My first read of 2024 was Flawless, the first book in the highly popular Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver. I had a good time reading this book, so now it felt like it was time for Heartless, this second novel in this romance series. Was it as enjoyable as its predecessor?

About the book

Heartless by Elsie Silver
Series: Chestnut Springs #2
Published by Bloom Books on September 26, 2023
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9781728297019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, General fiction, Romance

Working as a nanny for the world’s grumpiest single dad should be simple…except she can’t keep her eyes off him. And he can’t keep his hands off her.

Cade Eaton is thirteen years older than Willa Grant, and he barely looks her way, even though she’s living in his house for the summer. That is, until she gets him into the hot tub one night for a game of truth or dare. Then, all bets are off–and so are their clothes.

Cade is 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 is she to resist?

But it’s in their quietest moments together that he softens. It’s in the unexpected way he takes care of Willa that she realizes his hardened exterior is just a façade. And it’s when she watches him go all sweet with his little boy that she starts to fall for him, whatever the consequences.

Someone once convinced Cade that his best wasn’t good enough. But Willa has never felt more cherished than she does in his arms.

Her contract says this arrangement is only for two months.

But her heart says this is forever.

My review

This book is about Willa and Cade, whom we’ve both met briefly in Flawless. Cade is the oldest Eaton son and Willa is Summer’s best friend. Now, they have their own story and I was expecting this to be as angsty as the first book was. It’s kind of opposites attract.

Cade Eaton is a busy, responsible family man who puts his son Luke first, before his own happiness and health. One summer, he knows he has to be away for work a lot, so he starts looking for a nanny. No luck so far, until Willa appears in Chestnut Springs. Willa Grand is looking for a summer away from the city and her bartending job. Her plans fell through as her horse got seriously injured and therefore can’t participate in jumping competitions. Once Willa gets convinced by Summer to apply for the job as Luke’s nanny, she is a bit hesitant at first. However, she soon finds herself loving this job and Luke first and foremost, but his dad is a little bit too attractive as well. Is Willa able to resist Cade? And is Cade able to finally put his worries behind and to open his heart for love again?

Just like the previous book, Silver is telling this story through multiple POV. Unfortunately, it took me a while to warm up to both Willa and Cade and therefore to this book. I was expecting too much maybe as this is marketed as a cowboy romance. Yes, this story is set on the family ranch, but Cade isn’t a cowboy like his brother Rhett. So, there is much less rodeo in this book, let alone bullriding. Furthermore, I didn’t feel the chemistry between these characters. Maybe this has to do with the age gap, because they differ thirtheen years. Cade is hard on the outside, but when he slowly puts his guard down, he turns out to be a real softie. Willa is a woman who knows what she wants. She is caring for both Luke and Cade. I enjoyed the banter between Willa and Luke, these were the most funny and sweet moments of this novel.

The writing is fine, the story floods easily. It took me a longer while than usual to finish this book nevertheless. This is caused by many factors. Both life itsself and I just was able to put the book down easily and leave it there. For me, the story never picked up really and therefore I just wasn’t sucked into this romance. I missed some tension. Yes, there was sexual tension, but the characters falling for one another was way too easy. I expected more heartship and angst and I felt that was lacking for me. I just didn’t feel it. I still loved Cade’s growth though, he learns to open up again and that there’s more in life than his family. Yes, family comes first, but he is allowed to have downtime and fun himself as well.

Unfortunately, Heartless drew me in less than Flawless did. It wasn’t a bad book at all, absolutely not. However, I didn’t feel tension, angst or chemistry. It was fine and the banter between the characters was enjoyable to witness. However, the plot was quite predictable and it felt all a bit too easy. I therefore was able to put the book aside and leave it there for a good while. I’m still curious for the other novels in this series nonetheless.