Dark Notes

by Chelle Rose

Some love stories are written in the stars, but some are forged in the dark.

McKinley

Life hasn’t been kind to me. Everywhere I turn, every person I turn to… it only ends in pain.
People ask me why I stay, why I allow the abuse to carry on, why I bow to him even when he’s smearing hatred across my body… I never have an answer for them. Not one that they want to hear, anyway.
The truth is. This is what I know, and the unknown of what’s next is far more terrifying than his spite.
So I stay… hoping and dreading someone will rewrite the future fate has already decided for me.

Jagger

The life of a lead singer is never a lonely one. I have my choice of women, night after night, without fail and without end.
But those days are over the moment my eyes land on her…
When I see the abuse, something in me snaps as the vow I made years ago rears its ugly, determined head. Forget the want, forget the need that swarms me when I look at her… I have to save her from an end I know far too well.
And I am willing to make any deal to ensure she never sees it.

Can Jagger save Kinsley from the traumas of her past, healing the wounds that hide far deeper than anyone ever knew, or will he be a beat too late, watching as she crumbles before him?

Dark Volume One is the first book in the Dark Rockstar duet and is for an 18+ audience as it contains scenes that might not be suitable for all readers.

Previously published in 2024 as Dark Notes by Chelle Rose. This is an updated version with extra chapters added.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2026

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

[Shes _Crafty_reader · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Book- 4🌟
Audiobook 4.5🌟

“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

[Kaylene Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this so much! And the emotions! Sad and empathetic to kicking my feet to horrified to giggling to "WHAT?" and then finally screaming like a fan girl while giggling and kicking my feet lol. I love Jagger so much, especially with how much he loves McKinley and wants to take care of her and nurture her. And I empathize with McKinley, though all of her stuff was way worse than mine ever was. I understand the hopelessness and apathy as do so many other victims of abuse. While this book is heavy and definitely check your triggers, it is also so important because it shows some of the harshest realities of emotional/verbal abuse. It shows we're not alone and while we may not get a Rock God as our end goal, it can still get better. 💖

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Arc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

~Dark Notes~Spiral Series Vol 1~Chelle Rose~

“Have you ever wanted something so bad it feels like you might die if you can’t have it?”

♡This was definitely an emotional roller-coaster ride with a well fought for hea! Jagger is out Rockstar mmc
who will do anything for the ones he loves. When he sets his eyes on our fmc McKinley he definitely has a love/lust at first site moment & will do whatever it takes to make her his. McKinley is at a place in her life where she is tired of fighting the same demons every day while feeling like a burden to those around her.

Please be mindful & check your triggers for this dark rockstar romance as it has heavy themes. I can't wait for volume II.♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

[✨Wendy✨| downtherabbitholes · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Rockstar Romance? Yes, please.
A Rockstar Romance with Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden narrating? SOLD!

Dark Notes by Chelle Rose gave me emotional whiplash. I went from being appalled to blushing while covering my face (rock gods have a filthy mouth 😏), all within the same chapter. The angst and self-loathing were palpable, making my stomach hurt at times. This book contains heavy subject matter, so I strongly suggest reading the trigger warnings. As someone who prefers to go in blind, this one took me by surprise.

Listening to Maxine and Joe perform such a deeply rooted traumatic story of love and loss is something that will stay with me. They are two of my favorite voice actors and their flawless emotional performances is the perfect example to why.

McKinley and Jagger’s journey was emotional, a bit wild, intense, complicated, tragic, and healing. Both characters had issues from their past and hearing their thoughts hit hard. Their chance meeting was complete obsession at first sight. My favorite part of the entire story is the playboy rock God, Jagger, falls madly in love with a completely broken and abused girl who only ever wanted someone to love her. Be still my freaking heart. Icing on the cake (Possible SPOILER): When he informed her POS boyfriend that he was going to steal her from him, almost TOOK ME OUT. Did I physically fist bump the air? Did I actually squeal out loud? Why yes, yes I did. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a character more than that guy. He made me feel violent and I wanted all the bad things to happen to him. I enjoyed everything about this storyline. It was intense and brutal at times. I even had the little nose tickle right before the tears fall. I cannot wait to dive into Jett’s story.

Thank you, Blue Nose Audio for the ALC.

Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden

[Booked & Broken · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Britt (bookishmombritt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 audiobook review

This was an emotional one, and I loved everything about these two. This was a beautiful story about healing and learning to let someone love you even when you don't love yourself. I devoured this audiobook so fast. Joe and Maxine did a fantastic job and really brought the emotions with this one. Mickley's story absolutely broke my heart and I related so much to her. The way Jagger loved her and was so down bad from the first look. 🫠🫠 No notes for these two. This story was amazing. I can't wait to continue the series and get emotionally damaged again.

[Kristin Repp · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was so good! It’s a quick audio but Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell were fantastic!

🎶 hot possessive rockstar
🎶 plus size fmc
🎶 past trauma/abuse

Check triggers this is a very hard read at times but love it, looking forward to the next book! 🖤🤍

[Kristen S · Rating 5 out of 5]

*long sigh*

And here I go again. Falling for a man THAT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST. I have no notes other than to those that would want to read this.

CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS.

This is an important book. It's about loving someone as they are. Learning to love yourself. Learning to realize that you matter. You're important. Your looks do not define you. Finding your village. Finding that person that loves you, flaws and all because they see you for who you are, not what you look like.

This book had me melting for a fictional man that just so happens to be a rockstar. Which is one of my favorite tropes. I love how we get to see both sides to these characters and we see how they see themselves and each other.

I didn't just fall for these two, I found a fictional man who can kick rocks. Balance.

I'm looking forward to the audio but for now? This story will live as one of my favorite books and Jagger will be one of my all time favorite book boyfriends.

Me again.
I listened to the audio. I am unwell. Because what do you MEAN that Maxine freaking Mitchell didn't just narrate this book? She did an incredible job bringing the female characters to life. I am in awe of how she brought Kinley off the page and into my ear. And Joe? Had me ready to FIGHT EriK and in love with Jagger all over again. (We despise Erik...read the book and you will find out why) Jagger is my top book boyfriend of the year because of one simple line but more importantly how he shows up for Kinley.

I don't cry when I read books but man did I get into my feelings listening to this one. A spectacular job by both of these narrators.

[Em Yardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me: Ooooh, a spicy rockstar romance. 😏🎸

Chelle Rose: Here's crippling trauma, emotional damage, body image issues, abuse, healing, and a man so obsessed he'll burn the world down for her.

Me: ...I WASN'T EMOTIONALLY PREPARED.

Can we first acknowledge that Jagger Wild saw McKinley ONCE and immediately decided she was the love of his life?

"I've heard that your life flashes before your eyes when you die... The things flashing before my eyes are not my life... It's her."

MY GUY.

YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER YET.

Calm down.

(Please don't calm down. 😂)

Then this man has the audacity to march up to her abusive boyfriend and basically say...

"I'm going to steal your girl."

THE AUDACITY.

THE CONFIDENCE.

THE ABSOLUTE DELUSIONAL KING ENERGY.

I LOVED EVERY SECOND.

But beneath all the possessive rockstar goodness is one of the most heartbreaking portrayals of trauma I've read.

McKinley's story absolutely shattered me.

Years of being told she wasn't enough...
Years of abuse...
Years of believing every cruel word.

"Everywhere I go, I never fit quite right."

EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO CRY.

Then she absolutely destroyed me again with...

"Abuse is a never-ending cycle... instead of fighting it, I join in."

Yeah... my soul left my body.

Chelle Rose doesn't sugarcoat the damage abuse leaves behind. Healing isn't magically fixed because someone loves you. It's messy. It's painful. It's frustrating.

And that's exactly why this book hit so hard.

Now... Can we discuss Jagger for a second?

Because this man is completely unhinged.

Respectfully.

One minute he's looking at McKinley like she's the most precious thing on earth.

"You're stunning... you'll hear me tell you how beautiful you are every fucking day."

The next...

He's threatening murder.

"Hit her again and I'll kill you myself."

Green flags? Questionable.

Hot? Unfortunately... yes.

The chemistry between these two??

ABSOLUTELY ILLEGAL.

Every glance.

Every touch.

Every conversation.

The tension was so thick I could've spread it on toast.
And yes...

THE SPICE.

GOOD LORD.

Let's just say Jagger talks a big game...

...and then somehow backs up every single word.

🥵🌶️🥵🌶️

What I loved most though was that this wasn't just a romance.

It was about learning to see yourself through kinder eyes.

It was about surviving.

It was about breaking cycles.

It was about discovering that you're worthy of love, even when you don't believe it yourself.

Jagger wanted to save McKinley...

"I want to take away all of her doubts and self-loathing."

But this book beautifully reminds us that healing isn't something another person can do for you.

They can love you.

Support you.

Fight for you.

But the hardest battle is learning to love yourself.

Final thoughts?

I laughed.

I cried.

I wanted to fight people.

I wanted to hug McKinley.

I wanted to shake Jagger.

Then I wanted to hug him too.

This book emotionally body-slammed me, stitched me back together, then body-slammed me again for good measure.

And honestly?

I'd let Chelle Rose ruin me again and again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now if you'll excuse me... I'm going to stare into the distance and think about Jagger Wild for the next six to eight business days.

[Brenna's · Rating 4 out of 5]

You had me at Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden. I mean, let's be honest. I will read anything that they narrate. Literally.
Then add in the fact that it's a rockstar romance written by one of my favorite authors, Chelle Rose. SOLD.

Dark Notes, the first book in the Spiral Series, introduces us to Jagger Wild, the lead singer of the band Dark Notes, and McKinley, a woman who has spent much of her life believing she isn't worthy of love.

Jagger is the quintessential rockstar. He has fame, women, and seemingly everything he could ever want. But the moment he lays eyes on McKinley, everything changes. Unfortunately, McKinley is trapped in an abusive relationship with a man who has spent years tearing her down, both physically and emotionally. Jagger sees something in her that she simply cannot see in herself, and he's determined to show her just how worthy of love she truly is.

This story felt like a departure from some of the other Chelle Rose books I've listened to. It leans more toward contemporary rockstar romance, but don't let that fool you. There are still some dark, emotional, and relatable themes woven throughout this story.

What I loved about Jagger was how he saw McKinley's worth long before she could see it herself. After years of being torn down by her boyfriend, she had come to believe she wasn't deserving of love. And then along comes Jagger, who not only sees her beauty but makes it his mission to remind her of it.
Jagger brings her boyfriend's band on tour because of McKinley. From the moment he sees her, he's drawn to her, and he's determined to have her in his life. Watching Jagger put a man who spent years making her feel small in his place, while showing McKinley what it means to be genuinely loved and appreciated, was incredibly satisfying.

Because sometimes the most powerful love stories aren't about someone saving you. They're about someone helping you recognize the worth that was there all along.

Of course, having Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden bring these characters to life is an added bonus.
Maxine has this incredible ability to convey vulnerability and emotion in her performances. She brings McKinley's insecurities, heartbreak, and struggles with self-worth to life in a way that makes you feel every bit of her journey.
Joe was made for characters like Jagger Wild. The confidence, the charisma, the intensity, and that softer side that comes out when it matters most. He captures all the layers of Jagger, from the larger-than-life rockstar to the man who simply wants McKinley to see herself the way he sees her.
Together, Maxine and Joe deliver another compelling performance that reminds me exactly why I'll listen to just about anything with their names attached.

Dark Notes tackles some very heavy subject matter, so I would absolutely recommend checking the content warnings before diving in.
It's Chelle Rose.
It's Maxine Mitchell.
It's Joe Arden.
It's rockstar romance with heart, heat, and some incredibly powerful themes.

[Jen Strimbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jett and Mia put my feelers in a blender and then glued them back together and I loved every second.

I knew going into this one that Jett was carrying a lot. He made a choice while stuck in an impossible situation, something devastating happened, and he has spent years trying to escape everything that came afterward through addiction. Watching him struggle with recovery was incredibly emotional.

This storyline was always going to be a difficult one for me because addiction has affected people I loved. Chelle doesn't make Jett's recovery simple or pretend that loving someone automatically fixes everything. There were parts of his story that hurt to read, especially watching the impact his choices had on the people around him.

And I don't mind when a book makes me feel like this. I felt so many feelings reading this one.

Then there's Mia, who is fighting her own demons. She had a life as a successful model before losing her career, and the way she sees herself afterward genuinely hurt my heart. These are two people carrying around so much pain while trying to figure out who they are outside of it. I love how it was the most tenuous of connections that they started with but once they fell for each other they were the glue that held each other together.

I wanted Jett to believe he could get to the other side of everything he was fighting. There were moments I wanted to hug him and others where I desperately wanted him to make a different choice.

Their story gets messy and heartbreaking. Some of their choices made me so upset for the side characters and Mia, and other parts had me completely emotional. But there are also some incredibly beautiful moments between Jett and Mia because you know exactly what it took for each of them to get there.

And after everything these two put me through, I absolutely needed that HEA.

Dark Notes Volume Two wasn't an easy read for me, but I loved that about it. Jett and Mia are imperfect people dealing with some very real struggles, and their story made me feel far more than I expected when I started it.

Tropes: rockstar romance, addiction and recovery, former supermodel FMC, body image struggles, broken MMC, emotionally damaged FMC, he falls first, obsessive MMC, persistent MMC, hurt comfort, second chance at life, emotional healing, forced proximity, found family, happily ever after.

[Nicole Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you find your person you will move mountains to show them their worth

This story was a great representation of what long deep rooted trauma can do to a person. It was navigated with grace and compassion. Jagger the rockstar, the biggest playboy-falls unbelievably hard for a girl that needed to be loved and chosen. He knew the moment he saw her she was it for him. The way this man protected and supported McKinley was phenomenal. McKinley was dealt an AWFUL hand and ultimately she did not think she deserved anything good. Jagger pushed her to show her what she deserves. He even had his band mates help him and they didn’t even blink at any request. They may have joked around but they knew this was the real deal for Jagger. When McKinley took time to work on herself I think It was exactly what these two needed. Jagger took on a lot trying to help her navigate her self worth, self esteem and confidence but she needed more. Jagger, although heartbroken gave her what she needed. Their love was so strong it stood through all the wreckage and created a beautiful story. The relationship built between these two was explosive in the best possible way. The chemistry was hot! The safety and support Jagger gave McKinley…SWOON. The spice for sure spiced in this one! Jagger gave McKinley and new look on what love should be and how she should have always been loved.

Please be aware this book has many heavy topics in it and you should read the trigger warnings before diving in. There are many triggers that can be hard for people to read. Your mental health matters so check them before jumping in.

Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell did a fantastic performance for this story. They both navigated such heavy topics with grace. They both were able to shed light on situations that are hard to share with the world. They were able to bring all of the emotions flawlessly in this story. Hearing Maxine Mitchell bring McKinley to life through trauma was beautiful. Joe Arden showed all sides on Jagger perfectly. The way he was able to go deep and show the emotional side of Jagger was amazing. I do not know any other narrator pairing that could have made this story any better. I absolutely loved this audio!

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Chelle Rose, Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell absolutely DELIVERED with this book & audiobook! 😮‍💨🖤 This story was an emotional ride, and if you’ve ever struggled with body image or know what it feels like to have someone tear you down until you start believing them, this one is going to HIT HARD.

Our FMC, McKinley, is dating an absolute asshole of a man who abuses her in every way imaginable. When his band gets the chance to play with Dark Notes, Jagger, the lead singer, sees McKinley and falls HARD. 😏🖤

Jagger showers her with words of affirmation, but McKinley thinks it has to be a joke. Because when you’ve spent so long being made to feel like you aren’t enough, it’s hard to believe someone could genuinely want you 💔

So Jagger makes a deal with Eric: his band gets to open for Dark Notes on tour, but McKinley comes with them. And let me tell you, this man spends every bit of his free time showing her what she deserves. He does everything in his power to win her over, but McKinley definitely doesn’t make it easy for him.

What really got me about this story was how well it portrayed the mindset of someone struggling with body dysmorphia and years of emotional abuse. When someone tears you down long enough, you start believing the things they say about you. You question your worth, doubt genuine affection, and struggle to understand how someone could possibly see something beautiful in you when you can’t see it yourself. 💔

The emotional depth of this story really stood out to me, and Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell did an AMAZING job bringing these characters to life. They pulled so much emotion out of every moment, and the audiobook made the experience that much better. 🎧🔥

I’m already excited to see what Volume Two brings us, especially because I NEED more Mia and Jett! 👀🖤

🎧 ALC provided by Blue Nose. As always, these are my honest thoughts.

[angelictaleslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Have you ever wanted something so bad it feels like you might die if you can’t have it?”

Some books you read, some books you listen to… and then there are books you FEEL DEEP IN YOUR SOUL. 🖤😭

Dark Notes was an absolute emotional rollercoaster, but what made this story so special to me was how deeply I connected with it on a personal level.

As someone who struggles with body dysmorphia myself, certain emotions and insecurities hit painfully close to home. When you know what it’s like to struggle with the way you see yourself, to battle your own mind and sometimes feel like you’re just not enough, those moments in a book hit differently. 💔

McKinley really touched my heart. Watching her fight her own demons while feeling like a burden to those around her made me feel for her in ways I can’t fully put into words. Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones nobody else can see, and it’s heartbreaking when your own mind makes you question your worth.

And then there’s Jagger! 🖤🔥 Our rockstar MMC who knows what he wants and is willing to fight for the people he loves. The way he falls for McKinley and refuses to give up on what he feels for her had me completely invested. There’s something so powerful about a story that explores being loved when you’re struggling to see the good in yourself.

This book reminded me that our insecurities don’t define our worth, even when they make it incredibly difficult to believe that ourselves. Sometimes a fictional story can reach a part of you that you struggle to explain to anyone else, and that’s exactly what this one did for me.

🎧 The audiobook made this an emotional experience, and I loved being swept up in Jagger and McKinley’s journey. Their story had me feeling everything, and that hard-fought HEA made the emotional ride worthwhile.

Please check the trigger warnings before diving in, as this dark rockstar romance explores some heavy themes.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I am enough. My past does not define me. I am strong enough to face my fears’ - I will have this on repeat for a long time.

This is a six star book for me. I read this when it first came out and it consumed me I couldn’t stop thinking about these characters and they were just elevated by Maxine and Joes performance. Once I finished I wanted to press play again this will be a comfort listen for me.

Chelle Rose is one of my favorite authors she has this hold over me that once I start reading I can’t stop and I just become obsessed with the characters.

‘The music is dull without you. There are no words’

‘Without her, there are no words, no notes, it’s simply emptiness’

These quotes are what I love most about rockstar romance the music is its own character and when the main characters are broken so is the music and everything has to come together in order to be whole again.

Maxine Mitchell performance was everything in this book she BECAME McKinley I could feel all the emotions and it truly broke me as someone who also has those feelings it was so heartbreaking but so beautifully delivered . Maxine is such a top tier performer and I’m always so blown away by her.

Joe Arden played Jagger and he really was perfect for this he gave Jagger that bad boy energy but that swoony energy with how obsessed Jagger was for McKinley. Joe also brought the yearning energy with his delivery of how bad Jagger was for McKinley as well as delivering the emotion! I love Joe is these roles that playful obsessive MMC.

Joe and Maxine have such a chemistry when they narrate together that it just flows and it’s feels like you are there with the characters and they make you feel everything that is happening and become so invested. But I don’t know what it is Joe and Maxine in a rockstar romance I’m telling you just hits different and it is absolutely MAGICAL!!

[Britany | SouthernAsianReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not five star books often.

I am stingy with my five-stars, but Dark Notes by Chelle Rose was an absolute five-star read for me.

Our rockstar MMC, Jagger, is narrated by Joe Arden, and our FMC, McKinley, is narrated by Maxine Mitchell. These two are phenomenal together, and they absolutely delivered with this one.

I picked this audiobook up at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday and finished the entire thing in ONE DAY. I could not put it down. And honestly? Jagger might just be the green-flag rockstar. The moment he sees McKinley, he’s all in. He wants to love her and show her that she’s deserving of every bit of his love.

McKinley struggles with self-loathing, self-doubt, and self-harm, and those struggles are an important part of her journey. Please check your triggers before diving into this one if these topics are difficult for you. Your mental health matters, and I want everyone to go into this story informed. ❤️

But here’s what really got me: I don’t think Jagger and McKinley’s love story is the true heart of this book. I think the heart of the story is McKinley learning to believe that SHE is worthy of love. She can’t understand how someone like Jagger could possibly want someone like her, and watching her slowly begin to accept that she deserves to be loved is what made this story hit so hard.

Maxine Mitchell absolutely shines here. She captures McKinley’s self-doubt, vulnerability, and gradual acceptance in a way that makes you feel her struggle. And when you pair that with Joe Arden bringing Jagger to life? 👩‍🍳😘

This was more than a rockstar romance for me. It was a story about learning to see yourself as someone worthy of the love you’ve always struggled to believe you deserve.

[Lady _Soulmate · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎸 Fractured Harmony 🖤

An intense, fiercely protective love takes center stage in an emotional rollercoaster that demands readers brace themselves for every twist. In Dark Notes: Volume One, the opening installment of Chelle Rose's The Spiral Series, listeners dive into a gritty dark rockstar romance exploring profound inner battles and a hard fought happily ever after. The story immediately grips you through the dynamic between Jagger, a devoted rockstar willing to move mountains for those he cherishes, and McKinley, a heroine exhausted from confronting relentless daily demons while carrying the heavy weight of feeling like a burden. Jagger falls fast and hard the moment their paths cross, and his unwavering pursuit becomes the anchor in an otherwise turbulent landscape. Readers diving in should certainly be mindful of content warnings, as the book touches upon deeply sensitive and heavy themes.

What truly elevates the experience is the passionate duet narration brought to life by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden, who effectively capture the electric chemistry between the two leads. The foundational storytelling is undeniably strong, offering genuine emotional resonance and compelling character dynamics. That being said, my primary critique centers on the depth of the heaviest moments. With such weighty subjects tackled on the page, I found myself wishing the narrative dug even deeper into the raw anguish so I could feel the full weight of their pain. Similarly, while the audio execution is polished, I wanted Maxine Mitchell to lean fully into the emotional spiral and push her boundaries to match the unrestrained intensity Joe Arden brings to his darkest roles. It remains a gripping, worthwhile listen for fans of the subgenre, leaving solid promise for where the series heads next.

[Kaelea Babner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Chelle Rose book, and it definitely won’t be my last!! This was an emotional rollercoaster!! This is definitely one that you need to check trigger warnings. I love that the audio had them at the very beginning so you have time to step back if it might be too much for you!

McKinley and Jagger are definitely two characters I won’t be forgetting any time soon. The emotional pull I had with these two was so overwhelming. I can honestly say no book has moved me this much in awhile. I had to stop the audio a few times to take a breather. This story is HEAVY, but written so beautifully. The way Jagger refuses to let McKinley see herself as anything less than perfect made my heart melt.

Chelle Rose took a heavy topic and shed some light on it. She didn’t make it pretty. She made it raw, vulnerable and uncomfortable. These two characters are real and relatable: both having been through trauma in different ways.

I was lucky enough to receive the ALC for this, and Maxine Mitchel continues to BLOW ME AWAY at how emotional she gets me. Her ability to bring a character to life and make you feel every emotion is such a talent. I could listen to her all day long. Joe Arden is always the perfect choice for anything dark or emotional. I had a great time with this audio, but make sure you have tissues.

[Priscilla - Ms SweetPea · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎤🎶🎸 • Jagger •
He is the Rock God. It’s Love at First Sight for him - He Falls HARD !! She is NOT his usual groupie - He LOVES It !!

👑💞✨ • McKinley •
She Is THICK… She Is CURVY… “He can have Whoever He Wants” - So, Why Is He Looking at Her ?

This Story… Their Story, Hit Me Deep in My Soul. Emotional Abuse - Body Dysmorphia - Childhood Trauma - I could relate with it in so many ways. I hadn’t realized, just how much of my own trauma I locked away; until I started reading this.
But watching McKinley Finally find the Courage to Actually Believe Jagger’s Absolutely Stunning View of her…
It Felt like… I Was Healing Too.

Did I Cry… Hell Yeah I Did!! 😭
(Cried like a Baby)
Did I Get Angry.. Oh Hell Yeah I Did!! 🤬
(Cussed like a Sailor)
Did I Smile… Hell Yeah I Did!! 🥰
(With More Tears)
I Also… Fell In LOVE 🖤🥹
(With Even MORE Tears)
I Won’t say why - You Have to find that out for yourself!

✨His Devotion Is Every Woman’s Dream✨
❤️‍🔥Their Love Is Everything❤️‍🔥

I Am Definitely waiting for the next book. Like Everyone else, I noticed All the teasers!!

I Wonder Who’s Next … ✈️🖤

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⚠️‼️PLEASE KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS • YOU MATTER • YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS‼️⚠️
18+ Audience

[Marivel (marislitcorner) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶--𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘐 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦."

Dark Notes is a gut-wrenching, and emotional rockstar romance centered around trauma and a healing journey that was devastating and hopeful. This story follows rockstar Jagger Wild and the woman that steals his heart, McKinley Williams.

McKinley had layers of childhood trauma to shed, and every moment of her self-loathing was so gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. I was choked up as she spiraled and curled into herself to hide away from the world. But she couldn't hide from Jagger. He recognized her trauma, and I loved seeing him muster all the patience he didn't have to help her heal and not overwhelm. Jagger was so protective and willing to do anything for her.

Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell were fantastic; delivering an emotionally raw performance and making the story that much more gripping. They brought depth to Jagger and McKinley and brought all the feelings, especially during their vulnerable moments.

[Jessica Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I say check your triggers a lot lately this one absolutely need to. It has some intense topics right on page and it’s heartbreaking. Our FMC goes through so much in the beginning with a douch who thankfully she eventually leaves. And our MMC he try’s to hard to help her see herself differently than what she’s used to and been conditioned to see and feel from her past. Then your heart breaks and you want to throw your device even though you know it’s coming it still breaks your heart. Time passes and you see our MMC lose his zest for life and music before your eyes. And everything that comes next you are rooting for them and cheering for the healing our FMC did and the understanding finally that she needed to heal. And I had to take dang near a whole day to process this book because it’s so much to take in the good and the bad. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Aleia Tylkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok ok ok so I absolutely loved the way Jagger loved McKinley. Not only did he love her so much but he helped her learn to love herself. He saw the beauty in her that she couldn’t see and I think that’s what I loved most about their story.

And Jagger’s dirty mouth?! GOOD LORD. The man knew how to talk! The spice was GOOD! Not quite 5 peppers for me but a solid 4!

Now let’s talk about Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell because these two absolutely killed it! Their chemistry is so dang good and the way they bring out every ounce of emotion in their performances is incredible. You don’t just listen to the story, you feel it. They make it so easy to get completely lost in these characters.

The love, the emotion, the spice, the narration. I devoured this book!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I utterly adore Jagger Wild!! He is amazing. There is nothing better than a man obsessed and he’s truly obsessed. I particularly love his dirty mouth. He loves McKinley with everything he is and everything he has! There is absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

Poor McKinley, it was heartbreaking learning everything she went through. Some of her history was so relatable and I felt her pain.

I was rooting for Jagger and McKinley from the very start and I loved seeing their relationship progress.

As always Chelle put us through all the emotions with this.

A brilliantly beautiful rockstar dark romance. I can’t wait for what’s next!

[Fallon Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Blue Nose for this ALC. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell brought every emotion and intense moment to life like no other. what a damn good ride this was. You def get a little of all emotions with this story. McKinnley our FMC has been through so much trauma and boyfriend from start hell. Enter rock god Jagger Wild who has become my new book boyfriend. It was an instant attraction to our curvy FMC and he didn’t hold back. He constantly gave her affection compliments and anything he could to make her happy. The dirty filthy mouth on that man could make anyone blush and I loved it. I loved how our FMC fought through her darkest times to find the light at the end and I devoured it.

[Shelby · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️.5

This book played with every single emotion I have!
I have read fewer than 7 rockstar romances and if they are like this i will read more!!!

Jagger was everything!!!! As a woman who love language is words of affirmation and loves to be reassured, he was the perfect mmc

What to expect
Insta love/lust
Rockstar romance
Trauma trauma trauma!!!!
Mental health rep
Drugs, addiction, dv
Check triggers!!!!

Extremely interested to read book 2 because Jett intrigued me, but I know to prepare for more emotional trauma I will go through.

Thank you Chelle and Blue Nose for the ALC💛

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Notes had me in my feels from the beginning of the book all the way to the end. McKinley’s story was beautifully written and filled with trauma, heartache, and perseverance. I couldn’t help but relate to her story and the journey she took to find herself and heal. Jagger is exactly the man she needed, and I love how Chelle wrote his character. He was determined to help McKinley see her own beauty and worth, and that made their story even more meaningful. An absolutely amazing story and audiobook experience that will stay with me.

[Katie Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh! I’m an emotional mess!

As a bigger girl who lost some weight and has a lot of trauma around that as well, I resonated with McKinley so much that it almost hurts. This was so beautifully written. It was a little unexpected to given the whole rockstar element, but I absolutely loved it. Parts had me tearing up and full-blown, crying and panicking at a certain part and by the end, I was crying happy tears. Such an emotional journey that I’m so glad I got to take.

[Tracey Quesnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing (sob wrenching) book.
Amazing fast paced storyline, with deep character development.
Check TW- definitely can be dark, but oh so worth pushing through because its a beautiful story
Probably my favorite by Chelle ( binge read her books- you will want to find all of them once you start!)

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jagger and McKinley are addicting. Be sure to check the trigger warning. McKinley has a backstory that has you feel for her. Her ex Erik grr real tool. Jagger and her story is definitely worth diving into and just can’t stop reading. It has its dark moments so prepare for that.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Chelle Rose book

Really liked this book! The female character is very relatable and all I wanted was for her to find her happy ending with every thing that she has gone through. Jagger was very supportive. Can't wait for book 2