Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Powerless

When Sloane Winthrop’s entire life blows up moments before her wedding that she never wanted, all she wants to do is go to her uncle’s ranch. As a kid, the Eaton’s ranch was a safe haven during the summer away from her stuffy parents—and also where she spent time with Jasper Gervais, her childhood crush. Jasper escaped an awful home life when Beau Eaton took him home when they both were in high school. The Eatons raised Jasper just like he was one of the family. Now a big-time NHL goalie, Jasper has always stayed friends with Sloane, a prima ballerina at a big dance company in the same city. After Jasper busts Sloane out of her wedding and takes her to the ranch, they get the devastating news that Beau is missing in action from his special forces unit. Jasper and Sloane turn to each other to cope, as they always have—but this time they may finally be on the same page together with their feelings for each other.

My thoughts:

I just adore Elsie Silver’s writing style. It’s sassy and hilarious and tugs at the heartstrings and the characters are just perfect. I’ve really enjoyed the Chestnut Springs series so far and switching from cowboy romance to a bit of a hockey romance in the third book just works perfectly for me.

Jasper had me swooning in the first six pages. His story is so heartbreaking and redeeming at the same time. The scene with him and Harvey at the table with the news of Beau missing had me gutted. This book is much more sad and emotional than the others so far in the series. And Sloane’s support of Jasper ever since they were kids is, just, everything.

The slow-burn friends-to-lovers plot had me chomping at the bit for Jasper and Sloane to just make it happen already. But when it does finally happen, it does not disappoint!

Also, Sterling Woodcock?!? Excuse me while I die over Sloane’s douchebag fiancé’s name. And anytime I have to put a book down to Google a reference of a person, with the accurate premonition that I should use private browsing mode for said search, well, I was cackling as I found out who Peter North is (yeah—I’m clearly not Canadian).

I’m excited for Winter and Theo’s story in the next book. But, now, what I’m really here for is Beau’s story. I feel so invested in his outcome after his bit in this book.

Note: I’ve found myself really looking forward to the Harvey bonus scene at the end of each Bloom edition book. It is just a great little cherry on top at the end of each story.

Content Warnings

traceyanderson's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

thatgirlgeorgia's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

laurenellisx's review against another edition

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inspiring 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

4.0

Content Warnings

hapalyn's review against another edition

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reflective slow-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

5.0

This is my favorite in the Chestnut Springs series (but surprisingly most people don't like it ?!). I think the MMC is my favorite of the family, and I really do love the FMC too (Willa may top her though on my list!).

The mental health rep goes hard!! I love to see it, and it was deeply relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment watching these two come undone. The miscommunication sucked, but it is what it is!

Content Warnings

nicolecurlsuptoread's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [5/5]
Spicy! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ [5/5]

Powerless is book 3 of 5 in the Chestnut Springs series.

📌 You’ll dig this if you like
» Road trip with only one bed 🛏️
» Pro hockey 🥅 + prima ballerina 🩰
» Slow burn feat. small town
» Grumpy cinnamon roll vs. sunshine
» Friends to lovers
» It’s always been you

Honestly, this story has all the tropes, and they were perfect. Powerless continues my obsession with the Chestnut Springs series and the entire Eaton clan.

Jasper was quiet in Flawless and Heartless so I didn’t know if I would connect with him, but holy heck are he and Sloane hot! 🔥 The moment I started to see Jasper’s perspective I was hooked and rooting for him.

Jasper saves Sloane from a marriage she doesn’t want, and they take off on a road trip to escape their problems for a while. Cue forced proximity and simmering attraction that has been brewing for decades.

The slow burn is f’ing delicious and when they do finally get together it is explosive! ❤️‍🔥 💥 🧨 🥵 😮‍💨 🫠

If it isn’t clear, I highly recommend Powerless. It’s no secret I love the whole Chestnut Springs series and I can’t recommend it enough; it lives rent-free in my mind and each book gets better. Elsie Silver is a master. 👑

📌 What stood out
» Harvey Eaton! Champion meddler and pot stirrer! 🏆😂🤣

» Sloane integrates seamlessly with Summer and Willa. The budding friendship is equally comforting and hilarious.

» Sloane’s potty 🚽 mouth when Jasper gets her going is fantastic, and he loves riling her up. His smug pleasure from it, knowing he can bring out the wild in her, made me root for him even harder. He wants her wild, and I love it! 👏

» I love seeing Willa and Summer again, and Willa’s fixation on knowing the size of Jasper’s 🍆 is hysterical.

📌 Moments

» That shower scene!!! Sloane finds out Jasper has a hidden tattoo and demands to see it, with steamy consequences. 🚿🧨😮‍💨🫠 IYKYK
I absently lick my lips and he groans. My gaze snaps up to those navy eyes I know so well. They hold me captive. They’re simmering with a heat I’ve never seen. He’s done a good job of looking at me like I’m a friend, but he isn’t right now.
He’s looking at me like I’m his.

» The tie-in for the title made me want to jump up and down and happy scream.

🚫 Triggers: Anxiety, Military MIA, mention of SI, death of child sibling (past, off-page), alcohol consumption, abusive/controlling family dynamic, toxic romantic relationship (not between MCs). Please check warnings.

Content Warnings

lemonsforyu's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

caitlinspeachyreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

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