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emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my fourth Elsie Silver book in the Chestnut Springs series (I’m reading out of order) and I absolutely love it. This is one of my favorites for sure.
Firstly, Sloane our main female lead is one of my favorites. Sloane’s people-pleasing tendencies were so obvious at the start, and I could relate. Her character development mainly lies in her trying to be more independent with her choices and her life in general, and to start to learn to make people a little uncomfortable just to make herself a little happier. Not in a selfish way ofc (says my own people pleasing self).
She also had a lot of body image issues, from feeling insecure (relatable) probably due to ballet having very strict regulations on her diet and her food. Every single time she feels insecure of her body, our mmc, Jasper tells her that she’s perfect. He’s never picked out her body for her flaws, which seems like something her very toxic ex-fiancé would absolutely do. Besides being a misogynistic prick ofc. Her dad is also a major point of contention. Her dad is the reason why she decided to marry her ex-fiancé (for her dads own personal gain) and he was really awful to her.
I wish I could see a resolution of her dad becoming a better person, but some people just don’t change for the better.It was these two who created the third act conflict, which was one of my weak points in my opinion. The only major flaw in this book was that it was almost too perfect. After a while, it felt like all the conflicts that occurred didn’t matter. The third act conflict was resolved almost immediately, with most of it being off-page. There weren’t really any stakes. I wanted to feel like there was no way out, which I did, but the resolution didn’t feel satisfying.
Jasper, our male lead is someone who Sloane takes pity on. As childhood best friends, they’ve felt comfort in each other’s company for so long and fought feelings they had for each other. Without proper communication, neither of them knew that the other had feelings for each other.The moment when Sloane realizes this sends her into a spiral. It was more realistic than I could imagine. Not everything was happy and so much time was wasted for no reason. I’ve never seen a book or other media portray this feeling the way this book did. It’s always sunshine and rainbows.
Jasper is also an orphan, and was taken in by one of the Eaton brothers (I believe it was Beau). Since then he’s almost like family to the Eatons. This is solidified in this book. Harvey is really a sweet father figure for someone like Jasper who had nothing going for him previously. And Sloane becomes his rock. One of the major jokes that keeps coming up is how Sloane and Jasper are cousins (but Jasper is basically adopted) and that if they had babies, they would be ‘tail-babies’ which was a little annoying but grew to be endearing. I say that as someone who doesn’t refer step-cousin romances. I do sometimes wonder why this had to be a plot point.Also Sloane’s mom, Cordelia appears to be getting close to Harvey in this book. Now the family treee just got even more complicated. Though i is a little icky when Jasper used to try to think of her as his cousin, or his sister early in the book. Yuck.
One thing that was a bit weird is that Cordelia is the one who lets Sloane know that her ex-fiancé was cheating on her. She sent her the video of said cheating happening. Which was anonymous and admitted to later, but it feels a little far-fetched? More like unthinkable to do as a parent. At least for me. Maybe a text would’ve been better? I thought the video was from a friend, or an Eaton (or married into Eaton), but I never suspected her mom. Cordelia is also not mentioned at all until very late into this book.
I almost forgot to mention the anxiety rep in this book. I’m glad that it was included, but I’m not sure I can judge whether the portrayal is accurate, or a good representation. But it is included.
Also, Sloane is very much a feminist. Very relatable, and it makes certain lines really pop in my head. She doesn’t want a man to tell her what to do (cough cough Jasper cough cough) and wants to make her own decisions. Well duh. And the Jasper thing? He definitely has a thing for control (cue after 50% of the book). It not my preferred trope, but it was soft enough to be appealing to most people. (Sometimes so soft I’m like, where is the punishment?)
Also the age gap. As adults, it doesn’t make a difference. But as a high school Sloane had a crush on 24-year old Jasper, I can almost see why her dad wasn’t for this relationship at the time. One could argue that it’s normal fatherly, or righteous protectiveness. But as adults, I didn’t see any reason why they couldn’t be together.
Overall, I love this book. This is one of my favorites of the series. I’m ready and excited to read heartless (it’s there on my shelf) (yes I’m reading out of order). Onto the next.
Firstly, Sloane our main female lead is one of my favorites. Sloane’s people-pleasing tendencies were so obvious at the start, and I could relate. Her character development mainly lies in her trying to be more independent with her choices and her life in general, and to start to learn to make people a little uncomfortable just to make herself a little happier. Not in a selfish way ofc (says my own people pleasing self).
She also had a lot of body image issues, from feeling insecure (relatable) probably due to ballet having very strict regulations on her diet and her food. Every single time she feels insecure of her body, our mmc, Jasper tells her that she’s perfect. He’s never picked out her body for her flaws, which seems like something her very toxic ex-fiancé would absolutely do. Besides being a misogynistic prick ofc. Her dad is also a major point of contention. Her dad is the reason why she decided to marry her ex-fiancé (for her dads own personal gain) and he was really awful to her.
I wish I could see a resolution of her dad becoming a better person, but some people just don’t change for the better.
Jasper, our male lead is someone who Sloane takes pity on. As childhood best friends, they’ve felt comfort in each other’s company for so long and fought feelings they had for each other. Without proper communication, neither of them knew that the other had feelings for each other.
Jasper is also an orphan, and was taken in by one of the Eaton brothers (I believe it was Beau). Since then he’s almost like family to the Eatons. This is solidified in this book. Harvey is really a sweet father figure for someone like Jasper who had nothing going for him previously. And Sloane becomes his rock. One of the major jokes that keeps coming up is how Sloane and Jasper are cousins (but Jasper is basically adopted) and that if they had babies, they would be ‘tail-babies’ which was a little annoying but grew to be endearing. I say that as someone who doesn’t refer step-cousin romances. I do sometimes wonder why this had to be a plot point.
I almost forgot to mention the anxiety rep in this book. I’m glad that it was included, but I’m not sure I can judge whether the portrayal is accurate, or a good representation. But it is included.
Also, Sloane is very much a feminist. Very relatable, and it makes certain lines really pop in my head. She doesn’t want a man to tell her what to do (cough cough Jasper cough cough) and wants to make her own decisions. Well duh. And the Jasper thing? He definitely has a thing for control (cue after 50% of the book). It not my preferred trope, but it was soft enough to be appealing to most people. (Sometimes so soft I’m like, where is the punishment?)
Also the age gap. As adults, it doesn’t make a difference. But as a high school Sloane had a crush on 24-year old Jasper, I can almost see why her dad wasn’t for this relationship at the time. One could argue that it’s normal fatherly, or righteous protectiveness. But as adults, I didn’t see any reason why they couldn’t be together.
Overall, I love this book. This is one of my favorites of the series. I’m ready and excited to read heartless (it’s there on my shelf) (yes I’m reading out of order). Onto the next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Car accident
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Elsie Silver delivers a swoony, emotionally-charged ride in Powerless, a romance packed with angst, longing, and heart. With a perfect blend of small-town charm, cowboy grit, NHL adrenaline, and runaway bride chaos, this book had me fully hooked from the first few chapters.
Sloane and Jasper’s story is the ultimate slow burn, 18 years in the making, and the payoff is so worth it. From childhood friends to complicated adults with unresolved feelings, their dynamic is messy, tender, and incredibly raw. Sloane’s journey from being controlled by her high-powered father to reclaiming her freedom was deeply empowering. Watching her walk away from a cold, businesslike engagement to choose herself and eventually, Jasper, was such a “YES GIRL” moment.
Jasper? I’m obsessed. He’s the grumpy, rugged hockey player with a tortured soul and the softest heart, and when he finally lets himself feel? Absolute swoon. His quiet acts of love, rubbing Sloane’s feet, remembering the smallest details about her, the special tattoo, had me melting. Their road trip together was sexy, hilarious, and filled with so many little moments that made their bond feel unshakable. There’s just something about a man who takes charge but still worships the ground you walk on. And Jasper definitely worships Sloane.
Where the book lost a star for me is in the handling of Jasper’s past. His trauma, especially around his biological family, felt a little underexplored. It was a core part of who he is, and while it was touched on, it didn’t get the same emotional unpacking that Sloane’s relationship with her family did. I kept waiting for a deeper dive into that side of his story and felt like we didn’t quite get the resolution he deserved.
Still, this book hits with that classic Elsie Silver cowboy energy. Sloane and Jasper's story is filled with heartbreak, healing, spice, and hope and their HEA is hard-earned and utterly satisfying.
If you’re into emotional rollercoasters, men who fall hard but take their sweet time admitting it, and women who rise from the ashes to take their power back, Powerless is 100% for you. Would I reread? Yes. Would I marry Jasper Gervais in a heartbeat? Also yes.
Sloane and Jasper’s story is the ultimate slow burn, 18 years in the making, and the payoff is so worth it. From childhood friends to complicated adults with unresolved feelings, their dynamic is messy, tender, and incredibly raw. Sloane’s journey from being controlled by her high-powered father to reclaiming her freedom was deeply empowering. Watching her walk away from a cold, businesslike engagement to choose herself and eventually, Jasper, was such a “YES GIRL” moment.
Jasper? I’m obsessed. He’s the grumpy, rugged hockey player with a tortured soul and the softest heart, and when he finally lets himself feel? Absolute swoon. His quiet acts of love, rubbing Sloane’s feet, remembering the smallest details about her, the special tattoo, had me melting. Their road trip together was sexy, hilarious, and filled with so many little moments that made their bond feel unshakable. There’s just something about a man who takes charge but still worships the ground you walk on. And Jasper definitely worships Sloane.
Where the book lost a star for me is in the handling of Jasper’s past. His trauma, especially around his biological family, felt a little underexplored. It was a core part of who he is, and while it was touched on, it didn’t get the same emotional unpacking that Sloane’s relationship with her family did. I kept waiting for a deeper dive into that side of his story and felt like we didn’t quite get the resolution he deserved.
Still, this book hits with that classic Elsie Silver cowboy energy. Sloane and Jasper's story is filled with heartbreak, healing, spice, and hope and their HEA is hard-earned and utterly satisfying.
If you’re into emotional rollercoasters, men who fall hard but take their sweet time admitting it, and women who rise from the ashes to take their power back, Powerless is 100% for you. Would I reread? Yes. Would I marry Jasper Gervais in a heartbeat? Also yes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
Moderate: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Jasper Gervais is precious to me, I’ll take no further questions
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Classism
Minor: Infidelity, Grief
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Little disclaimer, I'm not the target audience for these books and they're not my usual genre, just reading them for the fun of it.
I thought this was going to be my favourite book in the series, based on how the mmc had been described in previous books where he appeared as a side character. Unfortunately for me the author destroyed all she had built for the character, and to make matters worse, I hated the fmc. The "plot", if you can even call it that, was seriously just too stupid and unbelievable at times, and I found myself not caring about the situations the mcs got themselves into due to that. I couldn't even find it a fun read because I was just annoyed for most of it. The smut scenes also increase exponentially in this book. Lastly, from this point forward you start to realise the fmcs in particular start blurring all together and reading the exact same (they all are "feisty", bold girlbosses, not scared to talk openly about sex and who make sexual jokes their whole personality ).
I thought this was going to be my favourite book in the series, based on how the mmc had been described in previous books where he appeared as a side character. Unfortunately for me the author destroyed all she had built for the character, and to make matters worse, I hated the fmc. The "plot", if you can even call it that, was seriously just too stupid and unbelievable at times, and I found myself not caring about the situations the mcs got themselves into due to that. I couldn't even find it a fun read because I was just annoyed for most of it. The smut scenes also increase exponentially in this book. Lastly, from this point forward you start to realise the fmcs in particular start blurring all together and reading the exact same (
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Car accident
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Grief, Abandonment, Classism
Minor: Incest, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, War
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Car accident
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I debated over rating this 2.5 or 3 stars. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the other books of Silver's that I've read, and mostly it comes down to my own tastes and not that the writing would be worse.
I was wishing a stronger emotional connection between the main characters. It just rubbed me the wrong way how blind both Jasper and Sloane have become to each other's emotions even though they've known for 18 years and been best friends for a good chunck of it. It made their emotional connection seem weaker, and even though they both eventually acknowledge the situation (at least in their heads) and find explanations for it, all the smut couldn't bridge that gap in my head.
I was wishing a stronger emotional connection between the main characters. It just rubbed me the wrong way how blind both Jasper and Sloane have become to each other's emotions even though they've known for 18 years and been best friends for a good chunck of it. It made their emotional connection seem weaker, and even though they both eventually acknowledge the situation (at least in their heads) and find explanations for it, all the smut couldn't bridge that gap in my head.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Suicidal thoughts
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m going to say something controversial yet brave.. Jasper is my favorite. The yearning, the banter, the love, the spice - all perfect. The Harvey bonus chapters are also a good bandaid for my broken heart when I finish each book in this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Car accident, Abandonment, Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny
Minor: Suicidal thoughts