An Ex-Hero's Guide to Axe Handling

Subparheroes #6

by Jenn Burke

No more Mr. Nice Hero

Ex-hero Ward Sullivan used to be a household name before his career went up in smoke. Now he's stuck hunting for the cause of mysterious fires in Northern Ontario. Worse still is his new partner, an overly cheery Canadian named Devlin Campbell.

Dev's a lumberjack and he's okay with that. It sure beats working in an office where his not-so-super power forced everyone to be nice to him. Partnering with the famous ex-hero Firefox is a dream come true. Not only is he one of Dev's idols, he's immune to his niceness.

Dev's upbeat vibe soothes Ward's grumpy soul, but he'd never admit it. Nor would he admit that he really likes the way Dev handles an axe. But when a threat from the past comes roaring into Ward's present, it's no more Mr. Nice Hero. Ward may have to give up a future with the nicest guy he knows to save the world one last time.

An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe-Handling is a part of the multi-author Subparheroes MM romance series.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Crime, Gay, LGBT

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2024

About the author

Jenn Burke has loved out-of-this-world romance since she was a preteen reading about heroes and heroines kicking butt and falling in love. Now that she’s an author, she couldn’t be happier to bring adventure, romance, and sexy times to her readers.

Jenn is the author of a number of paranormal and science fiction romance titles, including the critically acclaimed Chaos Station science fiction romance series (authored with Kelly Jensen) and her newest series, Ashes & Dust, a spin-off of her fan-favorite Not Dead Yet series.

She’s been called a pocket-sized and puntastic Canadian on social media, and she’ll happily own that label. Jenn lives just outside of Ottawa, Ontario, with her husband and two kids, plus two dogs named after video game characters…because her geekiness knows no bounds.

Jenn is represented by Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency.

Reviews

[Terri Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent story! It combines some of my favorite tropes with some of my favorite plot points and characteristics, but elevates those elements into a very satisfyingly complex story that never forgets what trauma does, nor downplays how hard doing the right thing can be. This one's a winner.

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

While I love everything sci fi, supernatural and fantasy it turns out I don’t care at all for super heroes 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite good. I feel like it was one of the best concluded ones from the ones I've read lately in the series, with all wrapped up neatly in a bow. It was nice

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, interesting concept! Making superheroes with "minor" type of superpowers. I liked that. Anyway, this was an enjoyable book. It seemed to also be very Canadian. I totally LOVED the part where Devlin tried to explain about metric and measurement in Canada to Ward. Because some of that is VERY true and also applied in my country ​😄.

For a short novel this one covered quite a lot, to be honest. It wasn't just about developing romance in grumpy/sunshine trope with some quirks about Canada... there was also trauma looming in (that Ward still experienced) with danger and thrill (with Ward nemesis closing in, also Ward and Dev must saved this teenager whose superpower was similar to Ward)!!

Now, I wonder if the other books also featuring SPAM (Special Processing and Monitoring) organization, or is this only a universe of Jenn Burke's? Because I totally want to read more about the SPAM agents!

PS: The only thing that bothered me is WHY Ward was immune's to Devlin's superpower? There wasn't enough explanation on that. Was it because Ward's trauma?

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It doesn’t matter how small the steps. It matters that you keep taking them.”

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve read a couple by this author now and this is definitely my favourite! As a Canadian that lives in Northern Ontario I loved reading about all the different places they went to! Also the Canadian humour was spot on and had me laughing out loud many times!

I’m not usually a big fan of superhero books so wasn’t sure how I’d do but the concept of this book sounded interesting so I wanted to give it a try! They are superheroes but not in the usual flying with capes way so it was perfect! This book was full of action to keep me invested in the story and I loved seeing these two interact!

Dev was awesome! Loved his reaction to Ward being the only person ever to be not nice to him! They totally suited each other. I also really liked how caring they both were for a side character in the story.

This should be a must read if you enjoy any of the following: books set in Canada, action and comedy, this author, superheroes!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, fantastic, fav to date

Rating: 5🌈

As a fan of this author, I couldn’t wait for her contribution to the multi-author Subpar Heroes series. It’s excellent! One of my favorites so far.

An Ex-Hero's Guide to Axe Handling includes the two ends of the super hero spectrum. One, Ward Sullivan aka Firefox, a man’s whose talent was so powerful that it’s got him damaged permanently. Now Ward’s bitter and angry about his past and the loss of what he once had.

The other? So little is thought of his talent that he hasn’t even been assigned a superhero code name. He’s just been shunted off to Thunder Bay for minor tasks , where he’s content to living his life in a small Canadian community he’s called home. That’s, cheery, bearded, outfitted in plaid, ax wielding Devlin Campbell.

A weird case of arson in the middle of a park campground in winter brings Devlin together with Ward who’s sent to investigate the case, in what’s probably his last venture with SPAM.

Burke takes interesting characters, a great location full of small town culture as well as the frigid winter conditions then just starts layering on all the necessary elements as well as adding the details that give the story the fantastic depth.

She brings to Ward, Dev and a certain young Hallie, as the story develops, all personality growth and needed revelations that make the reader feel like we have an immediate connection to them. And Dev’s oh so inconsequential talent soon is seen to be not so inconsiderable after all.

That’s one of the best qualities of Burke’s narrative. She slyly feeds us several truths about the characters. The way they are being treated or perceived as well as the way the character are truly defined. These are not portraits that form at once but ones that may take almost the entire plot to reveal, giving the reader plenty of time to form their own thoughts and become more fully involved in this journey to love and HEA.

A special note about how Burke treats Ward’s issues and injuries. This is a choice the author made to go realistic with the outcome and I absolutely agree and appreciate that she went with it. It’s in keeping with his hard won journey, with the theme of the series (these aren’t Superheros) , and it’s reflective of the trauma that he has been through.

I just loved these characters, their relationship and their journey. Hallie is fabulous too.

Top of this series! A must read. And that cover is everything.

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:
🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt
🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp
🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper
🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land
🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple
🔷An Ex-Hero's Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke ❤️
🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024
🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024
🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024
🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024
🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024
🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024
🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024
🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

[Elizabeth D · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 This was a very quirky, very Canadian adventure. There’s winter wood-chopping, road tripping, teasing about metric versus imperial, and a whole lot of snow. We get grumpy/sunshine—with a sunshine who has to deal with a power that *makes* people be nice to him, and a grumpy who’s still dealing with the trauma of not having his powers anymore. We get a despicable bad guy, a teen sidekick (who’s kickass!), and even an adventure with a moose. This was a whole lot of fun to read (I think especially for Canadians, lol). I liked how Ward warmed up to Dev and how Dev slowly got through Ward’s layers. They don’t seem like a good match on paper, but they are excellent for one another in practice.

[Guy Venturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like a "Hero's Guide to Ex Handling"!

Being a hero is a continuous challenge for anyone, just like being alive is a challenge. But when you have to live with the risks to yourself while protecting others, getting close long term as friends, lovers, or even partners is so much more challenging.

The bad guys do not care what your powers are, they only want what is yours to become theirs. Collateral damage is just a consequence of their actions and greed.

Even the heroes need to survive to enjoy retirement, but when a marginal hero becomes a legendary hero, partnering with a former hero legend can be a perfect solution to a perfect hero dream.

[Natalie H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feb 2025
Kindle edition

Read for a group challenge week 5. This was a second chance read from the DNF list. Grumpy and sunshine, fire powers and mr nice guy. What happened to Ward was awful. The worst kind of bad guy. Didn't get much chemistry from the duo and Hallie felt like a macGuffin. Dunno, it was alright but not for me at this time.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five years ago, Ward Sullivan was a superhero codenamed Firefox. Then he was betrayed, powers stolen, and warned by doctors not to use his powers or else he be killed. So now he's an eternal grump, acting as a caseworker, assigned by SPAM (the superhero organization) to investigate a series of odd arson-related activities in northern Ontario. He's partnered up with Devlin Campbell, an optimistic sort, who has a power as well- people instantly like him. Except Ward doesn't like Dev, at all. Which intrigues Dev, who wants to explore this notion even as they pursue the case. They quickly find the source of the fires- a teenage girl named Hallie who has been trying to learn and control her pyrokinetic ability.

Escorting Hallie back to SPAM in DC should be no problem, except the trio are repeatedly attacked en route. Dev and Ward get closer, both emotionally, physically, and in their work partnership. And then they figure out their attacker is Mr Crimson, Ward's ex boyfriend, who manipulated and stole what he could of Ward's powers... and now he wants the rest!

I found the developing relationship between Dev and Ward to be a bit rushed- almost two days after meeting they're discussing it without really knowing each other. It just felt like there were some edits made to speed this up. This was very Canadian in tone, complete with very Canadian jokes about the weather and measurements. A little cliched but still amusing.

This was okay. A quick and light read. 3 stars.

[Harrison Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books in this series now and I've been pleasantly surprised by all of them so far. I'm happy to say that Burke's entry is just as good, and in some ways better as the ending was a bit more poignant than previous entries.

There's the humor to be had here, of course, with Dev being immune to Ward's grumpiness after the two of them are tasked to investigate some strange happenings in a small Canadian town during the middle of winter. Their personalities are diametrically opposed but the two men find themselves drawn to one another. Indeed Dev finds it refreshing that Ward isn't susceptible to his superpower (an unusual one at that) and likes him for who he is. And there's some humorous moments as the two men find themselves stewards of a superpowered teenage girl (complete with the obligatory teen snark, of course).

The plot takes a bit more of a serious turn, though, when Ward and Dev take their charge on a road trip so they can do some preliminary training for her before they deliver her to an academy for those with superpowers. As it turns out, a villain has had his eye on Ward for a while and turns their journey into a fight for survival. There are some tense moments and good character turns as all three must fight a powerful criminal.

There was a development in the plot near the end that I was expecting to be handled in a certain way, if somewhat cliched manner, but Burke surprised me and took a path that I didn't expect. It certainly was more realistic considering the situation but ended up being bittersweet. So there was a HEA but it was definitely one that was hard fought for. All in all, a very enjoyable book with some tight plotting, and a good examination of real emotions involved in the situations the two men and their teenaged charge find themselves in.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Jenn Burke's and I love what she did with this not-so-superhero trope. Ward Sullivan was Firefox, a highpowered superhero, until he was betrayed and damaged, left with a power he doesn't dare use again, for fear of doing himself further damage. He's bitter and angry, and lonely. And afraid, though he'd never admit it, that his life is irrevocably destroyed.

Devlin Campbell is a man whose minor power was small enough that SPAM has never made much use of it. He doesn't even have a code name, and his ability to make people like him, whether they want to or not, is morally difficult for him. To the point where he tries to get sexual consult from hookups established by phone, so he won't coerce them into something they don't want without even realizing it. He's settled in comfortably in his small town, making a side living with videos of his impressive physique in axe-handling. But he's not using his full potential, and sometimes he recognizes that.

Until a mysterious blaze that seemed to set actual snow on fire brings them together. Luckily Ward is that rare person - unaffected by Devlin's "like me" power and able to be honest with him.

I loved the characters in this, and their journey to love. They balanced each other, and as much as Ward was the damaged one, Devlin needed to find a way out of the small life he'd created for himself.

I appreciated a strong female secondary character. Teen Hallie has strengths and weaknesses and is given her chance to shine in her own right. I liked that a couple of places, where cliche was a possible route, the story dodged it and went the more real direction. This has more angst and poignancy than some of the others in this series, but that's never a drawback for me.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her contribution to this fun superhero series, Jenn Burke does what she does best — deliver an entertaining, engaging story with fantastic characters who absolutely shine. She blends her unique brand of humor with popular tropes in a delightfully quirky take on the classic superhero/supervillain story, and the results are spectacular. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

This story is more than just a battle of good versus evil; it has unexpected emotional depth and a fantastic grumpy/sunshine romance. Dev’s an unconventional superhero whose pure, sunshiny goodness and lumberjack prowess belie his discontent with the super community’s reaction to his unique power. His next assignment seems like a gift and dream come true when he’s paired with his idol, the legendary Firefox.

Firefox, however, is a thing of the past. Forced into retirement, Ward’s the ultimate grump struggling to find his place without his superhero persona. He’s understandably upset over all he’s lost, and Dev’s just the right kind of partner for someone so mired in his suffering. The two play off each other really well, both amusingly and poignantly, and seeing them find common ground and eventually love is supremely satisfying.

Their connection is somewhat accelerated by a threat from Ward’s past: Crimson. Crimson’s the best kind of supervillain - the kind you love to hate - and by that, I mean he’s extra vile. He’s diabolical and unhinged enough to think he’s got it all figured out. Burke’s ability to create conflict without losing her humor and wit is remarkable, adding another layer of enjoyment to the action and suspense as the story plays out.

I can’t recommend this book enough, but also the entire Subparheroes series. Everything I’ve read from this multi-author set has been fantastic, with unique voices and stories capturing everything we love about MM romance in an entertaining superhero universe.

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Heather]

DNF 10%

I didn't go very far, so I won't bother rating it. This was...pretty much everything I don't like within the first 10%, so that was enough for me. I come from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which, being above the 45th parallel, has pretty nasty winters and mild summers.

There are people in the U.P. like the Canadian MC of this book, super smug and superior about their "toughness" and "resilience" in the face of hardship. Like, my dudes, it's really not that extreme and really not worthy of that level of superiority. I live in metro Detroit now where they don't plow anything or shovel the sidewalks at all EVER, there's no salt on the roads, etc. etc. THAT is a challenging way to spend the winter, and that is why so many people farther south are always "panicking" when it snows, because the odds of being in a car accident during inclement conditions is way, WAY higher given the state of unpreparedness of the road commission and the high population of people trying not to die trying to go to Kroger.

Where I come from the population is very small, the road commission is super prepared for winter, the roads and sidewalks are pristine, and technology has made keeping warm pretty darn easy. People above the 45th parallel are babied, in other words, and I don't know why they're so proud of being resilient when they're not doing a damn thing but waiting for the plow to come through. Anyone with central heat and a Carhardt can survive below zero conditions OMG /end rant.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Superstastic Stars!

This book is part of the multi-author Subpar Superheroes MM romance series and each book can be read as a standalone. That said, I really hope Ms. Burke will consider writing more in this 'verse because I adored Dev and Ward and would love to read more of them. 

Dev was such a sweetheart and an all-around great guy. I loved him from the start, he had such a sunny disposition that you couldn't help but liking him. His power was that he only needed to be near someone and ask for anything and most people would bend backward to do his bidding, not that he ever abused that power, seeing as he was such a nice guy. Ward was the grumpy to Dev's sunshine, although understandably so, since he'd lost his powers a few years ago, and especially once we got the full story of how he lost them. Also, he was immune to Dev's power, which was refreshing to Dev. And they had amazing chemistry, which definitely didn't hurt.

I also loved Hallie, she was a great addition to the story. Same as April, Dev and Ward's boss. I hated Crimson, the villain in the story, but that was a given, especially in light of what he did to Ward. 

Overall, this was a fast-paced, fun, interesting book with some light angst and a lot of heart that I couldn't put down once I started reading it. Definitely a recommendation from me. 

*** Copy provided by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series, and the imaginative abilities the authors are bringing to each book. Ward and Dev’s story is a wonderful opposites-attract with a good dollop of hurt/comfort and action/drama. I loved how Dev comes into his own, and of course the appearance of April, and SPAM.

I loved how Ward and Dev’s relationship slowly burns into something bright. They’re both nice guys, despite Ward hiding his under a grumpy façade, which is no wonder considering his past! Dev’s power is interesting, and different. His use of an axe is a lovely visual.

Hailie is a fabulous side character, who grows so much during the story. I love how she bonds to both of them, and in particular the scene where she and Dev work together.

I liked how the bad guy showdown has very real consequences, especially for Ward. The villain totally deserves his ending – very satisfying.

I love the different ways April is worked into each book, and SPAM is such a cool organisation.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An Ex-Hero's Guide to Axe Handling" by Jenn Burke is my favorite so far in the Subparheroes multi-author series. Ward and Dev are adorable together and there is a fun connection between them and the banter about the differences between the USA and Canada are fun. This is a book with a lot of acton, a lot of humor, a lot of heart and a bit of steam. Both Ward and Dev have had a lot to deal with in their lives with their abilities and the way they are able to be there and support each other is lovely.

Part of me would love to see more of Ward, Dev and Hallie and their lives going forward.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book, not long but it didn't feel rushed nor like it was missing something. Dev and Ward are forced to be partners, forced proximity and only one bed situations help them become first friends then lovers, all while escorting a teenager with superpowers to a safe location and trying not to get killed by a villain who wants Ward. And everything is set in a wintery Canada with snowstorms and unexpected moose.
Ward might be super grumpy and he made questionable decisions but in the end he is just fragile and needs loving, and he founds himself some much needed love and support.

[She Who Shall Remain Nameless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This is a new to me author, but I was definitely impressed with this offering. The book was very engaging and kept me interested from start to finish. Both MCs were awesome men, each with their own challenges. Although, I hate to break it to Ward but he is actually firmly GenX as he was born in either 1978 or 1979. Sorry, Buddy. Hallie was a great secondary character, and the villain was truly evil. Overall, this was a very entertaining story, and I look forward to reading more from this author’s backlist.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for grumpy/sunshine, and this story has that in spades: with the added wrinkle that our resident sunshine's power compels people to be nice to him in return...except for his grumpy LI, which is kinda perfect for them both. I liked watching them discover how well they fit together, enjoyed many of the supporting characters (not the villain, who's just...evil) and there's plenty of sweetness and feeling and just general quirkiness to round out the adventures and Dev and Ward's romance. 4.5 stars; an enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite authors dropped a book with a bunch of my favourite tropes ON my birthday, was there any doubt I'd love it???
Dev was so sweet and I really felt for his struggle to connect with people while not being sure it was genuine or not due to his powers. Ward was a bit prickly but really just needed someone who was patient as he worked through his trauma!
and I'm a reformed Marvel fan so you know I'm always here for gay superheroes adopting a baby (figuratively) gay superhero!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this grumpy/sunshine book

I love the grumpy/sunshine trope and this one was so good. Dev has the ability to make people be nice to him which unfortunately leads to a pretty solitary life. Ward gets sent on a mission in Canada and gets paired with Dev. But Dev's ability doesn't work on Ward, much to Dev's delight. As these two try to figure out who is starting fires, a person from Ward's past appears and stirs up trouble. Oh my goodness this book was filled with great characters, a riveting plot, and all the emotions. I couldn't put this down and finished it in one day.

[avid reader 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

Read through Kindle Unlimited

I enjoyed this author’s take on superheroes. Seeing them as real people, not just the ‘super’ part, made it easier for me to accept them and feel like we could have things in common. I ended up caring about them both.
The storyline kept my attention, and watching it unfold was both exciting and rewarding. The bad guy is one of those who is very easy to hate and I cheered when he got his comeuppance.
Even though Dev and Ward are opposites, I found their physical and emotional connection believable and their HEA satisfying.
I look forward to more from this author.

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this was a nice one...

First off, I loved both cranky Ward and overly nice Dev.

Second off, I really am not into superheros but I was able to get into this one.

Third off, I loved Hailee and I hope they become a family one day

Fourth off, what's the deal with April? I need to know details about them.

Fifth off, this was wonderful until the 80% breakup that really wasn't a breakup and the less than exciting make up scenes. This would have been a five star if not for that.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book, pure and simple. It's a treat to read an author whose characters come to life on page one; who writes believable, engaging dialogue; who makes you want to keep reading. This story of growth and healing (on the part of both MCs) definitely fit that description. Recommended!

My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axes and Exes

Great addition to the Subparheroes series. Ward is the grumpy to Dev's sunshine and Ward is immune to Dev's power which Dev loves. From finding an accidental arsonist, driving cross country in snow storms, to dealing with psycho villains, Dev starts to melt Ward's walls and earn the love that they both need and deserve.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best superpower ever! I want to make people be nice to me. I loved all the quirky plot and characters so much. I want to say this is my first read with a Moose in it! Dev is a sweet lumberjack of a cinnamon roll who will get the prickly Ward to love him the regular way. But not without quite a few silly feel-good fun adventures along the way!

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As other readers have said, this was a grumpy/sunshine story. Ward had his reasons to be grumpy, and sunshiny Dev figured out that Ward was a nice person very deep down under the grumpiness. I liked the characters, aside from the villain, who was meant to be horrible. I thought that things would go a different way with Ward, but I was all right with the way they went.

[Lee Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I’m so glad to have read this book! Not only were the characters excellent, but the action was outstanding. I was even more thrilled when a major character had a stroke after being a hero. There seldom seems to be medical problems with heroes, and he is doing just fine. Way to go Jenn Burke!

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Great story and fantastic characters! I loved how absolutely Canadian it is to have a hero whose power is that everyone is extra nice to his face -- can we get more people like that in the world, please?! And I also love that he's got an income stream from his shirtless wood chopping -- so hot!