An Honest Review of Flawless (Chestnut Springs, #1) by Elsie Silver
Let me start by saying that Flawless caught my attention for all the wrong reasons. The allure of a cute cowboy small-town romance drew me in, yet this book left me feeling more like a bull rider tossed off the saddle than wrapped in the warm embrace of a sweet love story. As I ventured through Elsie Silver’s work, I found myself navigating a whirlwind of frustration, eye-rolls, and a thoroughly predictable plot.
At its core, Flawless follows Summer Hamilton, a city girl who quickly finds herself in a small-town dynamic as she is tasked with babysitting the controversial bull rider, Rhett Eaton. On paper, this sounds charming, but the execution left me wanting. The characters felt like hollow shells, with Summer’s people-pleasing persona inadequately showcased. Instead of showing us her struggles, we were told repeatedly about them, which is a writing tactic that just didn’t land in this instance. Rhett, for all his potential as a brooding cowboy, is basically a one-trick pony—his attitude becoming as dull as staring at a blank wall.
The pacing was another roadblock. It took me a staggering five days to finish this book because every chapter came with an ever-resounding sigh. The writing felt repetitive, with excessive nicknames and awkward attempts at humor that fell flat. For instance, the constant reminder that Summer is a city girl who wears skirts was more cringey than relatable. I couldn’t help but groan at lines like, “Because it’s only day one, and I’m already going to be called upon to help Little Rhett in his pants.” A bit of situational awareness would have been in order, honestly.
And don’t get me started on the smut. If you’re expecting steamy encounters that make your heart race, prepare to be disappointed. The crude descriptions and overemphasis on Rhett’s continual state of arousal took away from any potential intimacy. While I appreciate an open dialogue about sexuality, the excessive focus on these scenes felt more like a cringe compilation than a romantic interlude.
Yet, not everything about Flawless was all doom and gloom. The bond between characters occasionally shone through, especially in sentiments like, “That kind of love, well, it is sacred. Someone who doesn’t leave your side, no matter what.” Such quotes hinted at glimmers of depth within familial connections. Ultimately, there’s always something intriguing about the dynamics between family members, and perhaps that’s the thread that still pulls me towards the rest of the series.
In conclusion, while Flawless didn’t meet my expectations, I find myself inexplicably curious about the sequels. I’m wondering if the next characters—Cade, Winter, and Jasper—might provide the charm that was missing here. So, for readers who enjoy a slow, predictable romance with a fair share of cringe, this may still be worth a shot. But if you’re looking for depth and genuine character growth, I would advise you to look elsewhere for now. Happy reading, y’all! 🤠
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