Powerless

3.75/5

In the start, the chemistry seemed almost nonexistent and too dull. The character dynamic seemed off as well, but it improved. Lately, i have been unable to stick through the end of romance books because i know the outcome already and it's obviously predictable. So i have to power through but it was actually fun to read this. I think Jasper is the hottest out of all the chestnut spring boys, but i have a feeling i might like theo more.

Holy smokes, Elsie! How is it that each book gets better and better?! I don't know how I will ever pick a favorite, but so many moments from Powerless will be living rent-free in my head for a while! This book is the third installment in the Chestnut Springs Series, and it follows Jasper, the Eaton's “adopted” brother with a tough exterior, and Sloane, their cousin, a ballerina with a tender heart. Jasper and Sloane have always been friends and kept in touch, but after discovering some things about the man she is due to marry, she decides she needs an escape. Both of them have been carrying a torch for each other for a long time but haven't acted on their feelings for different reasons. Once they finally express these feelings, things really take off! And y'all, I mean they really take off! This book was so hot, and Jasper and Sloane could not be more perfect for each other. Powerless is a childhood friends to lovers story with spicy romance and a few heavier themes. The banter between the characters, including the side characters, is always one of my favorite things that Elsie writes. I know I won't be able to stop thinking about Powerless for a while so definitely preorder this book releasing February 10! This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

“He's constantly trying to blend into the background, but even when he's hiding, I see him.”
Synopsis
Jasper and Sloane have been friends ever since he was first taken it by her cousins, the Eatons of Chestnut Springs, and Sloane has been in love with him just as long. Jasper considers Sloane his best friend, so when she decides to jilt her fiance at the altar, he offers to be her getaway driver. In the aftermath, she needs some time away from her father and ex in the city, so she joins Jasper on a road trip he takes to visit his sister.

“I've seen all the darkest parts of you and I'm still here. I still want more. Stop trying to scare me away. It isn't going to work.”
Tropes and Themes

• Small town
• Road trip
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Friends-to-lovers
• Only one bed
• Found family

“It's like she and I are tethered together, but she's the strong one. The pillar. 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.”

My Thoughts

• My favourite of the Chestnut Springs series so far!
• I adore friends-to-lovers with a long history of mutual pining, and this book has so many of my preferred tropes and executes them well.
• Great smut scenes, Jasper has a soft-Dom vibe going on.
• Really enjoyed all the slice-of-life scenes with the Eaton family.
• I want more Beau, I missed him in this one, and I hope he gets his own book soon.
• Harvey was once again both hilarious and insightful, he's a wonderful dad figure.
• Winter and Theo's first meeting seemed promising!

“I'm not scared anymore. You're not my fucking friend. You're just mine.”