Flawless: A Grumpy Sunshine Cowboy Romance (Chestnut Springs, 1)

Flawless by Elsie Silver hits all the right notes for a contemporary romance, balancing small-town charm, sharp banter, and high-stakes emotional tension. As the debut of the Chestnut Springs series, it sets a high bar for the grumpy-meets-sunshine and forced-proximity tropes.​The Standout Moment When Rhett delivers the line, "No, sugar. When it comes to you, I'm downright hopeless," the narrative shifts entirely. Up until this point, Rhett guards himself behind swagger, mild condescension, and defensive humor. Reclaiming the term "sugar"—which starts as patronizing—and turning it into an endearment strips away his armor.​Calling himself "hopeless" reveals total surrender. For a hero who spent the entire novel trying to maintain control over his career and emotional distance, admitting that he is powerless against his feelings for Summer pulls hard at your heartstrings. It transforms their banter from playful teasing into genuine intimacy, proving that beneath his rough exterior, he is entirely devotion-driven.Flawless delivers a balanced blend of emotional depth, quick-witted dialogue, and memorable character arcs. It is a standout choice for readers who appreciate protective heroes, strong female leads, and heart-in-throat declarations of affection.

A fun cowboy romance with great chemistry, strong family dynamics, a smart and capable heroine, and an audiobook that made the experience even better. This was an enjoyable introduction to Chestnut Springs and left me wanting to continue the series. Full review below. Flawless was a really enjoyable cowboy romance. Rhett and Summer have plenty of chemistry and banter, but I especially liked that both characters had room to grow outside of their relationship. Summer was a standout for me. She’s smart, sassy, capable, and someone who tends to put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. I enjoyed watching her learn to set boundaries and start figuring out what she wanted for herself. Rhett is protective and devoted but definitely flawed, and I appreciated that the story made him earn his way through his mistakes rather than making everything too easy. The Eaton family dynamics were also a highlight and made Chestnut Springs feel like a series worth continuing. The romance has a good amount of spice without overwhelming the story. I listened to most of the audiobook, narrated by Emma Wilder and Sebastian York, and both performances added to the experience. They handled the dual narration and opposite-sex dialogue particularly well. This didn’t quite have that extra something that would make it a personal favorite, but it was a solid four-star read and a fun introduction to Elsie Silver’s Chestnut Springs world. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Starting off 2023 with a recommended book AND a new to me author. Taking a risk to start the year, but I was game and ready to gamble. I’m not big on cowboy books, movies or shows, but yowza! Rhett Eaton makes me want to ride a cowboy! "Now, tell me honestly, Summer. If this were your last moment on earth, what would you want me to do?" I don't even have to think about it. I know what I want from him. "Ruin me." "Good, I'm about .... done being a gentleman with you. And the only thing I'm ruining you for is anyone else." Rhett has gotten himself into a bit of trouble with his sponsors. He's a bull rider, has won it all twice and wants to win once more. But he's a little older AND he's just announced he doesn't like milk and he may have hit a someone that just may have deserved it. Enter Summer. His new "babysitter" assigned to him by his agent that must keep him on the up and up the last few months of the tour so he won't tarnish his reputation and lose more sponsors. Summer will be moving into his family home, traveling with him and watching his every move, but she also happens to be the daughter of his agent. Could things get any worse? Flawless was a fun age gap, forced proximity romance with some of the best banter. I loved the beginning of the chapters and the texts between the characters. It was fun to see how Summer and Rhett's relationship changed throughout the story by those texts. It had me laughing and smiling at each build up. At first, Rhett wanted nothing to do with Summer, but oh how he changes his mind. I really liked seeing this grumpy bull rider that has a reputation with the women show how polite and family oriented he is with his door opening, chair pulling out, why he is riding and his 'ma'ams'. Trust me. That will make you melt too. Then there is Summer and the way she stands up for Rhett to his family, her father and everyone that even says anything negative about him. She may have had a childhood crush on this good looking bull rider, but getting to know the rider himself had her really connecting to him. I really enjoyed these two and their connection. I liked the way Summer supported Rhett, his riding goals and the way he loved his family. Speaking of the family, I am 100% invested in the Eatons. I have a feeling these brothers are going to do me in. And we can't forget about Summer's dad. Because I loved him as a boss, but as a father? Perfection. He is the type of father we all want. Summer wanted someone to love, support her and just be there for her, and while she found that in Rhett, she had a father that truly adored her and would support her in anything. Flawless is a story that should be on all your lists if you're a small town romance lover. Like I said, I'm not a "cowboy romance" type of reader, but Elsie Silver got me with this one. Totally loved Rhett and Summer, but I really enjoyed the whole supporting cast of characters and I look forward to seeing them in future books. I will be back for more in this series.

I finally started the Chestnut Springs series with Flawless by Elsie Silver, and now I completely understand the hype. This book was incredibly entertaining, addictively readable, and exactly the kind of romance that keeps you smiling while you turn the pages. Before diving in, I do recommend checking the trigger warnings, as the story touches on parental abandonment, infidelity, toxic relationships, grooming, child abuse, and divorce, among other sensitive topics. This was my first Elsie Silver novel, but it definitely won’t be my last. Her writing style may not be overly lyrical or complex, but it’s effortless to sink into. The pacing felt smooth, the dialogue was engaging, and the overall atmosphere made this such a fun romance to binge. Sometimes a book doesn’t need to be overly elaborate to work it just needs heart, chemistry, and characters you enjoy spending time with, and Flawless absolutely delivers that. While the romance is clearly the central focus, I appreciated that the story still had depth outside of the relationship. Rhett’s world as a professional bull rider added a unique layer to the novel, and as someone who knew almost nothing about the sport going in, I found those elements surprisingly interesting. The rodeo setting gave the book its own personality and helped it stand out from other contemporary romances. Summer was such a fun heroine to follow. I loved that she stood up for herself, refused to be treated like a doormat, and brought so much sass and determination to every interaction. She felt confident without being perfect, and I really enjoyed her dynamic with Rhett from the beginning. Rhett was a solid MMC, especially once his softer side started showing. What I loved most about him was how deeply he cared for Summer and how consistently he showed her that she deserved better from the people around her. His protectiveness and growing emotional vulnerability made his character arc enjoyable to watch unfold. The romance between Rhett and Summer was definitely my favorite part of the book. Their chemistry felt playful and natural, and I loved the progression from forced proximity into genuine emotional connection. While Rhett initially underestimated Summer, it quickly became obvious that she was unlike anyone else in his life. What began as an arrangement for work slowly transformed into something much deeper, and watching that shift happen was genuinely satisfying. One of the strongest moments in the story for me was seeing Summer recognize Rhett’s emotional struggles before he was willing to admit them himself. Even when he tried to push her away, she continued to show up for him in ways that truly mattered. That emotional turning point felt like the real heart of their relationship and gave the romance more depth beyond the banter and attraction. I also unexpectedly loved the Eaton brothers dynamic. Even though they carry deep emotional wounds from their upbringing and their mother’s absence, the bond between them felt authentic and compelling. Their loyalty to one another added another emotional layer to the story, and it definitely made me excited to continue the series. Cade especially stood out to me his conversation with Rhett toward the end was one of the most memorable moments in the book and showed just how much he genuinely loves and supports his brothers. The first portion of the novel took me a little while to fully settle into, but once the story found its rhythm, I flew through the rest of it. From around the halfway point onward, I was completely invested. Overall, Flawless was fun, emotional, romantic, and incredibly easy to devour. If you enjoy small town romances, cowboy romances, forced proximity, and emotionally damaged but devoted men, this series opener is absolutely worth picking up. And knowing you, gorgeous, you’re probably already eyeing the next Eaton brother book, huh?

Rhett & Summer's book First in the Chestnut Springs series also stands alone with a HEA for the couple. Rhett is a professional bull rider who's accidentally pissed off one of his rodeo sponsors. In an attempt to keep the remaining sponsors, Rhett's agent sends his adult daughter, Summer, to babysit until the season is over. This is an opposites attract romance involving a cocky bull rider from the country, and a people pleasing PR lady from the city. Forced into close proximity, including a one bed situation, these strangers to lovers will need to find some common ground if they hope to make it to the end of the season without anymore PR nightmares. Ratings: Stars 3/5 Plot 2/5 FMC 2/5 MMC 4/5 Romance 2/5 World n/a (revolves around couple mostly) I honestly enjoyed most of the book but the FMC was sacrificed to stupidity in order to have a pinch point for the 3rd act breakup. It made the plot unbelievable, made me dislike the FMC, ruined the romance, and I was no longer rooting for the couple, nor invested in the ending. I can roll with almost anything if I understand why it's done, but there simply wasn't a motive for it, and it didn't align with what we'd been given previously of the characters. This made it really difficult to rate fairly but I did my best. Knowing I wasn't really satisfied at the end of the book and wouldn't read again, I thought 3stars was fair. Dual alternating POV for MC's (female did Summer chapters, male did Rhett chapters) The narration was almost perfect. In the very beginning the female narrator attempts several male characters at the same time, and I had to grab the ebook to figure out what was going on. Other than that they did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. 4/5 narration Spice was entwined with the plot 3/5 Overall, this book was ok but not my favorite. I've read some amazing books by Elsie Silver, such as Wild Love, and I suggest you start in a different book if this will be your first impression of her. Since I know she has fabulous writing skills I'll def give the next book in the series a go. Read what makes you happy fellow book lovers! 🙂

Flawless is right - I absolutely LOVED this from start to finish. I'll admit that I'm a cover hoe and that's the primary reason I checked out this new-to-me author's work, so I had no idea what was in store for me when I started reading. But this gripped me from the first few pages, and I loved the electric connection between these characters. It's not quite enemies to lovers, more like strangers who resent having to be around each other, and I loved the friction that formed from their frustration (sexual and otherwise, lol). Our hero has a bad reputation, but it wasn't long before I was falling hard for him - his vulnerability and insecurities were so endearing, and it was easy to see how deep his feelings ran. And by the end? Whoa boy, he took me by surprise in the best of ways, which made for some super swoony moments. And some super steamy moments. The buildup of all that forced proximity (including an only one bed situation) made this slow burn to SIZZLE even more impactful. It's an all-around stellar read that didn't disappoint at any turn. The story follows Rhett (32), an aging bull rider whose body is starting to fail him. While he's been putting his life on the line for over a decade, the aches and pains are beginning to wear on him. So when an unfortunate PR situation puts his career on the line, Rhett is frustrated and resentful. He risks his health every time he gets on a bull, and the fans who once built up his confidence now threaten to take away the one thing that makes him feel like a success. Add to that, Rhett's agent has assigned him a "babysitter" in the form of his sexy but uptight daughter. Summer (25) is tasked with keeping Rhett in line, and his partying, playboy reputation makes her believe that will be quite the feat. But Rhett is nothing like Summer expected, and it's not long before she's seeing the real man who lives beneath the cocky persona. Now... I'm not someone who usually reads romances about bull riders and ranchers. I definitely have before, but it's never been something that's felt fresh or relatable to me. This did. It took only a few pages for me to start rooting for Rhett and Summer - it was obvious that these two opposites would easily attract. I loved how Summer falls for Rhett's true self, and it was clear that he was aching for someone to do so. Playboys always seem to fall the hardest, and that's definitely the case here. Rhett falls hard and fast, putting up a valiant effort to resist but soon tumbling in a big way. I really appreciated that Silver didn't play up his playboy past or add a lot of unnecessary drama; Rhett's done a lot of growing on his own, but he's been stuck with a manhoe label even though it doesn't fit as well as it used to. And once he meets Summer? There's no going back. It was easy to see how much she irrevocably changes him, and they were so absolutely perfect together... in AND out of the bedroom. It's got plenty of spice, but the focus is on their connection - and that was consuming and vivid. I love being surprised by books, and this is a great example. It's nothing like I would've expected, but everything that I wanted.

A bull rider and his agent—how did I not see this coming? Summer (h) is the “other child” of the family, conceived from a quick romp with a maid, and feels like she has something to prove, be it loyally following her father or nurturing those around her because “I’m an empath” (and no, not in the actual way, more like the Tumblr way). Rhett (H) is the youngest cowboy in his family (save his little nephew) and has built an unsupported career off the adrenaline rush of bull riding at the risk of worsening his injuries and running his mouth. When Rhett’s jokes and less-than-graceful handling of nosy journalists nearly tank his career, Summer is sent out as his glorified babysitter. And that’s how our small town, enemies to lovers story kicks off. I found the term “enemy” was a very, er, <em>inaccurate</em> way of describing our H and h. They are both victims of circumstance who don’t get along and have their little scuffles, but that doesn’t make them “enemies”. I’d say this is more of a <em>strangers to lovers</em> phenomenon than enemies. Enemies to lovers for me needs to be all about the mockery, the hurt, and one attempt of legitimately murdering the other (be it in body or in mind). I enjoyed this book subverted several tropes in such a <em><strong>natural</strong></em> way. For example, Summer may be unapologetically city girl, but she can ride horses, she’s not embittered at her father’s infidelity, she’s better at endurance training than the guys <em>without</em> monologuing about it, and she understands when she is hurt. I was very worried when Rhett got hurt that Summer would make up with him then. But when Rhett went all, well, <em>Rhett</em>, I was pleased she walked away and rightfully ignored him. I also very much liked she was unapologetically city girl and very brilliant without monologuing or exacerbating her differences between her and the country folk. I had a bit of an issue with all the “nibbling on her lips” and “I’m an empath—a nurture”. The verb <em>nibbling</em> requires both lips and picturing it (because, as some of us do, we create an entire feature film as we read) made me gloss over any of her “anxious tells”. I also liked how this was a subverted babysitter trope to a degree. I get annoyed at the whole agent/PR x athlete trope because the agent comes off as snarky and childish as they <em>literally</em> treat the athlete like a child who knows nothing or a “dumb jock” and refuse to apologize for it. The antagonism between these two were realistic, and I’m happy Summer knew better than to embarrass anyone while on the job and also took Rhett’s own emotions into account. I <em><strong>did</strong></em> like Rhett more towards the end than at the beginning. I especially loved when his father shut down Rhett’s “possessive Alpha” act with advice almost every MMC needs: stop focusing on the person eyeing your lover and focus on who your lover is eyeing. When people gawked at two of my previous partners, I felt pride because that means others were besotted with their charm as I was. And I felt so lucky someone so well-sought after was with me and I got to know them under all the vanity. Possessiveness and jealousy are actually darkly thrilling to read <em><strong>within the context of the story and/or character</strong></em>. Some authors make cinnamon roll MCs aggressively jealous as a way to “show a whole new side” but it feels shoehorned in. Rhett’s jealousy actually felt like one small part of his personality, and his father’s quick word of advice was perfect. No soapboxing. No shoehorning. No signing. Two sentences and we’re done with that ish. What prevents me from 5⭐️s is the use of family and the best friend. I’m sorry. I <em>hate</em> the “I have one sole bestie in this world” trope. Willa was nice, sure, but I didn’t vibe with her. Family as an external conflict away from the couple’s own issues is fine with me. The naming (Summer and Winter) was a little too much. And also, Kip might’ve been great in <em>some</em> aspects, but if his wife and daughter are causing so much distress to his much more beloved daughter, it begs the question why he never sought divorce. I do like, however, that Winter stayed cold until the end. Honestly, I’d like to see her with Caleb. I love the grumpy/grumpier trope which is a <em><strong>rare</strong></em> breed of story. But it’d be fascinating to see how even a grumpy Caleb manages to thaw Winter out of her ice queen persona and also help provide much more of a natural insight to Luke’s mum. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it’s Willa x Caleb and Winter x Beau. <em>Le sigh</em>. Anywho: good read. References to OW with a fake out and some good OM drama too. I’m not sure how the steam was. Little miscommunication outside a singular stupid moment. The main strife came from words spoken shots fired. 4.25 ⭐️s. 💜

Flawless hooked me from page one and kept me obsessed all the way through. Elsie Silver delivers the perfect mix of small-town charm, slow-burn tension, and sizzling chemistry. Rhett and Summer’s dynamic is everything — funny, tender, emotional, and the kind of romantic build-up that makes you kick your feet while reading. What really stood out to me is how real and grounded the characters feel. Rhett isn’t just the typical broody cowboy; he’s complex, respectful, and easy to fall for. And Summer? She’s smart, confident, and brings such warmth and humor to every scene. Together, they balance each other so perfectly. This book has the ideal amount of spice, but it also has heart. The family dynamics, personal struggles, and emotional growth make the story feel meaningful while still giving you all the swoony moments you want from a romance. It’s one of those books you start thinking you’ll read a few chapters, and suddenly you’re halfway through without noticing. Completely binge-worthy, beautifully written, and full of that cozy-but-spicy vibe that makes Elsie Silver’s books so loved. If you enjoy cowboy romances, slow-burn chemistry, or just a story that feels good from start to finish, Flawless is an absolute must-read.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a feel good, spicy romance. I would definitely recommend this book!

Over milk really ??? 😂😂 I believe Heartless took the spot for me * I read it first* I did enjoy Summer and Rhett but there is something missing for me and I can't point it out. It felt flat? and missing the depth it was fun and fluffy reading over all. I'm excited for Beau tho ❤️

Tropes • slow burn • bullrider x 'babysitter' • forced proximity • only one bed Ehrlich gesagt weiß ich recht wenig über Bullriding (und bis zu diesem Buch war ich auch nicht sehr daran interessiert). Aber dieses Buch hat mich in seinen Bann gezogen. I mochte sehr, wie Rhett und Summer aufeinander treffen – nach einem PR Debakel darüber, dass Rhett keine Milch mag, wird ihm eine ‚Babysitterin’ zugeteilt, die sicher stellen soll, dass er in kein weiteres Fettnäpfchen tritt. Die Chemie der beiden war von Anfang an auf einem anderen Planeten. Einfach Wahnsinn, wie die Funken zwischen den beiden fliegen. Sogar noch bevor mehr aus ihnen wird, ist da immer dieses gewisse etwas, und genau so sollte es meiner Meinung nach auch sein. I habe Rhett und Summer geliebt. Diese beiden, und das fluffy Gefühl, das ihrer gemeinsame Geschichte anhaftet, machen Flawless zu einem richtigen Wohlfühlbuch. I actually don‘t know a lot about bullriding (and until this book I didn‘t care about it either). But this book is something. I enjoyed the way they get to know each other – after a PR debacle about Rhett not liking milk (which is ridiculous) he is assigned with a ‘babysitter‘ – Summer – who has to make sure he behaves. The banter in this book is something else entirely. I could feel every spark between these two, and it‘s amazing. Even before they become more there is always this something, and that‘s exactly how it should be in my opinion. I loved Rhett and Summer. These two, and the fluffy feels their story gave me, make this a true comfort read. 5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️ – the banter is spicy in its own way, and don‘t get me started on the dirty talk🤌

C’était tellement bien. J’ai tout aimé: les héros, l’histoire, l’ambiance, le décor, les personnages secondaires. Une jolie histoire d’amour, des surprises, c’est parfait! J’ai hâte de lire les suivants. J’espère que les livres de cette auteure seront un jour traduits en vf! Un coup de cœur pour Rhett et Summer.

It delivers exactly what it promises. And is well written on top of that! The characters are endearing and the smut delicious.