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Spiral #1

Dark Notes

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As the lead singer of the Dark Notes, I have my choice of any woman, night after night. After I set eyes on her, I don’t want them. I want her. I need her. When I see her boyfriend abusing her, something in me snaps. He doesn’t see her worth, but I do. McKinley is mine, even if she doesn’t know it yet.



Life hasn’t been kind to me. I’ve been trapped in an abusive cycle for my entire life. When people ask why I put up with my boyfriend’s hurtful words, I never have an answer for them. Not because I don’t have one, I do, but because people don’t want to hear the truth.

Can Jagger save her from not only her violent boyfriend, but from the demons of her past? Can she tame the bad boy of rock? Or are they doomed from the start?

* This is an emotional read with a lot of trigger warnings. Please check those out prior to reading.*

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

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About the author

Chelle Rose

46 books364 followers
I hate talking about myself. I'm awkward AF and write super spicy books with twisty plots. Most of my books are dark romance so always check the content warnings!

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5 stars
92 (54%)
4 stars
36 (21%)
3 stars
28 (16%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Marici.
433 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2025
It amazes me the amount of positive reviews here.
Profile Image for Novellaworm.
310 reviews14 followers
August 4, 2026
How Chelle Rose manages to write characters like this continues to astound me.

Dark Notes: Volume One resonated with me more than I expected.

Eating disorders. Body dysmorphia. Gaslighting. Trauma.

Some of these themes felt incredibly authentic, and there were moments that stayed with me long after I’d put my Kindle down.

And before anyone tells me I need therapy…

I’m British.

I need a strong cup of tea, a metaphorical plaster, a reassuring “there, there”… and then to disappear into the world of morally grey men. It’s much cheaper… and let’s be honest, far more entertaining. 😂☕🖤

Joking aside…

⚠️ Please check the trigger warnings.

This is a dark romance that tackles some incredibly difficult subjects, and Chelle doesn’t shy away from any of them. If you need to protect your peace, there’s absolutely no shame in checking the warnings first.

Now… can we talk about insta-lust?

Is it a real thing?

Well… I met my husband on a blind date. Nine months later we were planning our wedding, and we’ve just celebrated 35 years together. ❤️

Did we have to survive everything Jagger and Kinsley go through to get there?

Absolutely not.

Thank goodness! 😂

And then there’s Jagger…

Is he a green flag?

Well…

He’s more of a walking traffic light. 🚦

🟢 Green for his girl.
🔴 Red for… well… pretty much everyone else.

At this point I’m not even sure what colour I’m looking at anymore… but I know one thing…

I absolutely loved him.

Because beneath all that possessive, protective, morally grey goodness is a man who never stops fighting for the woman he loves.

And Kinsley…

My heart absolutely broke for her.

She carries trauma upon trauma, and somewhere along the way she stops believing she deserves anything better.

Watching Kinsley realise that she deserved to fight for herself was the moment that broke me. We all want someone to rescue us, but Chelle reminds us that healing starts when we believe we’re worth fighting for too.

Jagger never stopped believing in her. He never stopped loving her. He never stopped fighting for her.

But he couldn’t take that first step for her.

And I think that’s what made their journey so powerful.

As for Erik…

He doesn’t deserve a paragraph.

He’s an absolute shitstain of a human being.

Good riddance. 👋

Once again, Chelle Rose has taken me on an emotional journey that hurt, healed, made me laugh, made me swoon, and then rewarded me with enough spice to practically set my Kindle on fire. 🌶️🔥

Now excuse me while I join everyone else begging, pleading and generally making a nuisance of myself for Dark Notes: Volume Two…

Because Chelle…

Those little teasers you’ve been dropping?

I noticed every single one. 😉🖤
Profile Image for Booked & Broken.
28 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2026
Dark Notes is a beautifully written story. Please check your trigger warnings and if there is anything that could harm your mental health, just don’t read it. This book is an emotional rollercoaster and may contain scenes that are not best for you.

McKinley has suffered some emotional and physical situations. Until Jagger sees her. He really can’t stand her current boyfriend. She can’t leave him. She won’t! They come from two different worlds. And he wants something he can’t have.

I knew from the moment he was introduced, I knew would love him.

Jagger shows her what true love and patience is. These are things she’s never experienced before. He teach her, and help her deal with some of the things she’s been through. But will she accept it and understand where he is coming from and why he feels the way he does!

It took me about 7 hour total to read this book. I can’t wait for volume two.
93 reviews
November 19, 2024
Wow! To start off this book is dark and deals with trauma and other triggering things. On the other hand I absolutely loved this book. I was giggling and crying and constantly wondering what would happen next. Our bad boy lead singer Jagger falls for McKinley after seeing her once. One problem she’s dating a man who doesn’t know her worth. When Jagger decides she will be his no matter what he has to do. When he finally gets her and seems to have her for good it leads to him losing her. Three years later they get back together but something unexpected happens and they almost lose each other again. This book was very well written and handle the issues it dealt with very well. It was also really spicy and seeing how obsessed with each other they were was an added bonus. I cannot wait to read Jett’s story when it comes out.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
2,103 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2024
OMG what an amazing book this was. Dark, intense, emotional and such a head spin with this story. Jagger, Jagger, Jagger what wonderful, caring and romantic man who would do anything to keep the woman he loves, McKinley happy and by his side but he is also so very vulnerable and when McKinley needs him more than ever he does exactly as she wishes only she is never far from his mind. McKinley’s story was very heartbreaking but Chelle Rose did such an amazing job with writing it very compassionately. A few triggers in this book so if you are vulnerable with triggers please read the warning. A wonderful book that I loved very much and I am looking forward to book two in this series.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Shes _Crafty_reader.
155 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2026
“Some love stories are written in the stars, but some are forged in the dark.”

Jagger Wild is the ultimate playboy rockstar, until he sees McKinley and falls HARD. 😍 This man will do ANYTHING to make her happy! He’s constantly showering her with compliments, building her up, and reminding her just how beautiful and worthy she is. 🥹🖤 Honestly, I think I have a new book boyfriend. SWOON! 🎸🎶❤️

McKinley has been through so much and struggles with self-hatred and an extremely abusive relationship, making Jagger’s unwavering support even more swoon worthy.

Their relationship is sweet, supportive, full of chemistry and PACKED with delicious SPICE!🔥

‼️Check your trigger warnings‼️

I need Jagger's bandmate JETT’S story ASAP!



“You’re stunning. And when you’re mine, you’ll hear me tell you how beautiful you are, every fucking day. Because you are.” -Jagger
Profile Image for Laney Yoder.
2 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2024
This is my first review ever and I don’t think there’s a better book to be my first review. I’m not one to cry during books, but this book definitely made me shed a few tears. I felt like I WAS McKinley and that I was feeling everything she was.

Jagger is also such a sweet MMC with a little bit of a dark side that makes him just *chef’s kiss*. I absolutely LOVED this book (not going to lie, I finished it in one sitting in 3 hours). I am excited for the next book to see what happens next with Mia and Jett!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am HAPPILY leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Doris.
3,938 reviews141 followers
November 21, 2024
Absolutely Loved It

Wow!! This was was everything I love in my rock romances. I had the bad boy rocker and a “real” woman that he fell for. This author did a really good job having me actually feel emotions that were going on. My heart broke for McKinley the woman who had a lifetime of abuse. I loved the bad boy rockstar who actually cared about someone and was willing to go the extra mile for the woman he had fallen for.

This book was an emotional roller coaster ride and the steam was just right. I can’t wait to see what comes next!!
Profile Image for ☆KittyKatsBooks☆.
176 reviews18 followers
November 24, 2024
OOOOOOFT!!!! 5⭐️ 5🌶 100👩‍🍳💋
Every woman, who ever felt like she was never good enough; that every bad thing thrown her way was deserved. This is for you. For me too!

Chelle's writing captured me from the moment I read the dedication; until the very end. I did not put this book down, for one minute, literally, it even came to the toilet with me 🙈 I am literally OBSESSED!! 😻
I will be reading all of Chelle's books, and am super keen to read the rest of the Spiral Series.

Jagger Wild;
"She isn't something. She's fucking everything."
Profile Image for What the smut.
150 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2024
This is an ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was something that hit so close to home for me. McKinley survived horrible abuse, including fat shaming, verbal and physical abuse. Jagger seriously struggles to help her see herself as he sees her, doing everything he can to get through to her. The chemistry between them was fire 🔥 but as a couple they need to desperately overcome devastating past trauma. I can’t wait for Mia’s story!
Profile Image for Allie  Koval.
523 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2024
Wow. This story broke my heart, then put it back together slowly. McKinley and Jagger were such beautiful chaos. Jagger saw the broken girl McKinley was and truly wanted to help her heal. It truly tugged at my heartstrings while also having the darkness & spice Chelle's books are known for. Highly recommend, but check the TW/CW.
1,815 reviews16 followers
November 23, 2024
This book is brilliant. I absolutely loved McKinley and Jagger. The emotion, tension, steam and utter sweetness that is Jagger was amazing.
McKinley is a wonderful character, who has been through so much. If I had been through what she had, I would have been an absolute wreck.
I thought I had the plot sussed and I am so happy to be wrong as the first chapter threw me for a loop.
This is a thoughtful story, where the characters have been well-planned and crafted to perfection.
This read had everything, but I am not going to reel it off as I wouldn’t want to spoil it.
All I will say is that it is one of my most enjoyable reads in 2024.
This is a must-read!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
194 reviews5 followers
November 21, 2024
✨ARC Read✨

✨🖤Dark Notes: Spiral Series Vol 1🖤✨
Author: Chelle Rose

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

❤️McKinley❤️
Sweet broken McKinley… she started out with a very unhealthy childhood. And the darkness followed her into her adulthood. She lets people treat her how she feels like she should be treated… which isn’t good. Then she meets Jagger and she doesn’t understand what his obsession is with her. They spend time together, and then he finally has to leave her alone. For just one night… and then it happens.

🖤Jagger🖤
Jagger saw her and immediately he needed her. Then her boyfriend hit her, so he grabbed her and took off to his dressing room. From that day on, she was his… she just couldn’t accept it. Jagger tried to change her thoughts on herself, but she just wouldn’t listen. The magical time they spent together was everything he wanted for the rest of his life… until he had a show to perform… then his world fell apart.

McKinley took something from Jagger that he couldn’t get back. Until one day, he took it back.
What will happen in the end? Will they be able to move past this darkness that consumes them?

The first of this series releases on December 1st! Make sure you add it to your list to find out what happens!🫣
Profile Image for cynne★.
300 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2025
i wanted to read something with a person suffering from mental illness and not a porno with shallow plot twists
Profile Image for Ashlyn Palmisano-Rojas.
118 reviews
November 11, 2024
A rockstar romance that just didn’t hit the mark for me. The plot was jumbled and seemed like it hopped around. I found some errors in the writing where one thing was said but then was incorrect in the next scene. I also think the ending was very rushed and the climax with the ex boyfriend was weak in comparison to the scene of the MMC hurting the ex. It just fell flat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mars Rads.
526 reviews12 followers
November 22, 2024
This book might be one of the best I have read in a while. It struck me somewhere deep inside and I am still trying to put all of my feelings into words. There are some trigger warnings, and they definitely should be heeded. I think part of the reason I loved this book so muchis because I could relate to both of the characters. There is a line where it’s said that children remember what they are told and I just thought how perfect that was. The trauma that we endure as children stays with us and this book portrays that so well. The pain and hurt and emotional trauma that the characters endured gripped my heart. There was a part where I was trying to read through my tears because I was so emotional. This book was one that I won’t soon forget.

What McKinley went through dealing with her body and her eating is something that so many go through. When people call you fat, or continually put you on some diet, you begin to believe every word. The pain that McKinley was feeling felt so real and I just kept reading hoping that she would magically heal, knowing that is not how that works. Something that really struck a chord with me was the sugar free creamer. I could feel that pain so much.

While I know exactly how McKinley was feeling, I have been Jagger. I have been the guy trying to convince the girl that she is gorgeous when she can’t see it. What he went through felt so real and I hurt so much reading everything that he was going through. He has moved to the top of my list of MMCs. The part with him that really got to me was when he wanted to give McKinley everything she was ever denied and then realized that’s not what she needed. That is such a hard lesson to learn.

To me, a great book is one that grabs me and refuses to let me go. It’s one that the characters are so well written that they feel real. This is one of those books. And yes, there are definitely so top notch spicy scenes. But the story is what really grabbed me. I don’t know if everyone will have this same response to this book, but I think that anyone who has been through the pain and trauma can relate to what these characters go through. I can’t wait for Part 2.
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,507 reviews44 followers
December 2, 2024
Learning to be loved

First off this book is super dark and has some very prominent in your face depictions so please check the triggers before you read this book.

Nearly every woman at some point hates the way they look. But what if you have been told how terrible and fat you are for as long as you can remember. Well now those words are facts in your mind. This is where we find McKinley.

When McKinley met Erik she thought things were going to be great and for the first year they were. As his true colors came out she knew everything he said was true and that she should just be happy he cared enough to try to change her.

Erik is the singer of a band and he is opening for McKinley's favorite band, Dark Notes, so when her and her friend get a chance to go to the show they are so excited. While backstage (she is also Eric's PA) she is eating something from the catering table when Erik explodes saying she is eating something unapproved. The fight escalates enough that the lead singer of Dark Notes hear the commotion.

Jagger is pulled from his dressing room and is stopped short when he sees the most beautiful woman. His band mate tells him she's with Erik so he is prepared to leave it alone. Well that is until he lays her across the table and punches her in the face.

This moment is the first real turning point in this story and things get better and worse along the way.

This book is beautiful and tragic and parts of it felt entirely too real for me. I absolutely loved that it was written and am so glad to have read it. I absolutely adore Jagger and what he does throughout the story.

He may be a bad boy rockstar but he is a really sweet guy too.

"If you'd give me the chance, I'd give you romance, baby. I'd f** romance you until your goddam head spins"

This story leaves us with questions about what is going on with McKinley's best friend. It also makes you wonder about Jett's background. I can't wait to see what we find out next because I have a feeling it is terrible and I truly hope Jett finds a reason to be better.
Profile Image for BrewedBookDragon.
135 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2026
For every girl who has had terrible things said to them and believed them to be true.....yeah this one is for you!!!

This is my first Chelle Rose book and yesterday when I saw there was a mistake and the Zon dropped early.....I dropped what I was doing and read this!!!

This will NOT be my last book by her!!

⚠️ Please read the trigger warnings. While @chellerosedarkromanceauthor is extremely compassionate in how she writes this story, the trauma is very real and palpable as you read. There is zero shame in protecting your mental health ⚠️

This story talks about Eating disorders, Body dysmorphia, Gaslighting, and Abuse to name a few.

I have never been a skinny girl but I also wasn't fat....I wish I had believed me over the voices coming at me. It took me a long time to heal and even to this day I still struggle with my reflection. I was not to the point of McKinley but I cannot truly express in words what an incredible job Chelle does with this topic. This felt authentic.

Jagger is the bad boy of Rock but honestly he is also the best man and wants nothing more than to show McKinley how beautiful she is. To reverse the damage caused by decades of abuse and trauma. Is he a walking green flag? Absolutely not!!! But he Will do whatever it takes to protect her.

McKinley's story was heart wrenching. Watching her take trauma after trauma and believe that was what she deserved. Chelle shows us that healing has to come from the inside and the moment McKinley realizes she needs to fight for herself damn near broke my heart. 💔

Now I don't want to give anything away and yes this was an ARC copy but y'all know me and these are my own thoughts and review. I highly recommend this Rockstar romance.

I'll just be sitting over here waiting on the next book in the Spiral Series because I saw those teasers you were dropping in this story!!
Profile Image for Trinity Reznor.
165 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2024
This book is amazing, it's also emotionally rough, like really dark. I seriously suggest that you read the tw's before you read it. There were a few times I had to put it down and cry, but it was such a great story I always picked it back up. I got sucked into this story. Although, fortunately, my life wasn't at the level of McKinnley's, it was close enough that I felt her pain like it was my own. What messed up girl doesn't want a world famous rock star to save her and love her? Jett is a lead singer and major player. When he sees the girlfriend of a dude from his opener he feels something he doesn't understand and can't explain, but he wants to make her his. He does some pretty shady stuff to make that happen.
Just when you think "wow, this is way too soon for the HEA", something incredibly unexpected and heartbreaking happens that shatters everything. I wasn't sobbing, you were sobbing! Will they find their way back to each other? If they do will McKinnley even be able to handle the relationship? Will Jett put up with someone with so much past trauma? There are so many twists and turns in this book that it is not boring or drawn out for one single sentence, 5 well deserved stars. Also, it's filthy as heck, hotness and smexy time abounds! I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book for free, but as soon as I can, I'm buying it for my permanent collection. I'm leaving this review because I love sharing books that I love with my other sick girls! I'm really looking forward to her best friend Mia's story in the next book!!!
Profile Image for Nasi.
255 reviews14 followers
November 29, 2024
*******

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

*******

McKinley is a sweet soul and her story is really heartbreaking. Never loved by her mother and when Eric pays attention to her, she believes she has found the right one. After just a year, he shows his true color. and McKinley's struggles begins. Her struggle with her body which leads to disordered eating behavior, Never recovered from her childhood trauma and her mental health issues makes the whole story so raw, so real. Her story shows that recovering is never simple and it is not to be taken lightly.

And there is Jagger, when he first sees McKinley, one thing came up into his mind "I will marry her.". After he witnessed something and knows more about McKinley, Jagger has one goal, to help her in every possible ways. He worships every part of her, shows how beautiful she is and he loves every inch of McKinley even when she thinks she is not worthy. They chemistry and bond was undeniable. While reading u are able to feel the emotional effect of the MMCs to each other. The twist, turns and also the challenge of their relationship they build sticks out.

‼️Let me say, if someone doesn't want to be healed or not believes that he/she is worthy than u can't really help a person to heal.‼️

Before starting with the reading check the trigger warnings, please read them and if u are uncomfortable with any of the themes than don't read this book, cuz this book includes themes like verbal, emotional, physical abuse, fat shaming, and suicide attempts etc.
207 reviews
November 10, 2024
Please take note that this book has some very dark themes in it. Anyone who wants to dive in please make sure you check the triggers.

That being said there are not many things that can shock and surprise me on the page and in real life. The story of McKinley and Jagger is everything you would expect from a dark romance. With some of the themes in the book I am not going to lie i had to take a step back. For someone who has struggled with her weight for a long time the shame and blame is a real thing. So this book took me longer to read then I thought it would. The way Erik treated McKinley is by far unforgiveable. There were some twist and turns I did not see coming so that was a nice little surprise. Mckinley has a lot of guilt and shame in her life for something she never had control over. Jagger was a pleasant breathe of fresh air in comparison to her ex Erik and of course that is to be expected but the way Jagger loves her unconditionally and shows her time and time again that she is perfect jus the way she is. There are some themes in this book that I want to comment on but for my own mental health I will not be.

Lastly this is to anyone who ever feels as if you can not do it anymore please please reach out to someone who you can trust and know that they will help you get the help you need. Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC.
Profile Image for Tanya.
120 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2024
If topics of abuse are a concern to you, be sure to check the trigger list, this one deals with some incredibly heavy topics that aren't going to be for everyone.

Now that my PSA is out of the way, I love when authors deal with heavier topics and are able to do so honestly. There were several times in the early chapters where I had to applaud McKinley's inner monologues, there was so much relatability to what was going on in her head, her awareness of her dependency, and the abuse spiral that she found herself in.

I did find myself being pulled out of the story along the way for two key reasons. First, insta-love is not my trope of choice and there were times that I found it to be too over the top. The second was the believability of McKinley's assertiveness, I really struggled with reconciling her being able to vocalize what she deserved that was in direct opposition of her inner thoughts and the victim space that she was existing in.

Overall, this was well written. The author does a good job dropping little nuggets of suspense throughout the book, just enough to keep us wondering about backstories and band history, and it's sooooooo satisfying when we get the answers later on. The breadcrumbs seem to be in place for the rest of the series and McKinley had thoughts in the warehouse that I know I want answers to, so I'll be here for book two.
Profile Image for Ruth Bookish Angel.
378 reviews38 followers
December 4, 2024
Dark Notes. Spiral series Book 1
By Chelle Rose

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is very Dark so make sure to check your trigger warnings!!

Tropes:
🖤 Rockstar Romance
🖤 obsessive MMC
🖤 billionaire
🖤 he saves her
🖤 curvy girl
🖤He falls first
🖤Different social classes
🖤 I’m gonna marry that girl someday


This is not for everyone! But I love everything Chelle writes. This dark storyline is nothing short of genius.

Full of emotion, tension, spicy scenes and aspects that will pull at your heart strings!

A rollercoaster ride from beginning to end!

Beautifully dark and crafted with a delicate balance of light! The narrative is smooth and flows elegantly throughout the story. Well constructed characters with complex backstories.

Jagger: A wonderful character sweet, charming and caring. And will do absolutely anything for those he loves.

McKinley: A damaged soul with a heart wrenching past. But she survived her abusive past. An amazingly strong and deep character!

Their relationship is electric and all kinds of hot… maybe a little obsessive, but these characters deserve each other. They need each other!

I could not put this book down…

Quote:

“You should also know that I’m certifiably insane. I’m going to fuck up your world.
And you’re gonna destroy mine”

"She isn't something. She's fucking everything."
Jagger Wild.
28 reviews
November 11, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Chelle Rose and it definitely won’t be my last.

McKinley who for the past 26 years has suffered unending trauma is thrown into a roller coaster of emotion when Jagger first lays eyes on her and knows she is his forever.

The trauma that McKinley endures throughout the book is so well written at times it felt like I was reading a biography. The description of her self loathing and despair were heart breaking but I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Jagger lead singer of the Dark Notes never gives up on his love of McKinley throughout the book he works on building trust and pouring so much love into McKinley that he hopes will fix her.

The story has so many highs and lows, and certain parts of the book (cannot mention due to spoiler) had me crying, wishing that Jagger and McKinley could just get their easy break but I think each twist and turn , each hard step, working on her own trauma and Jaggers never ending love makes reading to the HEA at the end worth it.

I would absolutely recommend this book, it is dark but the spice level is high, the realistic portrayal of the trauma and abuse just make this book 10/10

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vanessa Lowe.
43 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2024
Heartfelt, Raw and Beautifully written!!!

To start off this book had me hooked from the beginning. It was such an emotional and real read that many can relate to.
McKinley has had a rough life from the beginning and depends on her abusive boyfriend Erik. She manages his band in the beginning and ends up getting to see one of her favorite bands “Dark Notes” when they have to open for them. Little does she know her whole life is about to change.
Jagger the lead singer of “Dark Notes” is a known player and loves sleeping around with all the groupies. That all changes when he lays his eyes on McKinley. He knows she’s taken by Erik but doesn’t care after he stops Erik from abusing her. After this moment he wants her all to himself and will do whatever he can to have her and treat her right. She deserves so much more than the abuse she has always known.
With many more obstacles in their way and trauma to move past, this story will leave you feeling like you had your heart ripped out and sewn back together.
Please be sure to read the trigger warnings before starting this book and find out if Jagger and McKinley will find their HEA.
Thank you Chelle for another amazing read! I loved this book and can’t wait for the rest in the series!
238 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2024
𝘼 𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍𝙁𝙐𝙇 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿!

Going into this book I was reminded that there was some very heavy topics featured in it but as ever trusting the author and her work I ventured into what can only be described as a triumph!

For those that have previously read this authors work probably would not have expected the depths of some of her topics but as always she gives you the triggers up front and I urge you to not only read these but truly take note, this book will not be for everyone.

But let me give you some reasons to read it…..

🎵𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙮 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧
🎵𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙈𝙈𝘾
🎵𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
🎵𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿!𝙚
🎵𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝
🎵𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛
🎵𝙈𝙈𝘾 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙈𝘾

Alongside all this goodliness are the harder topics of body shaming, cheating, attempted suicide, physical and emotional abuse (not by MMC).

Now if you still want to give it a go please, please, please do so. You will be given one emotional and powerful reads, where your heart pours out for both main characters and you are willing for them to get their HEA.

The author, Chelle, writes with such great care and empathy that you are compelled to keep reading because you become so invested in the characters lives.

Another beautiful and heart wrenching story!
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71 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2024
Y’all I don’t have the words for how good this book was most definitely a 5/5 star read if not a 6/5 star. Dark Notes volume one in The Spiral series by Chelle Rose follows our FMC McKinley and our MMC Jagger Wild or the “The Rock God”. The emotional roller coaster this story took me on was nothing I expected and as someone who struggles with some of the same things McKinley does it really hit home. And the way Jagger tried his damnedest to help her the best he could. *swoon* My heart hurt so much for everything she had to suffer and endure to get to her happy ending. This book absolutely wrecked me at times and has some pretty heavy triggers so please take a second and look them over before starting, your mental health matters above all else. But even with all the emotion and heavy Chelle still added lots of sweet and romantic moments and tons of spicy goodness. It was a great balance and the story flowed beautifully. I’d give the spice a 3/5 on the pepper scale. It wasn’t the kinkiest but there was a perfect amount. I never wanted to put it down, and am sad it’s over but hopeful we might get small updates throughout the rest of the Spiral series. This book is definitely a top Chelle Rose read for me and a top 5 for all of 2024!!!!!!
2 reviews
August 10, 2026
From the start of Dark Notes by Chelle Rose, I could not put it down! I really connected with the female lead, Mckinley. Her struggles with self-confidence and weight was a profound and truthful take on what some women feel like when they are struggling with self-esteem and body image. Having dealt with an eating disorder myself in my pre-teens, this character showed what perseverance and determination looks like in a strong female lead role. Mckinley's journey with Jagger was an interesting twist but I truly loved his attentiveness and the praise he gives her throughout her journey in Dark Notes. Jagger comes from a past where he has seen abuse first hand and has a way of acknowledging what Mckinley is going through but does not making her feel guilty about herself or her actions. Although he does struggle with his growing feelings for her, he truly just wants to prove to her that she is worthy of more than the abuse she was receiving from her ex-boyfriend. The ending was perfect and I think that Chelle Rose has done an amazing job capturing topics that are not usually written or discussed enough. Thank you Chelle for another amazing read! I can't wait to see what else is coming up!
4 reviews
August 11, 2026
From the start of Dark Notes by Chelle Rose, I could not put it down! I really connected with the female lead, Mckinley. Her struggles with self-confidence and weight was a profound and truthful take on what some women feel like when they are struggling with self-esteem and body image. Having dealt with an eating disorder myself in my pre-teens, this character showed what perseverance and determination looks like in a strong female lead role. Mckinley's journey with Jagger was an interesting twist but I truly loved his attentiveness and the praise he gives her throughout her journey in Dark Notes. Jagger comes from a past where he has seen abuse first hand and has a way of acknowledging what Mckinley is going through but does not making her feel guilty about herself or her actions. Although he does struggle with his growing feelings for her, he truly just wants to prove to her that she is worthy of more than the abuse she was receiving from her ex-boyfriend. The ending was perfect and I think that Chelle Rose has done an amazing job capturing topics that are not usually written or discussed enough. Thank you Chelle for another amazing read! I can't wait to see what else is coming up!
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