I have yet to read a book by Jenny Frame that isn't worth 5 stars, in my opinion. Her writing is honest and simple, in a good way. Some writers fill their books with unnecessary Thesaurus finds making them sound flowery and condescending.
I love the butch femme storylines she writes and this one is no exception. I love the way she suspends belief in writings of future times and how she can continue to instill "old fashioned values and behaviors" instead of resorting to futuristic behaviors to go with the time period she's writing about (this book is not in the future). If we can suspend belief to read about werewolves and vampires, why can't we believe in Inteliflesh? Especially since that's more likely to come about than the former. While I am terribly jealous of Penny, I'm happy for Quade. I can't wait for the next book by this author, no matter when it takes place or who is in it. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

'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>I was provided and ARC through Netgalley from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review </i>

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 common place 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.

**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!

Penny was first introduced as this typical city girl from a famous family with deep wealth (yeh, Mayfair much?) who, on the surface, was this prissy, high-maintenance type femme, always draped in designer outfits with uber-feminine colours and designs (think lotsa pink, unicorns, fluffy accessories, sky-high heels, short/mini skirts and tight-fitted tops that show off her femininity) that you couldn't possibly mistake for anything other than a stereotypical looking femme. No loopholes. In other words, Penny was the embodiment of the ideal femme (reckon?). But then Frame revealed her to be a self-made entrepreneur with an uber-successful business enterprise stemming from her online cooking and lifestyle brand with products (from her online food vlog/cooking show) sold in mainstream supermarkets throughout the city. From her internet sensation status (her own web series, YouTube channel, Instagram, and other social media outlets) to her now thriving brand that expanded to telly appearances including her own published cookbooks. I just loved that Frame didn't just bombard the reader with all the idiosyncrasies of Penny's character right away. Instead, every time Penny was in her typical mood, Frame tore off a layer so I could discover what was behind Penny's actions, behaviour or attitude. Soon, Frame revealed the truth about why Penny was how she was. She suffered from severe epilepsy. Add to that was her dyslexia. So, just imagine what she had to go through growing up, what with a famous surname, the pressure of having to uphold the name, and not being in control of her own body and mind! Her studies obviously suffered which didn't allow her to advance any further academically, unfortunate events happened to her growing up that deeply affected her sense of worth, add to this constant reminder that her two older siblings, like their parents, were all overachievers and had successful, honourable careers. All piled up and stacked against her all her life.

What made matters worse was her feeling of inadequacy especially after her recent very public epileptic attack on live TV in front of all her fans and the audience, which subjected her to endless ridicule and laughter. As if that wasn't enough, she then had to be nursed back to health by her own family, much to her embarrassment and utter shame. Penny hated being laughed at. She hated counting on others. The only salvation with a semblance of control was her business. This had led her to be fiercely independent. The more she felt inadequate because of her condition, the more determined she was to prove she could do anything and succeed without any help or pity from others. That's why she had to make her own name, her own success on her own merit without any help even from her own deep trust fund. The psychological effects of her condition that had haunted her since childhood shaped her worldview about trusting people. This wall of defence she built to protect herself had summarily shielded her from everyone including her family. She was still close to them but only superficially as she'd closed off her true emotions and feelings from everyone. She had all but isolated herself with no real friends except her online followers who were easier to deal with instead of being exposed to potential hurt by people in the flesh. Her debilitating fear of intimacy because of her deep-seated insecurity about her own self-worth and her total lack of trust in people had relegated her yearning for her one true love to mere fantasies. Her fear of rejection, ridicule and pity was simply too heavy a cross to bear. Until she reached Axedale where a certain butch with a lonely heart yearning for true love with a perfect femme was just around the corner....

Cupid's arrow struck?

Upon her recovery, Penny was advised (by her longtime mate and business partner) to have a change of scenery in the countryside so she could steer her audiences away from the very public epileptic attack "debacle" and focus on her renewed self and new country cooking show. Hence her short-term stay in Axedale to carry out her vlog focussing on the countryside. And it just so happened that she was mates with Harry and Bridge! I was well pleased with that connection! Harry's circle of friends just got 1-person larger!

Let's talk about Quade, Axedale's resident butch, the only one left in the small circle of friends who was still achingly single. Harry had Annie ("Courting the Countess," Book 1), Bridge had Finn ("Charming the Vicar," Book 2). Leaving poor Quade with no one by her side to share her life with. Every time these mates got together, I really felt for Quade, as Frame so skilfully personified every pain, every heartache, every dejection, every loneliness that haunted the ever-self-deprecating farmer with richly emotive expressions that you couldn't help but want to console her and tell her that the woman of her dreams, her one true love, the one who'd be her farmer's wife was just around the corner. I loved how Penny and Quade first met! I didn't expect it, really. I didn't expect Penny's (surprising) gesture as it came out of the blue. So me reaction was exactly like Quade's!!! I think I'd have done the same thing as Quade did when she responded later with a stinging rebuke! Funny! I just love how Frame knows her characters inside-out, how their internal thoughts play out in any given situation. Makes her characters authentic and real.

Anyway, back to these two fated souls, Frame began their journey of everlasting love with boatloads of ice-queen treatment from Penny, against Quade's effortless "puppy-dog" kindness and her nervous/tentative longing - the tug-at-the-heartstrings sort - that constantly threatened Penny's resolve, to reject the farmer's irresistible charms! Nevermind that these two had the most sizzling chemistry whenever they were in each other's space. The sultry butch and the luscious femme. Ultimate fairy tale fantasy made and mind ya, Frame portrayed them with such fervour their characters literally came to life! And then those funny moments between them especially Quade's constant look of aghast at Penny's healthy food choices (no meat, no dairy) and diet (gluten-free, salt-free, fat-free, whatever-free!) and her utter cluelessness about the internet, let alone the social media which Penny seemed to be living in at all times with endless selfies and photo snapping with her phone, much to the innocent farmer's endless wonder and curiosity! Adorably amusing! In addition, Frame's rich descriptions of farm life, i.e. Quade's farm, her animals and plants, the open field, the strolls by the river observed from the curious eyes of Penny, were so colourfully vivid and visual that I imagined meself taking a stroll around Quade's farm, inhaling an abundance of fresh air along the way! Ahh, such is the country life, eh? Sublime.

I enjoyed reading Penny and Quade's interactions which slowly grew in length and depth as they got to know each other a little better every time they met. As their conversations delved deeper, more secrets were revealed. However, at every stage of progress in Quade's attempt at getting Penny to open up more and allowing their friendship to develop, there was a step back as Penny continued to let her chronic fears and insecurity rule her heart, overruling her growing adoration and feelings for the flawlessly sultry and irresistible butch of her dreams.

One of the two favourite moments of mine in the story was the entire segment starting from the scene where Quade first encountered Penny's epileptic attack, her absolute rejection of Quade's help, her seemingly incomprehensible protest against Quade entering her bedroom, to Quade's steadfast insistence of being with Penny during her whole recovery. The moment when Quade finally realised why Penny was so protective of her bedroom, her private sanctuary, was described with heartrending effect. Frame's description of the change in Penny's attitude and behaviour toward Quade whilst constantly still battling with her own demons was written with so much heart in it, I could really feel Penny's warring dilemma in her inner psyche. Her struggle was palpable.

As the push/pull between Penny and Quade came to a turning point, in came Bridge and Annie, with their sly, crafty idea. It was utterly amusing and effective. Just wait 'til you read what it was! So, regardless of how much Penny pushed Quade away from her, the undercurrent of emotions between these two otherwise perfectly compatible souls was only getting stronger, whether they liked it or not, especially on Penny's part. When true love comes a-knocking no amount of stubbornness, fear or insecurity can stop the powerful pull of the soul-stirring energy, as played out in Penny and Quade's journey.

Me other favourite and truly unforgettable moment was definitely the utterly touching and incredibly moving scene of Quade keeping Penny safe and protected at her most vulnerable self, with her physical and emotional strength, her undeniable, unwavering love for the woman who'd stolen her heart since the beginning. Reckon it was a difficult and complex scene to describe but Frame nailed every physical move and gesture, every feeling, every emotion, every inner thought with utter precision and conviction. That scene, imo, truly embodied the crux of Penny and Quade's love story - how a person can truly love another so unconditionally with a wide-open heart and an unguarded soul that the power of that energy could be felt completely in mind, body and soul by the other and reciprocated with the same fervour. The total trust, the sense of safety and security were born of that power of love. That was what Penny felt in Quade. It was so affecting, resonated so deeply, the effects of that entire moment reverberated soundly in me heart and soul. I felt every bit of that defined moment. Truly one of the most memorable moments that I've ever read in any love story, and never in this kind of intimate situation. The level of detail, the depth of intimacy in that scene was so personal, imo. Thank you, Ms. Frame, for writing such an incredibly stirring, riveting scene that really brought Penny and Quade's connection to life.

Meanwhile, other than Quade and Penny, Frame also followed up with the rest of the Axedale characters. For Harry and Annie, it was delightful to catch up on how they were doing, with a growing daughter, Riley, who was undoubtedly adopting Harry's characteristics more and more each day! Interesting, innit? Obviously, there was an update to their status, which you'll find out when you read this book! As for our deliciously unconventional and alluring resident vicar, Bridge, she and her magician stud, Finn, also had their own update in their relationship. Fans of this couple would be well pleased and thrilled, is all I'm gonna say! I just loved that Frame included these two couples alongside Quade and Penny, with Harry and Annie being the staple of Axedale. I don't know, it just gave me a warm sense of family amongst these characters who'd been each other's support system.

Also, let's not forget those two adorable dogs, namely Dougal and Princess! Their instant connection with each other was described so adorably with amusing effect, especially when Princess became less like a "princess" and more like a real DOG the more she spent time with Dougal, much to Penny's dismay and protest! Another adorable moment was how smitten Princess was with Quade, following her everywhere ever since they first met, like they were connected somehow! Fascinating, innit, how animals feel the energy of their human friends? I was really appreciative of the fact that Frame had consciously ensure that Dougal and Princess were a part of Quade and Penny's world, making them members of their eventual family unit! Oh, their friendship, how Dougal kept Princess under his wing, how Princess doted on her mate/sib! So utterly lovable!!! Frame's depiction of Dougal and Princess' behaviours was truly engaging, in particular when they were being protective over their respective mums. Oh, the scene where Princess was at Quade's doorstep on that fateful day, barking and shaking, trying to tell her about Penny! OMG! The description of that brief but utterly effective scene was riveting! I felt the tension, the danger, the gut-churn. Ahhh...that's why I LOVE dogs! Well done, Ms. Frame!

Well, if you think that when Penny and Quade finally became a couple that was the end of it, you're wrong. Obviously, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop throughout the book. And it did in a way that I thought worked out perfectly well because despite Penny and Quade's celebrated union, I thought there was one more thing that hadn't really been dealt with. That was Penny's business and its future, her career which was always a main part of shaping who Penny was and her life so far, a symbol of independence, individuality, success and relevance, if you must. Her business career was a product of her love for and commitment to it, basically. Olivia, Penny's longtime mate and business partner, played a significant role in this, obviously. I was utterly engrossed in the related scenes involving Olivia, Penny and Quade, depicted with emotionally resonating effect from all parties concerned, imo. This whole situation with Olivia, Penny and Quade had one purpose to serve, imo. And that was to arouse a moment of sudden realisation amidst a huge revelation. An epiphany. Penny's epiphany. The moment of truth. Did she have to sacrifice one for the other, both being her loves? Or, could she have it all? True everlasting love and joy, pure satisfaction, don't have to mean all or nothing. Sometimes there needs to be a bridge to connect the two points to make it whole and complete, doesn't it? In the end, Frame closed out the story beautifully for Quade and her one true love, Penny! Awww..!! Smashing! Utterly satisfying!

This book really gave me this feeling of an ultimate butch/femme fantasy love story, a fairy tale romance filled with the "sugar and spice and all that's nice" overall sensation that Frame deftly crafted into this utterly heartwarming and sensual, dewy-eyed and sentimental, heart-tugging and seductive, romantic journey with a dose of eroticism in it! Plus, I utterly enjoyed how the book ended - with Penny and Quade finally enjoying their well-deserved happily ever after along with their "kids," Dougal and Princess! Awww....!! Adorbs!!

This installment has become me favourite of the series! I loved everything about Penny and Quade's characters, their ups, their downs. I thoroughly enjoyed their road to securing an everlasting love, which was developed with gripping effect (for me!). Frame's sensitive, nuanced and realistic depiction of Penny's chronic medical condition and the devastating psychological effects it had on her, how she slowly let go of her lifetime of crippling fear about intimacy, trust and love before finally feeling free to accept and love herself and Quade completely and unconditionally, was well-paced, well-written and incredibly moving for me. In the end, love conquers all, innit?

All in all, I simply loved this story! It was an utterly cherishing read for me. I highly recommend it to those who love a butch/femme romance, further enriched by an utterly gripping storyline about overcoming great adversity and finding true love and trust at the end of the tunnel. Fans of Quade's and the Axedale series, reckon you'll have a whale of a time with this! If you're familiar with Frame's books, you'll know that she writes fabulous "classic" butch/femme characters with engaging stories. Penny's complex character was a stand-out for me. Well done, Ms. Frame and thank you!

An ARC copy was given to me by BSB/Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.

I'm not sure why, but somehow I keep picking up Jenny Frame's novels starting at the 3rd (and last) book in a series. It's a bit irritating! Not that it's a problem, the way she writes makes it possible to follow along even if you haven't read the first few books in the series, but I always find myself wishing that I had read the previous novel so I would have more backstory on some of the side characters.

I honestly felt like I would HATE this book after the first few chapters when MC Penny was introduced, but she grew on me fairly quickly. Frame almost blew it in my book though. That was close to her not being able to turn the character around in my opinion!

This book was solid, but for some reason I always feel like Frame's books are a bit off... It's not a bad feeling, just odd... Let me try to explain. There's something about the way she writes that makes me feel like the characters are set out of time or out of place. Her characters seem to always be royalty, old school ladies / lords and their servants, but the novels seem to feel like they're set in the future. With all lesbian royal families, the world being very accepting of lesbians and lesbian rulers, a few futuristic *ahem* appendages, etc, the setting feels set in the future. I just can't help but feel like the characters are set out of their time though. I'm not exactly sure why, but it's partly the way that they talk, partly the customs and the mannerisms, etc. The characters just feel out of place for the more modern time. Who knows, maybe that's my personal issue, but I can't quite let myself fully get involved in her stories because this feeling is always just there for me.

For some reason the odd names tend to bother me a bit too, and they always end up being stereotypical butch/femme books, with I like sometimes, but it also irritates me somewhat that her stuff is ALWAYS butch/femme since there's so much more to the spectrum out there. I know that stuff is all on me though.

This was a good book, and you won't have any trouble following along if you haven't read the other books in the series either. If you like Frame's works, you'll like this one. It's a fast read, and a solid romance, but for me, it came in at 3.5 stars and I'm rounding down to 3.

**Many thanks to Bold Strokes for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.**

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 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.