Caught in the Axe : A Grumpy Boss Lumberjack Romance (Maine Lumberjacks Book 1)

A grumpy lumberjack struggles to maintain professional boundaries with his temporary assistant, Lila Webster. She is his younger brother's ex-girlfriend, and he finds himself drawn to her intelligence, appearance, and cheerful demeanor despite his determination to keep his distance. He plans to return to Boston in a few weeks, but family obligations keep him in Lovewell, Maine, where he must address the consequences of his criminal father's actions. Thefts, break-ins, and ongoing danger make Lila his trusted confidant. As they spend late nights together, take road trips, and develop inside jokes, maintaining emotional distance becomes impossible. They decide to keep their relationship secret, but privacy proves difficult in their small town. He knows that when he eventually leaves, he will have to abandon his feelings for her, since their relationship cannot have a future. This standalone romance features a lumberjack protagonist and a female lead who enjoys witty exchanges with him. The story includes elements of small-town life, moose encounters, and family drama.