Powerless: An emotional friends-to-lovers hockey romance from the Sunday Times bestselling author (Chestnut Springs)

Powerless starts off with Jasper meeting Sloane’s fiancé at dinner; he instantly doesn’t like him, along with the rest of us actually because that man is so horrible, sexist and the way he treats Slaone isn’t right. But we can tell from the beginning that Slaone doesn’t love this guy and that’s made even more prominent when Sloane is getting ready for her wedding day, where she then finds out that her fiancé has been unfaithful to her, but instead of feeling devastated all she feels is relief. So, Jasper being the friend that he is, helps Sloane to become a runaway bride. They get out of there to return to Chestnut Springs, only to then be told some devastating news about Beau. In the wake of discovering that Beau is missing in action. Jasper finds himself out of sorts and his head isn’t in the game. He gets suspending by his coach; is told to take a leave of absence to get his head on right and be with his family. Sloane doesn’t leave his side, she’s there for him and supports him when he needs it. Even while she’s going through her own problems after basically leaving her fiancé at the alter. Sloane finds herself avoiding life and taking sanctuary at Wishing Well Ranch. Sloane’s a girl who wants to make those around her happy, she wants to please them and not disappoint others. (I really felt like I could resonate most with Sloane on this level.) She’s agreeable even when it hurts herself. But she’s starting to realise that if those who love her—namely her father— want what’s best for her, then they wouldn’t be asking her to compromise herself and her happiness to help better themselves. Sloane and Jasper needed to get away so while they’re on their road trip they take a little stop to rest up. Sloane takes a dip into the late and Jasper soon follows after her. Playfully, they dunk each other under the water and they’re both able to have a good laugh and let loose for a while like they needed. Jasper finds himself thinking of Slaone in non-friendly ways again, but only allows himself his 4 seconds of uncontrollable thoughts before regaining clarity. The scene where they’re having a meal at the restaurant and they’re seeing which foods best pair with the beer. Sloane notices that Jasper doesn’t mention anything about her weight but instead he just involved her in a fun game of trying each food with him. It’s his way of trying to get her to eat more, he may be worried about her weight but instead of saying anything that might make her feel insecure, he just makes sure that she gets enough to eat without making it a big deal. Which is very loving and carrying of him because he does it in such a sensitive yet reassuring way, where Sloane doesn’t have to worry about the amount she’s consuming and can just enjoy herself. I love how Sloane is so jealous at times when it comes to Jasper. If she sees or even thinks of other women with him, then she kind of gets territorial. Either she’ll torture herself with the idea or she will try to be his own personal bodyguard. So even though it kind of benefits herself, she’s still always looking out for him. The scene where the truck picks up speed on its decent down the mountain, Jasper does his best to reassure Sloane while she panics. After it’s over, Sloane is the first to move; Jasper is still in his shock, where he looks as if he’s seeing into the past. The event probably reminded him so much of the accident. Sloane moves into his lap, she’s able to bring him back from where his mind was trapped and he instantly goes to assessing her to make sure that she is okay. He no longer seems the care about himself, only that Sloane is unharmed. Throughout the book it’s clear that Sloane is the only person who can bring Jasper back from his dark places and it just intensifies the connection they have. ‘Sloane is soothing. She’s the eye of the storm. True North. Somehow our compasses always bring us back to each other.’ When Jasper reveals that he has liked Sloane for a while but he was scared to pursue anything with her because years ago her father warned him about going near his daughter and threatened to take away his career. Jasper was scared back then because he was new to his hockey career but now he’s not scared anymore, he’s secure in his career and doesn’t care what her father thinks. He just wants her. I loved seeing Sloane grow. She was slowly learning to speak her mind, not to hold back how she really feels and takes what she wants. She’s empowering herself by doing so. When they finally get together, Jasper shows another side of himself, he has this controlling side especially in the bedroom. Sloane realises that she also likes this side of him and that by being able to choose that with him she’s able to take back a part of herself that she hasn’t indulged in before. It also gives her a sense of control. Jasper is known for wearing his hat all the time. He uses it to hide under, to blend into the shadows with, to not be as noticeable. It’s his security blanket of a sort. But then he forgets to wear it one day and he realises that didn’t feel like he needed it, meaning that—with every going on with him and Slaone and his grief over Beau being settled now that he knows he’s fine— he is starting to feel safe, in his surroundings and the people around him. With the growing distance Sloane has from her father, she’s got perspective on how he treated and used her for his own benefit. How powerless she felt due to his actions and how he sugar-coated pulling her strings so that she would do what she wanted all the while ‘sucking the soul’ right out of her. But with the distance she’s also gained pride in herself, her capabilities and her intelligence. And surrounded herself with women like Summer and Willa who have supported Sloane and helped her to be strong. Also, by having supportive men in her life—like Jasper, Rhett, Harvey and Cade—it’s helped Sloane to be less self-conscious about the new version of herself that’s she’s becoming. I was so happy when Sloane finally got the chance to stand up to her dad, and Sterling. She was able to take back her power by not allowing him to control her anymore. Sloane told Robert that if he wants a relationship with her in the future then he needs to show her that he deserves it. It was also really nice to see Cordelia break away from the manipulations of her husband. She even says that she got the strength and inspiration to do so from her daughter, which I thought to be such an empowering thing for the both of them. When Jasper proposes to Slaone in the arena, right after winning his game, I got so emotional. It was everything and more. It proved that Jasper no longer needs to hide in the shadows, he’s not afraid to show the real him or how much he loves Sloane. “I love you, Jas.” Sunny, tell me that’s a yes.” “It’s always been a yes, Jasper.” It was such a declaration of their love. That through everything, they have pulled through and come together again and again. ‘And just like that, the boy with the lanky limbs, the caramel hair, and the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen is mine. Forever.’ They were perfect! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jasper and Sloane’s book. Everything about them—from the years of yearning and unrequited love to the struggle and obstacles they faced to finally being able to love one another out in the open for everyone to see, without the fear and manipulations of others—was so lovely to see. They both developed immensely in this book, their story is one of finding who they are when so many things are pulling them apart. Sloane grew to become her own person and Jasper was able to come out of the dark into the light—essentially for her—because Sloane had always been the light to his dark.

Another stellar instalment in the Chestnut Springs series. Most angsty book in the series (so far) but also, so incredibly heartwarming. This was childhood friends to lovers perfection. 💜Small Town 💜Childhood Friends to Lovers 💜Unrequited love 💜Runaway Bride (I need more books with this trope) 💜Hockey player x Ballerina 💜Found Family Sloane. Sweet, fierce, caring and funny, she was a joy to read. I loved her POV the most, especially in relation to her own self-journey. Jasper. I already loved him but knew I’d be a goner when it came to his book, and a goner I was. Broody, tattooed hockey players are my kryptonite. His backstory was heartbreaking but so glad he found the Eaton boys. Sloane and Jasper together really delivered - The friendship 🤌🏻 The mutual pining 🤌🏻 The soulmate energy 🤌🏻 They way they care for and are protective of each other 🤌🏻 The romance and spice 🤌🏻 I just loved how their relationship was written. Two lost souls coming together, but also finding themselves. I just loved this book. The bond between Jasper, his brothers and Harvey is everything. Any moment with Harvey is such a highlight. I also loved the bond forming with Sloane and the gals. A shoutout for Willa for being the queen that she is! “No, Sunny. I shouldn’t be scared. 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.” Finally, Winter and Theo’s first meeting has me very very excited for Reckless🧡

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 These books just keep getting better - as do the Eaton boys! I fell in love with Rhett and thought he couldn’t be beaten, then Cade came along and stole his crown, and now we have the beautiful, tortured Jasper who stole my heart. I’ve been curious about Jasper since we first met him in Flawless, and it was both gratifying and heartbreaking to dig into what made him who he is. Sloane is such a ray of sunshine but she also made my heart break when she realised she’d been manoeuvred and manipulated by those closest to her. But I love badass independent Sloane! These two are so obviously made for each other and meant to be together, but the longing! The pining! The angst! The payoff was hard won and all the more delicious for it. Elsie Silver writes the perfect combination of lovable, believable characters, an engaging storyline, and delicious spice. I’m a recent convert but definitely a fan for life!

Small town friends to lovers novel. I want to start by saying, the first half of this book was amazing. I absolutely loved the unrequited-from-both-sides secret love between Jasper and Sloane. It was set up beautifully. I was really really routing for them. Their chemistry was sizzling…. Then it all took a bit of a strange BDSM turn 🙈 It just seemed irrelevant to the story. I don’t mind reading a bit of BDSM, but for these two it just seemed off. I felt like it didn’t flow with the story but more like it was thrown in for the shock of it. Having her crawling around on the floor was… what? 😅 He loves and adores and worships this woman. The first time he beds her it’s like this? No build up? No introduction? Just… get on the floor and crawl around… ick. I started page skipping at that point. It spoiled the book for me but I trudged through to the end. I’ll give it three stars based solely on the fact that i loved the first half, couldn’t put it down.

Okay if you are in the UK you need to ignore how bad the cover of this book is and just believe me when I tell you the story itself is great! Bad cover aside, the third book in the Chestnut Spring series finally gives us more of Jasper (and lord knows we've all been waiting for him) and prima ballerina Sloane. They have been besties for 18 years, and for all 18 of those years Sloane has been in love with Jasper. Finally accepting that he's never going to see her like that, she agrees to marry someone her father suggests and Jasper doesn't like that one bit. Friends to lovers generally isn't a massive trope for me because it always involves miscommunication which I hate. But this one didn't have so much that it was ridiculous, and was absolutely believable. I'm not going to lie, it took me a while to get into this book…. The first 30% was painfully slow for me but after I switched over to audio and their relationship started to evolve I was 100% in. Not going to lie though I didn't get the whole Beau plot point - I can only presume that's setting up something for later?!? Because it didn't really add anything to the story for me. It has great character growth and as always with Elsie Silver books is so beautifully written.

A prima ballerina and a NHL goalie. A runaway bride and a broken boy. "Cousins", best friends and each others childhood crushes - what a delicious brew. This book is unputdownable. The pinning between these two is palpable. I'm obsessed with Jasper and Sloane's bond, they are just so cute and wholesome. I love that there is history there, and that there's a taste of forbidden. The whole Walmart scene was one of the best parts of the book for me. Sloane getting his jersey was so innocently territorial. And the lake moment beautifully captured the essence of emotional connection and intimacy. Jasper is an irresistible patchwork quilt of traits. He's shy, sensitive, and sweet. He's fiercely loyal to those he loves. Broody and deeply sad, with a thick layer of emotional baggage. But he's also a cocky, confident guy who likes to take control in the bedroom. He's so raw and real, it hurts. His complexity draws me right in, and leaves me powerless. Powerless is a elegantly written friends-to-lovers romance that takes you on a journey to self-discovery (SLOANE) and healing (JASPER). And who doesn't like a road trip. I am psyched for Theo and Winter's story, thanks to the little, but powerful, interaction they had on this book. WWBD What would Beau do - my new motto. No, my baby Beau 😢 I mean, I knew he had to be okay, because his story is still to come, but how dare Silver play with heartstrings like that.

I absolutely love Colleen Hoover books but read most, I am on holiday for 2 weeks and asked chat gpt to recommend me similar books. They suggested the chestnut springs series and I’ve not been able to put any of the books down. Elsie silver may be my new favourite author as these books have me in my feels. Recommend for any girl wanting a rom/com spicy heartfelt binge that lets them relax from the real world x

I screamed, I cried, I laughed, I blushed. This book is incredible. Everything I want in a story. My favourite of the series so far. I wanted to highlight so much and I never do that.

Que livro lindo, que livro perfeito! O Harvey nesse livro todo só provou o que todo mundo já sabe, ele é um dos, senão o melhor pai literário que eu já vi 🥹🤌🏻 E algo muito interessante aconteceu: Jasper Gervais conseguiu superar o Cade e o Rhett 🤭❤️‍🔥 eu não achava que seria possível, mas POHHAAAAA QUE HOMEM 🛐 O livro prendeu demais, a história da Sloane, tudinho, EU AMEI!!! TÁ FAVORITADO 💜 P.s. as músicas desse casal são Wondering Why do The Red Clay Strays, It Takes a Woman e Think I'm in Love with You do Chris Stapleton ❤️‍🔥

This one book is my least favorite of all 5🤭BUT! I still loved the characters, they are all so funny and loveable and you get to meet them in every book so of course the story is still going to be good! 4/5⭐️ just because i didn’t finish it as fast as the rest of them, i couldn’t put down the others😍

I liked this book series but the book damaged. Amazon should be careful when shipping and packing it

This had to be Elsie’s worst book in this series… Sloane and Jasper had as much chemistry as oil and water. Their “friendship” was barely touched on, nor were their pasts or the hardships they endured. This book was very much tell and not show. Silver tells you that Sloane and Jasper are best friends and yet… neither of them know anything about the other’s personal lives. Jasper had to be the worst written MMC in contemporary romance in the last few years. His character was a walking contradiction. This was a disappointing addition to the Chestnut Springs Series. I don’t think anything can top Cade and Willa’s story tbh.

Book title: Powerless Author: Elsie Silver Series: Chestnut Springs #3 Star Rating: ♾️ Steam Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I don’t know what Elsie puts in her books but they are crack! Can’t believe I made myself wait this long to read this! This is the definition of why I LOVE childhood friends to lovers! The seemingly unrequited, the angst, the 🔥🌶️ tension and a friendship to die for! I absolutely loved how their story played out, and I loved that it wasn’t just an instant ‘let’s be together’ but that Sloane made Jasper prove himself after years of not even giving her a hint of his feelings! And my god! When they got together (I squealed in happiness!) it was everything I wanted it to be 😍 oh and the mouth on Jasper 🥵 he can talk dirty to me anytime 🥵🔥 I loved how supportive they both were of each other’s careers and how they gave each other the strength to be more, to stand up for what they want. I think my favourite part of the book was the ending and seeing how Jasper went from this broken, scared boy to a man who now has everything he needs and is so incredibly happy 😍🥰 Oh I can’t not mention Harvey, man I have missed him and his matchmaking and 🍆 innuendo jokes. Honestly laughed out loud so many times because of him. And the moment he had with Jasper melted my heart 🥰 Honestly this whole book was perfection and I could go on and on about it but I don’t want to give too much away. So if you like friends to lovers, with a broken/sensitive but incredibly hot hockey player, a soft but strong heroine who dances, found family vibes, friendship groups to live for and amazing spice then you need to read this book (and series)!!!