Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

Narration by Connor Crais & Megan Wicks

Rose Hill, Book 4

From the author:

Sebastian Rousseau is a grumpy, hot as hell fire pilot who is too damn good with his hands. It’s the perfect combination. But unfortunately for me, he’s also my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

A chance meeting brought us together and a missed connection has kept us apart.

One year later, a stroke of fate has us living under the same roof—which makes everything between us downright messy. Because even after all this time, he’s still the man I think about when I fall asleep. The one I can’t get over no matter how hard I try.

He’s working on mending a fragile relationship with his son and we both know acting on these urges would be the ultimate betrayal. But I see the heat in his eyes. That look of need that never fails to send a shiver down my spine.

The mutual longing is borderline unbearable and the simmering heat between us is downright palpable. We both know there are rules when it comes to situations like this. But then again…following the rules never has been my strong suit.

https://amzn.to/4ekHP4x

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the ex-boyfriend’s dad trope, but I should have known better than to doubt Elsie Silver. She made it work—and made it believable.

The age gap is only about 12 years, with Bash nearing 40 and Gwen in her late twenties. That’s not an issue for me. A forty-something paired with someone barely out of their teens tends to give me the ick, but that wasn’t the case here. Still, readers who dislike age-gap romances or heroes over 40 may feel differently.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed this book.

Gwen Dawson is sunshine personified. At 27, she’s vibrant, funny, confident, and endlessly kind despite growing up emotionally neglected by the people who should have supported her most. What I loved about Gwen is that she refuses to let hardship define her. She approaches life with optimism, treats setbacks as lessons, and genuinely believes everything happens for a reason. It’s hard not to be inspired by her. Yes, I’m aware I’m taking life lessons from a fictional character.

She’s technically a people-pleaser—and normally that’s not my favorite character trait—but Gwen never feels like a doormat. She helps others because she’s naturally generous, not because she lacks boundaries. She’s emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and refuses to let anyone walk all over her. Her passion for yoga was also incredibly wholesome and added another layer to her character.

Sebastian “Bash” Rousseau is Gwen’s opposite in many ways. At 39, he’s grumpy, guarded, and emotionally withdrawn. He spends so much time overthinking his feelings that he often shuts down instead of communicating, which definitely frustrated me at times. I understood where his insecurities came from. After being abandoned by two significant partners, he’d convinced himself he was simply a stop along the way to someone else’s happily-ever-after. But there were moments when I wanted to shake him and remind him he’s a grown man who should know better.

Thankfully, Bash grows tremendously throughout the story. By the end, he recognizes his mistakes and actively works to be better, which made his character arc satisfying.

Beyond that, he’s a genuinely good man. Like Gwen, he takes pride in helping others. He’s a firefighting pilot who literally risks his life for a living. He donated a kidney to a friend. He built Gwen a yoga studio so she’d have a space that truly felt like her own. Beneath the gruff exterior is someone deeply caring, dependable, and generous.

And yes, he’s hot.

What I appreciated most was his restraint. He didn’t act like a hormone-driven teenager the moment he realized he was attracted to Gwen. He thought carefully before making decisions and took the consequences seriously, which felt refreshing.

The romance itself was beautifully developed. While the initial attraction is immediate, the relationship grows into something much deeper. Every stage of their connection unfolds naturally, and the slow-burn progression feels earned. Silver handles the ex-boyfriend’s dad situation with surprising maturity. There’s very little unnecessary drama, and the conflicts are resolved in ways that feel realistic rather than manufactured.

I also appreciated the lack of a ridiculous third-act breakup.

That said, the book does drag a bit in the final quarter. After the 70% mark, the pacing slows noticeably, and I would have preferred more focus on Gwen and Bash working through their final conflict instead of some of the external action that follows.

One aspect that didn’t fully work for me was the son storyline. At times, it felt like it existed primarily to justify the ex-boyfriend’s dad trope. The character himself wasn’t particularly compelling, and his entitlement made him difficult to root for.

Still, Wild Card was impossible to put down. Silver’s writing is addictive, effortlessly pulling you through scenes even when nothing particularly dramatic is happening. Returning to Rose Hill one final time was bittersweet, especially because this is the last book in the series. Seeing beloved characters from earlier books living their happily-ever-afters added an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia.

Gwen and Bash couldn’t be more different on the surface: she’s free-spirited and optimistic, while he’s gruff and routine-driven. Yet both carry scars from their pasts, and those wounds shape a love story that’s tender, healing, and deeply emotional. The narrators really captured these characters and I was completely drawn into this story.

While some books in the Rose Hill series remain my favorites from Silver, this one doesn’t quite reach those heights. Even so, it was a pleasant surprise—and one I ended up enjoying far more than I expected.

6/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WILD CARD by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Connor Crais & Megan Wicks. Self-published. (September 9, 2025.) ASIN: ‎B0FDBJM8KX. Listening Length: 11 hours and 19 minutes.

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Narration by Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor

Rose Hill, Book 3

From the author:

I’d always dreamed of my wedding day. But not like this. Not looking into the eyes of the man who betrayed me.

But when my nephew’s guardianship is contested, I decide I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him in Rose Hill. Even if it means marrying the enemy.

Rhys Dupris.

A man who is secretive, broody, and completely infuriating. A man whose work takes him away for weeks on end and brings him back covered in mysterious bruises—ones he won’t talk about. In fact, we barely talk at all.

Which would be fine, except when he’s not talking, he’s staring. And the way he looks at me is borderline indecent.

The tension between us has always been palpable. But living under the same roof is a dangerous temptation.

I swore I would never forgive him. But that was before I knew the man behind the mask. The one who’s fierce and protective. The one who’s gentle and patient. The one who shows up for us when we need him most.

He’s not at all who I thought he was.

And that makes hating my husband so much harder… and loving him just a little too easy.

https://amzn.to/3SwTpRx

Elsie Silver delivers another standout small-town romance with Wild Side, a deeply emotional story that seamlessly blends grief, healing, found family, and an unforgettable slow-burn love story. Packed with heart, humor, and sizzling chemistry, this is easily my favorite book in the Rose Hill series so far.

Tabitha Garrison is fiercely independent, sharp-tongued, and endlessly devoted to the people she loves. After spending years trying to save her troubled sister, she’s left reeling when that sister dies and leaves behind a young son, Milo. Tabitha assumes she’ll become Milo’s guardian—until she learns that guardianship has been granted to Rhys Dupris, her sister’s former landlord and the last person she trusts.

Rhys, a professional wrestler with a complicated past, is quiet, guarded, and carrying wounds of his own. When circumstances threaten Milo’s future, Tabitha and Rhys agree to a marriage of convenience that allows them to share custody and provide stability for the little boy they both love. What begins as a practical arrangement quickly becomes something far more complicated.

The relationship between Tabitha and Rhys is beautifully developed. She spends much of the book pushing him away while he patiently refuses to leave her side. Their banter is fantastic, their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension simmers for so long that every romantic moment feels earned. Rhys is the kind of hero readers fall hard for—protective, vulnerable, selfless, and completely devoted once he lets someone into his heart. Watching him slowly lower his defenses was one of the highlights of the book.

Tabby is equally compelling. Strong without being invincible, she’s carrying immense grief while trying to hold everything together for Milo. Silver does an excellent job showing her vulnerability beneath the tough exterior, making her both relatable and easy to root for.

While the romance is wonderful, Wild Side is also a moving story about loss and rebuilding. The found-family elements are exceptional, something Silver consistently excels at. The support system surrounding Tabby, Rhys, and Milo adds warmth and depth to every chapter, and little Milo steals more than a few scenes along the way.

I was initially skeptical about the professional wrestling aspect, but Silver made it work effortlessly. In the end, it became just another layer of Rhys’s character rather than defining the story.

And yes, I cried. More than once.

The emotional weight of the story, combined with the tenderness of Tabitha and Rhys’s relationship, made this one impossible to put down. Add in a marriage of convenience, a delicious slow burn, found family, and a hero who would do absolutely anything for the people he loves, and Wild Side becomes everything I want in a romance.

The audiobook is outstanding. Narrators Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor bring incredible emotional depth to the story, capturing both the playful moments and the heartbreak with equal skill. Their performances elevate an already wonderful book into a truly immersive listening experience.

6/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WILD SIDE by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor. Self-published. (March 4, 2025.) ASIN: ‎B0DRDNKCQZ. Listening Length: 12 hours and 17 minutes.

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Narration by Teddy Hamilton & Savannah Peachwood

Rose Hill, Book 2

From the author:

A rugged mountain town seemed like the perfect escape from a life in shambles.
But on day one, she ran full tilt into the world’s hottest single dad, and now all her plans are ruined.

As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press, it’s hard for Skylar Stone to find any peace. But she finds it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal her heart just as thoroughly as their dad.

Weston Belmont.

The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that’s downright distracting. And in bed? He’s addictive.

Everything with him is wild and impulsive, and Skylar is desperate to regain some control.

But no one has supported her like West does. And no one has ever made her feel as loved as he does either.

So, while Skylar’s brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible…her heart says she’s right where she belongs.

Still, her life as a celebrity haunts her. It has the power to pull her and West apart.

She can see in his eyes that he wants her to stay. And she wants that too.

But she knows better than anyone that you don’t always get what you want.

https://amzn.to/3S8CPY4

Wild Eyes is the second standalone in Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series, and it is a country-fried, delicious read. If you love a slow-burn, single-dad, forced-proximity romance with elite banter and thick sexual tension, grab your headphones. The audiobook, narrated to absolute perfection by Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood, is a cozy, comforting read.

Our heroine, Skylar Stone, is a chart-topping country star escaping a toxic, controlling family and a massive anxiety-inducing scandal. Looking for a quiet place to heal and write her own music, she retreats to the small town of Rose Hill. Day one delivers a literal grizzly bear encounter and a textbook meet-cute when local horse trainer and ultimate dad-snack, West Belmont, swoops in to save her life. Soon enough, she’s living in his bunkhouse.

West is a sweet, tattooed gentleman with a wicked dirty mouth and a heart of absolute gold. He is an incredible father to his two precious kids, Emmy and Ollie, who instantly steal the show (along with Skylar’s hilariously sarcastic pet parrot, Cherry). While West is secretly a fan of Sky, he treats her like a regular person, giving her the safe space she desperately needs. The chemistry here is palpable. They build a flawless foundation of friendship and trust before crossing the line. Their witty banter will make you laugh out loud—especially during a certain chaotic canoe scene and a memorable introduction to West’s parents.

But it’s not all sunshine. When a malicious leak of intimate photos threatens Skylar’s reputation, her instinct is to run to protect West’s kids from the media fallout. West, battling his own deep-seated fears of abandonment, lets her go. Watching Skylar ultimately reclaim her power, stand up for herself as a crime victim, and fight for her found family is incredibly satisfying.

Elsie Silver delivers a deeply moving, realistic portrayal of trauma, healing, and unconditional love. West unexpectedly became one of my favorite heroes. If you want a romance that delivers high-stakes emotional growth alongside scorching chemistry, look no further.

6/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

Audiobook Sunday: WILD EYES by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Teddy Hamilton & Savannah Peachwood. Self-published. (September 3, 2024.) ASIN: ‎B0D98Q4F5C. Listening Length: 10 hours and 26 minutes.

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Narration by Zachary Webber & Vanessa Edwin

Rose Hill, Book 1

From the author:

Rosie Belmont has been driving me wild for years. The good kind of wild. The bad kind of wild. But mostly the kind of wild that comes with wanting your best friend’s little sister and knowing you can’t have her.

After living in the city, she comes blasting back into Rose Hill like a storm. Beautiful, messy, and chaotic.

And one wide-eyed desperate plea for a job is all it takes for me to hire her.

Forbes may have labeled me the World’s Hottest Billionaire but all I care about is opening my new recording studio. Something that comes to a screeching halt when I end up face-to-face with a young girl who claims I’m her biological father.

Now I spend my days balancing business with parenting a sullen twelve-year-old all while trying desperately to keep my hands the hell off my best friend’s little sister.

I vow to keep Rosie at arm’s length. I try to stick to scowls and grumpy one-liners. But with her verbal sparring is merely foreplay—friction that turns to blistering heat.

I know damn well I shouldn’t cross that line.

But shouldn’t and can’t are two very different things.

And the only thing I truly can’t do is resist her.

https://amzn.to/4vcXWqB

Elsie Silver kicks off her Rose Hill series with a charming small-town romance that blends humor, longing, family dynamics, and emotional growth. The narration really adds to the story; these readers brought these characters to life and made this book hard to put down.

Ford Grant has retreated to Rose Hill—the place where he spent his summers as a teenager—to focus on launching his recording studio and escape the spotlight that comes with being named Forbes’ hottest billionaire. His carefully controlled life is turned upside down when a twelve-year-old girl named Cora arrives, claiming to be his daughter.

As Ford struggles to balance fatherhood and business, Rosalie Belmont returns to town after leaving her high-powered corporate job. Rosie has always been the responsible one—the people-pleaser determined to make everyone proud—but beneath that polished exterior is someone messy, funny, and still figuring out who she wants to be. When she needs work, Ford hires her as his assistant, unable to say no to the woman he’s secretly loved for years.

The highlight of the novel is Ford’s relationship with Cora. Their awkward but heartfelt father-daughter moments are genuinely sweet, and Cora often steals every scene she’s in. Rosie also develops a wonderful bond with Cora, creating some of the book’s most touching moments.

Ford and Rosie have spent years pretending to hate each other, exchanging sarcastic banter while burying their feelings. Their childhood-frenemies dynamic provides plenty of humor, especially through their email exchanges, but at times the constant back-and-forth feels drawn out. Ford’s years of pining—including wearing the key to Rosie’s childhood diary around his neck—make his hesitation to pursue her frustrating, especially when much of the conflict centers on his fear of upsetting his best friend, who also happens to be Rosie’s brother.

While the romance delivers plenty of tension, longing, and “he falls first” energy, the chemistry didn’t fully click for me until late in the story. The unnecessary breakup and Ford’s tendency to overthink every decision occasionally slowed the momentum. I also wish Silver had explored Rosie’s experience with workplace sexual harassment in greater depth. It’s an important part of her backstory and motivation for returning home, but it remains largely surface-level when it could have added more emotional weight to her personal growth.

Despite those shortcomings, Wild Love is an entertaining start to the series. Fans of grumpy-sunshine romances, brothers-best-friend tropes, single-dad stories, workplace romances, and small-town settings will find plenty to enjoy. Between the witty banter, years of unresolved tension, and the lovable presence of Cora, it’s easy to fall hard for this new series.

5/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WILD LOVE by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Zachary Webber & Vanessa Edwin. Self-published. (April 9, 2024). ASIN: ‎ B0CXYLNXKN. Listening Length: 11 hours and 26 minutes.

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Duet Narration by JF Harding, CJ Bloom, with Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan, & Austin Stone

The Dugout, Book 1

From the author:

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.

Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.

One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.

Chicago Colts newest catcher.

And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.

Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.

Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.

Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.

But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

https://amzn.to/4tKmA0C

I love duet narration, where each narrator consistently voices their own character instead of simply alternating chapters. The full cast narration made this even more fun—especially with this lineup, which includes some of the best voices in the romance audio world.

Rayne has built an entire fictional Chicago sports universe, beginning with The Nest, a four-book hockey series centered on the Chicago Falcons, followed by the Grizzlies football series. The Dugout, the newest series, shifts into the world of baseball. While the series overlap a bit, you can easily jump into any of them without feeling lost—though longtime readers will catch plenty of fun Easter eggs along the way.

Hayes is the catcher for the fictional Chicago Colts baseball team and has secretly been crushing on his sister’s best friend, Leighton, for years. He’s never acted on it because he doesn’t want to risk disrupting their friendship. Leighton, meanwhile, is a nurse whose life is turned upside down when her cousin unexpectedly passes away and names her guardian of their three children. She steps in immediately — she’s been part of their lives for so long that the transition, while heartbreaking, is relatively smooth.

Things become more complicated when the children’s uncle and his wife contest the will and seek custody themselves. After struggling to have children, they see this tragedy as a chance to finally build a family of their own. But Leighton refuses to give up the kids she loves without a fight.

Hayes immediately steps in to support her. When the judge suggests that a single woman raising three children alone may struggle compared to an established married couple, Hayes impulsively claims that he and Leighton are in a committed relationship, which they absolutely are not. At least, not yet.

Being a professional baseball player means Hayes spends long stretches on the road, but whenever he’s home, he’s fully invested in building a life with Leighton and the kids. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to deny their feelings. There’s some family drama, challenges with the children, and the inevitable third-act breakup, but the journey to their happy ending is warm, charming, and fun. I’m already excited for the next book in the series.

There are a few things that came up that drew me out of the story, like Leighton’s ability to open her cousin’s cell phone, not to mention the husband’s cell phone, plus his secret, hidden cell phone. Not sure what world that happens in, and while I am usually happy to suspend my disbelief and move on, I found it annoying. And…

Note to the authors! If you are going to write baseball romances, yay! But please keep in mind that there are elements in this book that are just plain wrong – having a “surprise” pitcher show up in the middle of a game after a trade that no heard about? That would NEVER happen. It couldn’t happen. And the baseball award is called the Gold Glove, not the Golden Glove, which is awarded in boxing and soccer. Feel free to ask if you have any baseball-related questions – I’m no expert, but I am a librarian, and if I don’t know, I can find out. Thank you.

5/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE HOTSHOT by Piper Rayne. Duet Narrators: JF Harding, CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton, with Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan, & Austin Stone. Piper Rayne Inc. (February 13, 2026). ASIN: B0GNB77X7R. Listening Length: 8 hours and 48 minutes.

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Narration by Jason Clarke & Angelina Rocca

Boston Bobcats, Book 1

From the publisher:

He’s the plot twist she didn’t see coming . . .

Maya Silver doesn’t believe in happily ever afters, nor does she want one. She’s too busy managing the Book Nook, a cozy Boston bookstore where romance novels fly off the shelves. After one too many disappointments, she’s learned that love is unpredictable, and most promises don’t last. So love in real life? That’s a story Maya’s shelved for good.

Enter Nicholas “Cole” Barrett, the Boston Bobcats’ star player. He’s built his whole life around the game, and it’s paid off. He’s got his routine perfected until Maya crashes into it with stories, sarcasm, and a smile he can’t stop thinking about. She’s not chasing a puck or a paycheck, and for once, he’s not thinking about the next practice or game, he’s thinking about her.

Maya’s not interested in being won over, but Cole is used to pursuing things worth winning. And as they spend more time together, the harder it is to ignore the fiery pull between them and the way their connection feels like something more. But having spent her whole life believing true love was only found in books, will Maya be brave enough to begin a love story of her own?

https://amzn.to/4dCp38k

This open‑door sports romance pairs Maya, a bookstore manager who lives and breathes stories, with Cole Bennett, a professional hockey player carrying more emotional weight than he lets on. Maya is the kind of person who can talk about romance tropes for hours, which made her instantly relatable. She loves reading about happily‑ever‑afters but doesn’t believe in them for herself.

Cole changes that. He falls first—and hard—and is willing to take things entirely at her pace. His patience, his steadiness, and the way he genuinely listens make him incredibly endearing. Maya, meanwhile, has trust issues rooted in her past, and the book does a great job showing why she doesn’t open up easily.

Their meet‑cute is refreshingly simple: two strangers at a party, one reading in a corner, one intrigued. No best friend’s brother, no coach’s daughter—just two people who click. They become friends first, sharing meals, conversations, and eventually feelings they can’t ignore. When the romance finally turns physical, the chemistry lands beautifully.

The miscommunication trope is present, but it aligns with their emotional arcs rather than feeling contrived. Cole’s family tragedy and Maya’s fear of abandonment both shape how they move toward each other. The side characters add humor and warmth, giving the story a strong found‑family feel, and even the dog is a standout.

The narrators did an excellent job of bringing me into the story and keeping me there. Overall, it’s a light, sweet, low‑drama hockey romance with great banter, a patient male main character, a bookish female main character, and a relationship that feels genuinely earned. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

5/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ICE ICE BABY by Carly Robyn. Narrators: Callie Dalton & JD Tomlinson. Dreamscape Media. (February 24, 2026). ASIN: B0G61BC98L. Listening Length: 9 hours and 40 minutes.

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Narration by Jason Clarke & Angelina Rocca

Chestnut Springs, Book 5

From the author:

Beau Eaton is the town prince, a handsome military hero with a tortured past. I’m the outcast bartender, a shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

He’s thirty-five and all man, and I’m twenty-two and all . . . virgin.

He’s also my fiancé. Correction: my fake fiancé.

We start out as a bet. He doesn’t believe that anyone holds my last name against me. So he offers me his to prove a point.

It’s win-win. He gets a break from his concerned family’s prying, and I get a chance to shed my family’s reputation while I save up to ditch this small town.

He says all I have to do is wear his ring, follow his lead, and pretend I can’t keep my hands off of him in public.

But it’s what happens between us in private that blurs all those carefully drawn lines.

It’s what transpires behind closed doors that doesn’t feel like pretending at all.

This engagement was supposed to be for show. This agreement? It has an end date.

He once told me he’d never fall in love.

And yet here I am, head over heels for my fake fiancé.

https://amzn.to/42nS01D

If this hadn’t been the final book in a series I’ve really enjoyed, I probably would have skipped it. I’m not a fan of twenty-something virgin storylines, and this one didn’t change my mind. I didn’t love this book, but I have to give credit to the narrators. They did a really good job, despite the material they had to read, so kudos to them.

Beau has appeared throughout the series, so I was looking forward to his story. He comes across as genuinely kind, with some PTSD that adds a bit of depth. His motivations made sense, which helped—but I struggled with Bailey. The age gap wouldn’t have bothered me on its own, but her immaturity and lack of emotional control made her hard to connect with.

Bailey has a rough background. Her father and brothers have been in and out of jail, and the small town judges her for it, regardless of how much distance she tries to keep. She finally gets a job bartending, where she deals with constant insults because it’s the only work available.

One night, Beau gets drunk at the bar, and Bailey takes his keys, serving him tea until he sobers up. That moment pushes Beau to rethink his drinking. He starts coming in regularly, sticking to tea and quietly looking out for her. Their connection grows into a tentative friendship, until Beau proposes a fake engagement—believing his good reputation might offset her bad one. Bailey agrees, mostly to prove him wrong.

As they spend more time together, living under the same roof but in separate rooms, feelings begin to shift. Bailey pushes boundaries, Beau resists, and eventually realizes he’s fallen for her.

In the end, this was my least favorite book in the series. It’s not terrible, just underwhelming, with pacing issues and a heroine I never warmed to. If you’re a completionist, it may be worth finishing—but otherwise, this is the weak link. On to the next series, though – Rose Hill waits for me.

5/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HOPELESS by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Jason Clarke & Angelina Rocca. Self-published. (June 10, 2023). ASIN: B0C5F3Q8QV. Listening Length: 9 hours and 58 minutes.

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Narration by Joe Arden & Savannah Peachwood

Chestnut Springs, Book 4

From the author:

He’s scorching-hot trouble wrapped up in a drool-worthy package. And he’s looking at her like she might be his next meal.

Theo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies’ man. Winter Hamilton knows exactly what it means when he eyes her like that. But she’s almost free of her toxic marriage and has sworn off men entirely. So all she sees when she looks back at Theo is temptation served up with a heaping side of heartbreak. The man is hard to trust–but, it turns out, even harder to resist.

Make that impossible. Because Theo is persistent. And no matter how hard Winter tries to freeze him out, he melts her icy exterior and pulls apart all her defenses. Over a drink in a small-town bar, she finds herself blurting out her deepest, darkest secrets. Then, she spends the singular hottest night of her life with the man she never thought she’d say yes to.

He worships her body. He makes her blush. She comes alive beneath his hands. Then she tells him to forget it ever happened. She wants simple, and with him it all feels complicated.

It was supposed to be a one-time thing. A secret.

But that little plus sign is going to make this secret impossible to keep.

https://amzn.to/4cQ2vQ1

We first met Winter in Flawless as Summer’s cold, distant sister. Their relationship has always been strained, and despite wanting to reconnect, neither has been able to bridge the gap. When Winter’s marriage begins to unravel, she retreats to Chestnut Springs, hoping proximity might help her rebuild her bond with Summer. Newly free from a toxic marriage, Winter has sworn off men—until she meets the irresistible Theo Silva.

The narrators here really brought these characters to life and had me invested from the start. Considering I didn’t like Winter much in Flawless says a lot, and her redemption arc here is phenomenal. Even tropes I don’t always love—surprise pregnancy, secret baby, one-night stand—completely worked for me. The miscommunication hurts, but it adds real weight to the story.

This story is deeply emotional, raw, and authentic, with a strong focus on self-discovery, acceptance, and love. Beneath Winter’s icy exterior is a vulnerable, distrustful woman who has never believed love was meant for her. Getting her point of view makes everything click—her walls, her distance, her pain. Watching her slowly open up, rebuild relationships, especially with Summer, and grow into herself is genuinely moving. Her relationship with her daughter Vivi is especially tender and grounding.

Theo, meanwhile, is everything. Known as a playboy, he sets out to become someone worthy of Winter—not just any woman, but her specifically. He’s charming, funny, and fiercely loyal. He never pushes, never plays games—he simply shows up, consistently, with patience and care. His love for Winter, and his immediate devotion to Vivi once he learns the truth, is genuinely heart-melting. The pain of the months he unknowingly missed with his daughter is palpable.

Theo is a mama’s boy, a loyal brother, and a man who never pressures Winter but quietly earns his place in her life. Winter, often labeled an ice queen, is actually a woman who has never known unconditional love. Her strength, her guardedness, and her fierce devotion to Vivi make her easy to root for. Theo sees her—truly sees her—in a way no one else ever has.

The found-family elements shine, especially Theo’s sweet, welcoming mother. The epilogue is everything—no unnecessary third-act breakup, just payoff and warmth. Their dynamic is electric—equal parts tension, playfulness, and emotional depth. Nothing about their relationship feels rushed; it builds naturally, with Theo proving himself every step of the way. Together, they create something that feels real: a family built on trust, healing, and choice.

It’s funny, emotional, messy, romantic, and very hot. One of the most unexpectedly moving reads—and easily a standout in the series.

Time for the last book of the series, Hopeless.

5/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

RECKLESS by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Joe Arden & Savannah Peachwood. Self-published. (June 10, 2023). ASIN: B0C5F3Q8QV. Listening Length: 9 hours and 58 minutes.

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Narration by Teddy Hamilton & CJ Bloom

Chestnut Springs, Book 3

From the author:

Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be. After all, 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. 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 straightforward 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.

https://amzn.to/41PotO1

Childhood best friends to lovers, mutual pining, unrequited love, damaged male main character — this book had all the right ingredients.

Sloane Winthrop is a prima ballerina who has spent her whole life doing what others expect of her, particularly her controlling father. On her wedding day, she receives an anonymous video exposing her fiancé’s infidelity and makes the split-second decision to run. Enter Jasper Gervais — her best friend of 18 years — who whisks her away to Chestnut Springs and eventually onto a road trip where everything between them begins to shift.

Sloane starts out a little hard to connect with, but she grows into herself as the story progresses. Her instinct to laugh at wildly inappropriate moments is genuinely endearing, and watching her finally stand up for herself and put her own needs first made her arc feel earned.

Jasper is the real heart of the book. Orphaned after a childhood tragedy, taken in by the Eaton family, and convinced for years that he isn’t good enough for Sloane, he’s a loveable, fiercely protective teddy bear carrying a lot of quiet pain. He completely worships her, which makes the slow-burn tension all the more satisfying once he finally stops holding back.

The angst and pining are well-executed. The family banter with the wider Eaton crew is warm and funny, and the author balances humor with emotional weight naturally. The audiobook narrators are also excellent — worth considering if that’s your format.

The hockey element is almost nonexistent, which may disappoint sports romance fans. Jasper’s backstory gets introduced and then largely dropped, which felt like a missed opportunity given how central his trauma is to his character. The slow burn also stretches a bit too long — it strains believability that two people so obviously in love somehow didn’t notice it for years when everyone around them did.

A sweet, angsty friends-to-lovers story with a genuinely wonderful hero and a satisfying emotional payoff. Imperfect, but completely easy to fall for — much like Jasper himself.

Now onto Reckless.

4/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

POWERLESS by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Teddy Hamilton & CJ Bloom. Self-published. (January 18, 2023). ASIN: B0BTZTFNVS. Listening Length: 10 hours and 25 minutes.

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Narration by Stephen Dexter & Vanessa Edwin

Chestnut Springs, Book 2

From the author:

Working as a nanny for the world’s grumpiest single dad should have been simple. Except I can’t keep my eyes off him. And he can’t keep his hands off of me.

Cade Eaton is 13 years older than I am and barely looks my way. Until I get him into the hot tub one night for a game of truth or dare. Then all bets are off—and so are our clothes. He’s gruff, a little rough around the edges. But broad-shouldered ranchers with calloused hands and filthy mouths are this city girl’s kryptonite. So who am I to resist?

But it’s in our quiet moments together that he softens. It’s when he takes care of me that I realize his hardened exterior is just a façade. It’s when I watch him go all sweet with his little boy that I really fall for him.

Someone convinced him once that his best wasn’t good enough. But I’ve never felt more cherished than I do in his arms.

My contract may say this arrangement is only for two months.

But my heart says this is forever.

https://amzn.to/4dveWme

I borrowed this series from my library using the Hoopla app, and I have to say if they had the covers that Amazon is using, I probably would have skipped over it. I’m not sure how these things are determined, but I much prefer the one pictured at the top of this post to this:

At the center of this book is Cade Eaton — single dad to the adorable Luke and desperately in need of a summer nanny. Enter Willa Grant. With her show horse sidelined by an injury and her bartending gig at her brother’s place unexpectedly on hold while he renovates, Willa decides to visit her best friend Summer — who readers will remember from Book 1, Flawless — now living on the ranch.

Cade has already suffered through a parade of truly awful nanny candidates, so when Summer insists she knows the perfect person for the job, he trusts her judgment. But the moment Willa arrives, he knows he’s in trouble. The chemistry between them is instant and undeniable — which is exactly the problem. He’s not looking for a girlfriend, and she has zero childcare experience. Still, watching Willa and Luke hit it off immediately, he relents, telling himself he’ll simply keep things professional. Best laid plans…

The real heart of the story is the growing bond between Willa and Luke, which is both charming and genuinely moving — and not lost on Cade, even as he fights his feelings. There’s also an age gap that Cade seems to focus on, but eventually he moves past it. The romance itself is steamy, with an occasional moment that veers into ick territory, though I found it easy to look past thanks to the warmth of the father-son dynamic. I have a soft spot for devoted single dads — and I’ll admit that’s probably not unrelated to the fact that my own father remarried the same week he divorced my mother and largely checked out on his first family.

This is an enjoyable sequel to Flawless, elevated further by excellent narrators. Fair warning, though: if spice isn’t your thing, this series isn’t for you — these books sit squarely on the edge of erotic romance. Meanwhile, I’m moving on to Powerless.

4/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HEARTLESS by Elsie Silver. Narrators: Stephen Dexter & Vanessa Edwin. Self-published. (January 18, 2023). ASIN: B0BSK3GDJ7. Listening Length: 9 hours and 51 minutes.

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