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Elsie Silver
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The Front Runner (Special Edition) (Gold Rush Ranch) Paperback – December 9, 2022

by Elsie Silver (Author)
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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 me? 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.

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  1. Book 3 of 4
    Gold Rush Ranch
  2. Print length
    398 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Elsie Silver
  5. Publication date
    December 9, 2022
  6. Dimensions
    5 x 0.89 x 8 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1959285939
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1959285939
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Elsie Silver (December 9, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 398 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1959285939
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1959285939
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.89 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Elsie Silver

Elsie Silver

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Elsie Silver is a Canadian author of sassy, sexy, small town romance who loves a good book boyfriend and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees. She lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, son, and three dogs and has been voraciously reading romance books since before she was probably supposed to.

She loves cooking and trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with her boys–especially outdoors. Elsie has also become a big fan of her quiet five am mornings, which is when most of her writing happens. It’s during this time that she can sip a cup of hot coffee and dream up a fictional world full of romantic stories to share with her readers.

Follow Elsie!

Newsletter: https://geni.us/elsiesilverNL

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorelsiesilver

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorelsiesilver

Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/elsiesilversaloon

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/elsiesilver

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/elsie-silver

Website: www.elsiesilver.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
14,372 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the storyline enjoyable, emotional, and captivating. They also praise the writing style as very well written and fierce. Readers say the characters are smart and the chemistry is phenomenal. They mention the character building is on point and the book has the perfect amount of spice. Customers describe the content as engrossing and steamy.

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StorylineSpicinessFemale protagonistWriting styleIntellectChemistryContentIndependent thought
58 customers mention "Storyline"58 positive0 negative

Customers find the storyline entertaining, sizzling, and emotional. They also appreciate the chemistry, drama, and angst. Readers describe the book as a great read with pristine banter and love and passion.

"...Awkward? You bet. Entertaining? Absolutely!We met Stefan in book 1 of this series and he was definitely the villain...." Read more

"...Although this hasn’t be my favorite book, it was still really enjoyable and had so many great things a reader like me enjoys...." Read more

"...There is angst and funny times as well as love and passion. All set in a world of horse racing. This book was fantastic." Read more

"...Vaughn and Billie were hilarious, Cole and Violet were sweet, but Stephan and Mira were spice AND everything nice...." Read more

27 customers mention "Spiciness"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming, compelling, tender, and sweet. They also say the book has the perfect amount of spice, making them giggle, blush, and tear up. Readers also mention that Elsie Silver is amazing and the spicy scenes are heart wrenching and warm.

"...It’s a beautiful, romantic, emotional read." Read more

"...Vaughn and Billie were hilarious, Cole and Violet were sweet, but Stephan and Mira were spice AND everything nice...." Read more

"...I love him and Mira together. I love how patient, kind, passionate and ~sexy~ this man is...." Read more

"...The way he waited patiently for Mira, the way he supported her, how cute and careful he was with the horses and how he knew exactly that he was..." Read more

14 customers mention "Female protagonist"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the character building on point, and describe the female protagonist as strong and sassy. They also mention that Dr. Mira Thorne is a tough and fiery veterinarian.

"...So far she has created relatable and realistic characters with pasts that play into their present and future...." Read more

"...Of course the side characters were a perfect addition and the little mystery of Stefan's past/family was a perfect bonus...." Read more

"...Dr. Mira Thorne is a tough and fiery veterinarian, but she holds her cards close so it takes some time to get to know her and understand what makes..." Read more

"...Loved the morally gray hero who would do anything for her." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style very well written, with twists and turns. They also describe the characters as bold, smart, and fierce.

"...I think that the writing is great, and I would classify them all as being slow-burn as the spice seems to occur within the last 100-150 pages of the..." Read more

"...The pacing of this story was perfect, the writing style amazing, and the spice was on point...." Read more

"Silver's writing is so good, she has a way of grabbing you and pulling you into the story! She did it again with this book!" Read more

"Very well written. Loved all the twists and turns with the entire book...." Read more

6 customers mention "Intellect"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book smart, cunning, and beautiful.

"...She’s smart, independent, gives off that relaxed, roll off the shoulder, cool attitude, but she is OH so loving & caring...." Read more

"...I also loved Mira. She was smart and independent and although she felt like she was betraying her friends, she made her own fact based decisions..." Read more

"...He cares. Deeply. He is patient. He fights for those he loves. He is cunning and in it for the long game...." Read more

"...Mira is bold, whip smart, cunning and beautiful. Stefan Dalca is the mysterious owner of one of the ranches that utilizes Mira's vet services...." Read more

4 customers mention "Chemistry"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the chemistry in the book phenomenal.

"...The chemistry was great, and the drama was on point. I really enjoyed the level headedness of the FMC. She was a strong yet quiet character.*..." Read more

"...The chemistry they built is explosive, passionate, and steamy. This man knows how to fulfill a woman...." Read more

"...The banter and chemistry between them was perfection. This was defiantly my favorite of this series." Read more

"...They compliment one another so well and have phenomenal chemistry. So far this is my favorite in the series." Read more

4 customers mention "Content"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the content engrossing and steamy.

"Loved this story. It’s so sweet and very hot. A slow burn that shows these frenemies turning to friends to lovers and it was very satisfying...." Read more

"...These two were meant to be together and was an engrossing, steamy book! Elsie Silver is amazing." Read more

"...natural chemistry, and the spicy scenes are all heart wrenching and warm feeling!..." Read more

"...The chemistry they built is explosive, passionate, and steamy. This man knows how to fulfill a woman...." Read more

4 customers mention "Independent thought"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's independent thought.

"...She’s smart, independent, gives off that relaxed, roll off the shoulder, cool attitude, but she is OH so loving & caring...." Read more

"...I also loved Mira. She was smart and independent and although she felt like she was betraying her friends, she made her own fact based decisions..." Read more

"...She's independent, smart, fierce, gorgeous, kind, and most importantly a challenge. Our MC loves a challenge.Beating the adversaries...." Read more

"...Mira was amazing. She was strong, independent but not in a way that you felt was overbearing to the story. I loved this couple...." Read more

BUY BUY BUY
5 out of 5 stars
BUY BUY BUY
buy while u can these are slowly going oop. you won’t regret this thank you amazon
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Top reviews from the United States

JanfromNJ
5.0 out of 5 stars a slow burn, full of snarky banter, and a beautiful, romantic, emotional read.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2024
Verified Purchase
Veterinarian Mira Thorne and horse rancher Stefan Dalca become unlikely allies, then friends, and their mutual attraction can’t be denied. She’s the Vet to his horses. But he wants more even though he’s the hated enemy of her best friends at Gold Rush Ranch. When a mutual life or death decision needs to be made for an orphaned colt, they have to work together. Awkward? You bet. Entertaining? Absolutely!

We met Stefan in book 1 of this series and he was definitely the villain. Mira became good friends with the Gold Rush Ranch women in book 2. In fact her new best friend clearly hates Stefan Dalca. Now be warned, Stefan has more heart and goodness in him than we ever could have imagined when we originally met him. His snarky banter with Mira is priceless. She gives it right back!

What isn’t there to love about this story?

First, we have the orphaned colt and mama horse who adopts him as her own. Here is where we first see the heart behind Stefan’s gruff exterior. It’s emotional and heart melting.

We meet Stefan’s younger sister, Nadia, who’s struggling in school and when she and Mira bond, well, it tugs at your heart strings. Oh and more swooning over Stefan when he finally shares with Mira their tragic family history.

Then there’s Stefan meeting Mira’s family and making samosas with her Nana. Mira fails miserably at fighting her growing feelings for Stefan at this point.

But the ultimate plot twist comes 1/2 way thru this story and I’m not gonna lie, I burst into tears saying. “Oh my god!” Brilliant storytelling. Never saw it coming.

This is a slow burn story and so worth the wait. These two burn up the pages of this book when they finally do get together. Wow. And in typical Elsie fashion, there’s drama and danger and yes, Stefan wins over even his harshest critics. It’s a beautiful, romantic, emotional read.
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The Papaya Mama
4.0 out of 5 stars • A 3.5 - 4 star read for me •
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
| contemporary romance | cowgirl romance | small town romance | fake dating | man of mystery | horse racing | gold rush ranch | dual POV | mira x stefan | unknown past | secrets | dirty talk | spicy | slow burn | kink |

The thing I loved most about this book of the series were the characters. I knew from book 1 or 2 that mira’s love interest would be Stefan. There was enough foreshadowing to know it was coming, but not the particulars of their story.

Stefan was an absolute sweetheart on the inside. Mira was fierce and intelligent. They were both quick witted and silver tongued and it made for amazing banter. I think the character building was on point and fit really well with the other installments of this series.

This wasn’t a 5 star read for me because the plot of this particular book just didn’t grab me like the first 3 books of this series. I am thoroughly enjoying Elsie’s writing. So far she has created relatable and realistic characters with pasts that play into their present and future. I think that the writing is great, and I would classify them all as being slow-burn as the spice seems to occur within the last 100-150 pages of the books ending. This structure really builds *the wanting* and I love getting all caught up in the feels and descriptions.

I think another thing I am seeing with Elsie’s writing is that there will always be an easy to love FMC and MMC. This has been the first story to even broach the line of a morally grey MMC, and truly Stefan wasn’t quite that, he was just perceived that way and didn’t try to sway anyones opinion on the matter.

I really love this series so far. Although this hasn’t be my favorite book, it was still really enjoyable and had so many great things a reader like me enjoys.

Happy Reading Friends xx
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AMD
5.0 out of 5 stars From the Ashes ❤️🔥🏇💙
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
Stefan and Mira both appeared in previous books, and I was happy to get their stories.

He comes off as hard and unscrupulous. She comes off as hard to get close to. Together, they erase all the misconceptions to each other and to her friends.

This is ultimately a book about not living up to other’s expectations, but for forging your own path. To rise above and meet your full potential. To find family where it is most important. I loved their dynamic and how their true selves were revealed. There is angst and funny times as well as love and passion. All set in a world of horse racing. This book was fantastic.
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aubrey
4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet love story
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
Three books in to the Gold Rush Ranch series and this is by far my favorite book so far. Vaughn and Billie were hilarious, Cole and Violet were sweet, but Stephan and Mira were spice AND everything nice.

I knew I would love this one because I love a bad boy, but I didn't realize just how quickly I'd fall for Stephan. I went from being meh about him in books one and two, not truly believing he was as bad as the characters (aka Billie) made him out to be, to adoring him within the first chapter. And of course, getting to know Dr. Thorne was amazing. Her independence was inspiring, similarly to Violets, but in a way that was a bit easier for me to relate to. I'm not sure if it was her family connections that added to her story or just the temperament of her character.

The character development and detail of their background stories that I felt was a bit lacking in 'A Photo Finish' (Book 2) were here in full throttle. From meeting and standing up to family and friends, fighting for each other, and then realizing in end they couldn't be without each other, this book has the perfect amount of detail.

Stephan and Mira hold a special place in my heart, and this will definitely be a book I will come back to read again.
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Top reviews from other countries

Rebecca
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Series!
Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2024
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Yet another amazing book in the series! I LOVED Stefan and Mira's story!

I can’t place exactly what it is a loved about it most. The chemistry was great, the banter fantastic.

I enjoyed that both the happy and sad moments of horse breeding were shown within the book. I showed the full picture of what happens. I loved the bond that grew between Stefan and Loki after his tragic beginning.

Got a quick look at book 4 characters - Griffin and Nadia. Super excited for this one!
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Oscar Vaca
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt Book!
Reviewed in Brazil on March 14, 2024
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Very nicely written and page flipping from the get go. I love it.
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readwithlaraa
5.0 out of 5 stars Stefan & Mira
Reviewed in the Netherlands on June 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
Did I really just finish this in one night? Yes I did. It’s 1 am as I’m writing this and dang I just couldn’t put the book down. I had to stop for a bit because I literally had to stop sobbing 😭 Mira just wanted to explain it all to him and Stefan was being stubborn. Also Hank being a plot twist 🫣 did not see that coming. And ahhh I don’t wanna spoil but the barn 🥹. I love the name Loki though 🥰
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TC
5.0 out of 5 stars Stefan is my new favourite x
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Okay, so I’ve been intrigued by Stefan since book one and couldn’t wait for this book. I was not disappointed. This is an easy favourite of the series for me. I loved the banter, the slow burn, he falls first and is obsessed, the two of them are everything!

So many people have judged Stefan before getting to know him and he’s seen as the bad guy by so many. He is such a sweetie though, so misunderstood and I think he’s the best of them all so far out of the mmcs.

I really loved how hard he fell for Mira and was not ashamed to show it and was such a charmer. How could she resist? He’s such a good guy, down to everything he does for Mira, for the young foal, his sister. Beneath that tough exterior is a man with a troubled past who doesn’t see just how good he is. I was not ready but omg I am a mess over him. I love him!

Mira was the best fmc for him, she didn’t mean to fall for him but I loved the slow burn between them. He chipped away at her defences slowly and it gave way to a beautiful story. She gives him a chance when no one else would, I loved them together.

I adore Elsie’s writing and have loved every book. This is my favourite of this series. I loved the little twists in the story and was absolutely hooked throughout. I am so excited for the last book and cannot wait to see what happens x
4.5*
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Maria Irles Galeote
5.0 out of 5 stars Elsie did it again!
Reviewed in Spain on July 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
I’m not going to lie, Stefan Dalca wasn’t my favorite person in the world after meeting him in Off To The Races. I wasn’t sure how Elsie Silver was going to make me fall in love with him, but I had no doubt she would.

And she did. Boy, she did!

Stefan is definitely n°3 in my Favorite Gold Ranch men list, right after Cole and Griffin — he was number two but then I read A False Start and Griffin took the spot. Sorry Vaughn, I still love you though.

And Mira is definitely on the top 3 of my favorite girls. There’s something about her, maybe that black cat vibe, that vibes with me.

Something that I love about this series is how every book has a heart horse. DD, Pipsqueak and now Loki. Loki’s story is a little heartbreaking with a happy ending, but beware if animal deaths are a trigger for you — they are for me and there was a moment when I had to put the book down and collect myself.
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