Leaf Grief is a complex thing to experience. Since losing my husband, I’ve let it call the shots. It’s been in control so long that I’ve almost forgotten what it feels like to have someone hold me tight at night or share a secret smile with. But a beautiful young model shows up at my lodge. He’s eager to learn about the outdoors and experience life outside the city. The more we laugh and share secrets under the stars, the more he makes me want things that I’ve kept buried for too long. He’s more than my first impression; he’s intelligent, kind, eager, and fiercely protective. He’s only supposed to be here for a month, but he’s chipping at the walls around my heart. Now that I’m falling for him, I need to convince him to stay, but we’re from two different worlds. Could a beauty like him be happy in the mountains with a bearded widower like me? Sasha Being a model assumes you’re all looks and no brains. Well, I’m done playing the part of the pretty boy. The flirt. The easy target. No more cowing to the demands of others. It’s time to figure out who I am and what I want from life. I’m heading to the mountains for a month to discover the kinder side of life—if there is such a thing. I want to heal my wounds and use the wilderness to search my soul for where I should go next. When I arrive at the lodge, the sexy lumberjack with the sad eyes immediately captures my attention. He’s incredibly thoughtful, and he emboldens me to be me. With his encouragement, I’m doing things I never thought possible, like learning to fish... and catching feelings instead. We lead different lives, but even though I didn’t come here looking for love, would he want a beautiful mess like me to stay? CW: mention of spousal death, past abuse

Perry You know that saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Well, whoever said that never had the misfortune of meeting Roman Auclair. Sure, he’s sexy and wears a corset like nobody’s business, but he’s arrogant, entitled and so damn judgemental he should sit on the Supreme Court. I’d rather sleep with a porcupine than bunk with him. But I promised my brother I’d help and I'm a man of my word. It's not like falling in love with my complete opposite is possible anyway. In fact, I'm pretty certain I'll always be single. Roman You know that saying about stereotypical frat boys? Young, dumb and full of—yeah, that one. Nobody wears that dated cliché more than Perry Attwater. Except he’s a good 15 years removed from college. Sure, he fits every one of my lumberjack fantasies, but the man doesn’t know the difference between lace and linen. He’s crude, messy, and unashamed about his lack of fashion sense. I’d rather use my best fabric scissors to chop wood than share a space with him. But I promised my best friend I’d make our shared accommodations work. It's not like I'll fall in love with a plaid loving mountain man. Love is for losers. And I always win. CW: mention of parental death Kiss My Axe, is book two in the Maple Mountain Lodge Series and can be read as a stand alone. This story features an ex police diver who can't stop helping people, a former male model turned lingerie designer in need of an attitude adjustment, grapefruit slices as a love sign, and the absolute worst timing to say I love you.