Honeymoon Phase by Amy Daws: A Lumberjack Love Story with Heart
When I first stumbled upon Honeymoon Phase by Amy Daws, the combination of a lumberjack competition and a quest for love sparked my curiosity. It sounded like a delightful chaos of masculine energy and romantic tension wrapped in a small-town setting. I mean, what’s more daring than competing to see who’s "the manliest of all"? Throw in a marriage of convenience and a childhood trauma subplot, and I was all in. As a book blogger, I’m always seeking stories that resonate, and I was eager to see what this one would deliver.
Set against the backdrop of a rugged mountain town, Honeymoon Phase revolves around the inherent charm of best friends-to-lovers—one of my favorite tropes. Luke and Addison’s bond is already deeply established, but watching their relationship evolve amidst the ridiculous and often intimidating tasks of a lumberjack competition adds delightful tension. Daws splendidly captures their camaraderie while also layering more profound issues, particularly Addison’s struggles with childhood trauma and sexism in a male-dominated environment. These themes lend credence to her character, making her not just relatable but truly engaging.
However, as much as I enjoyed the plot’s solid foundation, I found myself navigating through the thick layers of masculinity that dominated the narrative. The “white picket fence” vibe, coupled with the hyper-masculine competitions, occasionally clashed with my personal reading tastes. While I appreciate the themes of strength and camaraderie, they felt a bit overwhelming at times, overshadowing the charming love story at its core. It was a perfectly decent read—3.5 stars seemed fitting—but it wasn’t the rapturous love affair I had hoped for.
Daws’s writing style is engaging, weaving humor and heart into a cohesive storyline, which kept the pacing brisk. The banter between Luke and Addison is one of the book’s highlights, reflecting their strong friendship and potential for something deeper. Yet, despite the solid crafting, I struggled to connect deeply with either character. Their journey felt approachable but didn’t quite leave a lasting emotional impression on me—though I definitely rooted for Addison.
As a standalone within what feels like a series, Honeymoon Phase does provide ample background on its characters, making it accessible regardless of previous reads. If you’re a fan of small-town romances with a competitive twist and enjoy exploring themes of resilience and love, I suspect this book will captivate you. Daws has a knack for storytelling that many readers adore, even if it sometimes veers into territory that isn’t my usual go-to.
In conclusion, if you relish a cozy escape filled with lumberjack competitions, heartfelt friendships, and an exploration of personal growth, Honeymoon Phase may be your perfect read. It certainly made for an engaging experience, and while it didn’t strike the right chord for me personally, it’s clear that many readers will find joy in Luke and Addison’s sweet, albeit complicated, love story. Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Amy Daws for providing me with the eARC in exchange for my honest review. Keep an eye out for its release on November 11, 2025!