Title:  Off to the Races (Gold Rush Ranch #1)

Author:  Elsie Silver

Published:  April 29, 2021

Source:  Everand

Type:  Audiobook

Blurb: 

Keeping things professional with my employees has never been an issue. Until she waltzed onto my property.

Billie is talented. She’s mouthy. And she’s so damn tempting. I can’t stop thinking about all the ways I could take her down a peg.

I can’t stop thinking about her, period.

We clash from the moment we meet. And in a small town, on an even smaller farm, it’s hard to keep your distance. It’s even harder to keep that friction from turning to fire.

But keeping my distance? That might be the biggest struggle of all. Because Billie is the whole package, whip-smart with a body I fantasize about when I’m alone, and quite possibly the only woman who can save this business—and me.

She drives me crazy. In every sense of the word. Every smart-mouthed little comment—every game we play—I end up wanting more. Wanting her closer. With me. Under me.

I try not to let her get to me, but the more time we spend together the more I crave her. Her lips. Her trust. Her heart.

I want it all.

But at what cost?

Because suddenly I don’t just want to win races, I want to win the girl.

Check it on Amazon & Goodreads 

 

 

As usual, I am late reading all the good books, but that’s because I am busy reading other amazing ones! I finally managed to read a series by Elsie Silver and I can tell you from the very first lines of this review that I am planning on reading them all! I discovered well balanced plot, a writing with few food for the thought elements and so much more.

The Gold Rush Ranch series starts very very well, with two characters looking to sort out their careers and prove to themselves that they can lead an independent professional life. While Vaughn wants to clean up his grandfather’s legacy and bring Gold Rush Ranch to its former glory, Billie wants to grow as a horse trainer. When she receives the opportunity to join Gold Rush, she knows this is something she cannot pass. Suffice to say that their first encounter is a challenge and none is willing to back out easily.

The romance is so pure and natural. Yes, they are both good looking and hot in the eyes of the other. They challenge each other and push the limits until one of them gives in. Oh, and when it happens … have some cold drinks around, that’s all I’m saying! I must admit though that Vaughn has more faith in their relationship. His determination stands out and his vulnerability will “encourage” hers as well. Both are mature characters: she knows exactly what she wants. She is determined and her determination is her biggest asset. There is no hesitation in their professional activities. They are both focused, with confidence and a strong mind to achieve the objectives.

Sometimes all you need is one person’s unwavering faith. Support that is absolute.

Besides the love interest, I appreciated a lot how the author described Billie’s way with the horses. Her connection with Double Diablo is unbelievable. She “reads” him, she has patience to observe him and understand why he refused to cooperate. She invests her time and love and little did she expect to receive so much in return. I liked seeing those scenes. They felt refreshing and kept the plot interesting even outside of the romance and hot moments.

I have to say at least a few words about Hank and DD. Hank’s solidarity with Billie did not affect his professional behavior. A wise man, he has just the exact words and does just enough to set things in motion or give them a nudge in the right direction. He is discrete, but indispensable. Let’s not forget DD – Double Diablo. The connection between this beautiful horse and Billie is built in such a beautiful manner. But it is more than this – DD is a success story. We all have a DD inside, waiting to come out and shine.

The premises for more amazing books are set with the side characters. Violet’s story will be fabulous, I am 100% sure (cause I’m almost done with her book). As for our mysterious vet, she definitely has a lot more to offer. Both have played an important role in “Off to the Race” and it was nice seeing how the trio became so close.

As I was mentioning earlier, this book felt balanced and with enough of everything. I enjoyed the secondary plot, seeing our characters achieve professional success. The only inconsistency I noticed was when Vaughn took a decision that temporarily destroyed his relationship with Billie. It came as a contradiction with his way of dealing with other family affairs. Also, I wish I could have seen more of his professional side, since we get to see a lot of Billie’s.

With all these in mind, I cannot wait to finish the series. Book one was great, I know book 2 will be even better and I love the author already. If you have read other books by Elise Silver, let me know in the comments below which one would you recommend or which book from this series was your favorite.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Cover Review: Not my favorite, to be honest. I wish I could have seen a connection between the horses, the ranch life and our couple. The story is so much more than two people finding happiness. It feels cozy though, so points for that.   

Favorite Quote:  “She snuck up on me, planted the seeds, and I let the roots take over, wrapping themselves around every pulse point, filling up my darkest corners, squeezing painfully at my heart.”

 

About The Author

Canadian 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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