REVIEW: Falling for the Fake Lumberjack by Sara New

Falling for the Fake Lumberjack by Sara Ney: Lucy has built herself a quiet and grounded life in Star Lake. It is all about the early mornings, yoga time and her carefully guarded heart. The only thing on Lucy’s agenda is some peace, stability and keeping all things messy and romantic out of her space. Well that is until the flannel-clad stranger shows up in town. Harris looks like he belongs among towering pines with a chopping axes in hand, definitely not taking part in corporate retreats and team-building exercises.

When Harris is mistakenly taken for a local lumberjack, he decides to let the lie sit and enjoy a bit of simple small town living… he just never expected the sassy yoga instructor to steal his heart quite so fast. What starts as playful banter and borrowed time quickly turns into something deeper… something dangerous. The problem now is secrets have an expiry date and Harris’s real life is waiting just beyond the tree line, the question is can these two keep their fire burning or will their relationship end up like splinted timber…

From the very first page Falling for the Fake Lumberjack reminded me exactly why Sara Ney is an auto-read author for me. Effortlessly funny, warmly romantic and packed with her signature charm this book delivers everything I hope for when I pick up one of her romances and then some! We are spoiled with laugh out loud moments, true feelings and two characters that feel instantly easy to root for. Simply put I loved reading this small town romcom.

Lucy and Harris felt like the type of characters you settle into rather than rush through, which only made their story all the more rewarding. With our leading lady Lucy, she was thoughtful, grounded and quietly strong. Someone who has learned to protect her peace, not because she’s closed off but because she values herself and the life she’s built. This was actually something I really like about her character and the fact that she knew her limits and boundaries. Her caution around love feels real and tender which has been shaped by experience rather than fear. Harris on the other hand brings a contrasting energy that immediately lightens every scene he’s in. Beneath the easy charm and playful humour was a genuinely kind, emotionally present hero who listens, supports and shows up in ways that matter.

I just loved these two together, their dynamic was warm, natural, full of meaningful glances, honest conversations and effortless chemistry. I really liked getting to see Harris bring a sense of warmth and openness that gently allows Lucy out of her guardedness, while Lucy offers grounding and stability that gives Harris space to be fully himself. There was a lovely balance to their relationship, with playful banter paired with genuine care and lighthearted moments layered with emotional depth.Watching them grow individually while slowly finding their way toward each other is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

All in all Falling for the Fake Lumberjack was an absolute joy to read, from the heartfelt romance to the irresistibly cozy setting. Star Lake itself feels like a character; charming, welcoming and full of that small-town magic that makes you want to linger just a little longer. This was the perfect example of why I love reading Ney’s books and one that I would highly recommend reading!

Book Info:

Publication: January 27, 2026 | Montlake | Axes & Endzones #1

With rugged good looks and muscles for days, Harris Bennett stops traffic no matter what he’s wearing—flannel shirt or football jersey. So when management sends him to Star Lake, Washington, for a team-building retreat, it’s no wonder a local mistakes him for a lumberjack. And Harris leans right into the misunderstanding. Because that “local” looks amazing in yoga pants.

Lucy LeBrandt is a yoga instructor with trust issues: She doesn’t have time for men. But she’s definitely drawn to the hot, goofy lumberjack who seems to know nothing about, well, lumberjacking. He’s only in town for a week. Maybe she can squeeze him in between classes…

Harris has no idea what to do with an axe, and Lucy has no idea what to do about Harris. But they both know exactly what to do when they’re alone together. Can they split the difference between them, or is their romance just one stroke away from “TIIIIIMBER!”?