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Nominee for the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards
Chestnut Springs #3
Powerless
Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I’ve been living in the friend zone for years now.
But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn’t looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn’t touching me like one either.
To his fans, he’s the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he’s still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.
The man I’ve loved in secret for years.
So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I’m there to return the favor.
But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn’t feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and thought I could never have.
Our feelings aren’t straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.
Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me.
But after years of turning me away, he’s going to need to prove it.
But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn’t looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn’t touching me like one either.
To his fans, he’s the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he’s still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.
The man I’ve loved in secret for years.
So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I’m there to return the favor.
But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn’t feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and thought I could never have.
Our feelings aren’t straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.
Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me.
But after years of turning me away, he’s going to need to prove it.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2023
About the author
Elsie Silver
17 books12.6k followersCanadian author who loves a good book boyfriend and the sassy heroines who bring them to their knees. Connoisseur of charged looks and lingering touches. Big fan of witty banter. Horse girl through and through. Fully convinced that it's always wine o'clock somewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,384 reviews
May 29, 2023
Jasper Gervais....😮💨
that's all.
that's all.
December 12, 2022
What a privilege. What a fucking privilege to be able to beta read this. If you thought Heartless was Elsie's best book, you are IN FOR IT.
This is possibly the hottest shit I have ever read in my life. I am not joking. I am absolutely POWERLESS when it comes to describing what and how much this book made me feel.
See what I did there? hehe
So hot, so romantic, so well-written, SO ABSURD. I never CRY! And I cried, I CRIED HARD at the end.
The entire thing was emotional and wonderful and so so so so worth it.
MARK MY WORDS, THIS BOOK IS GOING TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Elsie is Mozart of our generation and her work isonly going to get better from here and after this one? You can bet your life she will become an unstoppable phenomenon.
February 9, 2023
elsie silver is steadily working her way up on my favorite authors list
and powerless was almost everything i wanted it to be! it's a childhood friends to lovers story about a ballerina who's used to listening to other people's plans for her, and a hockey player with a rocky past and a fear of abandonment. this book is full of tension and pining and my faaaaavorite trope in the whole wide world: a self loathing hero who doesn't think he's good enough for the heroine.
the intimate moments and slice of life style of this book really worked for me. the only thing i wanted a touch more of would be on-page relationship development. it's a challenging balancing act to write a book with a pre-established relationship between hero and heroine. but since there was a bit of a gap where these two weren't as close for a few years i think it would have really helped the angst/tension/romance to have more "get to know you" moments on page in the present day.
it is certainly easy for me to overlook any issues though since this book ticked so many of my boxes. it's a goody, and a departure from the tone/vibe of the first couple of books in the series which i appreciate! love some variety. overall, another winner from elsie.
and powerless was almost everything i wanted it to be! it's a childhood friends to lovers story about a ballerina who's used to listening to other people's plans for her, and a hockey player with a rocky past and a fear of abandonment. this book is full of tension and pining and my faaaaavorite trope in the whole wide world: a self loathing hero who doesn't think he's good enough for the heroine.
the intimate moments and slice of life style of this book really worked for me. the only thing i wanted a touch more of would be on-page relationship development. it's a challenging balancing act to write a book with a pre-established relationship between hero and heroine. but since there was a bit of a gap where these two weren't as close for a few years i think it would have really helped the angst/tension/romance to have more "get to know you" moments on page in the present day.
it is certainly easy for me to overlook any issues though since this book ticked so many of my boxes. it's a goody, and a departure from the tone/vibe of the first couple of books in the series which i appreciate! love some variety. overall, another winner from elsie.
February 11, 2023
– 2 stars
all the 5 stars/arc reviews have lied to me once again. best childhood best friend story ever i’m laughing.
Sloane (h) and Jasper (H) both have the personality of wet cardboard that got peed on. Jasper has hockey and is an orphan that got adopted into the Eaton family. Sloane has ballet and was a doormat for her father until the day of her wedding. That’s the amount of things that I will remember these two for, because other than that they have no substance to their character.
Each of them individually have not even chemistry with oxygen, even less with each other. Jasper and Sloane as friends for 18 years has failed to evoke any significant emotional impact, and the same can be said of their relationship as a romantic couple. I was unable to form a connection with their friendship, because the flashbacks to their childhood were too brief and were lacking to evoke any emotional investment in their pairing from my side.
I was missing the angst, the drama and the obstacle why it took Jasper and Sloane so long to be together if both of them had crushes on the other person. If Jasper and Sloane were not such chicken shit and had A CONVERSATION their book would have ended after 50 pages.
The only scenes that got me through this book were the Willa x Cade scenes and Winter x Theo first meeting.
Elsie Silver NEEDS to write a bonus scenes of how Willa managed to convinced Cade to go along with her plan to help Sloane get away from her own wedding.. look at him that poor man was probably held at gunpoint by his wife 😭🤚
ALDFADLafld Willa, Cade, Luke and baby Emma supremacy!! They are the best Chestnut Spring family.
Now onto the ship I didn’t had on my bingo card WINTER and THEO. I honestly wanted Winter and Beau for the reverse grumpy sunshine dynamic, but it seems like I’m getting it either way so I’m not too sad about it.
I already dig the opposite attract vibes with these two and how Theo is bringing Winter out of her shell.
Conclusion:
This book was so not worth reading. I still can’t believe that Elsie Silver wrote Heartless and then she went and wrote Powerless. But after reading the first two chapters of Reckless I'm sure ES can redeem herself again.
┍━━━━━━━━»•» «•«━┑
CHESTNUT SPRINGS SERIES
#1 Flawless – 3 stars (Rhett x Summer)
#2 Heartless – 4 stars (Cade x Willa)
#3 Powerless – 2 stars (Jasper x Sloane)
#4 Reckless – tbr (Theo x Winter)
┕━»•» «•«━━━━━━━━┙
all the 5 stars/arc reviews have lied to me once again. best childhood best friend story ever i’m laughing.
Sloane (h) and Jasper (H) both have the personality of wet cardboard that got peed on. Jasper has hockey and is an orphan that got adopted into the Eaton family. Sloane has ballet and was a doormat for her father until the day of her wedding. That’s the amount of things that I will remember these two for, because other than that they have no substance to their character.
Each of them individually have not even chemistry with oxygen, even less with each other. Jasper and Sloane as friends for 18 years has failed to evoke any significant emotional impact, and the same can be said of their relationship as a romantic couple. I was unable to form a connection with their friendship, because the flashbacks to their childhood were too brief and were lacking to evoke any emotional investment in their pairing from my side.
I was missing the angst, the drama and the obstacle why it took Jasper and Sloane so long to be together if both of them had crushes on the other person. If Jasper and Sloane were not such chicken shit and had A CONVERSATION their book would have ended after 50 pages.
The only scenes that got me through this book were the Willa x Cade scenes and Winter x Theo first meeting.
When we peek into the hallway seconds later, all backs are turned to us. Willa is down on all fours in the foyer, grasping at her stomach dramatically while Cade stands by, arms crossed, gruffly asking if she’s okay while trying not to roll his eyes. I’m momentarily confused. Because if I know Cade, he’s as protective as they come, and seeing the mother of his child down on the floor in pain would have him wild. Willa’s chin tips up in our direction, and she winks, before falling into another chorus of loud wails. “Please! I need a doctor!”
Elsie Silver NEEDS to write a bonus scenes of how Willa managed to convinced Cade to go along with her plan to help Sloane get away from her own wedding.. look at him that poor man was probably held at gunpoint by his wife 😭🤚
A few seats down Cade has his new baby girl, Emma, strapped to his chest in a carrier. He’s all proud papa, eyes more on that little bundle than on the game. It does weird things to my ovaries watching him. Willa is her usual playful self, sitting beside Luke trying to show him how to toss popcorn up in the air and catch it with his mouth. It just keeps hitting them both in the face.
ALDFADLafld Willa, Cade, Luke and baby Emma supremacy!! They are the best Chestnut Spring family.
Now onto the ship I didn’t had on my bingo card WINTER and THEO. I honestly wanted Winter and Beau for the reverse grumpy sunshine dynamic, but it seems like I’m getting it either way so I’m not too sad about it.
“Easy, Tink,” the man says good-naturedly but a little teasing. “You’re gonna pop a blood vessel stomping around like that.”“Tink?” she shouts, pulling up about six feet from him, not at all affected by his good looks. He waves a hand over her casually. “Yeah. You’ve got this whole angry little Tinkerbell vibe happening. I dig it.”
“It’s dark and snowy! I don’t know the area. There could be wildlife! Driving slowly is safe so long as a back-forty hillbilly isn’t riding my ass in his small-dick truck, flashing his high beams at me.”
I already dig the opposite attract vibes with these two and how Theo is bringing Winter out of her shell.
Conclusion:
This book was so not worth reading. I still can’t believe that Elsie Silver wrote Heartless and then she went and wrote Powerless. But after reading the first two chapters of Reckless I'm sure ES can redeem herself again.
┍━━━━━━━━»•» «•«━┑
CHESTNUT SPRINGS SERIES
#1 Flawless – 3 stars (Rhett x Summer)
#2 Heartless – 4 stars (Cade x Willa)
#3 Powerless – 2 stars (Jasper x Sloane)
#4 Reckless – tbr (Theo x Winter)
┕━»•» «•«━━━━━━━━┙
February 11, 2023
When he said “crawl” I had to take a lap.
April 24, 2023
FRIENDS TO LOVERS IS THE SUPERIOR TROPE AND I AM OBSESSED.
Seriously, from the beginning I was obsessed with the dynamic between Jasper and Sloane. They grew up together when Jasper moves to Sloane's cousin ranch and basically lives there. Sloane has had a crush on Jasper since she first saw him and the two have danced around each other for certain reasons. Because of his past, Jasper is pretty stoic and closed off to the people around him. When Sloane decides to leave her fiancé on their wedding day, Jasper is there and the two spend a lot of time together as Sloane picks herself up and decides what to do. This book was just sooooo sweet and I am so in love with Jasper. He is going through a lot and I loved how he finally gave into his feelings for Sloane and things turned into something more. There was also definitely plenty of spice once the couple finally decides to be together. Even once they admitted their feelings, though, they had to decide what they both wanted out of life and what they would sacrifice for each other.
We of course get the whole Eaton gang and the family banter I love in Elsie's books so much! She balances humor and serious emotion so well and just sucks you into the world these characters live in.
I also was able to listen to the early copy of the audio and I would HIGHLY recommend read this book that way! The narrators are perfect and I already want to reread this book! I need more Jasper in my life!!!
Seriously, from the beginning I was obsessed with the dynamic between Jasper and Sloane. They grew up together when Jasper moves to Sloane's cousin ranch and basically lives there. Sloane has had a crush on Jasper since she first saw him and the two have danced around each other for certain reasons. Because of his past, Jasper is pretty stoic and closed off to the people around him. When Sloane decides to leave her fiancé on their wedding day, Jasper is there and the two spend a lot of time together as Sloane picks herself up and decides what to do. This book was just sooooo sweet and I am so in love with Jasper. He is going through a lot and I loved how he finally gave into his feelings for Sloane and things turned into something more. There was also definitely plenty of spice once the couple finally decides to be together. Even once they admitted their feelings, though, they had to decide what they both wanted out of life and what they would sacrifice for each other.
We of course get the whole Eaton gang and the family banter I love in Elsie's books so much! She balances humor and serious emotion so well and just sucks you into the world these characters live in.
I also was able to listen to the early copy of the audio and I would HIGHLY recommend read this book that way! The narrators are perfect and I already want to reread this book! I need more Jasper in my life!!!
February 18, 2023
3 stars
I was prepared to love this one, but it was just kind of underwhelming and anticlimactic. I just wasn’t feeling it. Not feeling their romance. Not feeling their characters. Not feeling anything from them. I’m so picky with my friends to lovers romance. It’s not my trope of choice and few books have managed to convince me, however Sloane and jasper didn’t manage to do that. It was all so meh and dull and I didn’t feel neither their friendship nor their romance.
I was so looking for Beau’s book. He’s a hero I’m interested to read about. However, winter and Theo were sth I didn’t expect, but so looking forward to.
#1 Flawless ~ 4 stars
#2 Heartless ~ 4.5 stars
#3 powerless ~ 3.5 stars
I was prepared to love this one, but it was just kind of underwhelming and anticlimactic. I just wasn’t feeling it. Not feeling their romance. Not feeling their characters. Not feeling anything from them. I’m so picky with my friends to lovers romance. It’s not my trope of choice and few books have managed to convince me, however Sloane and jasper didn’t manage to do that. It was all so meh and dull and I didn’t feel neither their friendship nor their romance.
I was so looking for Beau’s book. He’s a hero I’m interested to read about. However, winter and Theo were sth I didn’t expect, but so looking forward to.
#1 Flawless ~ 4 stars
#2 Heartless ~ 4.5 stars
#3 powerless ~ 3.5 stars
September 22, 2023
☆ 𝟥.𝟧 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗌
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤’𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 *𝙩𝙤𝙤* 𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.”
I’ll be preaching this dedication till the day I die fr. I absolutely adored the character development in this book <33
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣.”
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝.”
𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘀 the boy with the saddest eyes. Jasper has a lot of childhood trauma, and became a part of the Easton family when he was very young. Jasper thinks everyone he loves and cares about will eventually leave him (who could ever leave this man🥺). I love how deep his character were, and I love how emotional Jasper’s story made me (I love pain apparently). But this man definitely has two sides; the first one is unsure, shy, sad, deep and vulnerable. The second one is confident, cocky and funny. I adore Jasper’s character, and I’m so proud of his character development.
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.”
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢. 𝙐𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙨 𝙪𝙥.”
𝗦𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗽 has always been her father’s little girl, or that’s what she thought. She used to think she knew her father, but she definitely didn’t. Sloane was supposed to marry a little prick named Sterling Woodcock (his last name pretty much describes his character). But Sloane ended up being a runaway bride (so proud of my girl). She went with Jasper on a road trip to get away a little. Sloane has had a crush on Jasper since she first saw him when they were little, but she didn’t think he’d ever return those feelings. Honestly Sloane’s character development is amazing, I was so proud of her for standing up for herself.
“𝙉𝙖𝙝, 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚.
“𝙇𝙢𝙖𝙤. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙢 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣?”
“𝙈𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣.”
“𝙄 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚. 𝘽𝙪��� 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙙. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙.”
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪! 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞���.”
I’m so proud of my babies! I love these characters so much, and god the character development in this book🤌🏼 especially Sloane’s character. I absolutely adore their relationship, it was so amazing to just see their characters grow together. The way they both got so much happier when they were together, and the way they were each other’s biggest hype man/woman >>> Their relationship was so deep, because they knew each other so well from the start.
— Now normally I don’t like the nickname ”honey” but when Jasper calls Sloane “honey” >>>
“𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚, 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮.”
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙨.”
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣... 𝙄’𝙙 𝙙𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚.”
“𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙄 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚.”
𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱;
↳ Fucking Sterling Woodcock, this man pisses me tf off. The way this man treated Sloane🔪🔪🔪 (I didn’t hate this, I just hated him and needed to get it out)
↳ The first 200 pages of them thinking about how much they hated the word “friends” and how much they wanted each other, like then grow some balls and do something about it.
↳ The word “friends” got mentioned so many fucking times, like okayyy I get it 🤯
↳ When their relationship started there was too much of the sexual, and not enough of the actual relationship. And when you’ve been waiting for the relationship in over 200 pages and then when it finally starts, it’s all just too sexual (I mean there was deep feeling, but it was just sex scene, after sex scene). That was kind of a bummer for me.
↳ I loved that when I was about 300 pages or so in, I was like WHO IS THIS MAN?!😱
↳ Harvey being everyone’s biggest hype man. He’s just so supportive of all his kids, ughh I love Harvey so much 🥹
“𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠. 𝙈𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙙 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚.”
“𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨.”
“𝙒𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙜𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚.”
I cannot state this enough, I LOVE how they always were the best version of themselves with each other. And idk what it is about this series, but I always get so emotional, I’m a total crybaby for this series. The found family trope in this series is literally fucking AMAZING. It’s just such a comfort family 🥹🤧🫂
⋘ Tropes ➺ hockey romance, childhood friends to lovers, road trip, age gap, runaway bride and found family ⋙
“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤’𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 *𝙩𝙤𝙤* 𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.”
I’ll be preaching this dedication till the day I die fr. I absolutely adored the character development in this book <33
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣.”
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝.”
𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘀 the boy with the saddest eyes. Jasper has a lot of childhood trauma, and became a part of the Easton family when he was very young. Jasper thinks everyone he loves and cares about will eventually leave him (who could ever leave this man🥺). I love how deep his character were, and I love how emotional Jasper’s story made me (I love pain apparently). But this man definitely has two sides; the first one is unsure, shy, sad, deep and vulnerable. The second one is confident, cocky and funny. I adore Jasper’s character, and I’m so proud of his character development.
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.”
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢. 𝙐𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙨 𝙪𝙥.”
𝗦𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗽 has always been her father’s little girl, or that’s what she thought. She used to think she knew her father, but she definitely didn’t. Sloane was supposed to marry a little prick named Sterling Woodcock (his last name pretty much describes his character). But Sloane ended up being a runaway bride (so proud of my girl). She went with Jasper on a road trip to get away a little. Sloane has had a crush on Jasper since she first saw him when they were little, but she didn’t think he’d ever return those feelings. Honestly Sloane’s character development is amazing, I was so proud of her for standing up for herself.
“𝙉𝙖𝙝, 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚.
“𝙇𝙢𝙖𝙤. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙢 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣?”
“𝙈𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣.”
“𝙄 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚. 𝘽𝙪��� 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙙. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙.”
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪! 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞���.”
I’m so proud of my babies! I love these characters so much, and god the character development in this book🤌🏼 especially Sloane’s character. I absolutely adore their relationship, it was so amazing to just see their characters grow together. The way they both got so much happier when they were together, and the way they were each other’s biggest hype man/woman >>> Their relationship was so deep, because they knew each other so well from the start.
— Now normally I don’t like the nickname ”honey” but when Jasper calls Sloane “honey” >>>
“𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚, 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮.”
“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙨.”
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣... 𝙄’𝙙 𝙙𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚.”
“𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙄 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚.”
𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱;
↳ Fucking Sterling Woodcock, this man pisses me tf off. The way this man treated Sloane🔪🔪🔪 (I didn’t hate this, I just hated him and needed to get it out)
↳ The first 200 pages of them thinking about how much they hated the word “friends” and how much they wanted each other, like then grow some balls and do something about it.
↳ The word “friends” got mentioned so many fucking times, like okayyy I get it 🤯
↳ When their relationship started there was too much of the sexual, and not enough of the actual relationship. And when you’ve been waiting for the relationship in over 200 pages and then when it finally starts, it’s all just too sexual (I mean there was deep feeling, but it was just sex scene, after sex scene). That was kind of a bummer for me.
↳ I loved that when I was about 300 pages or so in, I was like WHO IS THIS MAN?!😱
↳ Harvey being everyone’s biggest hype man. He’s just so supportive of all his kids, ughh I love Harvey so much 🥹
“𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠. 𝙈𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙙 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚.”
“𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨.”
“𝙒𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙜𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚.”
I cannot state this enough, I LOVE how they always were the best version of themselves with each other. And idk what it is about this series, but I always get so emotional, I’m a total crybaby for this series. The found family trope in this series is literally fucking AMAZING. It’s just such a comfort family 🥹🤧🫂
⋘ Tropes ➺ hockey romance, childhood friends to lovers, road trip, age gap, runaway bride and found family ⋙
August 6, 2023
“Sloane, I won’t go without you.”
“You’ve never been without me, Jasper. Not since the first day I laid eyes on you.”
Childhood friends to lovers is my comfort trope, so I already knew that I'm going to devour this book and I did it in less than 2 days and I also fell in love with Jasper and Sloane's story. The two stupids who were in love with each other for the better part of their lives but never tried to act on their feelings or maybe time and situations were never in their favour. But the moment Jasper knew that he's gonna lose Sloane and the situation calls Jasper to help Sloane break out of her sham marriage, he didn't even bat an eyelash and was their to help HIS GIRL. But what would happen when they are again in each other's closed proximity and can't fight the attraction between them?
It was beautiful and comforting to watch them FINALLY acting on their feelings after years of ignoring each other, and the way I was feeling all giddy and giggling because of their sweet and wholesome moments and their sweet friendly banter and here and there touches like they just can't get enough of each other. They were always made for each other. The moment they laid eyes on each other they knew that no matter what happens its always going to be Jasper and Sloane against everything in this world.
I also loved their sweet little glimpes of their childhood friendship and it was so frustrating and yet so endearing to watch them so oblivious to each other's feelings 😭
I liked how the plot wasn't so heavy even though it dealt with the loss and trauma of losing a loved one. Also it was amazing to see how Elsie described Jasper's trauma and grief and how he dealt with it rather than just making the whole story about his traumatised past. I loved how Eatons accepted him and gave him all the love and protection he needed because Jasper Gervais is too precious for this world 🥺
And shout out to the best character of this series Grandpa Harvey Eaton who's sense of humour is out of this world!! He really is the best man in this series!!
The story felt a little slow in the first half but the tension between Jasper and Sloane was just everything 🤌🔥 while the second half was perfect because of drama and perfect amount of spicy scenes (Jasper in fucking bed controling Sloane is the hottest thing in this book 😮💨💘🤌🔥💕)
✦ Sloane Winthrop 'The firecracker girl'
A prima ballerina. She is smart, funny but also fierce, and caring and is truly unhinged because she always laughs at the most inappropriate times. I love how unabashedly and unapologetically she is when no one tries to control. She is cute and my heart hurts for her when everyone around her tried to suppress her feelings like she doesn't deserve to get a say in anything just because she is a woman. Only Jasper brings out that side of her and never let her self doubt her own choices and decisions.
✦ Jasper Gervais 'The man with sad eyes and a heart of gold'
The NHL Ice hockey player who is broody and shy. He is a man of few words who keeps his feelings locked up and doesn't know how to talk about them to another person except Sloane. I liked him from the very first moment of this book and how caring he is and how fiercely he loves his family and Sloane. He is a traumatised man with lots of baggage from his past so he never tried to dump it all on anyone. He truly is a gentleman but not so gentlemen in bed because his domineering side is goddamn fucking hot 🔥🥵
➙ Jasper and Sloane's relationship
It all started with their sweet little 'nothing just friends' friendship. They had this honesty thing which was really endearing and to see how they both just stay and listen to each other's truth and pain without any judgement, except that honesty never worked when they had to talk about their feelings.
They both were so good at hiding their love and or maybe they both were just scared and thought that the other could never feel the same so they just stayed friends for what? 18 fucking years?! And the pent up sexual tension between them was delicious and hot 😋🔥
They just get each other so easily like no other person can. Sloane understood him and stayed with him just wanting to be there by his side just to listen to him talk and even in his silence.
It was so heartwarming and yet so heartbreaking to see what Jasper had to go through at such a young age. They were each other's comfort and constant person. God their love is just so wholesome and beautiful. How can I describe about two persons who literally are soulmates and were always right for each other. ALWAYS 🥺💕 I love my stupid dorks so much!!
The ending was just perfect and everything. I liked how the drama about Sloane's ex fiancé and her dad was not stretched for chapters and everthing was sorted smoothly.
You guys are clearly missing this amazing and the best small town romance series if you still haven't picked the first book yet! Elsie is now one of my favourite author because nobody can do a small town romance story like her!!
"we’re me and you. We’re us. Unlikely and inevitable all at once. We’re forever.”
“You’ve never been without me, Jasper. Not since the first day I laid eyes on you.”
Childhood friends to lovers is my comfort trope, so I already knew that I'm going to devour this book and I did it in less than 2 days and I also fell in love with Jasper and Sloane's story. The two stupids who were in love with each other for the better part of their lives but never tried to act on their feelings or maybe time and situations were never in their favour. But the moment Jasper knew that he's gonna lose Sloane and the situation calls Jasper to help Sloane break out of her sham marriage, he didn't even bat an eyelash and was their to help HIS GIRL. But what would happen when they are again in each other's closed proximity and can't fight the attraction between them?
It was beautiful and comforting to watch them FINALLY acting on their feelings after years of ignoring each other, and the way I was feeling all giddy and giggling because of their sweet and wholesome moments and their sweet friendly banter and here and there touches like they just can't get enough of each other. They were always made for each other. The moment they laid eyes on each other they knew that no matter what happens its always going to be Jasper and Sloane against everything in this world.
"It doesn’t matter that my love for him is pathetic and tragically unrequited. It just is. The sky is blue. The grass is green. And I’ve loved Jasper Gervais from the first day I laid eyes on him."
“Times have changed, Sloane. I’m not scared anymore. You’re not my fucking friend. You’re just mine.”
I also loved their sweet little glimpes of their childhood friendship and it was so frustrating and yet so endearing to watch them so oblivious to each other's feelings 😭
“Eighteen years ago, a little blonde girl peeked at me out of that exact window. She stared at me that day, and I stared back. I didn’t realize what it meant because we were just kids.”
She hums softly, twining her fingers with my free hand. Wrapping herself up in me like I’m her favorite blanket. And I indulge her because wrapped around Sloane is my favorite place to be. “You saw me?”
I turn my head in, my lips dusting across her forehead. “Yeah. I saw you, Sloane. I noticed you too. Didn’t know what made me look up there that day. Had no clue what it all meant.”
“What did it mean?”
“That when it comes to you, I’m powerless.”
I liked how the plot wasn't so heavy even though it dealt with the loss and trauma of losing a loved one. Also it was amazing to see how Elsie described Jasper's trauma and grief and how he dealt with it rather than just making the whole story about his traumatised past. I loved how Eatons accepted him and gave him all the love and protection he needed because Jasper Gervais is too precious for this world 🥺
And shout out to the best character of this series Grandpa Harvey Eaton who's sense of humour is out of this world!! He really is the best man in this series!!
The story felt a little slow in the first half but the tension between Jasper and Sloane was just everything 🤌🔥 while the second half was perfect because of drama and perfect amount of spicy scenes (Jasper in fucking bed controling Sloane is the hottest thing in this book 😮💨💘🤌🔥💕)
✦ Sloane Winthrop 'The firecracker girl'
A prima ballerina. She is smart, funny but also fierce, and caring and is truly unhinged because she always laughs at the most inappropriate times. I love how unabashedly and unapologetically she is when no one tries to control. She is cute and my heart hurts for her when everyone around her tried to suppress her feelings like she doesn't deserve to get a say in anything just because she is a woman. Only Jasper brings out that side of her and never let her self doubt her own choices and decisions.
✦ Jasper Gervais 'The man with sad eyes and a heart of gold'
The NHL Ice hockey player who is broody and shy. He is a man of few words who keeps his feelings locked up and doesn't know how to talk about them to another person except Sloane. I liked him from the very first moment of this book and how caring he is and how fiercely he loves his family and Sloane. He is a traumatised man with lots of baggage from his past so he never tried to dump it all on anyone. He truly is a gentleman but not so gentlemen in bed because his domineering side is goddamn fucking hot 🔥🥵
➙ Jasper and Sloane's relationship
It all started with their sweet little 'nothing just friends' friendship. They had this honesty thing which was really endearing and to see how they both just stay and listen to each other's truth and pain without any judgement, except that honesty never worked when they had to talk about their feelings.
“Do you think about me?” I blurt, watching him still the minute those words leap from my lips. “When we go weeks or months without talking or seeing each other . . . do you think about me?”
he finally responds with, “Every fucking day, Sunny."
They both were so good at hiding their love and or maybe they both were just scared and thought that the other could never feel the same so they just stayed friends for what? 18 fucking years?! And the pent up sexual tension between them was delicious and hot 😋🔥
They just get each other so easily like no other person can. Sloane understood him and stayed with him just wanting to be there by his side just to listen to him talk and even in his silence.
“You’ll be here in the morning?” This is what she’s always asked me on bad nights. Like she wanted to make sure I wouldn’t drop too far into my sadness. So far I wouldn’t come back.
“Where else would I be?” is what I’ve always responded with as my hand slides over her damp hair. Because I will be.
It was so heartwarming and yet so heartbreaking to see what Jasper had to go through at such a young age. They were each other's comfort and constant person. God their love is just so wholesome and beautiful. How can I describe about two persons who literally are soulmates and were always right for each other. ALWAYS 🥺💕 I love my stupid dorks so much!!
"You’re the least scary thing in my life. You’re not just tattooed on my skin. You’re branded on my heart. Woven into the fiber of my being. The most constant and reassuring person in my life. When I close my eyes, I see you. When you’re away from me, I dream about you. When I need someone to lean on, you are always there for me. God. You’ve loved me when I haven’t even been able to love myself.”
The ending was just perfect and everything. I liked how the drama about Sloane's ex fiancé and her dad was not stretched for chapters and everthing was sorted smoothly.
You guys are clearly missing this amazing and the best small town romance series if you still haven't picked the first book yet! Elsie is now one of my favourite author because nobody can do a small town romance story like her!!
"we’re me and you. We’re us. Unlikely and inevitable all at once. We’re forever.”
February 10, 2023
5 stars
Powerless is the third book in Elsie Silver’s ‘Chestnut Springs’ series and I am obsessed! Seriously, every book in this series is incredible! Friends to lovers, age gap, unrequited love, sports romance and forced proximity. So many troupes I love!
Jasper and Sloane have known each other since they were kids. Sloane is a cousin to the Eaton’s, and Jasper is an honorary Eaton. Sloane has always had it bad for Jasper but with Jasper being older than her, as well as Sloane being related to the Eaton’s, nothing ever happens between them. Until Sloane is about to get married. Then everything changes.
While Sloane is hiding out at the ranch, she and Jasper take a road trip to Ruby Creek. While on the road, feelings are made known and there’s ‘only one bed’ ;). I loved watching these two come out with their feelings. It was such a beautiful romance.
I’m in love with this entire series and I can’t wait to read more!!!
Powerless is the third book in Elsie Silver’s ‘Chestnut Springs’ series and I am obsessed! Seriously, every book in this series is incredible! Friends to lovers, age gap, unrequited love, sports romance and forced proximity. So many troupes I love!
Jasper and Sloane have known each other since they were kids. Sloane is a cousin to the Eaton’s, and Jasper is an honorary Eaton. Sloane has always had it bad for Jasper but with Jasper being older than her, as well as Sloane being related to the Eaton’s, nothing ever happens between them. Until Sloane is about to get married. Then everything changes.
While Sloane is hiding out at the ranch, she and Jasper take a road trip to Ruby Creek. While on the road, feelings are made known and there’s ‘only one bed’ ;). I loved watching these two come out with their feelings. It was such a beautiful romance.
I’m in love with this entire series and I can’t wait to read more!!!
Audio book source: Book Funnel Audio ARC
Story Rating: 5 stars
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton & CJ Bloom
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 10h 25m
August 4, 2023
(3.5)
Jasper Gervais. Another (almost) Eaton boy that would give up the world for his girl and is apparently extremely well-endowed. 👀 there must be something in the water at Wishing Well Ranch.
these books definitely aren’t perfect, but i can’t deny how hard it’s been for me to put them down. a book may not be 5 stars, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good time.
these books are simply SO FUN. i will continue to eat them up like it’s my job.
Jasper Gervais. Another (almost) Eaton boy that would give up the world for his girl and is apparently extremely well-endowed. 👀 there must be something in the water at Wishing Well Ranch.
these books definitely aren’t perfect, but i can’t deny how hard it’s been for me to put them down. a book may not be 5 stars, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good time.
these books are simply SO FUN. i will continue to eat them up like it’s my job.
February 10, 2023
elsie silver must be stopped. she absolutely cannot keep getting away with this. it's banger after banger, hit after hit, perfect man after perfect man and i can't take it. mark my words, this will be in my top reads of 2023!
powerless? more like speechless. i don't even know how to organize my thoughts but we'll start with a synopsis.
jasper and sloane have been best friends since they met as kids. they've always had a deep understanding of each other and both have been secretly pining for each other forever. sloane's set to be married, which just about rips jasper's heart out, but when she gets some information about her fiance's extracurricular activities, she turns to jasper to get her the heck out of dodge.
oh my god, the way these two are S O U L M A T E S. i cannot handle it. they had such a perfect understanding of each other and i was at the edge of my seat waiting for them to give in and confess their feelings.
jasper is utter perfection. i can't even tell you how many lines i have highlighted from him. he was broody and quiet but always had a soft spot for sloane and he's sick of seeing her mistreated and just wanted the absolute best for her. imagine the cutest gestures and reassurance and multiply it by ten. and holy forking shirt, the mouth on this man.
it's always the quiet ones apparently!!!! FILTHY. like this is a slow burn but then the spice will have you blushing from head to toe, ok?
this whole series is just perfection. the women are so funny, fiery, and lovable. the men are all so sweet but also possessive and protective as hell. the interactions between them all always have me laughing out loud. i can't wait for more.
elsie, if you're reading this, i need a theowinter reverse age gap and a harveycordelia novella, pls and thank you <3
powerless? more like speechless. i don't even know how to organize my thoughts but we'll start with a synopsis.
jasper and sloane have been best friends since they met as kids. they've always had a deep understanding of each other and both have been secretly pining for each other forever. sloane's set to be married, which just about rips jasper's heart out, but when she gets some information about her fiance's extracurricular activities, she turns to jasper to get her the heck out of dodge.
oh my god, the way these two are S O U L M A T E S. i cannot handle it. they had such a perfect understanding of each other and i was at the edge of my seat waiting for them to give in and confess their feelings.
jasper is utter perfection. i can't even tell you how many lines i have highlighted from him. he was broody and quiet but always had a soft spot for sloane and he's sick of seeing her mistreated and just wanted the absolute best for her. imagine the cutest gestures and reassurance and multiply it by ten. and holy forking shirt, the mouth on this man.
it's always the quiet ones apparently!!!! FILTHY. like this is a slow burn but then the spice will have you blushing from head to toe, ok?
this whole series is just perfection. the women are so funny, fiery, and lovable. the men are all so sweet but also possessive and protective as hell. the interactions between them all always have me laughing out loud. i can't wait for more.
elsie, if you're reading this, i need a theowinter reverse age gap and a harveycordelia novella, pls and thank you <3
October 20, 2023
*4.5 stars💫
tail babies for the win🥲
tail babies for the win🥲
January 30, 2023
4.25 ⭐️ childhood friends to lovers will get me every damn time!!!!! jasper + sloane were so full of love and tension and passion and chemistry!!!
seeing rhett & summer, willa & cade AND OF COURSE KING HARVEY again made me so so happy.
this was so fun, but at the same time full of emotion and romance. as every single book in this series is.
now.. beau… i’ve been waiting for ur book since flawless. i need it immediately.
i’d also love to see a winter book‼️
“somehow our compasses always bring us back to each other.” <3
seeing rhett & summer, willa & cade AND OF COURSE KING HARVEY again made me so so happy.
this was so fun, but at the same time full of emotion and romance. as every single book in this series is.
now.. beau… i’ve been waiting for ur book since flawless. i need it immediately.
i’d also love to see a winter book‼️
“somehow our compasses always bring us back to each other.” <3
February 17, 2023
another perfect book from start to finish. she's 3 for 3 with series, each one is an absolute banger. the humor, the tension, the connection these characters have, the emotional intelligence, the inspirational women, the spice!!!!
this was the sweetest friends to lovers and had the best tension. i looove the journey sloane goes through in this book, finally finding herself and putting herself first. as a chronic people pleaser, sloane is me and i am her. jasper is her biggest supporter and it's so cute. not to mention how H O T they are, my goodness. I’m picky about friends to lovers but this more than delivered for me!! highly recommend the whole series! i loved the little teaser moments for the next book, and i cannot wait to see how everything develops with the next couple
this was the sweetest friends to lovers and had the best tension. i looove the journey sloane goes through in this book, finally finding herself and putting herself first. as a chronic people pleaser, sloane is me and i am her. jasper is her biggest supporter and it's so cute. not to mention how H O T they are, my goodness. I’m picky about friends to lovers but this more than delivered for me!! highly recommend the whole series! i loved the little teaser moments for the next book, and i cannot wait to see how everything develops with the next couple
September 1, 2023
So good. So inspiring honestly. I just want to give Jasper Gervais some xanax and a giant hug and then take him to trauma therapy. Tearjerker right here between two beautifully broken people who are destined to be together. Also what is it with literary men named Jasper being all tortured and hot and sad?? Twilight I am looking at you.
"You're not just tattooed on my skin. You're branded on my heart. Woven into the fiber of my being. The most constant and reassuring person in my life. When I close my eyes, I see you. When you're away from me, I dream about you." 💙⛸️❤️🔥🩰💍🍺🥅🏒❄️🏔️
This is just one of a dozen quotes like this from Jasper to Sloane about how she is the only thing that has ever been important to him! Jasper is basically an adopted cowboy who also is an Olympic hockey goalkeeper, so the best of pretty much everything masculine. Just hit the XY chromosome jackpot. He's also traumatized from a really messed up childhood and has deeply rooted insecurities, so he walks around with a rain cloud over his tall sexy cowboy hockey-player head. Except for when he's around his childhood bff Sloane, who is kind of like Allie from The Notebook. A sunshine ballerina who comes from a super rich family with a dickhead dad who wants to marry her off to a rich guy who doesn't care about her. Dickhead dad also refuses to let her be with Jasper because he thinks poor Jasper baby is orphan trailer park trash (his words not mine). But Sloane has been in love with Jasper since she was a kid, and he has too but because he's a typical guy it takes him forever to admit it. But once they get together it all comes out and its so beautiful and teary and also spicy spicy. He's also a ~control freak~ if you catch my drift. But she loves it and totally deserves it in the best way for the shit she's been putting up with before Jasper. Moving on.
Think: unrequited love. childhood best friends. grumpy sunshine. only-one-bed while traveling in snowy weather conditions! spicespicespice. tattoos. runaway bride. nhl games. possessiveness. obsession. famous hockey player romance. winter vibes. a fierce af 28 y/o FMC who decides to stop living her life for everyone else and DO HER OWN THING! a hot af 34 y/o (i think?) who doesn't think he deserves her but loves her too much to screw anything up. The sweetest secret convos on rooftops. Drunken spa nights. LOTS OF HAPPY TEARS.
This was close to a 5. But Sloane's dad and Sterling were just over-the-top horrible and played too perfectly into the typical villain trope to even be believable. Everything else about this was so great. Once again I read this just like the first two books in this series and kept forgetting I live in northern ohio and not on a western ranch surrounded by open skies and horses. So far this is my second fave in the series after Heartless. There is cowboy crack in these books, even when the book is technically about a hockey player. Loved this a lot. Like a lot lot. NEXT BOOK PLS.
"You're not just tattooed on my skin. You're branded on my heart. Woven into the fiber of my being. The most constant and reassuring person in my life. When I close my eyes, I see you. When you're away from me, I dream about you." 💙⛸️❤️🔥🩰💍🍺🥅🏒❄️🏔️
This is just one of a dozen quotes like this from Jasper to Sloane about how she is the only thing that has ever been important to him! Jasper is basically an adopted cowboy who also is an Olympic hockey goalkeeper, so the best of pretty much everything masculine. Just hit the XY chromosome jackpot. He's also traumatized from a really messed up childhood and has deeply rooted insecurities, so he walks around with a rain cloud over his tall sexy cowboy hockey-player head. Except for when he's around his childhood bff Sloane, who is kind of like Allie from The Notebook. A sunshine ballerina who comes from a super rich family with a dickhead dad who wants to marry her off to a rich guy who doesn't care about her. Dickhead dad also refuses to let her be with Jasper because he thinks poor Jasper baby is orphan trailer park trash (his words not mine). But Sloane has been in love with Jasper since she was a kid, and he has too but because he's a typical guy it takes him forever to admit it. But once they get together it all comes out and its so beautiful and teary and also spicy spicy. He's also a ~control freak~ if you catch my drift. But she loves it and totally deserves it in the best way for the shit she's been putting up with before Jasper. Moving on.
Think: unrequited love. childhood best friends. grumpy sunshine. only-one-bed while traveling in snowy weather conditions! spicespicespice. tattoos. runaway bride. nhl games. possessiveness. obsession. famous hockey player romance. winter vibes. a fierce af 28 y/o FMC who decides to stop living her life for everyone else and DO HER OWN THING! a hot af 34 y/o (i think?) who doesn't think he deserves her but loves her too much to screw anything up. The sweetest secret convos on rooftops. Drunken spa nights. LOTS OF HAPPY TEARS.
This was close to a 5. But Sloane's dad and Sterling were just over-the-top horrible and played too perfectly into the typical villain trope to even be believable. Everything else about this was so great. Once again I read this just like the first two books in this series and kept forgetting I live in northern ohio and not on a western ranch surrounded by open skies and horses. So far this is my second fave in the series after Heartless. There is cowboy crack in these books, even when the book is technically about a hockey player. Loved this a lot. Like a lot lot. NEXT BOOK PLS.
October 28, 2023
You’re not just tattooed on my skin. You’re branded on my heart. Woven into the fiber of my being. The most constant and reassuring person in my life. When I close my eyes, I see you.
you guys 🥹 i’m actually so surprised by how much i enjoyed this!!! that is hands down my fav in the series so far, and im so happy bc it was the one i was most looking forward to!! this one really felt more complex by how the others felt purely physical at first while this was a lot more emotional.
childhood friends to lovers just always hits different. sloane was so admirable, even tho it took her such a long time to see how much her father controlled her life, she stood her ground against him and her shitty ex fiancé 🙌🏽 and the way that she always understood jasper, and the fact that he had never told anyone what had happened besides her 🥺 and when he told her his trauma she cried for him when they were only teens 💔
and although this wasn’t as big as an age gap as i felt like most age gaps are, i think it was done right! since she’s been crushing on him since they were kids and get this guys, the minute she turned 18 he didn’t immediately hit on her and kiss her in a stairwell…
and even tho it’s taken him YEARS
yes i wanted to bang my head against a steel door bc the smut was cringe at times and their family joking around that they’re cousins…they’re NOT!! not by blood, not even legally!! those bitches from credence were more blood related than them 😒
also forgot to mention that there’s quite a bit of miscommunication…but i was also sick and dying in bed when i was reading this so my brain cells were at 20%. i still really enjoyed this tho.
the inner hater in me is ALWAYS going to want to find something wrong but before i do ill shut up.
overall this was cute, his tattoo of a ballerina that he got bc he was forced to miss her first professional dance? had me sat 🪑 and im looking forward to reckless 🙌🏽
——
i need a stupid lil cowboy romance
February 21, 2023
2.5 I really wanted to like this one, I just couldn't. To be fair, I think that it's a "me" problem and I can totally see people loving this book I just wasn't feeling it.
I was excited for this one bc I read the first two books (didn't like the first one much but loved the second.) and Jasper was always such an enigma and I was curious about his story. Jasper is an NHL goalie and Sloane is a prima ballerina, they have been friends since childhood but Sloane has always been in love with Jasper. She is engaged to another man when things go wrong and Jasper and Sloane have to confront the feelings they have had for each other for years.
Ok, so I realized when I picked this up that this a formula type romance and that's completely fine but this one was just not coded for me, it was too formula and it felt like every cliche in the manual was thrown in here. 😑 I could not connect to the MC's at all, I just never grew to care about them bc it felt so mechanical and inauthentic. There was no buildup, from the first chapter it opened on them in the middle of this angst and I actually went back to make sure my kindle hadn't glitched and landed me a few chapters ahead in the story.
There were also just so many personal pet peeves in here that didn't allow me to take this seriously. I know she is a dancer, but the constant mention of her mangled feet was a no for me. But probably worst of all was the Hockey thing. Look, I know a lot of people don't care about sports accuracy when reading but I really, really do, sports is literally my job. So, NO, hockey players don't get to go on road trips mid-season even when they are suspended, (nor would any competitive athlete even consider doing so) And NO, a freaking professional athlete doesn't miss an important divisional game to go to some dinner with his freaking girlfriend, and NO, especially not with his coaches blessing telling him to "go get the girl" GTFOH! 🙄
I was excited for this one bc I read the first two books (didn't like the first one much but loved the second.) and Jasper was always such an enigma and I was curious about his story. Jasper is an NHL goalie and Sloane is a prima ballerina, they have been friends since childhood but Sloane has always been in love with Jasper. She is engaged to another man when things go wrong and Jasper and Sloane have to confront the feelings they have had for each other for years.
Ok, so I realized when I picked this up that this a formula type romance and that's completely fine but this one was just not coded for me, it was too formula and it felt like every cliche in the manual was thrown in here. 😑 I could not connect to the MC's at all, I just never grew to care about them bc it felt so mechanical and inauthentic. There was no buildup, from the first chapter it opened on them in the middle of this angst and I actually went back to make sure my kindle hadn't glitched and landed me a few chapters ahead in the story.
There were also just so many personal pet peeves in here that didn't allow me to take this seriously. I know she is a dancer, but the constant mention of her mangled feet was a no for me. But probably worst of all was the Hockey thing. Look, I know a lot of people don't care about sports accuracy when reading but I really, really do, sports is literally my job. So, NO, hockey players don't get to go on road trips mid-season even when they are suspended, (nor would any competitive athlete even consider doing so) And NO, a freaking professional athlete doesn't miss an important divisional game to go to some dinner with his freaking girlfriend, and NO, especially not with his coaches blessing telling him to "go get the girl" GTFOH! 🙄
February 25, 2023
4.5/5 ☆
the way this woman has a chokehold on me
don't know how she does it, but elsie just keeps getting better and better. this is everything i wanted from a friends to lovers romance: the pining, the tension, the banter!! perfection. elsie is easily my favorite small town romance author.
the way this woman has a chokehold on me
don't know how she does it, but elsie just keeps getting better and better. this is everything i wanted from a friends to lovers romance: the pining, the tension, the banter!! perfection. elsie is easily my favorite small town romance author.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 12, 2023the fact i fell asleep while reading this is very telling.
February 13, 2023
”When it comes to you, I’m powerless.”
Sloane has been in love with Jasper since she first laid eyes on him through a window when she was ten years old. Jasper has been pining for her for as many years. But they were always friends. Never crossed that line because they couldn’t. When her wedding goes up in flames, Jasper is there to help her through it and be exactly what she needs. And I loved every second of it.
I fell in love with the moody hockey player in books 1 and 2 from afar. Jasper is a brooding quiet guy who hides until his hat. Sloane is a woman figuring out what she wants. And it’s always been Jasper. Now that the timing is finally right, they FINALLY get together.
In true Elsie slow burn fashion, there was pining and SO MUCH LONGING. It was delicious and tortuous. I loved the scenes at the ranch and with Harvey. And all the cameos at Gold Rush Ranch.
What’s keeping this from being a five star read for me is how much self-loathing and fear Jasper had with the lack of character development for him specifically. I feel like Sloane grew and was able to tell daddy dearest and her ex to go fuck themselves, but I didn’t get the same growth for Jasper which kinda disappointed me.
The unrequited love/longing really made up for it though. Jasper has a MOUTH and he did not disappoint. I’m beyond excited for Winter and Theo!!!
Read if you like
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ slow burn
✨ runaway bride
✨ found family
✨ so much longing/unrequited love
✨ age gap
✨ hockey player x ballerina
Sloane has been in love with Jasper since she first laid eyes on him through a window when she was ten years old. Jasper has been pining for her for as many years. But they were always friends. Never crossed that line because they couldn’t. When her wedding goes up in flames, Jasper is there to help her through it and be exactly what she needs. And I loved every second of it.
I fell in love with the moody hockey player in books 1 and 2 from afar. Jasper is a brooding quiet guy who hides until his hat. Sloane is a woman figuring out what she wants. And it’s always been Jasper. Now that the timing is finally right, they FINALLY get together.
In true Elsie slow burn fashion, there was pining and SO MUCH LONGING. It was delicious and tortuous. I loved the scenes at the ranch and with Harvey. And all the cameos at Gold Rush Ranch.
What’s keeping this from being a five star read for me is how much self-loathing and fear Jasper had with the lack of character development for him specifically. I feel like Sloane grew and was able to tell daddy dearest and her ex to go fuck themselves, but I didn’t get the same growth for Jasper which kinda disappointed me.
The unrequited love/longing really made up for it though. Jasper has a MOUTH and he did not disappoint. I’m beyond excited for Winter and Theo!!!
Read if you like
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ slow burn
✨ runaway bride
✨ found family
✨ so much longing/unrequited love
✨ age gap
✨ hockey player x ballerina
September 19, 2023
4.25 stars.
"Because he sucks the life out of you!”
“And I want to breathe it back in." 💛
-✨Jasper Gervais✨, mesdames et messieurs.😭
Saying that I love a reserved and kinda introvert male main characters is an understatement. Jasper is the epitome of the damaged hero with a lot of baggages and a crumbling NHL carriere. That’s a given; Miss Silver never fails on painting tormented protagonists with the kindest hearts. (Wanted to add pure souls but then I remembered Jasper’s naughty mouth🙃. so yeah, not that pure huh.👀)
I’m not an enthusiast of friends to lovers and was a little scared to be once again disappointed with the "Why the hell haven’t they acted on their feelings yet????" .
However, I can pull my joker card on this one ‘cause the motives can completely excuse eighteen years of friendship. It sounds pretty bad, I know.😬 But with what Jasper was going through, it was a delecate situation to act on his feelings and risk to jeopardize his relationship with the Eatons; his one and only family plus his friendship with Sloan. The age gape between them and her unmistakable crush on him since her 10years old didn’t do them any favors mostly at the beginning of their friendship and made things a little awkward at times ,plus Sloan’s father never had been Jasper’s biggest fan.
The timing clearly wasn’t in their favor, Up until Sloan wanted to pull the bride’s runaway act. All in all, their relationship was well done with a lot of words of affirmation after so looong. I loved how Jasper reboosted Sloan’s confidence so she could putt a stop to how her father and ex fiancé were treating her.
What was going on with Beau was pretty interesting and added a lot to the book, I think the bond between Beau and Jasper plus his actual role in the Eastons family was well caricatured this way so we could understand better why he didn’t want to risk it all.
I was happy that the four Gold Rush Ranch couples were unclouded in the story plus the previous two in this series. Missed them.❤️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wanted so bad a Winter and Beau reverse grumpyxsunshin. I think with Theo we’ll actually get it so I’m not really disappointed about it plus I guess it’s going to be a reverse age gape as well.😋😋
Second guess: Beau will end up with their neighbor the one whom has a crush on Cade. And there’s also a lot of loathing between the two families. It sure gonna be interesting.🙌🙌
"Because he sucks the life out of you!”
“And I want to breathe it back in." 💛
-✨Jasper Gervais✨, mesdames et messieurs.😭
Saying that I love a reserved and kinda introvert male main characters is an understatement. Jasper is the epitome of the damaged hero with a lot of baggages and a crumbling NHL carriere. That’s a given; Miss Silver never fails on painting tormented protagonists with the kindest hearts. (Wanted to add pure souls but then I remembered Jasper’s naughty mouth🙃. so yeah, not that pure huh.👀)
I’m not an enthusiast of friends to lovers and was a little scared to be once again disappointed with the "Why the hell haven’t they acted on their feelings yet????" .
However, I can pull my joker card on this one ‘cause the motives can completely excuse eighteen years of friendship. It sounds pretty bad, I know.😬 But with what Jasper was going through, it was a delecate situation to act on his feelings and risk to jeopardize his relationship with the Eatons; his one and only family plus his friendship with Sloan. The age gape between them and her unmistakable crush on him since her 10years old didn’t do them any favors mostly at the beginning of their friendship and made things a little awkward at times ,plus Sloan’s father never had been Jasper’s biggest fan.
The timing clearly wasn’t in their favor, Up until Sloan wanted to pull the bride’s runaway act. All in all, their relationship was well done with a lot of words of affirmation after so looong. I loved how Jasper reboosted Sloan’s confidence so she could putt a stop to how her father and ex fiancé were treating her.
What was going on with Beau was pretty interesting and added a lot to the book, I think the bond between Beau and Jasper plus his actual role in the Eastons family was well caricatured this way so we could understand better why he didn’t want to risk it all.
I was happy that the four Gold Rush Ranch couples were unclouded in the story plus the previous two in this series. Missed them.❤️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wanted so bad a Winter and Beau reverse grumpyxsunshin. I think with Theo we’ll actually get it so I’m not really disappointed about it plus I guess it’s going to be a reverse age gape as well.😋😋
Second guess: Beau will end up with their neighbor the one whom has a crush on Cade. And there’s also a lot of loathing between the two families. It sure gonna be interesting.🙌🙌
March 6, 2023
Elsie Silver has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and Powerless is the perfect example of why. The writing is beautiful, the characters like old friends, and the love story absolutely consuming (scorching, too!). Don't miss this friends-to-lovers small town romance!
March 25, 2023
*Reread in March 2023 for Patreon*
*************************************
My Heart is full.
This type of Friends to Lovers can be hard to win me over with. Where no outsiders can get in our way more than we can. It's hard to see what keeps Jasper and Sloane apart, when they seem so perfect for each other. However, people are imperfect and I loved the flaws and struggles of them both and watching the things that make them feel powerless, crumble before the strength of their love and connection.
I was a bit frustrated by what led to Sloane heading to the altar with a complete twit like her fiancé. He seems so absolutely clueless that it made me think a bit less of her that she let herself end up there.. but that's all part of the journey.
The same goes for Jasper, and how he let's his life play out to this point. His anxiety and internal struggles were touching and moved me and seeing how he fit in with the Eaton gang some more in this book was so lovely. They were just the safest, best, and most loving place for him. So beautiful.
And when the time has come, and everything starts to come to a head.. the things that felt like obstacles and made me hesitant to go all in... well.. they just didn't matter much at all. I fell head first after the first kiss and it was all good times from there. The more they opened up, the more their emotional and physical connection grew and I was hooked.
Elsie Silver continues to unseat my expectations and keep me panting for more. I can't wait to see what she does with Reckless!
Oh, and the steam you may ask? Still freaking TOP NOTCH. Jasper has a naughty mouth and lots of steamy bedroom tricks to share. He likes control in all realms and Sloane is ready to submit to his... skills.
6 stars
4 on the spice scale
*************************************
My Heart is full.
This type of Friends to Lovers can be hard to win me over with. Where no outsiders can get in our way more than we can. It's hard to see what keeps Jasper and Sloane apart, when they seem so perfect for each other. However, people are imperfect and I loved the flaws and struggles of them both and watching the things that make them feel powerless, crumble before the strength of their love and connection.
I was a bit frustrated by what led to Sloane heading to the altar with a complete twit like her fiancé. He seems so absolutely clueless that it made me think a bit less of her that she let herself end up there.. but that's all part of the journey.
The same goes for Jasper, and how he let's his life play out to this point. His anxiety and internal struggles were touching and moved me and seeing how he fit in with the Eaton gang some more in this book was so lovely. They were just the safest, best, and most loving place for him. So beautiful.
And when the time has come, and everything starts to come to a head.. the things that felt like obstacles and made me hesitant to go all in... well.. they just didn't matter much at all. I fell head first after the first kiss and it was all good times from there. The more they opened up, the more their emotional and physical connection grew and I was hooked.
Elsie Silver continues to unseat my expectations and keep me panting for more. I can't wait to see what she does with Reckless!
Oh, and the steam you may ask? Still freaking TOP NOTCH. Jasper has a naughty mouth and lots of steamy bedroom tricks to share. He likes control in all realms and Sloane is ready to submit to his... skills.
6 stars
4 on the spice scale
April 26, 2023
"Where are we going?"
"Home, Sunny. We’re going home."
Once upon a time, I wanted to read an Elsie Silver book, but I don’t have KU, so I kept postponing. Until I got one as an ARC. After that one, I reached out to Elsie because when I say I got ALL THE FEELS, I actually mean it, and she listened to me. She’s been stuck with me ever since.
Taking the risk of making this a cliché by using the title of the book, I was powerless against it. It had me in tears, and it felt like coming home.
"Sometimes I feel like I sank to the bottom of that deep ocean and just took up residence. I got lost in Jasper’s eyes and never left."
There’s a lot I can say about Jasper Gervais, but all of it falls short of who he is because he is everything. The hockey player who keeps his personal life private, the guy who’s been through so much and carries the weight of the world. Regret. Guilt. And yet, underneath the brim of the cap he always wears as a shield, there’s a heart of gold and a wonderful soul—who can still incinerate your panties.
"But as usual, she doesn’t shy away from my darkness—after all, she’s my Sunny. She chases away the dark just by being herself."
If you want to write a book on character development, Sloane would have to be there. The person she is when the book starts is not the same at the end—her heart is still the same, though, and it’s a big one. Big enough to harbor all the feelings she’s had for Jasper over the years, even when he had her firmly in the friend zone. Huge enough to want to help him bear the weight of everything around him. I love her.
"I hate losing . . . and yet, to see him smile like that, I’d lose over and over again."
Sloane and Jasper have been friends for 18 years. She was just a child when they met, and he was sort of adopted into the Eaton family. From the first time she saw him, though, there’s always been something there, but she’s never done anything about it.
Except… maybe this is the time to go for it.
Especially since it doesn’t seem like he only wants to be friends either.
"Hell might be alright if you were there with me."
"Hell might actually be alright if we’re stuck there together, Sloane."
However, is it too late? Because Sloane is going to marry another guy (spoiler alert: major asshole, would not recommend! Funny name, though!). But maybe that’s what it takes for him to see what he’s been fighting against for half his life.
"Here. With you. I keep forgetting about everything else in my life. Everyone else."
Friends to lovers is a trope I find really hard to write. You need the right balance between emotional and physical, you need the right amount of tension (you know, the thing that makes you scream at your Kindle?), and you need to see the friendship morphing into love as if it was never anything else. Powerless has all of this, in spades.
The flashbacks took me back to a childhood that was never mine, but I wish it had been.
"I might not know his body. I might not have memorized all his tattoos. But I know his heart. I want the rest of it too."
When her wedding falls apart, Jasper is there for Sloane, like he’s always been. And she’s there for him when he needs her the most. But suddenly, being close is so different. It’s more like man and woman and less like friends, and yet not enough. Baby steps.
"Suddenly I don’t really care about deserving you when it’s so damn clear you belong to me and always have."
It takes a road trip. It takes cheap beer, a lake, a game of pool, and a shower. It takes almost losing everything. It takes one kiss, and everything changes.
Watching their relationship unfold was everything. It felt like watching old friends, and I missed them when the book was over.
"Times have changed, Sloane. I’m not scared anymore. You’re not my fucking friend. You’re just mine."
And… in case it sounds sweet and emotional, that’s because it is. BUT it wouldn’t be an Elsie book without the steam, and Jasper? You are not ready for Jasper. Trust me. You. Are. Not!
"And when troubled waters wash me downstream, all I have to do is follow the rope that ties me back to her. It always leads me back to her."
There is still stuff to work out when they come back to real life, though. Where do they stand? What does it mean? Two people who are not used to being chosen first, or to putting themselves first, will learn to do it—together.
And yes, the Eatons are there, along with that sense of family and belonging I love so much. And I absolutely love Cade and Willa. There’s nothing like those two.
"Like she knows she fits there. Like she knows she belongs there. Filling in all the cracks where I break."
It’s also a journey of personal growth for both of them, and although they’re there for each other, they each need to come to their own conclusions about what matters in life. And what they would give up, or just give, for their person.
"None of that shit matters. Because we’re me and you. We’re us. Unlikely and inevitable all at once. We’re forever."
Even when they were apart, they were always together. Fated. Meant to be. But the timing needed to be right, and whatever stars needed to align. I’m so happy they finally did.
"Home, Sunny. We’re going home."
Once upon a time, I wanted to read an Elsie Silver book, but I don’t have KU, so I kept postponing. Until I got one as an ARC. After that one, I reached out to Elsie because when I say I got ALL THE FEELS, I actually mean it, and she listened to me. She’s been stuck with me ever since.
Taking the risk of making this a cliché by using the title of the book, I was powerless against it. It had me in tears, and it felt like coming home.
"Sometimes I feel like I sank to the bottom of that deep ocean and just took up residence. I got lost in Jasper’s eyes and never left."
There’s a lot I can say about Jasper Gervais, but all of it falls short of who he is because he is everything. The hockey player who keeps his personal life private, the guy who’s been through so much and carries the weight of the world. Regret. Guilt. And yet, underneath the brim of the cap he always wears as a shield, there’s a heart of gold and a wonderful soul—who can still incinerate your panties.
"But as usual, she doesn’t shy away from my darkness—after all, she’s my Sunny. She chases away the dark just by being herself."
If you want to write a book on character development, Sloane would have to be there. The person she is when the book starts is not the same at the end—her heart is still the same, though, and it’s a big one. Big enough to harbor all the feelings she’s had for Jasper over the years, even when he had her firmly in the friend zone. Huge enough to want to help him bear the weight of everything around him. I love her.
"I hate losing . . . and yet, to see him smile like that, I’d lose over and over again."
Sloane and Jasper have been friends for 18 years. She was just a child when they met, and he was sort of adopted into the Eaton family. From the first time she saw him, though, there’s always been something there, but she’s never done anything about it.
Except… maybe this is the time to go for it.
Especially since it doesn’t seem like he only wants to be friends either.
"Hell might be alright if you were there with me."
"Hell might actually be alright if we’re stuck there together, Sloane."
However, is it too late? Because Sloane is going to marry another guy (spoiler alert: major asshole, would not recommend! Funny name, though!). But maybe that’s what it takes for him to see what he’s been fighting against for half his life.
"Here. With you. I keep forgetting about everything else in my life. Everyone else."
Friends to lovers is a trope I find really hard to write. You need the right balance between emotional and physical, you need the right amount of tension (you know, the thing that makes you scream at your Kindle?), and you need to see the friendship morphing into love as if it was never anything else. Powerless has all of this, in spades.
The flashbacks took me back to a childhood that was never mine, but I wish it had been.
"I might not know his body. I might not have memorized all his tattoos. But I know his heart. I want the rest of it too."
When her wedding falls apart, Jasper is there for Sloane, like he’s always been. And she’s there for him when he needs her the most. But suddenly, being close is so different. It’s more like man and woman and less like friends, and yet not enough. Baby steps.
"Suddenly I don’t really care about deserving you when it’s so damn clear you belong to me and always have."
It takes a road trip. It takes cheap beer, a lake, a game of pool, and a shower. It takes almost losing everything. It takes one kiss, and everything changes.
Watching their relationship unfold was everything. It felt like watching old friends, and I missed them when the book was over.
"Times have changed, Sloane. I’m not scared anymore. You’re not my fucking friend. You’re just mine."
And… in case it sounds sweet and emotional, that’s because it is. BUT it wouldn’t be an Elsie book without the steam, and Jasper? You are not ready for Jasper. Trust me. You. Are. Not!
"And when troubled waters wash me downstream, all I have to do is follow the rope that ties me back to her. It always leads me back to her."
There is still stuff to work out when they come back to real life, though. Where do they stand? What does it mean? Two people who are not used to being chosen first, or to putting themselves first, will learn to do it—together.
And yes, the Eatons are there, along with that sense of family and belonging I love so much. And I absolutely love Cade and Willa. There’s nothing like those two.
"Like she knows she fits there. Like she knows she belongs there. Filling in all the cracks where I break."
It’s also a journey of personal growth for both of them, and although they’re there for each other, they each need to come to their own conclusions about what matters in life. And what they would give up, or just give, for their person.
"None of that shit matters. Because we’re me and you. We’re us. Unlikely and inevitable all at once. We’re forever."
Even when they were apart, they were always together. Fated. Meant to be. But the timing needed to be right, and whatever stars needed to align. I’m so happy they finally did.
June 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️.5
''I'm paralyzed by my fear of losing you''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW drama
- Pathetic OM drama
- Blackmail
- Loss of loved one
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I mean no offense to Elsie but wow this was not it for me.
SOOOOOO let's talk about WHY I gave this such a low rating of 2.5 stars when I loved book 1 & 2.
I have realized something and that is that Friends to Lovers is not my favorite trope...especially if it takes 18 years to get together (okay let’s say 10 years since she was 18).
These two were both oblivious to each other’s feelings BUT everyone else saw it clear as day and never thought to mention it even as a offhand topic or joke? but now that she ran off on her wedding day and spends time with him they bring it up? Despite the fact these two call each other ''best friends''? It was just too much obliviousness for me from the two of them.
I also (am a minority probably) but cannot stand guys who are in love with someone for YEARS but spend their time fucking other women for all those years and just assume it's all cool? I know, this is unrealistic but it's fiction, so I am allowed to have high standards for the MMC.
The only reason he stepped aside? her dad threatened his career and he just agreed? but he still spends time with her afterwards so I'm not sure how the threat happened? I would assume the threat would lead him to ignore her for a decade but no, he was there and spent time with her etc.
Also, the fact she KEPT WEARING HER ENGAGEMENT RING for 40% of the book was stupid. She left him at the altar, she never loved him, it was an arranged marriage (basically), she felt nothing when he was caught cheating and yet she kept wearing the ring? like why?? The guy was an absolute shithead and yet she didn’t throw the ring off until LONG after the wedding was supposed to take place? and I mean weeks after.
Honestly, it would have worked better if these two had spent years on the outs with each other than constantly being around one another (even if they sometimes went weeks or months without talking) it would have made the angst more believable?
It just did not work for me, and I hate that.
The only good parts for me were seeing Willa be an absolute nightmare during her pregnancy (and I say that in the nicest way haha).
Beau was also a weird mystery; he was the main reason that Jasper was depressed and then he was found but we did not get a scene where Jasper and Beau reunite??? They are supposed to be BROTHERS and yet we did not get anything? It was such a copout.
I skimmed a lot of the scenes that had no impact for me - even the sex scenes were just whatever at a certain point.
''I'm paralyzed by my fear of losing you''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW drama
- Pathetic OM drama
- Blackmail
- Loss of loved one
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I mean no offense to Elsie but wow this was not it for me.
SOOOOOO let's talk about WHY I gave this such a low rating of 2.5 stars when I loved book 1 & 2.
I have realized something and that is that Friends to Lovers is not my favorite trope...especially if it takes 18 years to get together (okay let’s say 10 years since she was 18).
These two were both oblivious to each other’s feelings BUT everyone else saw it clear as day and never thought to mention it even as a offhand topic or joke? but now that she ran off on her wedding day and spends time with him they bring it up? Despite the fact these two call each other ''best friends''? It was just too much obliviousness for me from the two of them.
I also (am a minority probably) but cannot stand guys who are in love with someone for YEARS but spend their time fucking other women for all those years and just assume it's all cool? I know, this is unrealistic but it's fiction, so I am allowed to have high standards for the MMC.
The only reason he stepped aside? her dad threatened his career and he just agreed? but he still spends time with her afterwards so I'm not sure how the threat happened? I would assume the threat would lead him to ignore her for a decade but no, he was there and spent time with her etc.
Also, the fact she KEPT WEARING HER ENGAGEMENT RING for 40% of the book was stupid. She left him at the altar, she never loved him, it was an arranged marriage (basically), she felt nothing when he was caught cheating and yet she kept wearing the ring? like why?? The guy was an absolute shithead and yet she didn’t throw the ring off until LONG after the wedding was supposed to take place? and I mean weeks after.
Honestly, it would have worked better if these two had spent years on the outs with each other than constantly being around one another (even if they sometimes went weeks or months without talking) it would have made the angst more believable?
It just did not work for me, and I hate that.
The only good parts for me were seeing Willa be an absolute nightmare during her pregnancy (and I say that in the nicest way haha).
Beau was also a weird mystery; he was the main reason that Jasper was depressed and then he was found but we did not get a scene where Jasper and Beau reunite??? They are supposed to be BROTHERS and yet we did not get anything? It was such a copout.
I skimmed a lot of the scenes that had no impact for me - even the sex scenes were just whatever at a certain point.
October 1, 2023
4.75⭐️ I am such a sucker for friends to lovers and this was just simply perfection. Sloane and Jasper are quite literally soulmates and I love them with all of my heart.
This whole series means everything to me and I can’t wait for the next book in my favorite small town.
“Times have changed, Sloane. I’m not scared anymore. You’re not my f—ing friend. You’re just mine.” 💛
This whole series means everything to me and I can’t wait for the next book in my favorite small town.
“Times have changed, Sloane. I’m not scared anymore. You’re not my f—ing friend. You’re just mine.” 💛
February 9, 2023
5 STARS
OHMYGAWD! The level of obsession I now have with this series known no bounds. NONE. Obsessed is an understatement.
Let me start off by saying I'm not really a friends to lovers girly. This trope has always been meh to me. Like I don't gravitate to it but I will read it from select authors. But after Heartless, I knew that Elsie can write a grocery list and I'll read it. And you know what? I think I've changed my mind on the friends to lovers trope. Because this book? It was EVERYTHING.
I was already obsessed with Jasper before reading this book. But now? I bow down at his alter, because the man is a god. He's everything I didn't know I needed and I will never have enough. Jasper and Sloane have been friends since childhood. Jasper is the epitome of tortured, with his brooding and his troubled childhood. Sunny has always been his happy place (with his found family of course) but he never looked at her as more than a friend, while Sunny has been in love with him for most of her life. When Sunny finally has a wake up call about her douchebag of a fiancé and leaves him shortly before their wedding, Jasper is right there to help her escape. The escape leads to a journey neither of them expected.
Sloane soon learns that she hasn't been beyond his notice, he just hadn't dared to really look. Never feeling good enough and he hides a secret of what made him back down. But when I tell you that this man is obsessed with Sunny, I mean you can see that the sun rises and sets with her for him.
But what I really loved about this is that Sunny doesn't immediately jump for joy to have Jasper's affections. She makes him work for it. And even though she accepted her douchebag ex's treatment, she's no pushover when it comes down to it.
And when I tell you that still waters run deep with Jasper, I mean the man caught me completely by surprise. The mouth on him. And did I mention the intensity? Good lord!
Yeah. Uh huh. Exactly.
This book was everything. It was swoony, heartfelt, heart breaking, heart warming, and with enough steam to set your kindle on fire. These two were incendiary together and I couldn't get enough. Their friendship, their bond, their love for each other was almost as amazing as their chemistry.
Jasper may have a dirty mouth but the man has a heart of gold. He loves and he loves hard and he would move mountains for Sloane. God but I melted for him. Goo. Pure goo I tell you.
And if you haven't yet read this series, I simply cannot recommend it enough. Trust me. Do yourself a favor and read it!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I can’t ever lose you,” he growls.
“You won’t,” I reply quietly, right as the tip of his nose traces the shell of my ear.
“I might.”
“Nev—” Before I can say never, he cuts me off with, “Because I think I’m about to fuck everything up between us.” And then he kisses me.
OHMYGAWD! The level of obsession I now have with this series known no bounds. NONE. Obsessed is an understatement.
Let me start off by saying I'm not really a friends to lovers girly. This trope has always been meh to me. Like I don't gravitate to it but I will read it from select authors. But after Heartless, I knew that Elsie can write a grocery list and I'll read it. And you know what? I think I've changed my mind on the friends to lovers trope. Because this book? It was EVERYTHING.
I was already obsessed with Jasper before reading this book. But now? I bow down at his alter, because the man is a god. He's everything I didn't know I needed and I will never have enough. Jasper and Sloane have been friends since childhood. Jasper is the epitome of tortured, with his brooding and his troubled childhood. Sunny has always been his happy place (with his found family of course) but he never looked at her as more than a friend, while Sunny has been in love with him for most of her life. When Sunny finally has a wake up call about her douchebag of a fiancé and leaves him shortly before their wedding, Jasper is right there to help her escape. The escape leads to a journey neither of them expected.
Sloane soon learns that she hasn't been beyond his notice, he just hadn't dared to really look. Never feeling good enough and he hides a secret of what made him back down. But when I tell you that this man is obsessed with Sunny, I mean you can see that the sun rises and sets with her for him.
But what I really loved about this is that Sunny doesn't immediately jump for joy to have Jasper's affections. She makes him work for it. And even though she accepted her douchebag ex's treatment, she's no pushover when it comes down to it.
And when I tell you that still waters run deep with Jasper, I mean the man caught me completely by surprise. The mouth on him. And did I mention the intensity? Good lord!
Yeah. Uh huh. Exactly.
This book was everything. It was swoony, heartfelt, heart breaking, heart warming, and with enough steam to set your kindle on fire. These two were incendiary together and I couldn't get enough. Their friendship, their bond, their love for each other was almost as amazing as their chemistry.
Jasper may have a dirty mouth but the man has a heart of gold. He loves and he loves hard and he would move mountains for Sloane. God but I melted for him. Goo. Pure goo I tell you.
And if you haven't yet read this series, I simply cannot recommend it enough. Trust me. Do yourself a favor and read it!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
March 15, 2023
18 years if being friends but pining each other and being in love whilst being with other people???? get lost what the fuck. 18 YEARSSSSS!!!!!
- girl falls first
- unrequited crush
- pinning and loving him the entire time
screams pathetic and embarrassing. no man is ever worth it and especially not a emotionally unavailable man who can’t communicate at his old ass age🫠🫠🫠
don’t get me started on the quote “Jasper, it feels like I’ve been crawling after you for years. This is nothing new for me.” just kill me now 😵💫😵💫😵💫
side characters:
“I glance between Harvey and Cordelia. Harvey’s eyes are latched onto his late wife’s little sister with an intensity I’ve never seen before.” NOO NOT THE DOUBLE DIPPING😭
i was so sure beau and winter would be a couple but winter and theo, all that tension from their povs!!! yesss
- girl falls first
- unrequited crush
- pinning and loving him the entire time
screams pathetic and embarrassing. no man is ever worth it and especially not a emotionally unavailable man who can’t communicate at his old ass age🫠🫠🫠
don’t get me started on the quote “Jasper, it feels like I’ve been crawling after you for years. This is nothing new for me.” just kill me now 😵💫😵💫😵💫
side characters:
“I glance between Harvey and Cordelia. Harvey’s eyes are latched onto his late wife’s little sister with an intensity I’ve never seen before.” NOO NOT THE DOUBLE DIPPING😭
i was so sure beau and winter would be a couple but winter and theo, all that tension from their povs!!! yesss
March 24, 2023
cade and willa i still love u!! just scoot over a lil to make room for jasper and sloane in my heart 🫀
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