What do you think?
Gold Rush Ranch #2
A Photo Finish
He's seen every last inch of her, and she has no idea who he is...until now.
What happened between Cole Harding and Violet Eaton in their anonymous online chats was meant to stay buried in the past...until it didn't. It's a small world, but Ruby Creek is even smaller, and when Cole reluctantly moves to town for a business venture, he finds Violet working as a jockey on the family ranch, just as tempting as he remembers.
Cole had his chance with her, and he blew it. She ghosted him, and he closed himself off further than ever. But when a riding accident puts Violet out of commission, the two are forced under the same roof, and Cole finds his broody façade slipping. With every flush of her cheeks and every flare of heat in her eyes, the ice he's encased himself in melts. Violet makes him want things he shouldn't. Things he's been dreaming about since he first laid eyes on her years ago—things he doesn't deserve.
As a former soldier, Cole should have the discipline to walk away. He has scars older and deeper than anyone knows. His plan was to keep his secrets hidden and his heart locked away... Until her.
What happened between Cole Harding and Violet Eaton in their anonymous online chats was meant to stay buried in the past...until it didn't. It's a small world, but Ruby Creek is even smaller, and when Cole reluctantly moves to town for a business venture, he finds Violet working as a jockey on the family ranch, just as tempting as he remembers.
Cole had his chance with her, and he blew it. She ghosted him, and he closed himself off further than ever. But when a riding accident puts Violet out of commission, the two are forced under the same roof, and Cole finds his broody façade slipping. With every flush of her cheeks and every flare of heat in her eyes, the ice he's encased himself in melts. Violet makes him want things he shouldn't. Things he's been dreaming about since he first laid eyes on her years ago—things he doesn't deserve.
As a former soldier, Cole should have the discipline to walk away. He has scars older and deeper than anyone knows. His plan was to keep his secrets hidden and his heart locked away... Until her.
372 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2021
About the author
Elsie Silver
41 books80.8k followersElsie Silver is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of sassy, steamy, small town romance. She’s a born and raised Canadian girl who loves a good book boyfriend and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees. Her books promise banter, tension, and a slow burn that comes to a screeching halt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 14,428 reviews
October 6, 2022
this made my girly bits whinny
January 6, 2025
OH MY GOD I LOVED THIS!!!!! Naturally miss elsie silver does it again. Violet and Cole have my whole heart!
Cole…. The tortured soul that you are 😭😭😭 I’m so in love with him it’s not even funny. The way he had me sobbing real tears?!! I was NOT expecting that.
Bye. I’m devouring this series.
“She’s calm, like water lapping at the shore. Gentle and even, continuous, and I can’t help but want to lie down in that shallow water and let myself get lost in the rhythm.”
“The kind of beauty that makes you stop and stare. The kind of beauty you want to study. I don’t draw, but suddenly I’m overcome by the need to sketch her face.”
“You don’t look at me like I’m tragic. You look at me like we’re inevitable.”
“She’s like sunshine on my face. Warm and bright. I feel like I’ve been living in the shade, in a dark corner, and rather than dragging me kicking and screaming out of it—like so many people have tried to—she’s just shifted over a little bit to share her light.”
“Getting to know Violet was like discovering a medicine I didn’t even know I needed.”
Cole…. The tortured soul that you are 😭😭😭 I’m so in love with him it’s not even funny. The way he had me sobbing real tears?!! I was NOT expecting that.
Bye. I’m devouring this series.
“She’s calm, like water lapping at the shore. Gentle and even, continuous, and I can’t help but want to lie down in that shallow water and let myself get lost in the rhythm.”
“The kind of beauty that makes you stop and stare. The kind of beauty you want to study. I don’t draw, but suddenly I’m overcome by the need to sketch her face.”
“You don’t look at me like I’m tragic. You look at me like we’re inevitable.”
“She’s like sunshine on my face. Warm and bright. I feel like I’ve been living in the shade, in a dark corner, and rather than dragging me kicking and screaming out of it—like so many people have tried to—she’s just shifted over a little bit to share her light.”
“Getting to know Violet was like discovering a medicine I didn’t even know I needed.”
July 30, 2024
While I really did enjoy this one- I feel like I'm doing myself such a disservice by comparing it to Chestnut Springs. I can't help it 😩- and so far this series just hasn't given me the same feeling of family and close knit friendships.
Cole Harding owns the Gold Rush Ranch with his brother Vaughn and Violet has just become a jockey for them. If you have read Off To The Races #1 then you will have met them both before.
╰┈➤ Violet Eaton our FMC is great, she's sweet, caring, and stubborn. Determined to be independent after escaping an over-protective father and three older brothers and fulfil her dream of being a successful jockey. Needless to say, she's over the moon when the trainer Billie promotes her to jockey.
╰┈➤ Cole, our MMC is a complex and complicated. Life has dealt him a rough ride and left him a broken man struggling to cope. He is grumpy and unreachable, hates to talk about himself and is almost a recluse. He has an imposing personality due to being an veteran but lacks confidence in himself. The family ranch holds horrific memories for him and he is shocked to see Violet there.
╰┈➤ The manner in which they initially met is so cute in my opinion and I loved how Silver peppered in 'Then' past chapters of their story all while in the present they are forced to live under the same roof with each other lol. It really gave a light air with a bit of comic relief to the story considering there's a heaviness and sorrow that's also very prominent - striking a perfect balance.
The chemistry and and the sexual tension pours off the pages. There are some hot scenes, especially in the barn, when they finally give in to their feelings. Elsie has tackled some serious issues while giving us this outstanding story. I liked how she showed that communication is key even if they made each other crazy at times.
As Cole and Violet are both vulnerable and dealing with their own issues, they needed the journey the author takes them on and it was a privilege to join them. At times it was painful and sad but so worth it in the end. This is a worthwhile read with a swoon worthy, heart warming and romantic ending. And Cole – if anyone deserved a HEA it is you. ꨄ
“Touch her, and I’ll kill you.” Cole’s voice is downright arctic.” 😍
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ
⠀
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ `· . ꔫ
ㅤ
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.” ˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗
𓏲 ࣪₊♡𓂃˚୨୧⋆｡˚
Cole Harding owns the Gold Rush Ranch with his brother Vaughn and Violet has just become a jockey for them. If you have read Off To The Races #1 then you will have met them both before.
╰┈➤ Violet Eaton our FMC is great, she's sweet, caring, and stubborn. Determined to be independent after escaping an over-protective father and three older brothers and fulfil her dream of being a successful jockey. Needless to say, she's over the moon when the trainer Billie promotes her to jockey.
╰┈➤ Cole, our MMC is a complex and complicated. Life has dealt him a rough ride and left him a broken man struggling to cope. He is grumpy and unreachable, hates to talk about himself and is almost a recluse. He has an imposing personality due to being an veteran but lacks confidence in himself. The family ranch holds horrific memories for him and he is shocked to see Violet there.
╰┈➤ The manner in which they initially met is so cute in my opinion and I loved how Silver peppered in 'Then' past chapters of their story all while in the present they are forced to live under the same roof with each other lol. It really gave a light air with a bit of comic relief to the story considering there's a heaviness and sorrow that's also very prominent - striking a perfect balance.
The chemistry and and the sexual tension pours off the pages. There are some hot scenes, especially in the barn, when they finally give in to their feelings. Elsie has tackled some serious issues while giving us this outstanding story. I liked how she showed that communication is key even if they made each other crazy at times.
As Cole and Violet are both vulnerable and dealing with their own issues, they needed the journey the author takes them on and it was a privilege to join them. At times it was painful and sad but so worth it in the end. This is a worthwhile read with a swoon worthy, heart warming and romantic ending. And Cole – if anyone deserved a HEA it is you. ꨄ
“Touch her, and I’ll kill you.” Cole’s voice is downright arctic.” 😍
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ
⠀
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ `· . ꔫ
ㅤ
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.” ˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗
𓏲 ࣪₊♡𓂃˚୨୧⋆｡˚
October 11, 2022
Most definitely one of Elsie's best written books. (After Heartless, that is coming out in FOUR DAYS!)
I don't think I will ever shut up about Heartless. I'll just stop thinking about it for one quick second - as hard as it may be - to give photo finish it's turn to shine.
Cole is grumpy to the maximum, he likes his space clean, he hates people, he doesn't open up easy (it's like looking at a mirror) he doesn't share a lot about himself and being vulnerable is nearly impossible to him as an ex-army soldier who has been dealing with his PTSD for so long.
Enters Violet.
EVERYTHING about a small town romance, in a beautiful farm, filled with horses and a supportive and loving family is HEALING AND THERAPEUTICAL ok.
Being a part of Cole's healing journey was so cozy, emotional and SO ROMANTIC.
We are collectively desperately consuming romance books to escape the burdens of real life, but I just realized how little and how unfrequently I use the word romantic to describe some of the books I read, and this is it.
If you are looking for an extremely romantic, swoony book, with convincing characters, incredibly fluid dialogues, and a world that feels so real that you completely forget you're reading- this is the book for you.
Reader discretion advised: you will want to abandon city life, get your hands dirty on a farm while brushing horses and you will want to have sex in a barn and listen to Shania Twain after the whole ordeal. I don't make the rules, it's Elsie's world. I am just living in it.
June 5, 2023
if being a horse girl is what it takes to get a man like cole harding then yeehaw sister 🤸♂️🫡
July 9, 2024
It was cute, but felt repetitive at times, I still really still read it in one day tho, so do what you will with that information
August 6, 2025
4 Stars ★
"You don’t look at me like I’m tragic. You look at me like we’re inevitable.”
I enjoyed this one much more than the first book.
A Photo Finish is the second book in the Gold Rush Ranch series where Elsie takes her time delving into the struggles of ptsd and the journey that it takes to begin healing. She then weaves pieces of the past with the present which worked so well giving us the background of our protagonists. Adding forced proximity, tension, and banter into this small town, age gap romance. Some moments are sad and moments that had me giggling and I was eating it all up.
Cole moved back to the ranch where his past collides with the present. He's met face to face with the woman whom he met years ago online, Violet. She is just getting the season started as a jockey when an accident happens that has them living together while trying to keep their past a secret.
Cole Harding is complex and has many struggles from the military and losing a loved one in a tragic way that has left him broken and thinking less of himself. He is quiet, reserved, and sensitive, and doesn't like to talk about himself. This all makes me love him that much more when he starts opening up more as he grows with the process of healing.
"I’m terrified that if someone looks too close, they’ll see what I’m hiding."
Violet Eaton is strong, stubborn, and is a true example of sunshine that has a fierce side that strives to be independent due to her dad and brothers being overbearing and protective of her. I loved the way that she stood her ground and refused to let anyone smother her in any way. She was just so easy to fall in love with.
“I have a dad and three overprotective brothers. I don’t need another one. You know this. So, get on board, or get out of my way.”
Cole and Violet met in a cute and unique way when they both just needed someone to lean on and talk to forming a friendship. The sexual tension between these two was so good and you could feel the chemistry coming off the pages. I loved the way the way that they took their time getting to know one another and Violet helped Cole to open up to her about secrets that he had kept for years. The communication between them was everything as they maneuvered through heavier topics. They were just the right amount of push and pull that gave them the perfect balance for each other. I just knew that they were going to be good and I would love them.
“Because you? Us? I think we’re meant to be. You found me, and I found you. Over and over again. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.”
Loved the found family aspects in this and the way that Billie is there for Violet. They have a friendship that is sister like telling it like it is and giving each other shit by poking fun while also supporting one another. I just love Hank and how he is the fatherly figure on the farm and he is full of the best knowledge.
This right here is an Elsie book that I have come to know and love. I ate this one up and can't wait for the next book. I just know that Mira and Stefan are going to be so good!
Favorite quotes and moments
“Touch her, and I’ll kill you.” Cole’s voice is downright arctic.
"I want all of her. Every square inch. I want to kiss away past hurts."
"Because if I’ve learned anything in the last month, it’s that Cole Harding is a good man. Broken, and sensitive, and so fucking good."
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”
She’s like sunshine on my face. Warm and bright. I feel like I’ve been living in the shade, in a dark corner, and rather than dragging me kicking and screaming out of it— like so many people have tried to— she’s just shifted over a little bit to share her light.”
"Especially when I get a front-row seat to see the look of pure joy on Violet’s face as she crosses that finish line."
----------
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read:
Onto the next! I have been wanting to know more about Violet Eaton since she was mentioned in Chestnut Springs. I'm excited for this one, so here we goooo!! 🤭💛
"You don’t look at me like I’m tragic. You look at me like we’re inevitable.”
I enjoyed this one much more than the first book.
A Photo Finish is the second book in the Gold Rush Ranch series where Elsie takes her time delving into the struggles of ptsd and the journey that it takes to begin healing. She then weaves pieces of the past with the present which worked so well giving us the background of our protagonists. Adding forced proximity, tension, and banter into this small town, age gap romance. Some moments are sad and moments that had me giggling and I was eating it all up.
Cole moved back to the ranch where his past collides with the present. He's met face to face with the woman whom he met years ago online, Violet. She is just getting the season started as a jockey when an accident happens that has them living together while trying to keep their past a secret.
Cole Harding is complex and has many struggles from the military and losing a loved one in a tragic way that has left him broken and thinking less of himself. He is quiet, reserved, and sensitive, and doesn't like to talk about himself. This all makes me love him that much more when he starts opening up more as he grows with the process of healing.
"I’m terrified that if someone looks too close, they’ll see what I’m hiding."
Violet Eaton is strong, stubborn, and is a true example of sunshine that has a fierce side that strives to be independent due to her dad and brothers being overbearing and protective of her. I loved the way that she stood her ground and refused to let anyone smother her in any way. She was just so easy to fall in love with.
“I have a dad and three overprotective brothers. I don’t need another one. You know this. So, get on board, or get out of my way.”
Cole and Violet met in a cute and unique way when they both just needed someone to lean on and talk to forming a friendship. The sexual tension between these two was so good and you could feel the chemistry coming off the pages. I loved the way the way that they took their time getting to know one another and Violet helped Cole to open up to her about secrets that he had kept for years. The communication between them was everything as they maneuvered through heavier topics. They were just the right amount of push and pull that gave them the perfect balance for each other. I just knew that they were going to be good and I would love them.
“Because you? Us? I think we’re meant to be. You found me, and I found you. Over and over again. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.”
Loved the found family aspects in this and the way that Billie is there for Violet. They have a friendship that is sister like telling it like it is and giving each other shit by poking fun while also supporting one another. I just love Hank and how he is the fatherly figure on the farm and he is full of the best knowledge.
This right here is an Elsie book that I have come to know and love. I ate this one up and can't wait for the next book. I just know that Mira and Stefan are going to be so good!
Favorite quotes and moments
“Touch her, and I’ll kill you.” Cole’s voice is downright arctic.
"I want all of her. Every square inch. I want to kiss away past hurts."
"Because if I’ve learned anything in the last month, it’s that Cole Harding is a good man. Broken, and sensitive, and so fucking good."
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”
She’s like sunshine on my face. Warm and bright. I feel like I’ve been living in the shade, in a dark corner, and rather than dragging me kicking and screaming out of it— like so many people have tried to— she’s just shifted over a little bit to share her light.”
"Especially when I get a front-row seat to see the look of pure joy on Violet’s face as she crosses that finish line."
----------
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read:
Onto the next! I have been wanting to know more about Violet Eaton since she was mentioned in Chestnut Springs. I'm excited for this one, so here we goooo!! 🤭💛
May 24, 2024
ColeViolet you will forever be loved by me <333
The way I felt a whole range of emotions while reading their book omfds I laughed, blushed, giggled, cried, got angry, nervous, felt my heart skip beats, wanted to hug Cole so tight he’d never be able to escape.
There were so many times the banter made me laff so hard I was gasping for air, there’s just no feeling better than a book that manages to make u feel like being given the warmest most comfort inducing hug.
Violet is exactly the ray of fierce sunshine Cole describes her to be. She’s easily burrowed her way into my fav fmcs 🤧 I love her sfm. The way she never gave up on him but still held her own ugh I just want to dote on her alongside Cole. She deserves the world I wanna cry.
Cole was nothing like I expected but also exactly how I wanted him to be at the same time. He felt so real to me idk how to explain it. His struggles, his growth and his thought processes during the whole book hit me so hard, I couldn’t help but love his grumpy ass along with Violet.
I genuinely teared up at certain parts of his povs, man, I just wanted to put him in my pocket and protect him from the world. His therapy sessions had me cackling, I love Trixie and what she’s done for Cole.
The way Cole associates the word precious and sunshine with Violet makes me insane. Like I genuinely think I will go crazy bc of this man. He was such a tough nut to crack but when he did break open??? 😭😭😭🔫🔫🔫 he loved harder than even I thought he would.
I absolutely go feral for the trope where he gets the best sleep for the first time in his life when she’s right there with him. Like it just does things to my brain, sue me 👹💘💗💞🦋💕
THE MESSAGES THE DIARY ENTRIES THE PROPOSAL THEIR EPILOGUE ⁉️‼️
I’m gna go mad — they’ve become real ppl in my head like I’m genuinely convinced they’re just living their happy wholesome little life on a piece of land somewhere on this planet and all I need to do is look them up on instagram or something.
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Icel I’m a little salty we got no in person cameos of the Eaton brothers *sigh* but that’s not to say I didn’t EAT UPPP the little mentions of them tho, Cade and Beau’s in particular kept me sated 😋
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Saw her mentioned in chestnut springs and ofc I had to read her book 🤭
(Let’s pretend I’m not skipping the first book just to get to violets 😝)
The way I felt a whole range of emotions while reading their book omfds I laughed, blushed, giggled, cried, got angry, nervous, felt my heart skip beats, wanted to hug Cole so tight he’d never be able to escape.
There were so many times the banter made me laff so hard I was gasping for air, there’s just no feeling better than a book that manages to make u feel like being given the warmest most comfort inducing hug.
Violet is exactly the ray of fierce sunshine Cole describes her to be. She’s easily burrowed her way into my fav fmcs 🤧 I love her sfm. The way she never gave up on him but still held her own ugh I just want to dote on her alongside Cole. She deserves the world I wanna cry.
Cole was nothing like I expected but also exactly how I wanted him to be at the same time. He felt so real to me idk how to explain it. His struggles, his growth and his thought processes during the whole book hit me so hard, I couldn’t help but love his grumpy ass along with Violet.
I genuinely teared up at certain parts of his povs, man, I just wanted to put him in my pocket and protect him from the world. His therapy sessions had me cackling, I love Trixie and what she’s done for Cole.
The way Cole associates the word precious and sunshine with Violet makes me insane. Like I genuinely think I will go crazy bc of this man. He was such a tough nut to crack but when he did break open??? 😭😭😭🔫🔫🔫 he loved harder than even I thought he would.
I absolutely go feral for the trope where he gets the best sleep for the first time in his life when she’s right there with him. Like it just does things to my brain, sue me 👹💘💗💞🦋💕
THE MESSAGES THE DIARY ENTRIES THE PROPOSAL THEIR EPILOGUE ⁉️‼️
I’m gna go mad — they’ve become real ppl in my head like I’m genuinely convinced they’re just living their happy wholesome little life on a piece of land somewhere on this planet and all I need to do is look them up on instagram or something.
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Icel I’m a little salty we got no in person cameos of the Eaton brothers *sigh* but that’s not to say I didn’t EAT UPPP the little mentions of them tho, Cade and Beau’s in particular kept me sated 😋
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Saw her mentioned in chestnut springs and ofc I had to read her book 🤭
(Let’s pretend I’m not skipping the first book just to get to violets 😝)
January 7, 2024
when she asked him if he liked cats or dogs and his answer was pussy i knew for certain elsie silver was on a mission to get me to kill myself
January 10, 2023
Ahhhh this was so gooooood! This is kind of a second chance because Violet and Cole had an online relationship for a year until things ended and they didn't speak again. Until Violet gets the job as a jockey for the ranch that Cole and his family work for. Violet gets injured and has to move in with Cole while she recovers and THE TENSION. Elsie Silver writes tension SO WELL and I was obsessed with the tension between these two. They want to hate each other but find themselves falling so hard for one another. Cole has a lot of damage and that makes him a broody and grumpy hero. I loved, though, how he just wanted to take care of Violet. We slowly see their interactions from the past at the beginning of each chapter and I loved unraveling their past like that. Gahhh I just loved everything about this book!
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October 3, 2021
A Photo Finish is book two in the Gold Rush Ranch series by Elsie Silver. I loved the first book in this series, Off to the Races. It’s only my busy reading schedule that has made it difficult for me to get to this second book. But it was well worth the wait.
We met the sweet and sassy Violet Eaton in book one. She is twenty six years old and has gone from horse groomer at Gold Rush Ranch, to their jockey. The girl lucky enough to ride their horses in races. Violet had a great childhood with three older brothers and a dad who loved her, maybe too much. They were very over protective. So when she moved away and got the job at Gold Rush, it was her way of launching Violet 2.0. A newer, bolder version ready to take on the world. Which is what brought her to the attention of Cole Harding.
Cole is the older brother to Vaughn Harding whom we met in book one. He is thirty six years old and lives in the city and runs the family business. He’s closed off, grumpy and wants nothing to do with other people. But a new business venture forces him out to the ranch to stay for an indefinite amount of time. Cole suffers from PTSD, both from his time in the military, and from something in his childhood. He has worked hard on this but has a long way to go.
“I live in the shadows, and she’s like this ray of light that brightens my day.”
I loved the way these two initially met. It was perfect for them and it allowed them to get to know each other in a way they wouldn’t have otherwise. Without even realizing it was happening, they became reliant on each other. They looked forward to their conversations. Because conversations were all they were. There were no faces, no identities. Until everything changed. Now they are living on the same ranch, forced to share the same house. Neither can help but to want more from the other, to wish for what could never be.
“We’re like two opposite ends of a magnet, naturally drawn to each other.”
Cole has secrets, secrets that have kept him from fully rejoining society. But, when his secrets are finally revealed, it gives he and Violet the chance to explore the chemistry between them. And let me tell you, these two do have ALL the chemistry. As their bond deepens, though, it also forces Cole to face his deepest triggers and he is forced to make a decision. To live in the past, in the dark corners, never knowing the joys life might have in store for him? Or to face them head on, not to allow them to win.
“Cole Harding gives me whiplash. Cold and agitated. Hot and handsy. Friendly and joking. How many versions are there? And why do I like them all?”
I really did love this book. I loved these two together. And I loved seeing more from Billie and Vaughn from the first book as well. This is such a wonderful series. Elsie Silver has such a beautiful way of telling her stories. I can’t wait for the third book in this series, The Front Runner, which will be Mira and Stefan’s story!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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We met the sweet and sassy Violet Eaton in book one. She is twenty six years old and has gone from horse groomer at Gold Rush Ranch, to their jockey. The girl lucky enough to ride their horses in races. Violet had a great childhood with three older brothers and a dad who loved her, maybe too much. They were very over protective. So when she moved away and got the job at Gold Rush, it was her way of launching Violet 2.0. A newer, bolder version ready to take on the world. Which is what brought her to the attention of Cole Harding.
Cole is the older brother to Vaughn Harding whom we met in book one. He is thirty six years old and lives in the city and runs the family business. He’s closed off, grumpy and wants nothing to do with other people. But a new business venture forces him out to the ranch to stay for an indefinite amount of time. Cole suffers from PTSD, both from his time in the military, and from something in his childhood. He has worked hard on this but has a long way to go.
“I live in the shadows, and she’s like this ray of light that brightens my day.”
I loved the way these two initially met. It was perfect for them and it allowed them to get to know each other in a way they wouldn’t have otherwise. Without even realizing it was happening, they became reliant on each other. They looked forward to their conversations. Because conversations were all they were. There were no faces, no identities. Until everything changed. Now they are living on the same ranch, forced to share the same house. Neither can help but to want more from the other, to wish for what could never be.
“We’re like two opposite ends of a magnet, naturally drawn to each other.”
Cole has secrets, secrets that have kept him from fully rejoining society. But, when his secrets are finally revealed, it gives he and Violet the chance to explore the chemistry between them. And let me tell you, these two do have ALL the chemistry. As their bond deepens, though, it also forces Cole to face his deepest triggers and he is forced to make a decision. To live in the past, in the dark corners, never knowing the joys life might have in store for him? Or to face them head on, not to allow them to win.
“Cole Harding gives me whiplash. Cold and agitated. Hot and handsy. Friendly and joking. How many versions are there? And why do I like them all?”
I really did love this book. I loved these two together. And I loved seeing more from Billie and Vaughn from the first book as well. This is such a wonderful series. Elsie Silver has such a beautiful way of telling her stories. I can’t wait for the third book in this series, The Front Runner, which will be Mira and Stefan’s story!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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September 9, 2022
*hides from everyone*
Me trying to get through the last 40% of the book.
Me trying to get through the last 40% of the book.
September 25, 2024
—— 4.✰ stars.
ok I am SURPRISED, not gonna lie I thought I was not gonna enjoy this as much as I did, I fucking devoured this in a sitting.
This book as a huge YES, the romance, the tension, the slow burn, the build up, the backstory, EVERYTHING.
➷ plot:
we follow Violet Eaton, and Cole Harding. Cole just moved to the town, and Violet is starting the season as a jockey, but something happens that makes them have to share the same house for a couple of weeks. It’s not going to be easy, because both of them have a past together, that no one’s knows about.
I must say this book is not very plot driven, it’s mostly about their relationship, which I honestly loved, it’s just their daily life and their hardships.
➷ violet eaton:
I loved her. She is strong, she wants to pave her own way, she wants to break free. I think she might be one of my favorite Elsie Silver girls so far.
➷ cole harding:
I’m in love with this man, he is just so human, I see myself on him, and every thought of his pierced through my heart deeply. He just needs love. LOVE. HIM.
➷ violet + cole:
ugh I loved them, their personalities match so well and they have a lot of chemistry, without a doubt, they are, so far on my top 3 couples of the 7 books I read from the author.
The moments where they open to each-other, specially cole, were so special and endearing, this man pays attention to every single detail of her, and he is just emotionally constipated lol.
➷ final thoughts:
even tho I hated the first book with all my heart, I loved this one with the same passion. Maybe it was right book right time, but this book just hits for me. The pace is amazing and I was just so entertained I couldn’t put it down. I mean, I read it in a fucking afternoon.
I’m excited to continue the series, because Mira and Mr Dalca are VERY interesting and promising.
➷ some quotes:
“It’s like you’ve seen all my darkest corners and don’t give a shit about them. You’re not scared. You don’t look at me like I’m tragic. You look at me like we’re inevitable.”
ok I am SURPRISED, not gonna lie I thought I was not gonna enjoy this as much as I did, I fucking devoured this in a sitting.
This book as a huge YES, the romance, the tension, the slow burn, the build up, the backstory, EVERYTHING.
➷ plot:
we follow Violet Eaton, and Cole Harding. Cole just moved to the town, and Violet is starting the season as a jockey, but something happens that makes them have to share the same house for a couple of weeks. It’s not going to be easy, because both of them have a past together, that no one’s knows about.
I must say this book is not very plot driven, it’s mostly about their relationship, which I honestly loved, it’s just their daily life and their hardships.
➷ violet eaton:
I loved her. She is strong, she wants to pave her own way, she wants to break free. I think she might be one of my favorite Elsie Silver girls so far.
➷ cole harding:
Because if I’ve learned anything in the last month, it’s that Cole Harding is a good man. Broken, and sensitive, and so fucking good.
I’m in love with this man, he is just so human, I see myself on him, and every thought of his pierced through my heart deeply. He just needs love. LOVE. HIM.
➷ violet + cole:
“Because you? Us? I think we’re meant to be. You found me, and I found you. Over and over again. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.”
ugh I loved them, their personalities match so well and they have a lot of chemistry, without a doubt, they are, so far on my top 3 couples of the 7 books I read from the author.
The moments where they open to each-other, specially cole, were so special and endearing, this man pays attention to every single detail of her, and he is just emotionally constipated lol.
➷ final thoughts:
even tho I hated the first book with all my heart, I loved this one with the same passion. Maybe it was right book right time, but this book just hits for me. The pace is amazing and I was just so entertained I couldn’t put it down. I mean, I read it in a fucking afternoon.
”I’ve spent so many years feeling undeserving of love, hiding myself from the mere possibility of it, that it feels bizarre to think that I might have found it now.”
I’m excited to continue the series, because Mira and Mr Dalca are VERY interesting and promising.
➷ some quotes:
“I’m terrified that if someone looks too close, they’ll see what I’m hiding.”
“I want all of her. Every square inch. I want to kiss away past hurts.”
“I’m sorry because I fell in love with you somewhere along the way, and now, I don’t know what to do with that.”
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”
“She’s like sunshine on my face. Warm and bright. I feel like I’ve been living in the shade, in a dark corner, and rather than dragging me kicking and screaming out of it—like so many people have tried to—she’s just shifted over a little bit to share her light.”
“Especially when I get a front-row seat to see the look of pure joy on Violet’s face as she crosses that finish line. Win or lose. She’s always smiling out there. Smiling right at me. Lighting me up. Because she’s my fucking sunshine.”
Read
October 5, 2022This couple did not win me over. I loved book 1 in this series, but I couldn’t say I loved Violet…
Specially towards the end as, to me, she just comes off like a little brat who is blinded by her insecurity around needing to feel independent. Of course she should get to live her dream and manage her career as she sees fit. But the way she dismiss Cole’s trauma really didn’t sit well with me. The guy was having a freaking panic attack and she couldn’t spare him a freaking empathetic thought - which would, by no means whatsoever, diminish her right to independence. Yeah, not impressed with how egoistic she was.
Not saying his trauma and PSTD justify everything. The guy has major issues that he is responsible for working on. But, if you want to be a partner to someone who’s been so deeply hurt, I think you should be ready to really support them through the process of healing. Not do it for them, but show patience and compassion. I get her frustration, which is legit cause she’s only human, but I don’t think the way she puts him in a corner is fair.
On book one I was on board with the relationship conflict because the male lead there, the younger brother, was just being a blind asshole who needed to get over himself. But someone who went through what Cole went through… I don’t think the exact same logic applies. I wish he would have gotten more understanding and caring from her.
Here is a spoiler for those interested in the details: True trauma does not work that way. It’s not just a matter of “hey get over it”.
I think what he does for himself and for her at the end of the book is incredibly brave and I’m happy for him. But I’m not sure she deserves it. This tough love approach, just pushing someone to go beyond their limits to satisfy someone else’s needs at the pace that’s most convenient to them is very very dangerous. It could totally push someone to a breaking point. I’m not here for it.
Specially towards the end as, to me, she just comes off like a little brat who is blinded by her insecurity around needing to feel independent. Of course she should get to live her dream and manage her career as she sees fit. But the way she dismiss Cole’s trauma really didn’t sit well with me. The guy was having a freaking panic attack and she couldn’t spare him a freaking empathetic thought - which would, by no means whatsoever, diminish her right to independence. Yeah, not impressed with how egoistic she was.
Not saying his trauma and PSTD justify everything. The guy has major issues that he is responsible for working on. But, if you want to be a partner to someone who’s been so deeply hurt, I think you should be ready to really support them through the process of healing. Not do it for them, but show patience and compassion. I get her frustration, which is legit cause she’s only human, but I don’t think the way she puts him in a corner is fair.
On book one I was on board with the relationship conflict because the male lead there, the younger brother, was just being a blind asshole who needed to get over himself. But someone who went through what Cole went through… I don’t think the exact same logic applies. I wish he would have gotten more understanding and caring from her.
Here is a spoiler for those interested in the details: True trauma does not work that way. It’s not just a matter of “hey get over it”.
I think what he does for himself and for her at the end of the book is incredibly brave and I’m happy for him. But I’m not sure she deserves it. This tough love approach, just pushing someone to go beyond their limits to satisfy someone else’s needs at the pace that’s most convenient to them is very very dangerous. It could totally push someone to a breaking point. I’m not here for it.
July 13, 2021
4.25 stars
A Photo Finish is my first book by Elsie Silver and I enjoyed it so much! I’ll definitely be checking out more by this author. I loved the banter, it had the emotion I crave in a romance while still being fun. The heroine was fantastic and sassy and the hero was grumpy and complicated in the best way.
Cole meets ‘Pretty in Purple’ aka Violet virtually. Violet doesn’t know what Cole looks like or who he is, and he doesn’t know anything about Violet either, except what she looks like. When they meet in person unexpectedly, it knocks Cole’s socks off. He doesn’t react in the best way to them being connected through is brother and family’s ranch.
Fast forward a few years later and Violet is riding as a jockey and gets hurt. She has to recover before getting back to work and ends up living in the main house where Cole happens to be staying. I love me a good forced proximity romance and with the past between them… gah. The tension was so high and it was so so good!
As always, my favorite part of this book was watching these two truly start to fall for each other. It was a slow burn with a grumpy hero and that always hits my love buttons. Sweet, steamy, and swoony- this is one you don’t want to miss!
“You don’t look at me like I’m tragic. You look at me like we’re inevitable.”
A Photo Finish is my first book by Elsie Silver and I enjoyed it so much! I’ll definitely be checking out more by this author. I loved the banter, it had the emotion I crave in a romance while still being fun. The heroine was fantastic and sassy and the hero was grumpy and complicated in the best way.
Cole meets ‘Pretty in Purple’ aka Violet virtually. Violet doesn’t know what Cole looks like or who he is, and he doesn’t know anything about Violet either, except what she looks like. When they meet in person unexpectedly, it knocks Cole’s socks off. He doesn’t react in the best way to them being connected through is brother and family’s ranch.
Fast forward a few years later and Violet is riding as a jockey and gets hurt. She has to recover before getting back to work and ends up living in the main house where Cole happens to be staying. I love me a good forced proximity romance and with the past between them… gah. The tension was so high and it was so so good!
As always, my favorite part of this book was watching these two truly start to fall for each other. It was a slow burn with a grumpy hero and that always hits my love buttons. Sweet, steamy, and swoony- this is one you don’t want to miss!
March 21, 2025
be back w a review soon <3
꒰ pre-read. ꒱
i’m beyond excited to finally get to violet’s story! she’s so adorable in the first book and how can we not adore an eaton 🤭 i’m hoping to love her and cole together! 🤞🏻
another buddy read with my love, lorena! <3
꒰ pre-read. ꒱
i’m beyond excited to finally get to violet’s story! she’s so adorable in the first book and how can we not adore an eaton 🤭 i’m hoping to love her and cole together! 🤞🏻
another buddy read with my love, lorena! <3
July 13, 2024
3.5 stars ✰
it took me an embarrassingly long time to realise violet is cade’s sister (from chestnut springs) HAHAHA I wish he made a bigger appearance in this it’s a little sad. but anyways, vi and cole’s story was so cute and unique I loved them so much!!
💌 tropes 💌
➳ online situationship (??)
➳ small town romance
➳ forced proximity (living together)
🎀 general thoughts 🎀
i thought this was super adorable, honestly the smut felt a little excessive at times but I’ll look past it!! the ending was so so perfect, I couldn’t have asked for anything better, it was so beautiful 🥹 and watching cole open up and take care of her whilst she’s injured was really really sweet <33 I would recommend this, it is so lighthearted and cosy, and a perfect palate cleanser read. I really needed this, it was defo right book right time for me 🙈🙈
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!
it took me an embarrassingly long time to realise violet is cade’s sister (from chestnut springs) HAHAHA I wish he made a bigger appearance in this it’s a little sad. but anyways, vi and cole’s story was so cute and unique I loved them so much!!
💌 tropes 💌
➳ online situationship (??)
➳ small town romance
➳ forced proximity (living together)
🎀 general thoughts 🎀
i thought this was super adorable, honestly the smut felt a little excessive at times but I’ll look past it!! the ending was so so perfect, I couldn’t have asked for anything better, it was so beautiful 🥹 and watching cole open up and take care of her whilst she’s injured was really really sweet <33 I would recommend this, it is so lighthearted and cosy, and a perfect palate cleanser read. I really needed this, it was defo right book right time for me 🙈🙈
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!
February 20, 2025
This book just made me love Billie more
March 21, 2025
4.5 stars
new elsie silver favourite! reckless is still no. 1 but still i just love this book so much 😭❤️🩹 one of her best works and idk why i waited years to read this!?
i missed my cowboy era 🤠
new elsie silver favourite! reckless is still no. 1 but still i just love this book so much 😭❤️🩹 one of her best works and idk why i waited years to read this!?
i missed my cowboy era 🤠
March 25, 2025
3.75 ★
you guys remembered how i was super excited to read this because i already loved the FMC after the appearances she had in the first book? well, i ended up liking the MMC more... yeah, anyway.
this was definitely an improvement from the first book!! violet was still a cutie but with more character and background than what we saw before. she frustrated me towards the end and i didn't understand (nor like) a couple of her reactions, but she was still a nice MC and the perfect balance for cole's personality. cole, on the other hand, exceeded all my expectations. i thought he was going to fill the stereotype of asshole MMC (like his brother 😒), but he turned out to be such a softie. he had lots of trauma to work through, and he did it beautifully (bare minimum, but we love a man who regularly goes to therapy 🙂↕️), and that grand gesture was adorable 🥹.
they were sweet together, but two more things bothered me: (1) i wasn't a fan of their sex scenes (i even skipped one), and (2) he referred to her as "precious" soo many times and i kinda hate that adjective, so it kept throwing me off 🙃, but that's a me-thing so you can ignore it. still, i loved the little flashbacks we got on both of their POVs, and the last chapters were great, so i'd say this was a win!
thank you my nina for reading this with me and agreeing on liking cole more than violet 🤝🏼
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
you guys remembered how i was super excited to read this because i already loved the FMC after the appearances she had in the first book? well, i ended up liking the MMC more... yeah, anyway.
this was definitely an improvement from the first book!! violet was still a cutie but with more character and background than what we saw before. she frustrated me towards the end and i didn't understand (nor like) a couple of her reactions, but she was still a nice MC and the perfect balance for cole's personality. cole, on the other hand, exceeded all my expectations. i thought he was going to fill the stereotype of asshole MMC (like his brother 😒), but he turned out to be such a softie. he had lots of trauma to work through, and he did it beautifully (bare minimum, but we love a man who regularly goes to therapy 🙂↕️), and that grand gesture was adorable 🥹.
they were sweet together, but two more things bothered me: (1) i wasn't a fan of their sex scenes (i even skipped one), and (2) he referred to her as "precious" soo many times and i kinda hate that adjective, so it kept throwing me off 🙃, but that's a me-thing so you can ignore it. still, i loved the little flashbacks we got on both of their POVs, and the last chapters were great, so i'd say this was a win!
thank you my nina for reading this with me and agreeing on liking cole more than violet 🤝🏼
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
August 22, 2022
I've really enjoyed the other books in this series, but Violet just rubs me the wrong way. She's so busy being pissed off that another man is trying to "micromanage" that she completely misses how hard Cole is trying to manage his trauma. She talks about being empathetic but it just comes off as selfish. Elise wrote this tortured character who watched his father die, spent years fighting in a war, and lost a limb. And somehow she also wrote a character that for all intents and purposes tells him to "toughen up buttercup." There's a difference between being driven and being oblivious to the experience of another person.
I almost DNFed this one because I'm more than 80% of the way through the book and Violet still hasn't shown growth or empathy. It gives me the icks.
I almost DNFed this one because I'm more than 80% of the way through the book and Violet still hasn't shown growth or empathy. It gives me the icks.
May 31, 2023
4.5 stars
Uhh I really loved watching them fall for each other! The tension?? The grumpy broody hero? The valid reason for him being so grumpy? When I realized that he wasn’t just being a jerk and I get to really know him and understand his reasons?? The way he just want to take care of her? The way she didn’t give up on him? Even during their third act conflict she was like we aren’t breaking up, I’m just giving you space to make up your mind and realize that you’re just being an ignorant man? She was like “I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.” The forced proximity? The slow burn? The chemistry? Their talks? The romance???? This was so good. So sweet. So emotional and romantic. I loved it.
Uhh I really loved watching them fall for each other! The tension?? The grumpy broody hero? The valid reason for him being so grumpy? When I realized that he wasn’t just being a jerk and I get to really know him and understand his reasons?? The way he just want to take care of her? The way she didn’t give up on him? Even during their third act conflict she was like we aren’t breaking up, I’m just giving you space to make up your mind and realize that you’re just being an ignorant man? She was like “I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.” The forced proximity? The slow burn? The chemistry? Their talks? The romance???? This was so good. So sweet. So emotional and romantic. I loved it.
December 23, 2024
I don’t want to hear him say that this is a bad idea. That we shouldn’t do this. He’s already put his mouth on my body and walked away once. I don’t think I can bear it again. How many times do I need to get turned away by this man before I learn my goddamn lesson?
This is their whole relationship basically. Violet being a desperate stupid doormat and Cole being a one dimensional character who’s whole personality is being an asshole because of 🫦trauma🫦 and giving Violet just an inch for her to pursue him and then him pulling back again and again and again because of 🫦trauma🫦.
I don’t wanna read a desperate woman begging for a man’s affection even when he rejected her a number of times.
It gets to a point and it’s exhausting.
This is their whole relationship basically. Violet being a desperate stupid doormat and Cole being a one dimensional character who’s whole personality is being an asshole because of 🫦trauma🫦 and giving Violet just an inch for her to pursue him and then him pulling back again and again and again because of 🫦trauma🫦.
I don’t wanna read a desperate woman begging for a man’s affection even when he rejected her a number of times.
It gets to a point and it’s exhausting.
January 31, 2025
A broken sad boy?
Second chance romance?
And they’re both cowboys/cowgirl (cow people? Really it’s horse people???)
Cole and Violet are a new fav couple 🩷
Second chance romance?
And they’re both cowboys/cowgirl (cow people? Really it’s horse people???)
Cole and Violet are a new fav couple 🩷
May 23, 2023
♾️+/5★
Tell me why this was the most perfect romance book I’ve EVER read?!?! This is my new all time favourite romance book and I will accept no criticism about it!! In my eyes it is pure perfection and if anyone disagrees than keep it to yourself because I will hear NONE OF IT!!!
The fact that it is also SO much more than just a romance book!! It deals with so many different topics such as insecurities, self-development, PTSD, therapy, self-love, acceptance, trust and so so so much more!! I felt so seen while reading this book!
I really related a lot to both main characters and seeing them go through so much individually and together, broke and healed my heart. I was rooting for them since page one and love them more than anything!!
This book just shows you that you’re not alone in this world and you’ll never be and that self-love is one of the most important loves to ever exist! It also shows that there are people who are willing to love you and be there for you no matter what and I believe that that is the most beautiful thing ever.
This book really brought me to tears and I feel such a deep connection to both the FMC and the MMC and their stories. Both individually and together. They own my heart and soul and I love them to infinity and beyond!
Their romance story was one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen!! I’m honestly not the biggest second-chance fan but this book was so freaking amazing!!! The dual time-lines, dual POV, the grumpy x sunshine, the “he hates everyone but her” trope… I was just EVERYTHING!!!!
It also really showed us into depth about how much these two really mean to one another and how deeply they understand each other!! You can truly feel their connection through the pages and see how strongly they’re meant for one another! The way they fight for AND with one another warms my heart!! They’re true soulmates and their love story is one that I’ll definitely never forget about!!
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤:
𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦’𝘴 (𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵) 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴. 𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.
𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨..
𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘭𝘦𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 (𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵) 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.
𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭. 𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘺…
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩..
And there are many, MANY more moments in this book that had me absolutely GAGGING and on my goddamn knees!!! I was literally grinning, crying, giggling, kicking my feet and so much more while reading this novel! It made me feel all of the right emotions and I honestly can’t get enough of them!! I will be thinking about them forever and ever and I’m honestly so sad to say goodbye to them because they’re definitely right now one of my favourite couples ever!!!
Overall, I highly recommend this book! It made me believe in true love again and I honestly wish and would die for a love story like that to happen to me! It is also such a HUGE improvement from book 1!! It was just so perfect and I will definitely be rereading it in the near future!! Miss Elsie Silver is a GENIUS!!!
Tell me why this was the most perfect romance book I’ve EVER read?!?! This is my new all time favourite romance book and I will accept no criticism about it!! In my eyes it is pure perfection and if anyone disagrees than keep it to yourself because I will hear NONE OF IT!!!
The fact that it is also SO much more than just a romance book!! It deals with so many different topics such as insecurities, self-development, PTSD, therapy, self-love, acceptance, trust and so so so much more!! I felt so seen while reading this book!
I really related a lot to both main characters and seeing them go through so much individually and together, broke and healed my heart. I was rooting for them since page one and love them more than anything!!
This book just shows you that you’re not alone in this world and you’ll never be and that self-love is one of the most important loves to ever exist! It also shows that there are people who are willing to love you and be there for you no matter what and I believe that that is the most beautiful thing ever.
This book really brought me to tears and I feel such a deep connection to both the FMC and the MMC and their stories. Both individually and together. They own my heart and soul and I love them to infinity and beyond!
Their romance story was one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen!! I’m honestly not the biggest second-chance fan but this book was so freaking amazing!!! The dual time-lines, dual POV, the grumpy x sunshine, the “he hates everyone but her” trope… I was just EVERYTHING!!!!
It also really showed us into depth about how much these two really mean to one another and how deeply they understand each other!! You can truly feel their connection through the pages and see how strongly they’re meant for one another! The way they fight for AND with one another warms my heart!! They’re true soulmates and their love story is one that I’ll definitely never forget about!!
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤:
𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦’𝘴 (𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵) 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴. 𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.
𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨..
𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘭𝘦𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 (𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵) 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.
𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭. 𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘺…
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩..
And there are many, MANY more moments in this book that had me absolutely GAGGING and on my goddamn knees!!! I was literally grinning, crying, giggling, kicking my feet and so much more while reading this novel! It made me feel all of the right emotions and I honestly can’t get enough of them!! I will be thinking about them forever and ever and I’m honestly so sad to say goodbye to them because they’re definitely right now one of my favourite couples ever!!!
Overall, I highly recommend this book! It made me believe in true love again and I honestly wish and would die for a love story like that to happen to me! It is also such a HUGE improvement from book 1!! It was just so perfect and I will definitely be rereading it in the near future!! Miss Elsie Silver is a GENIUS!!!
July 23, 2024
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.”
Violet Eaton (yes, sister of the Chestnut Springs brothers) is desperate to get out of the overbearing shadow of her family. Violet decides to move to Gold Rush Ranch, where she quickly excels and is promoted to her dream job. Violet thinks everything is going well until she finds out the man she has been sending explicit pictures to, and talking to online for over a year is her boss, Cole. Not only that, but he’s going to be living on the ranch with her. Both desperate to ignore each other, and pretend like it never happened their plan quickly goes sideways when Violet gets hurt and they’re forced to live in the same house together
𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
OHH MY GOD I LOVE VIOLET AND COLE SO MUCH. They’re up there on the list with Cade and Willa for my favorite book couples. You are on the edge of your seat the entire book, just waiting and hoping that they’ll give into the tension between them.
I absolutely love the fact that Violet never took pity on him and pushed him to be the person everyone knew that he could be.
Without spoiling the plot points, I felt like the meeting of the characters, and other barriers to their relationship were pretty unique as far as romance novels go. Especially when compared to her Chestnut Springs series. It didn’t feel like the typical romance book formula and that was SO refreshing. Also, I love the actual ranch life being at the forefront.
I wish Elsie (no seriously Elsie I’m begging) would do more cross over between Chestnut Springs and The Gold Rush Ranch series because IT WOULD BE A GOLDMINE. I want to see Cole meeting Harvey and her brothers, how they react to the epilogue.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🤠 Forced proximity
🤠 Cowboys
🤠 PTSD representation
🤠 Boss/employee relationship
—————————————————
another buddy read with my bestie aeryn 🫶🏻
Violet Eaton (yes, sister of the Chestnut Springs brothers) is desperate to get out of the overbearing shadow of her family. Violet decides to move to Gold Rush Ranch, where she quickly excels and is promoted to her dream job. Violet thinks everything is going well until she finds out the man she has been sending explicit pictures to, and talking to online for over a year is her boss, Cole. Not only that, but he’s going to be living on the ranch with her. Both desperate to ignore each other, and pretend like it never happened their plan quickly goes sideways when Violet gets hurt and they’re forced to live in the same house together
𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
OHH MY GOD I LOVE VIOLET AND COLE SO MUCH. They’re up there on the list with Cade and Willa for my favorite book couples. You are on the edge of your seat the entire book, just waiting and hoping that they’ll give into the tension between them.
I absolutely love the fact that Violet never took pity on him and pushed him to be the person everyone knew that he could be.
Without spoiling the plot points, I felt like the meeting of the characters, and other barriers to their relationship were pretty unique as far as romance novels go. Especially when compared to her Chestnut Springs series. It didn’t feel like the typical romance book formula and that was SO refreshing. Also, I love the actual ranch life being at the forefront.
I wish Elsie (no seriously Elsie I’m begging) would do more cross over between Chestnut Springs and The Gold Rush Ranch series because IT WOULD BE A GOLDMINE. I want to see Cole meeting Harvey and her brothers, how they react to the epilogue.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🤠 Forced proximity
🤠 Cowboys
🤠 PTSD representation
🤠 Boss/employee relationship
—————————————————
another buddy read with my bestie aeryn 🫶🏻
July 22, 2024
5⭐️
When I tell you that Elsie completely delivered on Violet's story, I mean it with my whole heart. When I read the Chestnut Springs series and I saw Violet introduced, I knew I needed to read her story. And when I tell you I did NOT expect it to be this one? I was thrown for a loop but in the best way possible.
When we first meet Violet in this book, she's very shy but eagerly wants to prove herself and make it known she's not just the Eaton boy's baby sister. Her character development in this was so beautiful. She was overall just a beautifully written character. I liked the uniqueness of the plot, as Violet uploads a nude picture of herself and that's actually where she ends up meeting Cole.
Cole was very briefly introduced in the first book and he came off as a very broody, cold person. While reading this, though? He's actually the sweetest man. I LOVED seeing him come out of his shell and develop into the character he was. A huge reason I really like Elsie's books is because she adds so much depth to her characters that it actually feels like you know them. I really WANT to know them. I know that when I dive into these books, I'm ready to be transported and immersed.
Even just finishing the second book, I'm not ready for this to be over. I've said it before with the Chestnut Springs series and I will say it here. Although, I'm very eager to learn about Stefan 👀 This book had beautiful characters, a beautiful world, a beautiful plot, and of course...the beautiful spice ☺️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taylor and I are buddy reading this whole series now! I've been wanting to read Violet's book since reading Chestnut Springs so I'm very excited 😙💛🧡
When I tell you that Elsie completely delivered on Violet's story, I mean it with my whole heart. When I read the Chestnut Springs series and I saw Violet introduced, I knew I needed to read her story. And when I tell you I did NOT expect it to be this one? I was thrown for a loop but in the best way possible.
When we first meet Violet in this book, she's very shy but eagerly wants to prove herself and make it known she's not just the Eaton boy's baby sister. Her character development in this was so beautiful. She was overall just a beautifully written character. I liked the uniqueness of the plot, as Violet uploads a nude picture of herself and that's actually where she ends up meeting Cole.
Cole was very briefly introduced in the first book and he came off as a very broody, cold person. While reading this, though? He's actually the sweetest man. I LOVED seeing him come out of his shell and develop into the character he was. A huge reason I really like Elsie's books is because she adds so much depth to her characters that it actually feels like you know them. I really WANT to know them. I know that when I dive into these books, I'm ready to be transported and immersed.
Even just finishing the second book, I'm not ready for this to be over. I've said it before with the Chestnut Springs series and I will say it here. Although, I'm very eager to learn about Stefan 👀 This book had beautiful characters, a beautiful world, a beautiful plot, and of course...the beautiful spice ☺️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taylor and I are buddy reading this whole series now! I've been wanting to read Violet's book since reading Chestnut Springs so I'm very excited 😙💛🧡
April 19, 2024
4.25⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I’m just saying if you guys haven’t read this series yet and you loved chestnut springs, it’s so worth it!!! I actually had the best time from start to finish, also getting to see Violet Eaton finally made me sooo freaking happy! Also a man in therapy?! We love to see it honestly!!!
I’m just saying if you guys haven’t read this series yet and you loved chestnut springs, it’s so worth it!!! I actually had the best time from start to finish, also getting to see Violet Eaton finally made me sooo freaking happy! Also a man in therapy?! We love to see it honestly!!!
November 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ / I’ve read 11 of Elsie’s 13 books, and this is easily the sexiest of them all. The setup, the slow-burn reconciliation, and the actual spice makes this book her hottest.
And what surprised me most is that, for the first time, I think I might actually have a bigger crush on the FMC than the MMC. Cole Harding is absolutely the grumpy military dreamboat we all expect from Elsie, but Violet Eaton has this confidence and presence that completely explains why he falls so hard for her.
I’ll admit, second-chance romances can be tricky for me especially when the characters face even more challenges after finally finding their way back to each other. But in this case, I can see why those moments were needed. They give the story one of the most emotional endings Elsie has written, and it really pays off.
If you’re a fan of cowboy romance, this book is absolutely for you. And honestly, it’s a great starting point if you’re new to Elsie’s work… it shows off everything she does best.
And what surprised me most is that, for the first time, I think I might actually have a bigger crush on the FMC than the MMC. Cole Harding is absolutely the grumpy military dreamboat we all expect from Elsie, but Violet Eaton has this confidence and presence that completely explains why he falls so hard for her.
I’ll admit, second-chance romances can be tricky for me especially when the characters face even more challenges after finally finding their way back to each other. But in this case, I can see why those moments were needed. They give the story one of the most emotional endings Elsie has written, and it really pays off.
If you’re a fan of cowboy romance, this book is absolutely for you. And honestly, it’s a great starting point if you’re new to Elsie’s work… it shows off everything she does best.
May 21, 2024
2.75 stars
This wasn't what I was expecting. Leave it to Billie Black to be the most sensible character in this book when I couldn't stand her in Book 1. I just did not like how the heroine Violet was written in this. And it pains me to say that because I love the Eaton brothers so so much from Chestnut Springs series, so I thought I would love their baby sister just as much. But gosh, she gave me serious whiplash. She's supposed to be sweet and bubbly with a generous heart but I really didn't see much of that sweetness here. The whole hardened "tough love" persona didn't work for me and ruined moments that would have otherwise been emotional and meaningful. It felt trying too hard. When you are dealing with a character who is struggling with severe crippling anxiety, trauma and PTSD? Then I think being a little reasonable and sensitive is not asking for too much is it? The hero Cole Harding is a former marine who served in Iraq through 4 deployments and came back with trauma and an injury that he's hidden. While struggling with that and being pretty much a recluse who shut himself off from the world, he is also still dealing with grief over losing his father a professional jockey rider who died during a race when he fell off his horse. The heroine Violet is an up and coming jockey rider, so clearly the tension is there. I was expecting an overbearing controlling alpha hero who bulldozes his way over people and control the heroine but that's not what is happening here at all. Cole is actually a very sensitive, deeply insecure, ashamed and closed off man who has been going to therapy for years to work on himself and just wants to keep to himself. This character had so many layers and emotional vulnerability that it actually surprised me. I really thought I was gonna get a rude and overbearing asshole from Cole but he wasn't either of those things. I wish he had a heroine who matched him in vulnerability and sensitivity while also being his champion at the same time. The nuance I was hoping to see just wasn't there. There's nothing wrong with giving your loved one a kick in the pants when they need it....but all the time? That's not healthy nor is it realistic. I just can't buy or believe this was a loving HEA with the way Violet kept brushing off Cole's feelings and in some cases his trauma.
We keep being told Violet isn't giving up on him or trying to change him but actions speak louder than words. When she pushes him away cause "she needs her space" but literally gripes about him ignoring her. Like....? I couldn't keep up with her. How are you gonna tell the man you love who witnessed his father die on the horse track to get over it if they want to be together? No darling, YOU get over it and give the man some grace?
Violet Eaton in a nutshell:
What kills me is Cole doesn't even tell her what to do or try to control her, he was surprisingly not the overbearing type. He just tells her how he feels and where he's coming from, that's it. Telling someone your feelings is not the same thing as telling someone what to do. Like it really felt like I was supposed to pat the heroine on the back for her hard stance on everything and suck it up buttercup attitude but I just wanted to shake her instead. I'm not sure what was in Elsie Silver's cereal when she wrote this series but her heroines are so over the top in their belligerent "don't tell me what to do" snipey attitudes. Billie in Book 1 had blinders on when it came to her job and having things her way. And Violet was very much the same here unfortunately. It's either their way or no way. The 0 to 180 reactions just feel like you are getting smacked in the face. It's so excessive and so repetitive and honestly childish. Violet grew up on a farm with her 3 older brothers and father who "smothered" her with their love and were overbearing in their protectiveness is what we keep being told to the point she moved out to find her independence and branch out on her own. I love an independent heroine but the number of times this girl rants about how she "doesn't want to be coddled" if someone even breathes on her wrong was so extreme and over the top. Like it came off almost petulant. Your hero isn’t ever allowed to fuss over the heroine? Not ever? Is Violet's feminist card gonna be revoked if Cole wants to help her out of the car when her foot is in damn a cast? 🙄 Or needs help reaching a top shelf? Or when she falls off a fucking horse? Come on. Does Silver realize how ridiculous this comes off? Please be serious. There is literally no room to breathe or enjoy dynamics like that when a person goes off the handle at the smallest things every. single. time. She keeps correcting him on things when he literally didn't do anything worthy of correction. 🤷🏻♀️ He had to apologize for even worrying over her or asking simple questions. That's not having boundaries, that's toxic behavior. I really, truly, deeply need romance authors to realize the difference. Because I can promise you, if roles were reversed and Cole acted and said some of the stuff Violet said here a lot of people would be up in arms. So why is it ok for your heroine to act like this? Cause her family "babied" her? Oh the horror. 🙄
Permission? A guy worrying about you disappearing when you moved out overnight without so much as a 'goodbye' is a problem? I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. The words "babied" and "coddled" get a real workout in this book. No really, make it a drinking game and take a shot everytime the heroine says it and you'd be flat on your ass by the end of the book.
For me though the moment that broke the camel's back and my patience in wanting to hurl my kindle out the window is the scene where the heroine is trying to break in a new filly horse Pippy as her new race horse. The horse balks and bucks Violet off her back causing Violet to fall to the ground and Cole freaks out and has a full blown panic attack where he nearly vomits thinking she's hurt or worse (his father died the same way and the heroine knows this). I honestly was holding my breath waiting for something exactly like this to happen and as expected Violet, not Cole, doesn't handle it well:
I just.....wasn't feeling her at all. Instead of independent she came off abrasive, childish and so condescending. How is someone worrying you are unconscious"babying" you? ENOUGH ALREADY. Her attitude is abhorrent and so unnecessary. There are barely any soft moments because of this. With the hero constantly having to apologize for even questioning or worrying for the heroine. There is just nothing likable about people who bulldoze over others to get their way. There's just nothing remotely realistic or healthy about this kind of dynamic. Your heroine isn't independent, she's a bitch. Know the difference before writing crap like this.
I'm just honestly really turned off by the whole tone and writing of this series that I think I'll stop here. As much as I love to read about Veterinary characters paired up with a "anti-hero" no less, Mira's abrasive personality is giving me the same exact thing as Billie and Violet and I have zero interest in it. For any new readers, I highly recommend reading Elsie Silver's Chestnut Spring series. It's leaps and bounds stronger and more fleshed out than this. With heroines who have varying personalities too, who act like actual adults! Elsie Silver has really grown into her writing and voice and I hope she never falls back on this kind of caricature-like, flat, template storytelling style again.
My dad and brothers did it to me without even realizing that putting baby sister up on a pedestal was some real patriarchal bullshit.
This wasn't what I was expecting. Leave it to Billie Black to be the most sensible character in this book when I couldn't stand her in Book 1. I just did not like how the heroine Violet was written in this. And it pains me to say that because I love the Eaton brothers so so much from Chestnut Springs series, so I thought I would love their baby sister just as much. But gosh, she gave me serious whiplash. She's supposed to be sweet and bubbly with a generous heart but I really didn't see much of that sweetness here. The whole hardened "tough love" persona didn't work for me and ruined moments that would have otherwise been emotional and meaningful. It felt trying too hard. When you are dealing with a character who is struggling with severe crippling anxiety, trauma and PTSD? Then I think being a little reasonable and sensitive is not asking for too much is it? The hero Cole Harding is a former marine who served in Iraq through 4 deployments and came back with trauma and an injury that he's hidden. While struggling with that and being pretty much a recluse who shut himself off from the world, he is also still dealing with grief over losing his father a professional jockey rider who died during a race when he fell off his horse. The heroine Violet is an up and coming jockey rider, so clearly the tension is there. I was expecting an overbearing controlling alpha hero who bulldozes his way over people and control the heroine but that's not what is happening here at all. Cole is actually a very sensitive, deeply insecure, ashamed and closed off man who has been going to therapy for years to work on himself and just wants to keep to himself. This character had so many layers and emotional vulnerability that it actually surprised me. I really thought I was gonna get a rude and overbearing asshole from Cole but he wasn't either of those things. I wish he had a heroine who matched him in vulnerability and sensitivity while also being his champion at the same time. The nuance I was hoping to see just wasn't there. There's nothing wrong with giving your loved one a kick in the pants when they need it....but all the time? That's not healthy nor is it realistic. I just can't buy or believe this was a loving HEA with the way Violet kept brushing off Cole's feelings and in some cases his trauma.
“I don’t need you to coddle me. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
Frustration surges up in me, fueled by our interaction. Fueled by my embarrassment. I can’t be this close to him right now. “Can you just throw me a fucking bone and not tell me what to do?”
“Drive carefully, please.” His voice is all gravel with a pleading tone to it. I snort and continue to the driver’s side.
He looks shocked, and I don’t care. I need some fucking space.
We keep being told Violet isn't giving up on him or trying to change him but actions speak louder than words. When she pushes him away cause "she needs her space" but literally gripes about him ignoring her. Like....? I couldn't keep up with her. How are you gonna tell the man you love who witnessed his father die on the horse track to get over it if they want to be together? No darling, YOU get over it and give the man some grace?
Violet Eaton in a nutshell:
What kills me is Cole doesn't even tell her what to do or try to control her, he was surprisingly not the overbearing type. He just tells her how he feels and where he's coming from, that's it. Telling someone your feelings is not the same thing as telling someone what to do. Like it really felt like I was supposed to pat the heroine on the back for her hard stance on everything and suck it up buttercup attitude but I just wanted to shake her instead. I'm not sure what was in Elsie Silver's cereal when she wrote this series but her heroines are so over the top in their belligerent "don't tell me what to do" snipey attitudes. Billie in Book 1 had blinders on when it came to her job and having things her way. And Violet was very much the same here unfortunately. It's either their way or no way. The 0 to 180 reactions just feel like you are getting smacked in the face. It's so excessive and so repetitive and honestly childish. Violet grew up on a farm with her 3 older brothers and father who "smothered" her with their love and were overbearing in their protectiveness is what we keep being told to the point she moved out to find her independence and branch out on her own. I love an independent heroine but the number of times this girl rants about how she "doesn't want to be coddled" if someone even breathes on her wrong was so extreme and over the top. Like it came off almost petulant. Your hero isn’t ever allowed to fuss over the heroine? Not ever? Is Violet's feminist card gonna be revoked if Cole wants to help her out of the car when her foot is in damn a cast? 🙄 Or needs help reaching a top shelf? Or when she falls off a fucking horse? Come on. Does Silver realize how ridiculous this comes off? Please be serious. There is literally no room to breathe or enjoy dynamics like that when a person goes off the handle at the smallest things every. single. time. She keeps correcting him on things when he literally didn't do anything worthy of correction. 🤷🏻♀️ He had to apologize for even worrying over her or asking simple questions. That's not having boundaries, that's toxic behavior. I really, truly, deeply need romance authors to realize the difference. Because I can promise you, if roles were reversed and Cole acted and said some of the stuff Violet said here a lot of people would be up in arms. So why is it ok for your heroine to act like this? Cause her family "babied" her? Oh the horror. 🙄
I don’t like being babied, and I don’t need people treating me like porcelain because I have an injury.
“Let me help you.” His voice is soft, but I don’t want this side of him. I don’t want to be coddled.
“I’m fucked up, Violet. There’s hard work that I need to do. The shit in my head? It doesn’t just get better because I want it to.”
If he’s searching for pity, this isn’t where he’s going to get it. He just told me he loves me, and he’s still dicking around ignoring me?
“Is that your best plan?” He had to go there, didn’t he? Trying to tell me what to do after I’ve been perfectly careful and patient for the past month. Now I’m supposed to keep acting like I’m injured when I’m not?
“It’s my plan. I don’t require your approval to get on a horse that I’ve been put in charge of.”
“No. Don’t. Don’t Violet me. I don’t need your permission to do this. I have races this weekend. I’m riding in those too. I have a dad and three overprotective brothers. I don’t need another one. You know this. So, get on board, or get out of my way.”
“What do you want, Cole?”
“You moved.”
“Yup. My leg is better. So . . .”
I blurt out the part that’s really bugging me. “You didn’t tell me.”
Her head quirks slightly as she grips the door in front of her like it’s a shield. “Didn’t know I needed your permission.”
Permission? A guy worrying about you disappearing when you moved out overnight without so much as a 'goodbye' is a problem? I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. The words "babied" and "coddled" get a real workout in this book. No really, make it a drinking game and take a shot everytime the heroine says it and you'd be flat on your ass by the end of the book.
For me though the moment that broke the camel's back and my patience in wanting to hurl my kindle out the window is the scene where the heroine is trying to break in a new filly horse Pippy as her new race horse. The horse balks and bucks Violet off her back causing Violet to fall to the ground and Cole freaks out and has a full blown panic attack where he nearly vomits thinking she's hurt or worse (his father died the same way and the heroine knows this). I honestly was holding my breath waiting for something exactly like this to happen and as expected Violet, not Cole, doesn't handle it well:
With a few more steps, I fall to the track at her side, kneeling in the dirt, fingers hovering over her body while tears spring up in my eyes. Relief. Relief so intense. Like I’ve never felt before. “Are you okay? Are you okay?”
“You guys!” Violet shoves my hands off and sits up, frustrated. “If I tell you I’m fine, I’m fine. I don’t need to be handled with kid gloves just because I’m the same size as one.”.....
“Cole. Babe. It’s nice to see you. But I’m working right now. I’m coming to your place when I’m done. Billie, let’s go again.” Her tone isn’t cruel, but it is matter-of-fact.
I just.....wasn't feeling her at all. Instead of independent she came off abrasive, childish and so condescending. How is someone worrying you are unconscious"babying" you? ENOUGH ALREADY. Her attitude is abhorrent and so unnecessary. There are barely any soft moments because of this. With the hero constantly having to apologize for even questioning or worrying for the heroine. There is just nothing likable about people who bulldoze over others to get their way. There's just nothing remotely realistic or healthy about this kind of dynamic. Your heroine isn't independent, she's a bitch. Know the difference before writing crap like this.
I'm just honestly really turned off by the whole tone and writing of this series that I think I'll stop here. As much as I love to read about Veterinary characters paired up with a "anti-hero" no less, Mira's abrasive personality is giving me the same exact thing as Billie and Violet and I have zero interest in it. For any new readers, I highly recommend reading Elsie Silver's Chestnut Spring series. It's leaps and bounds stronger and more fleshed out than this. With heroines who have varying personalities too, who act like actual adults! Elsie Silver has really grown into her writing and voice and I hope she never falls back on this kind of caricature-like, flat, template storytelling style again.
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