previous characters flesh out the later books.
This series is a pick-your-butch/femme variety pack, and this one appealed to me least (#2 was my fave) but I'm sure others loved it.
1) Courting the Countess - wealthy playgirl butch meets single-mum housekeeper femme
2) Charming the Vicar - fierce femme top meets boi-toy magician butch
3) Wooing the Farmer - sweet, chivalrous butch meets urban socialite femme
This series is a pick-your-butch/femme variety pack, and this one appealed to me least (#2 was my fave) but I'm sure others loved it.
1) Courting the Countess - wealthy playgirl butch meets single-mum housekeeper femme
2) Charming the Vicar - fierce femme top meets boi-toy magician butch
3) Wooing the Farmer - sweet, chivalrous butch meets urban socialite femme
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