Heartless Audiobook – Chestnut Springs, Book 2

On a breezy Sunday afternoon, nestled into my favorite sun-dappled corner of the porch with a mug of spiced chai, I decided to press play on Elsie Silver’s “Heartless,” and found myself swept up in one of those rare romances that lingers long after the final chapter. As someone who gravitates toward stories about emotional healing and love against the odds—especially with a dash of small-town charm—this audiobook felt like it was tailor-made for me.

“Heartless” is much more than just another steamy age-gap romance; it’s an invitation into the tender vulnerabilities that make us human. From the start, I couldn’t help but relate to Willa Grant, our big-hearted city girl turned temporary nanny in Chestnut Springs. Her impulsive leap into this new world reminded me so much of my own post-college move cross-country—full of nerves and possibility, hoping to find belonging somewhere unfamiliar.

The dynamic between Willa and Cade Eaton, her brooding cowboy boss and single father thirteen years her senior, hooked me right away. It was clear from their first sparring match in his kitchen (Stephen Dexter capturing every gruff syllable as Cade) that sparks would fly. But what truly drew me in wasn’t just their magnetic chemistry—the hot tub truth-or-dare scene lives rent-free in my mind—but how Silver handles the slow unraveling of Cade’s emotional armor. His tough exterior masks heartbreaks that anyone who’s been afraid to risk love again will recognize instantly.

Vanessa Edwin’s narration brings such warmth and sincerity to Willa; you can hear every ounce of hopefulness as she pushes past Cade’s walls. The dual narration worked beautifully here—each perspective enriched by distinct vocal nuance—and made even ordinary moments glow with feeling: bedtime routines with Cade’s son Luke, whispered confessions under Montana starlight, family dinners that tiptoe between awkwardness and joy.

As someone who grew up visiting relatives in rural Oregon, Chestnut Springs’ sense of community struck home for me—the neighborly gossip over fences, local traditions at summer festivals—all rendered vividly through soundscape and dialogue alike. There are swoony moments aplenty (and yes: prepare yourself for some exquisitely written steam), but what stayed with me most were those quieter scenes where trust grows in careful increments.

Silver doesn’t shy away from showing both protagonists’ flaws: Cade sometimes frustrates with his stubborn protectiveness; Willa wrestles with doubts about her worthiness as she finds herself unexpectedly falling not only for her boss but also for his sweet little boy. That honesty makes their journey feel earned rather than formulaic—it honors real-life complexities beneath fairytale trappings.

If I had any critique, perhaps it’s that certain side characters from previous series entries drifted into the background—I’d have loved just a bit more depth there—but truly it didn’t detract from my immersion or enjoyment.

In short? This is exactly what contemporary romance should be: lushly narrated escapism layered atop heartfelt truths about loving (and letting yourself be loved) after loss or disappointment. “Heartless” left me smiling wistfully at nothing while folding laundry later—a sure sign an audiobook has wormed its way straight into my soul.