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Gold Rush Ranch #3
The Front Runner
Stefan Dalca is infuriatingly handsome. And annoyingly persistent. We’re supposed to hate each other. But apparently he didn’t get the memo, because he’s been asking me out for years.
And I always say no. Until today.
Today he has something that I desperately need. Today he’s a savior, and I’m his prize.
Our time together starts out as a simple transaction. Three dates. No touching. No telling anyone. And definitely no falling in love.
But with every intimate conversation, and each stolen glance, the tension between us builds.
The way he looks at me gives me butterflies. And when he finally touches m? We sizzle.
Stefan makes me feel seen in a way no other person has before. He cherishes my words as passionately as my body.
He makes me laugh. He makes me blush. He calls me kitten.
He’s not the villain he’s been made out to be.
And suddenly I find myself longing for him in a way the people closest to me wouldn’t approve of or understand.
Giving in to Stefan Dalca is playing with fire.
But with him I don’t even mind the heat.
And I always say no. Until today.
Today he has something that I desperately need. Today he’s a savior, and I’m his prize.
Our time together starts out as a simple transaction. Three dates. No touching. No telling anyone. And definitely no falling in love.
But with every intimate conversation, and each stolen glance, the tension between us builds.
The way he looks at me gives me butterflies. And when he finally touches m? We sizzle.
Stefan makes me feel seen in a way no other person has before. He cherishes my words as passionately as my body.
He makes me laugh. He makes me blush. He calls me kitten.
He’s not the villain he’s been made out to be.
And suddenly I find myself longing for him in a way the people closest to me wouldn’t approve of or understand.
Giving in to Stefan Dalca is playing with fire.
But with him I don’t even mind the heat.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2021
5,591 people are currently reading
35.3k people want to read
About the author
Elsie Silver
35books55.9kfollowersCanadian author who loves a good book boyfriend and the sassy heroines who bring them to their knees. Connoisseur of charged looks and lingering touches. Big fan of witty banter. Horse girl through and through. Fully convinced that it's always wine o'clock somewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,518 reviews
March 6, 2025
Stephan Dalca could punch me in the face and I’d thank him.
That is all.
That is all.
March 21, 2023
guy falls first??? asshole with a BIG heart of gold???? prickly heroine???
sensational.
sensational.
July 31, 2024
BY FAR MY FAV ONE OUT OF THE SERIES! Stefan had me from page one 💁🏼♀️
August 1, 2024
Misunderstood hated characters 🤝 my kryptonite. You’ll never not find me defending them 🔐💋
![Profile Image for Carol [ϻӮ Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 23, 2022
The Front Runner is book three in the Gold Rush Ranch series by Elsie Silver. This is Stefan and Mira’s book, both of whom we have met in the previous book. I have been so intrigued with Stefan. He’s been painted as such a bad boy but I just knew there was more to this man and I was so happy to be right!
Stefan Dalco is thirty four years old and owns Cascade Acres, a horse racing ranch near Gold Rush Ranch. Their community is a small one and outsiders aren’t always readily accepted. Especially when they have a murky past or try to buy a neighboring ranch’s favorite race horse in a slightly underhanded way. All Stefan really wants is to race his horses and win. He doesn’t care what others think of him. He knows what kind of man he is. There is no room in his life for a woman right now but he can’t help but to be drawn to the beautiful veterinarian that treats his horses.
Dr. Mira Thorne is twenty seven years old and is a large animal veterinarian. She is contracted directly to Gold Rush Ranch and actually lives on their property in a small apartment. Mira has never really made time for friendships but Billie and Violet have adopted her and she finds herself enjoying how close they’ve become. Billie especially can’t stand Stefan ever since he tried to buy her horse. But Mira treats his horses and tries to remain neutral.
When one of Billie’s foals needs help, it’s Stefan that has just what they need. He’s their only hope. Stefan only has one thing he wants in exchange for his help. Three dates with Mira.
Mira is in for such a surprise as she gets to know Stefan better. He is so much more than she ever expected. He’s a good man, an honorable man, a man with a painful past that he’s trying to overcome. Falling for Stefan is the worst thing she could do but she just can’t seem to help herself.
This is a very slow burn romance and I have to admit that Mira frustrated me a bit at times. I didn’t like the way she put the opinions of her friends over the man she knew Stefan really was. Stefan’s past broke my heart. I loved getting to know him and I did plenty of swooning at some of the things he did.
This was a sweet, sexy story and I’m pretty sure you will fall in love with Stefan. Also, prepare yourself for an adorable colt that you will fall in love with. The next book is called A False Start and will be Stefan’s younger sister, Nadia and his friend, Grif’s book.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
Stefan Dalco is thirty four years old and owns Cascade Acres, a horse racing ranch near Gold Rush Ranch. Their community is a small one and outsiders aren’t always readily accepted. Especially when they have a murky past or try to buy a neighboring ranch’s favorite race horse in a slightly underhanded way. All Stefan really wants is to race his horses and win. He doesn’t care what others think of him. He knows what kind of man he is. There is no room in his life for a woman right now but he can’t help but to be drawn to the beautiful veterinarian that treats his horses.
Dr. Mira Thorne is twenty seven years old and is a large animal veterinarian. She is contracted directly to Gold Rush Ranch and actually lives on their property in a small apartment. Mira has never really made time for friendships but Billie and Violet have adopted her and she finds herself enjoying how close they’ve become. Billie especially can’t stand Stefan ever since he tried to buy her horse. But Mira treats his horses and tries to remain neutral.
When one of Billie’s foals needs help, it’s Stefan that has just what they need. He’s their only hope. Stefan only has one thing he wants in exchange for his help. Three dates with Mira.
Mira is in for such a surprise as she gets to know Stefan better. He is so much more than she ever expected. He’s a good man, an honorable man, a man with a painful past that he’s trying to overcome. Falling for Stefan is the worst thing she could do but she just can’t seem to help herself.
This is a very slow burn romance and I have to admit that Mira frustrated me a bit at times. I didn’t like the way she put the opinions of her friends over the man she knew Stefan really was. Stefan’s past broke my heart. I loved getting to know him and I did plenty of swooning at some of the things he did.
This was a sweet, sexy story and I’m pretty sure you will fall in love with Stefan. Also, prepare yourself for an adorable colt that you will fall in love with. The next book is called A False Start and will be Stefan’s younger sister, Nadia and his friend, Grif’s book.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
February 6, 2025
ೃ⁀➷
”I would walk through fire for you any day. Over and over again.”
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
-ˏˋ3.5 ☆ˊˎ-
╰┈➤In this 3rd installment we follow Stefan and Mira whom we met in earlier books. Mira is town’s equestrian veterinarian and Stefan is the owner of a ranch, he’s also the enemie of Mira’s best friend, Billie. Something goes wrong with one of the horses and Mira needs Stefan’s help to save a foal. But he will only do it in exchange for three dates…
Absolutely nothing about the way I feel for you is a joke. And I’ll keep telling you that until you believe me.”
This was really sweetand sexy. The main characters were likable and the plot enjoyable overall. Mira and Stefan had chemistry, their banter was so refreshing and the tension was there. I was so excited for their story and to finally see the sweet side of Stefan Dalca. I loved the whole plot with the foal and how they connected over it and Mira seeing the more sensitive side of Stefan, it was precious. They were just so cute together!
”…The only lesson I learned was that when a heart breaks, the pain never stops.”
I was living for all the vet stuff happening in the book. You can see Elsie has been in the field to some extent because she speaks with knowledge, the procedures and terminology were done and explained so well. Everything that happens in the beginning with the foal and the nurse mare aaaaah I loved to see itsorry I’m geeking out, I know. And even though it wasn’t spoken in great length I loved that the author spoke about the darker side of veterinary, because it can be really beautiful but twice as painful, especially psychologically. In some ways I wish we had a little bit more but I think that’s just my vet heart speaking. (sorry to be talking about this, but unfortunately it’s not something that’s talked about and it really should be, so I’m gonna talk about it!)
That’s the side of this gig that people seem to forget about. Some days, you feel sad down to your toes. It’s hard to shake.
Now, to the things I didn’t enjoy: Billie. I didn’t really like her character previously and here she pissed me off. The whole thing of her saying Stefan was her enemy and that she hated him was enervating because there wasn’t a reason for all that. I mean just get over the fact that he wanted to buy the horse! It’s called business! Doesn’t mean someone is evil over that. I just wish there was a real reason or that this had been dropped because it was just silly.
And Griffin! So he’s the mmc of the 4th book and supposedly Stefan’s best friend. My question is: are they even friends? They barely had an interaction. For the entirety of the book. I truly hope the next book they don’t force a friendship for the sake of a best friend’s brother trope.
And again, just like in previous books there’s something missing. I just keep wanting Elsie to dive deeper in some stuff. I want to understand why everyone is so obsessed with this author but so far she hasn’t managed to win me over.
She’s a bit nerdy. But in the best possible way. There’s something about a woman who wields her brain like a weapon and her tongue like a whip that makes me want to worship at her feet.
Mira was such a strong, independent woman. She’s painted as being cold because she doesn’t smile when a man tells her too, but deep down she cares so much. She was so dedicated to her job, and caring for animals like that really shows how selfless she is. I loved how she wasn’t judgmental about Stefan, and that even though Billie hated him, she could see through all that was being said about him and make her own mind.
I just don’t want you to think my soul is black.
Stefan was so misunderstood in the beginning over what happened in previous books and I loved getting to know him. He’s painted as being a villain but he was so human, sensitive and loyal. I loved the way he took care of his sister and worried about her. Deep down he just wanted to be loved and to not be seen as the big bad wolf. Also, the obsession this man had over Mira!!! He was so sexy and confident I had my panties in a twist with some things he said.
”I don’t really care what you call me while I do it, sweetheart. So long as you spread those legs and let me worship between them.”
All in all such a cute romance! It’s not a masterpiece but does its job, and if you love horses you’re gonna like this one! Just hoping the last one doesn’t flop.
જ⁀➴ quotes
ᡣ𐭩 ”I just can’t fall in love with you, right?
“Oh, Stefan. I think you already are.”
ᡣ𐭩 She’s an equation I’d love to solve.
ᡣ𐭩 ”Trust me, Dr. Thorne, if I had you up against a wall, you’d be the meal.”
ᡣ𐭩 ”You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.
ᡣ𐭩 ”Stop staring at me!”
“I can’t.”
ᡣ𐭩 ”I’ve told told you before… I’m not the villain you think I am.”
“Or maybe you’re exactly who I think you are, and I like it.”
ᡣ𐭩 He looks exhausted, but I soak in his face like I haven’t seen the sun in years.
ᡣ𐭩 “I intend to cherish you like the treasure you are.”
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
1. A photo finish
2. The front runner
3. Out of the gate
4. A false start
5. Off to the races
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
This was so cute. I loved Stefan and that mouth of his.
rtc
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
◜ᯓᡣ𐭩 ⁎⁺ Pre-read ⁺⁎ ᯓᡣ𐭩◝
I was in a mood after finishing the second one and I had to jump right into this one, I’m already at 16% and really enjoying it so far!
My vet heart is loving all the references 😌
-ˏˋ3.5 ☆ˊˎ-
╰┈➤In this 3rd installment we follow Stefan and Mira whom we met in earlier books. Mira is town’s equestrian veterinarian and Stefan is the owner of a ranch, he’s also the enemie of Mira’s best friend, Billie. Something goes wrong with one of the horses and Mira needs Stefan’s help to save a foal. But he will only do it in exchange for three dates…
Absolutely nothing about the way I feel for you is a joke. And I’ll keep telling you that until you believe me.”
This was really sweet
”…The only lesson I learned was that when a heart breaks, the pain never stops.”
I was living for all the vet stuff happening in the book. You can see Elsie has been in the field to some extent because she speaks with knowledge, the procedures and terminology were done and explained so well. Everything that happens in the beginning with the foal and the nurse mare aaaaah I loved to see it
That’s the side of this gig that people seem to forget about. Some days, you feel sad down to your toes. It’s hard to shake.
Now, to the things I didn’t enjoy: Billie. I didn’t really like her character previously and here she pissed me off. The whole thing of her saying Stefan was her enemy and that she hated him was enervating because there wasn’t a reason for all that. I mean just get over the fact that he wanted to buy the horse! It’s called business! Doesn’t mean someone is evil over that. I just wish there was a real reason or that this had been dropped because it was just silly.
And Griffin! So he’s the mmc of the 4th book and supposedly Stefan’s best friend. My question is: are they even friends? They barely had an interaction. For the entirety of the book. I truly hope the next book they don’t force a friendship for the sake of a best friend’s brother trope.
And again, just like in previous books there’s something missing. I just keep wanting Elsie to dive deeper in some stuff. I want to understand why everyone is so obsessed with this author but so far she hasn’t managed to win me over.
She’s a bit nerdy. But in the best possible way. There’s something about a woman who wields her brain like a weapon and her tongue like a whip that makes me want to worship at her feet.
Mira was such a strong, independent woman. She’s painted as being cold because she doesn’t smile when a man tells her too, but deep down she cares so much. She was so dedicated to her job, and caring for animals like that really shows how selfless she is. I loved how she wasn’t judgmental about Stefan, and that even though Billie hated him, she could see through all that was being said about him and make her own mind.
I just don’t want you to think my soul is black.
Stefan was so misunderstood in the beginning over what happened in previous books and I loved getting to know him. He’s painted as being a villain but he was so human, sensitive and loyal. I loved the way he took care of his sister and worried about her. Deep down he just wanted to be loved and to not be seen as the big bad wolf. Also, the obsession this man had over Mira!!! He was so sexy and confident I had my panties in a twist with some things he said.
”I don’t really care what you call me while I do it, sweetheart. So long as you spread those legs and let me worship between them.”
All in all such a cute romance! It’s not a masterpiece but does its job, and if you love horses you’re gonna like this one! Just hoping the last one doesn’t flop.
જ⁀➴ quotes
ᡣ𐭩 ”I just can’t fall in love with you, right?
“Oh, Stefan. I think you already are.”
ᡣ𐭩 She’s an equation I’d love to solve.
ᡣ𐭩 ”Trust me, Dr. Thorne, if I had you up against a wall, you’d be the meal.”
ᡣ𐭩 ”You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.
ᡣ𐭩 ”Stop staring at me!”
“I can’t.”
ᡣ𐭩 ”I’ve told told you before… I’m not the villain you think I am.”
“Or maybe you’re exactly who I think you are, and I like it.”
ᡣ𐭩 He looks exhausted, but I soak in his face like I haven’t seen the sun in years.
ᡣ𐭩 “I intend to cherish you like the treasure you are.”
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
1. A photo finish
2. The front runner
3. Out of the gate
4. A false start
5. Off to the races
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
This was so cute. I loved Stefan and that mouth of his.
rtc
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
◜ᯓᡣ𐭩 ⁎⁺ Pre-read ⁺⁎ ᯓᡣ𐭩◝
I was in a mood after finishing the second one and I had to jump right into this one, I’m already at 16% and really enjoying it so far!
My vet heart is loving all the references 😌
June 5, 2023
4.5 stars
Stefan Dalca is such a good man!!!! A misunderstood broody gentleman. The way he fell first and how he fell hard? I just loved how he was so into her and he wasn’t even hiding that. Also, you know what’s ironic? Stefan was supposed to be the bad guy, but I think he was the best man of them all?? He’s such a good guy, even if he himself doesn’t believe that.
Mira is the perfect heroine for him. She gave him a chance when everyone thought that he’s the bad guy. I loved her cool attitude, independent personality, and how “lovely she looks when she’s frowning.” I also loved how I could relate to how she feels about being in a relationship.
The only reason this is not a five stars is because I thought the third act conflict could’ve been done better. It was kinda weak to be honest. But It was resolved quickly tho. So there’s that.
Some highlights from this book;
Those three dates.
Their banter.
When he defended her in front of her family.
The kissing in the rain scene.
Their chemistry.
Just setting silently and holding hands.
When he said; “I’m not mad. I’m… too invested.” It made me feel things.
#1 Off to the races ~ 3.5 stars
#2 A photo finish ~ 4.5 stars
#3 The front runner ~ 4.5 stars
Stefan Dalca is such a good man!!!! A misunderstood broody gentleman. The way he fell first and how he fell hard? I just loved how he was so into her and he wasn’t even hiding that. Also, you know what’s ironic? Stefan was supposed to be the bad guy, but I think he was the best man of them all?? He’s such a good guy, even if he himself doesn’t believe that.
Mira is the perfect heroine for him. She gave him a chance when everyone thought that he’s the bad guy. I loved her cool attitude, independent personality, and how “lovely she looks when she’s frowning.” I also loved how I could relate to how she feels about being in a relationship.
The only reason this is not a five stars is because I thought the third act conflict could’ve been done better. It was kinda weak to be honest. But It was resolved quickly tho. So there’s that.
Some highlights from this book;
Those three dates.
Their banter.
When he defended her in front of her family.
The kissing in the rain scene.
Their chemistry.
Just setting silently and holding hands.
When he said; “I’m not mad. I’m… too invested.” It made me feel things.
#1 Off to the races ~ 3.5 stars
#2 A photo finish ~ 4.5 stars
#3 The front runner ~ 4.5 stars
April 9, 2025
4.25 stars!
ugh, while this was my favorite of the series so far, i’m sad to say it didn’t give the 5 star feeling that i hoped for. 4 is still good obviously, but i had high hopes for mira & stefan, but oddly i struggled with mira a bit.
in the prior books, i felt instantly drawn to mira and her ice queen facade. she was exactly the type of fmc that i love and in the beginning i felt such a kinship with her especially being an only child:
however, over time she frustrated me with her lack of communication and openness for things that felt like they should’ve been very simple. i still like her overall, but i just wanted a bit more from her especially when it came to stefan and her friends.
stefan though? absolute perfection. i was so skeptical going into this because of the way he was portrayed in the prior books, so let me tell you i was so pleasantly surprised to find that i loved him the most. i felt so deeply for him and his story that i even teared up a few times. honestly, he deserved better than what he got but i still liked mira and him together.
the one thing i really disliked about this one (the reason my rating couldn’t reach the 5 star) is because of billie. i can understand that billie didn’t like stefan because of what happened in her own book (the first one) but it felt like there wasn’t any growth or room to resolve this conflict. there should’ve been at least a scene where this could’ve been talked through but it ended up being kinda glazed over and wasn’t enough for me to feel like any of the animosity throughout was worth it.
overall, elsie silver has once again proven why she’s one of my go to authors because this book held me captive throughout even with my minor complaints. if you haven’t read this series yet, i fully recommend it and i’m really excited to see how nadia’s book goes next!!
.・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・.
꒰ pre-read. ꒱
this is the book i’ve been looking forward to most in the series - mira and stefan are both really intriguing characters so i can’t wait to see them together! 🤭
💌 continuing the elsie binge with lorena!
“I don’t want to tame her; I just want a front-row seat to watch her win the race.”
ugh, while this was my favorite of the series so far, i’m sad to say it didn’t give the 5 star feeling that i hoped for. 4 is still good obviously, but i had high hopes for mira & stefan, but oddly i struggled with mira a bit.
in the prior books, i felt instantly drawn to mira and her ice queen facade. she was exactly the type of fmc that i love and in the beginning i felt such a kinship with her especially being an only child:
“The problem is, I’m kind of a loner. As an only child, I take pleasure in my solitude. There are very few people in the world I can spend extended periods of time around without eventually feeling agitated by them.”
however, over time she frustrated me with her lack of communication and openness for things that felt like they should’ve been very simple. i still like her overall, but i just wanted a bit more from her especially when it came to stefan and her friends.
stefan though? absolute perfection. i was so skeptical going into this because of the way he was portrayed in the prior books, so let me tell you i was so pleasantly surprised to find that i loved him the most. i felt so deeply for him and his story that i even teared up a few times. honestly, he deserved better than what he got but i still liked mira and him together.
the one thing i really disliked about this one (the reason my rating couldn’t reach the 5 star) is because of billie. i can understand that billie didn’t like stefan because of what happened in her own book (the first one) but it felt like there wasn’t any growth or room to resolve this conflict. there should’ve been at least a scene where this could’ve been talked through but it ended up being kinda glazed over and wasn’t enough for me to feel like any of the animosity throughout was worth it.
overall, elsie silver has once again proven why she’s one of my go to authors because this book held me captive throughout even with my minor complaints. if you haven’t read this series yet, i fully recommend it and i’m really excited to see how nadia’s book goes next!!
.・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・.
꒰ pre-read. ꒱
this is the book i’ve been looking forward to most in the series - mira and stefan are both really intriguing characters so i can’t wait to see them together! 🤭
💌 continuing the elsie binge with lorena!
January 28, 2023
“Jesus Christ,” she breathes out with a small tremble in her voice.
“I don’t really care what you call me while I do it, sweetheart. So long as you spread those legs and let me worship between them.”
I am in love with Stefan Dalca!!!! He’s the morally gray mysterious rich guy who’s been gunning for Gold Rush Ranch in books 1 & 2. Mira is the sassy and independent vet who works for Ruby Creek. Stefan is Mira’s best friend’s enemy, but when she needs help, he only offers it to her if she agrees to 3 fake dates. UGH. The two of them are everything.
This book has all my favorite things. I couldn’t have fallen any harder for the two of them. The fake dates, the tension, his obsession with her, AND HIS MOUTH. Pls I was giddy and smiling and an absolute mess over them.
I don’t know how each book in this series gets better and better but THEY DO.
Read if you like
✨ small town romance
✨ best friend’s enemy
✨ fake dating
✨ he falls first and he’s OBSESSED
✨ slow burn
✨ independent and sassy fmcs
✨ single guardian
“I don’t really care what you call me while I do it, sweetheart. So long as you spread those legs and let me worship between them.”
I am in love with Stefan Dalca!!!! He’s the morally gray mysterious rich guy who’s been gunning for Gold Rush Ranch in books 1 & 2. Mira is the sassy and independent vet who works for Ruby Creek. Stefan is Mira’s best friend’s enemy, but when she needs help, he only offers it to her if she agrees to 3 fake dates. UGH. The two of them are everything.
This book has all my favorite things. I couldn’t have fallen any harder for the two of them. The fake dates, the tension, his obsession with her, AND HIS MOUTH. Pls I was giddy and smiling and an absolute mess over them.
I don’t know how each book in this series gets better and better but THEY DO.
Read if you like
✨ small town romance
✨ best friend’s enemy
✨ fake dating
✨ he falls first and he’s OBSESSED
✨ slow burn
✨ independent and sassy fmcs
✨ single guardian
April 14, 2025
4.25 ★
stefan was amazing 🙂↕️ we knew he wasn't as bad as everyone thought, but he was so much more than what i expected. very tortured and guilty and with lots of baggage, but also a man with an intensely sweet heart. mira was a strong and seemingly tough-as-nails woman with a surprisingly hidden shy and soft side reserved only for stefan. their chemistry had me hooked from the first chapters and it stayed like that until the very end. they had this great combination of sweet, hot, and emotional moments that kept me glued to my kindle. and omg, this one thing that gets revealed later on in the story had my eyes filled with tears —just so precious 🥹
so, why not a 5-star? well, three little (not so little) things: (1) there was this attempt to make stefan and mira's relationship a sort of forbidden one, but the circumstances were so ridiculous that it didn't work; (2) billie (the FMC of the first book) was sooo immature here that now i wanted to throw HER off a cliff (this is a reference to my review of that book btw); and (3) mira omitted information that caused inner turmoil a bunch of times, and at one point it got tiring. she mend it up in the last chapters, but it still annoyed me how quiet she stayed in some others.
i loved mira and stefan together, and this is still a good book, the best one in the series so far, but it wasn't perfect. thank you my nina for reading this with me and agreeing that the drama of it all was super silly 🙄
series ratings:
1. Off to the Races→ 1.75 stars
1.5. Out of the Gate → 2.75 stars
2. A Photo Finish → 3.75 stars
3. The Front Runner → 4.25 stars
4. A False Start → 3 stars
stefan was amazing 🙂↕️ we knew he wasn't as bad as everyone thought, but he was so much more than what i expected. very tortured and guilty and with lots of baggage, but also a man with an intensely sweet heart. mira was a strong and seemingly tough-as-nails woman with a surprisingly hidden shy and soft side reserved only for stefan. their chemistry had me hooked from the first chapters and it stayed like that until the very end. they had this great combination of sweet, hot, and emotional moments that kept me glued to my kindle. and omg, this one thing that gets revealed later on in the story had my eyes filled with tears —just so precious 🥹
so, why not a 5-star? well, three little (not so little) things: (1) there was this attempt to make stefan and mira's relationship a sort of forbidden one, but the circumstances were so ridiculous that it didn't work; (2) billie (the FMC of the first book) was sooo immature here that now i wanted to throw HER off a cliff (this is a reference to my review of that book btw); and (3) mira omitted information that caused inner turmoil a bunch of times, and at one point it got tiring. she mend it up in the last chapters, but it still annoyed me how quiet she stayed in some others.
i loved mira and stefan together, and this is still a good book, the best one in the series so far, but it wasn't perfect. thank you my nina for reading this with me and agreeing that the drama of it all was super silly 🙄
series ratings:
1. Off to the Races→ 1.75 stars
1.5. Out of the Gate → 2.75 stars
2. A Photo Finish → 3.75 stars
3. The Front Runner → 4.25 stars
4. A False Start → 3 stars
February 2, 2025
3,75/5⭐️
Na ten moment najlepsza z tej serii! Przeczytałam ją w kilka godzin i to był przyjemnie spędzony czas, nie maiłam ochoty odkładać tej książki.
Ta relacja rozwijała się tak naturalnie, nie było w tym nic sztucznego. Było między nimi takie przyciąganie.
Ogólnie Stefan jest bardzo świadomy emocjonalnie co BAAARDZO mi się podobało, nie próbuje sam sobie wmawiać, że jest takim „silnym mężczyzną co nikogo nie potrzebuje uga buga”, tylko ma potrzebę bliskości, opieki, przyjaźni, empatię. Nie dusi głównej bohaterki swoją obecnością, nie osacza jej.
Było trochę minusów, jednak to nadal debiutancka seria tej autorki ale duży progres po dwóch pierwszych tomach zaliczyła.
Końcówka była nieco melodramatyczna, ale byłam zaangażowana, więc przeżyłam i to xd
Na ten moment najlepsza z tej serii! Przeczytałam ją w kilka godzin i to był przyjemnie spędzony czas, nie maiłam ochoty odkładać tej książki.
Ta relacja rozwijała się tak naturalnie, nie było w tym nic sztucznego. Było między nimi takie przyciąganie.
Ogólnie Stefan jest bardzo świadomy emocjonalnie co BAAARDZO mi się podobało, nie próbuje sam sobie wmawiać, że jest takim „silnym mężczyzną co nikogo nie potrzebuje uga buga”, tylko ma potrzebę bliskości, opieki, przyjaźni, empatię. Nie dusi głównej bohaterki swoją obecnością, nie osacza jej.
Było trochę minusów, jednak to nadal debiutancka seria tej autorki ale duży progres po dwóch pierwszych tomach zaliczyła.
Końcówka była nieco melodramatyczna, ale byłam zaangażowana, więc przeżyłam i to xd
December 4, 2021
4.25 stars
I read my first Elsie Silver book this year and I enjoyed it a lot, but I loved this one even more! The Front Runner had the perfect mix of angst, steam, emotion, and fun! Stefan and Mira were absolutely fantastic and complimented each other so well.
Misunderstood/broody heroes… they’re one of my favorite things in a romance and Stefan is exactly that. How he appears to be is not how he is at all. I adored him. Watching him with Loki warmed my heart, and I loved seeing him with his sister. I especially loved watching him thaw out Mira little by little. It took some time, but he was persistent and eventually, she couldn’t resist him.
This is the third book in Elsie Silver’s ‘Gold Rush Ranch’ but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I loved being back in this world and I’m glad I’d read the previous one before this because it was nice knowing a lot of the secondary characters and their story. This is lovely forbidden-ish romance that I couldn’t get enough of!
I read my first Elsie Silver book this year and I enjoyed it a lot, but I loved this one even more! The Front Runner had the perfect mix of angst, steam, emotion, and fun! Stefan and Mira were absolutely fantastic and complimented each other so well.
"I'm not the villain you think I am."If you’ve read ‘Photo Finish’, you probably don’t think too highly of Stefan Dalca. I know I didn’t right away. He’s an enemy/rival Gold Rush Ranch, and Mira’s best friend runs that ranch. Mira is a veterinarian and runs between the ranches taking care of all the horses. When she needs Stefan’s help to save a baby foal, she sees a totally different side of him.
"Or maybe you're exactly who I think you are and I like it."
Misunderstood/broody heroes… they’re one of my favorite things in a romance and Stefan is exactly that. How he appears to be is not how he is at all. I adored him. Watching him with Loki warmed my heart, and I loved seeing him with his sister. I especially loved watching him thaw out Mira little by little. It took some time, but he was persistent and eventually, she couldn’t resist him.
This is the third book in Elsie Silver’s ‘Gold Rush Ranch’ but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I loved being back in this world and I’m glad I’d read the previous one before this because it was nice knowing a lot of the secondary characters and their story. This is lovely forbidden-ish romance that I couldn’t get enough of!
"I would walk through fire for you any day. Over and over again.”
July 30, 2024
2⭐️
This is going to be a rant review so just prepare yourself, grab some popcorn, and lay back ☺️
While reading this series, Mira and Stefan weren't like these huge well known characters that you just HAVE to read about, very unlike Violet and Cole. I honestly found this pairing to be so random and it made absolutely no sense. I went into this blind, so from the very beginning I was skeptical...but I wanted to give it a chance.
From the beginning of this book, I wasn't hooked. Immediately, I could feel that something was off about this book. I couldn't pin what it was, but the seed of doubt was there. I thought, HEY maybe it'll get better and these characters would grow on me...WRONG!!! I was so wrong. The chemistry between these two was like two brick walls trying to talk to each other. The attraction between them just made no sense? Why put these two together? Where did this come from? There was nothing redeeming about Mira and Stefan.
Every chapter that was in Stefan's POV was him saying, "I need to prove to her that I'm not the asshole everyone thinks I am." Like okay my dude I heard you the first dozen times WE GET IT. MOVE ON. And to make it even worse, he goes and contradicts that statement a million times over.
This has been the least "Elsie Silver" book by Elsie Silver...if you know what I mean. The writing felt almost mechanical and robotic and it was forced the entire time. None of this book flowed well at all. The plot wasn't even apparent for a huge chunk of this book. I kept asking myself where all of this was going, and not once did I get an answer.
This would absolutely be a 1 star if it wasn't for the ending. I liked the way it wrapped up and I liked that we got more focused on Hank because that man barely showed up until the end, but wholeheartedly carried the rest of this book. I know this is a very unpopular opinion because this is the highest rated of all the books in this series, but I can confidently say...
I hated it. Thank you and good night 😭
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For all the women who've been told they should smile more.
Fuck that noise. Frown all you want.
Small town romance AND fake dating? Oh I am so ready to eat this up 😮💨💚
This is going to be a rant review so just prepare yourself, grab some popcorn, and lay back ☺️
While reading this series, Mira and Stefan weren't like these huge well known characters that you just HAVE to read about, very unlike Violet and Cole. I honestly found this pairing to be so random and it made absolutely no sense. I went into this blind, so from the very beginning I was skeptical...but I wanted to give it a chance.
From the beginning of this book, I wasn't hooked. Immediately, I could feel that something was off about this book. I couldn't pin what it was, but the seed of doubt was there. I thought, HEY maybe it'll get better and these characters would grow on me...WRONG!!! I was so wrong. The chemistry between these two was like two brick walls trying to talk to each other. The attraction between them just made no sense? Why put these two together? Where did this come from? There was nothing redeeming about Mira and Stefan.
Every chapter that was in Stefan's POV was him saying, "I need to prove to her that I'm not the asshole everyone thinks I am." Like okay my dude I heard you the first dozen times WE GET IT. MOVE ON. And to make it even worse, he goes and contradicts that statement a million times over.
This has been the least "Elsie Silver" book by Elsie Silver...if you know what I mean. The writing felt almost mechanical and robotic and it was forced the entire time. None of this book flowed well at all. The plot wasn't even apparent for a huge chunk of this book. I kept asking myself where all of this was going, and not once did I get an answer.
This would absolutely be a 1 star if it wasn't for the ending. I liked the way it wrapped up and I liked that we got more focused on Hank because that man barely showed up until the end, but wholeheartedly carried the rest of this book. I know this is a very unpopular opinion because this is the highest rated of all the books in this series, but I can confidently say...
I hated it. Thank you and good night 😭
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For all the women who've been told they should smile more.
Fuck that noise. Frown all you want.
Small town romance AND fake dating? Oh I am so ready to eat this up 😮💨💚
August 17, 2024
You know, I'm starting to think maybe ES is just not for me. Like, what am I missing? Where is the magic? Is it that my expectations are too high? I just heard such good things I can't help it :(
-----------------------------
What can I say? I like a dark horse and Stefan is definitely one
-----------------------------
What can I say? I like a dark horse and Stefan is definitely one
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 24, 2025dnf
sorry i cant do this anymore, i find these romances so bland and basic ugh
sorry i cant do this anymore, i find these romances so bland and basic ugh
May 24, 2023
5/5★
This series has me in a chokehold and so did this book! It was absolutely amazing and it lacked NOTHING!! It was perfect from beginning to end! Amazing pacing, interesting plot, fun and intriguing characters and one of the most beautiful love stories!!
Mira and Stefan were so refreshing to read about! Their relationship just felt so natural and fun and I absolutely adore their dynamic!! Their constant teasing and flirting had me on my goddamn knees!! Especially on Stefan‘s side!!
The way he was so smitten by Mira and was not afraid to show it was just so freaking charming and made me weak in the knees!!
What I absolutely loved was Mira not easily falling for his charm because if I was her I would’ve folded instantly!!
What I also liked was the fake-dating trope in this one! It was a bit more different than what I am used to because in their case, they didn’t really do it for any benefits on both behalves but rather because our boy Stefan was absolutely in love with her since the beginning and needed a way to make her fall for him! I LOVED that concept and it had me giggling and grinning my ass off!! They were just so adorable and I love how well they fit together!
I also just love seeing the confident guy get nervous around his crush! It was so cute seeing him loose his composure while being around Mira! Like the power and effects she has on him, we love to see it!
Mira is in general such a strong and amazing FMC!! I just love how she stands up for herself and how kind-hearted and helpful she is towards others!! She‘s honestly incredible and I totally get why Stefan was pretty much obsessed with her since the very beginning!! We love men who are obsessed with their women!!
I also love the plot twists in this book and also learning more about Stefan, considering he was pretty much portrayed as the bad guy in the first book, while is his actually so misunderstood!! I love that we got to know about his past, his family and his life! He deserves only the best and I‘m glad that he got it at the end!!
Seeing Violet, Billie and the other characters again in this story was also amazing!! And the new character Nadia… gosh I love her Idk if book 4 will be about her but if it is then I‘m 100% here for it!! I think she is though because I heard the next book has the brother‘s best friend trope and I‘m more than excited to get to it!! ^^
Overall, this book was an absolute banger and I just love how much and FAST Elsie Silver has improved her writing style compared to book 1! It makes me even more excited for the next book! Can’t wait to get to it tomorrow :))
This series has me in a chokehold and so did this book! It was absolutely amazing and it lacked NOTHING!! It was perfect from beginning to end! Amazing pacing, interesting plot, fun and intriguing characters and one of the most beautiful love stories!!
Mira and Stefan were so refreshing to read about! Their relationship just felt so natural and fun and I absolutely adore their dynamic!! Their constant teasing and flirting had me on my goddamn knees!! Especially on Stefan‘s side!!
The way he was so smitten by Mira and was not afraid to show it was just so freaking charming and made me weak in the knees!!
What I absolutely loved was Mira not easily falling for his charm because if I was her I would’ve folded instantly!!
What I also liked was the fake-dating trope in this one! It was a bit more different than what I am used to because in their case, they didn’t really do it for any benefits on both behalves but rather because our boy Stefan was absolutely in love with her since the beginning and needed a way to make her fall for him! I LOVED that concept and it had me giggling and grinning my ass off!! They were just so adorable and I love how well they fit together!
I also just love seeing the confident guy get nervous around his crush! It was so cute seeing him loose his composure while being around Mira! Like the power and effects she has on him, we love to see it!
Mira is in general such a strong and amazing FMC!! I just love how she stands up for herself and how kind-hearted and helpful she is towards others!! She‘s honestly incredible and I totally get why Stefan was pretty much obsessed with her since the very beginning!! We love men who are obsessed with their women!!
I also love the plot twists in this book and also learning more about Stefan, considering he was pretty much portrayed as the bad guy in the first book, while is his actually so misunderstood!! I love that we got to know about his past, his family and his life! He deserves only the best and I‘m glad that he got it at the end!!
Seeing Violet, Billie and the other characters again in this story was also amazing!! And the new character Nadia… gosh I love her Idk if book 4 will be about her but if it is then I‘m 100% here for it!! I think she is though because I heard the next book has the brother‘s best friend trope and I‘m more than excited to get to it!! ^^
Overall, this book was an absolute banger and I just love how much and FAST Elsie Silver has improved her writing style compared to book 1! It makes me even more excited for the next book! Can’t wait to get to it tomorrow :))
August 17, 2024
what’s it gonna take for me to find a mind blowing book 😭😭😭
i had *the* highest hopes for this because elsie has never done me dirty and the reviews all say it’s between this and heartless (my firstborn child) as their favorite and it was nothing more than mid for me.
don’t get me wrong, i love a redeemable dick but everyone’s character development was so shallow and this felt like, again, more of an outline of a book than real people. i think her writing has 100% improved with the chestnut springs series and so far not one of the books in this series has really done it for me 🫣
i had *the* highest hopes for this because elsie has never done me dirty and the reviews all say it’s between this and heartless (my firstborn child) as their favorite and it was nothing more than mid for me.
don’t get me wrong, i love a redeemable dick but everyone’s character development was so shallow and this felt like, again, more of an outline of a book than real people. i think her writing has 100% improved with the chestnut springs series and so far not one of the books in this series has really done it for me 🫣
November 1, 2024
—— 4.✰ stars.
lovesick sigh stephan dalca, you will always be loved. I swear I don’t understand why I have seen so many bad review about this book. This book and couple feel so fucking human.
I would have rated it a bit higher but the third act seemed a bit unnecessarily dramatic in my opinion, it didn’t drag out much but still, I was like insert big ass eye roll
➷ plot:
We follow mira thorne the Ruby Creek veterinarian, and stephan dalca, the owner of a ranch and public enemy number one of the main characters of the first book, if you know, you know.
After something happen to a horse, Mira needs Stefan’s help to deal with the situation, he agrees to help her in exchange of the horse staying with him, and three fake dates.
➷ mira thorne:
This is a strong ass woman you all, she decides her life, she decides what she wants and what she doesn’t, she doesn’t smile just because some man told her to. Mira loves her job with all her heart, she is full on dedicated, doesn’t date or fool around.
I loved her personality, she is also misunderstood, she is painted as cold, but in reality is a woman who loves so deeply and that has a hard time expressing it.
Another thing I must add here, is that even Billie is her best friend, I could not stand her, I swear to god she doesn’t get any better. She is fucking insufferable, she tries to be funny, she imposes her opinion on Stefan completely disregarding his help, a pain in the fucking ass and I loved how mira handled it with her. (Honestly fuck you Billie Black)
➷ stefan dalca:
this man is so fucking human and misunderstood. He is just a honest and intelligent man, with a fragile heart and very deep sense of loyalty and love.
The way he cares about the horses, about his sister, about mira, and how much he is hurting due to his past. I swear to god he just needs a hug and to be loved by someone.
He is sexy ( even if he is kind of blonde, I swear I didn’t even notice until she mentions it to him and I was like. What do you mean Stefan is blonde. Anyways), confident and a motherfucking GENTLEMAN.
➷ mira + stefan :
I really enjoyed their dynamics, it was not as lust at first sight like the couple of the first book, it had pinning, fake dates and dirty talk, but above all, a constant sharpe tongue competition.
The smut was ok, if you know me, you know that I’m not the biggest smut lover, I don’t hate it but I get the cringe easily lol. I did cringe at a couple of things, specially him calling her, “kٳٱ” but again, the first couple called eachother “mǷɲ” so that’s progress!
Anyways, misunderstood couple, I love them SO MUCH.
➷ final thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book, I’m excited for the next one so I can finish the series and go for Wild Love.
The series has been progressively getting better with each book, I just hope the last one doesn’t flop like hopeless did on Chestnut Springs series
Also I read this book in two sittings, and with very little time on my hands. Basically during a conference on uni and my train ride home lol, so it’s very easy and fast paced.
➷ some quotes:
“I would walk through fire for you any day. Over and over again.”
lovesick sigh stephan dalca, you will always be loved. I swear I don’t understand why I have seen so many bad review about this book. This book and couple feel so fucking human.
I would have rated it a bit higher but the third act seemed a bit unnecessarily dramatic in my opinion, it didn’t drag out much but still, I was like insert big ass eye roll
➷ plot:
We follow mira thorne the Ruby Creek veterinarian, and stephan dalca, the owner of a ranch and public enemy number one of the main characters of the first book, if you know, you know.
After something happen to a horse, Mira needs Stefan’s help to deal with the situation, he agrees to help her in exchange of the horse staying with him, and three fake dates.
➷ mira thorne:
“When someone tells me not to do something, it makes me want to do it more. I’m Eve picking the apple just to see what happens.”
This is a strong ass woman you all, she decides her life, she decides what she wants and what she doesn’t, she doesn’t smile just because some man told her to. Mira loves her job with all her heart, she is full on dedicated, doesn’t date or fool around.
I loved her personality, she is also misunderstood, she is painted as cold, but in reality is a woman who loves so deeply and that has a hard time expressing it.
Another thing I must add here, is that even Billie is her best friend, I could not stand her, I swear to god she doesn’t get any better. She is fucking insufferable, she tries to be funny, she imposes her opinion on Stefan completely disregarding his help, a pain in the fucking ass and I loved how mira handled it with her. (Honestly fuck you Billie Black)
➷ stefan dalca:
“I’ve never considered myself a particularly good man. I never thought I was a bad man either. I was just a man with a sad past and no one to love. And then I saw you. It only took one look and I swear some part of me knew.”
this man is so fucking human and misunderstood. He is just a honest and intelligent man, with a fragile heart and very deep sense of loyalty and love.
The way he cares about the horses, about his sister, about mira, and how much he is hurting due to his past. I swear to god he just needs a hug and to be loved by someone.
He is sexy ( even if he is kind of blonde, I swear I didn’t even notice until she mentions it to him and I was like. What do you mean Stefan is blonde. Anyways), confident and a motherfucking GENTLEMAN.
➷ mira + stefan :
“You were made for me.”
I really enjoyed their dynamics, it was not as lust at first sight like the couple of the first book, it had pinning, fake dates and dirty talk, but above all, a constant sharpe tongue competition.
The smut was ok, if you know me, you know that I’m not the biggest smut lover, I don’t hate it but I get the cringe easily lol. I did cringe at a couple of things, specially him calling her, “kٳٱ” but again, the first couple called eachother “mǷɲ” so that’s progress!
Anyways, misunderstood couple, I love them SO MUCH.
➷ final thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book, I’m excited for the next one so I can finish the series and go for Wild Love.
The series has been progressively getting better with each book, I just hope the last one doesn’t flop like hopeless did on Chestnut Springs series
Also I read this book in two sittings, and with very little time on my hands. Basically during a conference on uni and my train ride home lol, so it’s very easy and fast paced.
➷ some quotes:
“You are so beautiful.” My voice is breathy, almost desperate sounding. “Inside and out. Every last piece of you.”
“You have beautiful hands. Almost as beautiful as your mind and heart. Sometimes I find myself staring at them while you work, so elegant and strong all at once. Hands that heal. Hands that save lives.” His voice drops. “Hands that belong in mine.”
“Nobody prepared me for the fact he’d be equally alluring and beautiful on the inside.”
“I’ve told you before . . . I’m not the villain you think I am.” “Or maybe you’re exactly who I think you are, and I like it.”
“Absolutely nothing about the way I feel for you is a joke. And I’ll keep telling you that until you believe me.”
“She could be soft with me. She could let loose with me, and I’d still stand back and let her be the fiercely independent woman she is. I don’t want to tame her; I just want a front-row seat to watch her win the race.”
“There’s a special place reserved in hell for men who hurt women, and I plan to ensure he gets there.”
August 4, 2024
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧; 𝙄 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩-𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚.”
The Front Runner is the third book in the Gold Rush Ranch series. This time around, we’re following Mira, who is the veterinarian for the Gold Rush Ranch and their rival ranch, which is owned by Stefan Dalca. Stefan is misunderstood, and trying to fulfill the life long dreams that his mother never could. When a foal from Gold Rush Ranch needs a mother to nurse from, Mira is at the mercy of asking Stefan to help, who is more than happy to if she agrees to go on three dates with him. Mira agrees, swearing that everything will be fine because they’re not real dates, right?
𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
I know that this is a favorite of many, but something just felt so off for me? The writing was almost mechanical and it was hard to believe that I was reading an Elsie book. While the spice was fantastic, the relationship felt really stiff for me. One of my biggest gripes is that Mira, while continuously saying that they were fake dating, or that they were “fake dates” literally became SO upset when he said the same thing back to her. Like, be so for fucking real right now. 😐
While there were a ton of negatives for me when it comes to this book, there were a few things that I liked about it. I am loving the found family when it comes to the Gold Rush Ranch group. I love Chesnut Springs SO much, but this found family has a different vibe. The way this group comes together feels more natural and organic, instead of the “omg you have to meet my friend vibe” each friendship and relationship came together in a different, unexpected way and feelings had to change and shift in order to support relationships and continue the friendships. CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE STEFAN AND HANK CONNECTION?! I don’t want to ruin it for those who haven’t read this series yet, but honestly I think my heart grew 5 sizes.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the last book of the series is a redemption, because I was absolutely LOVING this series until this book.
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔ
another buddy read with my bestie aeryn 🫶🏻
The Front Runner is the third book in the Gold Rush Ranch series. This time around, we’re following Mira, who is the veterinarian for the Gold Rush Ranch and their rival ranch, which is owned by Stefan Dalca. Stefan is misunderstood, and trying to fulfill the life long dreams that his mother never could. When a foal from Gold Rush Ranch needs a mother to nurse from, Mira is at the mercy of asking Stefan to help, who is more than happy to if she agrees to go on three dates with him. Mira agrees, swearing that everything will be fine because they’re not real dates, right?
𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
I know that this is a favorite of many, but something just felt so off for me? The writing was almost mechanical and it was hard to believe that I was reading an Elsie book. While the spice was fantastic, the relationship felt really stiff for me. One of my biggest gripes is that Mira, while continuously saying that they were fake dating, or that they were “fake dates” literally became SO upset when he said the same thing back to her. Like, be so for fucking real right now. 😐
While there were a ton of negatives for me when it comes to this book, there were a few things that I liked about it. I am loving the found family when it comes to the Gold Rush Ranch group. I love Chesnut Springs SO much, but this found family has a different vibe. The way this group comes together feels more natural and organic, instead of the “omg you have to meet my friend vibe” each friendship and relationship came together in a different, unexpected way and feelings had to change and shift in order to support relationships and continue the friendships. CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE STEFAN AND HANK CONNECTION?! I don’t want to ruin it for those who haven’t read this series yet, but honestly I think my heart grew 5 sizes.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the last book of the series is a redemption, because I was absolutely LOVING this series until this book.
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔ
another buddy read with my bestie aeryn 🫶🏻
January 19, 2023
Yayyy, this has been my favorite book in this series. I loved it. Solid 4 stars.
I loved the hero Stephan more than I loved the heroes in Book 1 and 2. And although Book 1's heroine Billie is still my favorite, I loved Mira very much, as well.
The Plot
Stephan has been "Stephan the Dick" in Book 1 and 2 due to Billie's nickname for him. We all thought he was a dick because what he did hurt Billie but when I got to know him in his own book and thought about what happened in Book 1 once again, I understood who to blame better.
I really loved Stephan. He is definitely not a bad man. Billie understands this in the end, as well :)
Mira or Dr. Thorne is the veterinarian who works in both Billie's ranch and Stephan's ranch. She is also best friends with Book 1 and 2's heroines, Billie and Violet.
Violet thinks he is not so bad but Billie still hates him at the beginning of this book. The dick move that happens in Book 1 actually belonged to the hero in Book 1 but I think Billie channeled her anger to Stephan, which was easier because she wanted to forgive the man she loved. Whatever...
Here in this third book, Mira is trying to fight with her attraction to Stephan because she doesn't want to lose her best friends by dating their enemy. Stephan is actually not the enemy and gradually everyone sees that. I loved Mira's cool facade as much as I loved her soft and tender heart.
I loved how Mira was always fair and gave the man a chance to prove that he was one of the good ones.
Stephan has had a tragic past and the more he reveals things about his past, the more one feels like hugging him and giving him the love he deserves.
Writing
The book is written well and it makes you feel. It is written in dual point of view and 370 pages long.
Safety
The book is safe with regards to cheating. There is a very short separation when Stephan feels hurt by what Mira does but things are resolved very quickly.
Some QUOTES from the book
Dark blond hair and golden skin gives him a glow. Long limbs, corded with muscle, move with a confidence most men try to fake. But on him it looks natural. There’s something alluring about his slightly dangerous vibe and the mysterious accent.
All I really want is for her to see that I’m not a bad guy. I don’t always play by the rules, but I’m not a bad guy. I grew up with one, and I refuse to become him.
***
“Why three dates?”
“Because it’s more than one.”
My foot taps. “Why not two?
“Because it’s less than three?” He says it like a question.
“Okay, then why not five?”
“Are you asking for more, Dr. Thorne?”
She’s an equation I’d love to solve. Or maybe the broken little boy in me just wants her to treat me the way she does a horse. With love. I shake my head at myself as I turn to follow her. The thought of her softening up for me is the ultimate carrot she could dangle. I want nothing more than to watch her melt.
***
I have a savior complex. You don’t become a veterinarian or medical professional without that facet to your personality. And everything he’s shared over the last several days about his mom, his dad, his upbringing… it’s got a stranglehold on my savior complex.
“Good morning, sweet baby boy,” she coos. “And you pretty mama, how are you?”
I hear a quiet kissing noise and know she just pressed her lips to the mare’s soft nose. I’ve seen her do it before. And it made my chest pinch then too.
I conned a life-saving, sister-helping, horse-kissing angel into going on dates with me just because I could. I feel like dirt, and there’s a part of me wondering why it’s taken me this long to get to this point.
***
His whisper is warm and silky. “Do I have your attention now?” I swallow and nod, feeling chills break out over my skin. There is not a single part of my mind or body that is not entirely focused on the man who has pushed me up against the fence.
“Good. Because I want to make myself abundantly clear.” We’re so close. I can feel the entire length of his body covering mine.
He teases me with the lightest brush of his lips against my ear as he drops his voice and holds me captive. “You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.”
Mira Thorne is alluring, and I’m not immune to it.
***
This woman is about to be my undoing. And I’ll do almost anything to prove to her I’m deserving. I’ll burn it all down to make it happen.
***
The world swirls around us, but we stand still, lost in each other. And damn, it feels good. I knew we’d be explosive, but this is mind-altering. This is like a drug. This is the best kiss of my life.
I never want to forget this kiss. The feel, the smell, the sound of rain pattering while Mira whimpers into my mouth. It’s one for the record books.
But then her hand slides down my back and disappears under my shirt. The tips of her fingertips trace the top of my boxers, sneaking just beneath the elastic. This isn’t one for the record books. This is the record book.
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I loved the hero Stephan more than I loved the heroes in Book 1 and 2. And although Book 1's heroine Billie is still my favorite, I loved Mira very much, as well.
The Plot
Stephan has been "Stephan the Dick" in Book 1 and 2 due to Billie's nickname for him. We all thought he was a dick because what he did hurt Billie but when I got to know him in his own book and thought about what happened in Book 1 once again, I understood who to blame better.
I really loved Stephan. He is definitely not a bad man. Billie understands this in the end, as well :)
Mira or Dr. Thorne is the veterinarian who works in both Billie's ranch and Stephan's ranch. She is also best friends with Book 1 and 2's heroines, Billie and Violet.
Violet thinks he is not so bad but Billie still hates him at the beginning of this book. The dick move that happens in Book 1 actually belonged to the hero in Book 1 but I think Billie channeled her anger to Stephan, which was easier because she wanted to forgive the man she loved. Whatever...
Here in this third book, Mira is trying to fight with her attraction to Stephan because she doesn't want to lose her best friends by dating their enemy. Stephan is actually not the enemy and gradually everyone sees that. I loved Mira's cool facade as much as I loved her soft and tender heart.
I loved how Mira was always fair and gave the man a chance to prove that he was one of the good ones.
Stephan has had a tragic past and the more he reveals things about his past, the more one feels like hugging him and giving him the love he deserves.
Writing
The book is written well and it makes you feel. It is written in dual point of view and 370 pages long.
Safety
The book is safe with regards to cheating. There is a very short separation when Stephan feels hurt by what Mira does but things are resolved very quickly.
Some QUOTES from the book
Dark blond hair and golden skin gives him a glow. Long limbs, corded with muscle, move with a confidence most men try to fake. But on him it looks natural. There’s something alluring about his slightly dangerous vibe and the mysterious accent.
All I really want is for her to see that I’m not a bad guy. I don’t always play by the rules, but I’m not a bad guy. I grew up with one, and I refuse to become him.
***
“Why three dates?”
“Because it’s more than one.”
My foot taps. “Why not two?
“Because it’s less than three?” He says it like a question.
“Okay, then why not five?”
“Are you asking for more, Dr. Thorne?”
She’s an equation I’d love to solve. Or maybe the broken little boy in me just wants her to treat me the way she does a horse. With love. I shake my head at myself as I turn to follow her. The thought of her softening up for me is the ultimate carrot she could dangle. I want nothing more than to watch her melt.
***
I have a savior complex. You don’t become a veterinarian or medical professional without that facet to your personality. And everything he’s shared over the last several days about his mom, his dad, his upbringing… it’s got a stranglehold on my savior complex.
“Good morning, sweet baby boy,” she coos. “And you pretty mama, how are you?”
I hear a quiet kissing noise and know she just pressed her lips to the mare’s soft nose. I’ve seen her do it before. And it made my chest pinch then too.
I conned a life-saving, sister-helping, horse-kissing angel into going on dates with me just because I could. I feel like dirt, and there’s a part of me wondering why it’s taken me this long to get to this point.
***
His whisper is warm and silky. “Do I have your attention now?” I swallow and nod, feeling chills break out over my skin. There is not a single part of my mind or body that is not entirely focused on the man who has pushed me up against the fence.
“Good. Because I want to make myself abundantly clear.” We’re so close. I can feel the entire length of his body covering mine.
He teases me with the lightest brush of his lips against my ear as he drops his voice and holds me captive. “You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.”
Mira Thorne is alluring, and I’m not immune to it.
***
This woman is about to be my undoing. And I’ll do almost anything to prove to her I’m deserving. I’ll burn it all down to make it happen.
***
The world swirls around us, but we stand still, lost in each other. And damn, it feels good. I knew we’d be explosive, but this is mind-altering. This is like a drug. This is the best kiss of my life.
I never want to forget this kiss. The feel, the smell, the sound of rain pattering while Mira whimpers into my mouth. It’s one for the record books.
But then her hand slides down my back and disappears under my shirt. The tips of her fingertips trace the top of my boxers, sneaking just beneath the elastic. This isn’t one for the record books. This is the record book.
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July 11, 2024
4.5 stars
Gah this was so good. How hard he fell for her?? People definitely judged the hero and saw him as not a good person, but he fell so hard and was the first to fall and I loved that. I loved the horse content and how the heroine was a vet and how he owned race horses. Their banter was so good and I loved how protective he was over her! It's definitely a slow burn, but so so good!
Gah this was so good. How hard he fell for her?? People definitely judged the hero and saw him as not a good person, but he fell so hard and was the first to fall and I loved that. I loved the horse content and how the heroine was a vet and how he owned race horses. Their banter was so good and I loved how protective he was over her! It's definitely a slow burn, but so so good!
February 24, 2023
ٱڲ🧎🏼♀️🧎🏼č♀️🧎🏼č♀️
March 28, 2024
”You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.”
The only thing that’s certain about where I’m going is that Mira will be with me when I get there. I’m playing for keeps.
ugh i love grumpy heroines !!!! both mira & stefan had me laughing OUT loud.
tho i will say this isnt really fake dating. its more… secret dating ?? which was still fun and i really appreciated stefan’s character arc from villain-ish to hero. just don’t expect a true fake dating plot line going into it.
docking a star bc i personally didn’t love specific elements in the spicy scenes… (but obviously everyone’s taste in the bedroom is different so don’t let me dissuade you LOL)
The only thing that’s certain about where I’m going is that Mira will be with me when I get there. I’m playing for keeps.
ugh i love grumpy heroines !!!! both mira & stefan had me laughing OUT loud.
tho i will say this isnt really fake dating. its more… secret dating ?? which was still fun and i really appreciated stefan’s character arc from villain-ish to hero. just don’t expect a true fake dating plot line going into it.
docking a star bc i personally didn’t love specific elements in the spicy scenes… (but obviously everyone’s taste in the bedroom is different so don’t let me dissuade you LOL)
July 1, 2024
I loved this! Honestly, Elsie Silver just doesn't miss. This was also soooo freaking good on audio. Zachary Webber is so talented!!!
Stefan definitely wasn't my favorite in the beginning of the series so I really didn't know what to expect...but he was just so misunderstood.
Love Mira + Stefan!!
The audio was amazing but omg WHY were the text threads in duet style but not the rest of the book. I would've loved this even more (on audio) if it were duet.. but it was still good!
-forbidden
-small town
-hate to love
Stefan definitely wasn't my favorite in the beginning of the series so I really didn't know what to expect...but he was just so misunderstood.
Love Mira + Stefan!!
The audio was amazing but omg WHY were the text threads in duet style but not the rest of the book. I would've loved this even more (on audio) if it were duet.. but it was still good!
-forbidden
-small town
-hate to love
July 5, 2024
HELLO WHY ARE WE ALL NOT TALKING ABOUT WHAT A MASTERPIECE THIS BOOK IS??? CADE EATON WHO?? I ONLY KNOW STEFAN DALCA (this is a joke cade baby they could never make me hate you) ((but goddamn stefan))
August 26, 2024
Reread in Aug 2024
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This one is starting to hit full on excellent mode.
Loved everything about this one. So good!
5 stars
3 on the spice scale (and a+ for some toy play!)
CW: mention of domestic violence, death of animals in the beginning.
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.
.
.
This one is starting to hit full on excellent mode.
Loved everything about this one. So good!
5 stars
3 on the spice scale (and a+ for some toy play!)
CW: mention of domestic violence, death of animals in the beginning.
May 3, 2024
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
A little insta lovey for my liking but ahhhh I thought Mira and Stefan were sooo hot together and their banter literally was the best time ever!! I love when a man has a bad perceived image and he ends up just being one of the sweetest humans ever!!
A little insta lovey for my liking but ahhhh I thought Mira and Stefan were sooo hot together and their banter literally was the best time ever!! I love when a man has a bad perceived image and he ends up just being one of the sweetest humans ever!!
March 13, 2025
“He literally walked through fire for you”. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Stefan Dalca is that man & will forever be that man. He is now one of my top Elsie Silver men. I also just adored Mira & wanna be friends with her. She has such a big heart & literally will do anything for the people she loves. This story was just so so good from beginning to the end!
Currently reading
December 1, 2021
March 22, 2025
4.25 stars
idk if i liked this or a photo finish better but this ateeeee! stefan dalca, the man that you are🤭 yeah he had me wrapped around his finger from page 1. i also really enjoyed his and mira’s relationship as well as them as separate individuals. out of all the fmcs so far i found mira the most relatable and i really enjoyed reading about the struggles both of the main characters have been through and overcome. after this and a photo finish, i think i like this series just as much as chestnut springs. (though heartless will always remain number 1 it seems)
let it be said that elsie silver is a god amongst mortals when it comes to writing men with filthy mouths without making it cringe! she needs to teach a masterclass or something bc wow🤩
idk if i liked this or a photo finish better but this ateeeee! stefan dalca, the man that you are🤭 yeah he had me wrapped around his finger from page 1. i also really enjoyed his and mira’s relationship as well as them as separate individuals. out of all the fmcs so far i found mira the most relatable and i really enjoyed reading about the struggles both of the main characters have been through and overcome. after this and a photo finish, i think i like this series just as much as chestnut springs. (though heartless will always remain number 1 it seems)
let it be said that elsie silver is a god amongst mortals when it comes to writing men with filthy mouths without making it cringe! she needs to teach a masterclass or something bc wow🤩
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