Dark Notes

Spiral #1

by Chelle Rose

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.*

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Mental Health

222 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2024

About the author

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!

Reviews

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars

[Cladis Brocardo · Rating 1 out of 5]

It amazes me the amount of positive reviews here.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Laney Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[☆KittyKatsBooks☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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."

[What the smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Allie Koval · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[cynne★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

i wanted to read something with a person suffering from mental illness and not a porno with shallow plot twists

[Ashlyn Palmisano-Rojas · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Em Yardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delves deep into the complexities of mental health, trauma, and self-perception, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of how past abuse can leave lasting scars. Trigger warnings are not just a courtesy here they are vital, as the content explores themes of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, particularly fat shaming and its devastating impact on self-worth.

McKinley’s journey is both heartbreaking and deeply relatable. Her struggle with her body image and eating habits resonates with anyone who has ever faced harsh criticism about their appearance. The Chelle Rose does an incredible job of illustrating how relentless negativity from being called fat to being forced into diets can seep into one’s psyche, creating wounds that aren’t easily healed. McKinley’s pain feels palpable, and while you may root for her to find a quick path to healing, the story reminds us that recovery is never simple or linear.

Enter Jagger, the bad boy rock star with a soft spot for McKinley. His love for her is fierce, protective, and obsessive, and his determination to help her is both admirable and heartbreaking. However, his struggle to "fix" her highlights a crucial truth about trauma: healing cannot be imposed; it must come from within. While his intentions are pure, his actions sometimes miss the mark, underscoring the challenges of supporting someone through their recovery.

The chemistry between McKinley and Jagger is electric, filled with passion and vulnerability. Their relationship is far from perfect, as they grapple with their individual traumas and try to build something together. The steamy scenes add intensity to their connection, but it’s the emotional depth that truly stands out.

What makes this book exceptional is its refusal to sugarcoat the realities of abuse and recovery. The twists and turns in the story keep it gripping, with not a single sentence feeling unnecessary or drawn out. The writing wraps its hand around your heart, squeezing tighter with each chapter, until you’re left breathless by the end.

McKinley and Jagger’s growth is inspiring, even as their journey remains imperfect and fraught with challenges. The book is both a tribute to resilience and a reminder that love, no matter how powerful, cannot heal someone who doesn’t believe they are worthy of healing.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness:🖤🖤🖤🖤
POV: Dual
Ending: HEA

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Trinity Reznor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Nasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*******

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.

[Becci Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ruth Bookish Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨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!🫣

[Vanessa Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Debbie Humpage-Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Brittani Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!!!!

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKinley sees herself as fat, ugly and broken. Her boyfriend Erik goes through great abusive lengths to drill that into her, so how can she see herself as anything but. One night at the Dark Note’s concert where Erik’s band is the opening act, he hits her for the first time. jagger the lead singer of The Dark Notes sees her before Erik hits her and he loses his mind. He rescues her and puts her in VIP seating. What follows next is borderline crazy for Jagger. He’s wants her on tour with them, even if he has to tolerate Erik and his band, who he hates more than liver. This book is a bit dark but it’s kind of romantic too, and the funny stuff going through Jaggers head had me laughing out loud. He’s basically going to steal McKinley away from her boyfriend Erik and blackmail is definitely on the table. I also have to say that I love his bandmates, they stick with him through every crazy issue. I hope there’s a book for each one of them, especially Jet. I love Jagger’s obsession with McKinley, he’s so adorable. I love love love this book and the ending is awesome. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommend it.

[Pat Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Steam/Spice - 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Dark Notes is the first book in the Spiral Notes Series by Chelle Rose.

I love Author Chelle Rose, and this book is very different for her, but it is so good. The topics of this book entertain mental health, self-perceptions, and past abuse that leave mental scars. I could really relate to the fat shaming…that never goes away.

McKinley (MFC) has had a hard time in her life. She has struggled with body image, fat shaming, and eating habits. Her journey with these issues are illustrated in the book and you see her wounds and how it impacted her mental health.

Jagger (MMC) is a rock star and is considered a bad boy. He is attracted to her and comes from the good side of trying to help her. However, she must do the work. He cannot rescue her or fix her. Jagger sometimes misses the point and does not understand the complexity of the situation.

McKinely and Jagger have GREAT CHEMISTRY🔥 🔥🔥….
Both have traumas that they wrestle with during their relationship. They have great steamy scenes, and they connect emotionally. This story has twists and turns. I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next book.

[Jennelle Glassburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a deeply emotional and unforgettable read that struck me to my core. It tackles heavy themes like trauma, self-worth, and the lasting impact of childhood pain with raw authenticity. The trigger warnings are there for a reason, so take them seriously.

McKinley’s struggle with body image and her painful journey felt heartbreakingly real. The subtle details, like the sugar-free creamer, captured the weight of insecurity in everyday life. Meanwhile, Jagger’s devotion and his realization that love alone can’t heal someone was both heart-wrenching and powerful.

With vividly real characters and a story that grips you from the start, this book isn’t just a romance—it’s a reflection on pain, healing, and love. The spicy scenes are fantastic, but it’s the depth of the story that truly shines. If you’ve ever faced trauma or loved someone through theirs, this book will stay with you. I can’t wait for Part 2!

[MorallyGreyMuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been a sucker for a good rockstar romance, and Dark Notes definitely hits the spot. The story follows McKinley, a young woman with a troubled past, and Jagger, the enigmatic lead singer of the band Dark Notes. Their forbidden love affair is filled with passion, angst, and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll.

What I loved most about this book is the complex and well-developed characters. McKinley is strong, resilient, and incredibly relatable. Jagger, on the other hand, is a brooding, mysterious figure who hides a vulnerable heart beneath his tough exterior. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.

Chelle does a fantastic job of building tension and suspense. The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. The writing is captivating, and the pacing is just right. I especially loved the steamy scenes, which were both intense and romantic.

[Stephanie Raya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really like the book and the ending, I just thought some of the flirting was a little cringy. Now, don’t get me wrong I love me some cheesy punny flirting but some of these had me like why would he or she say that.

Also, as someone who also struggles with body dysmorphia and mild depression I found McKinley to be a little too “woe is me”, I understand she had been through a lot and that’s what caused her to have the reactions she did but when someone is giving you their all so publicly it’s safe to say they aren’t like the people in your past. Taking the time to heal was definitely the right decision I just wish we had reach that part in a different way. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

I would like to add that I did receive an advance review copy for free, and that I am leaving this review voluntarily with my official opinion and thoughts about the book.