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Silver Pines Ranch #3
Riding the High
In the steamy third novel in the Silver Pines Ranch series, a newly appointed sheriff and a congressman’s daughter must keep their impulsive Vegas nuptials hidden to protect their reputations—but what happens in Vegas rarely remains secret.
Her heart is wild. Only he can capture it.
When Cole Ashby is appointed Laurel Creek’s sheriff, he is determined to prove to the town, his family, and most importantly to himself that he’s the responsible choice for the job. A devoted single dad, his main goal is to lay steady roots for his young daughter.
As the daughter of a Kentucky congressman, elementary school teacher Ginger Danforth's life has always been about neat appearances. But inside she’s dying to break free from the restraints of reputation and embrace the sense of adventure that runs through her veins.
When the Laurel Creek crew heads to Las Vegas for a weekend away, long-time friends Ginger and Cole play a game of truth or dare and, after a few too many drinks, wake up the next morning having exchanged marriage vows in a Vegas chapel.
With no chance of an immediate annulment, the two make a stay married for ninety days in secret, until Ginger's father is re-elected and Cole is out of his probationary period as county sheriff.
But when Ginger agrees to help watch Cole’s daughter for the summer and the pair are forced to spend an increasing amount of time in each other’s company, riding the high of their accidental marriage, the more it begins to feel real. Until they start to forget their marriage was ever meant to be temporary. . .
Her heart is wild. Only he can capture it.
When Cole Ashby is appointed Laurel Creek’s sheriff, he is determined to prove to the town, his family, and most importantly to himself that he’s the responsible choice for the job. A devoted single dad, his main goal is to lay steady roots for his young daughter.
As the daughter of a Kentucky congressman, elementary school teacher Ginger Danforth's life has always been about neat appearances. But inside she’s dying to break free from the restraints of reputation and embrace the sense of adventure that runs through her veins.
When the Laurel Creek crew heads to Las Vegas for a weekend away, long-time friends Ginger and Cole play a game of truth or dare and, after a few too many drinks, wake up the next morning having exchanged marriage vows in a Vegas chapel.
With no chance of an immediate annulment, the two make a stay married for ninety days in secret, until Ginger's father is re-elected and Cole is out of his probationary period as county sheriff.
But when Ginger agrees to help watch Cole’s daughter for the summer and the pair are forced to spend an increasing amount of time in each other’s company, riding the high of their accidental marriage, the more it begins to feel real. Until they start to forget their marriage was ever meant to be temporary. . .
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2025
839 people are currently reading
32031 people want to read
About the author
Paisley Hope
11 books3,817 followersPaisley Hope is a USA Today and Sunday Times Bestselling author of spicy contemporary romance. Her books are full of found family, dreamy settings, swoony moments and happily ever afters. She also writes darker romances that will keep your pulse racing.
Paisley spends all her free time with her husband and kids. She loves to bake, garden and travel.
Paisley spends all her free time with her husband and kids. She loves to bake, garden and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,461 reviews
May 6, 2025
2 stars
Lately, all of my recent reads have been so underwhelming that I honestly can’t tell if Riding the High was a bad book, or if I’m just stuck in a terrible reading slump. I went into this one with low expectations after struggling through the first two books in the series, hoping that maybe, just maybe, this one would turn things around. After all, Cole and Ginger’s dynamic seemed promising enough to keep me going. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I just didn’t enjoy it. At this point, I’m not sure if it was the book’s fault or if I was just in the wrong headspace, but either way, it didn’t work for me.
The premise had a lot of potential: a small-town sheriff and the daughter of a congressman who accidentally get married after a wild weekend in Vegas. What’s not to love? They decide to keep their marriage a secret until their personal and professional lives settle down. As Ginger agrees to help Cole with his daughter that summer, their accidental marriage starts to feel more real. It could’ve been a cute, swoon-worthy romance with all the right ingredients, but somehow, it just didn’t hit the mark.
Instead, it felt like the plot dragged on without ever picking up momentum. It took me over a week to finish this book, and this is coming from someone who usually devours books in about 2-3 days. When it takes that long to get through a story that should have been quick and engaging, that’s never a good sign. Every time I picked it up, I found myself struggling to keep going. I almost wanted to dnf it several times, but I kept pushing through, hoping it would redeem itself. Unfortunately, it didn’t.
The romance—Let me be clear: I don’t mind smut in my romances. In fact, I’ve been known to enjoy it! But in this case, it was like the book was more about their physical relationship than about developing any emotional depth between the characters. Every major moment seemed to revolve around Cole and Ginger hooking up, and it started to feel repetitive. It wasn’t romantic—it was just smut for the sake of smut, and it completely overshadowed any potential for emotional growth. It left the plot feeling thin, and I just couldn’t get invested in the characters or their relationship.
If you’re someone who’s into steamy romances and doesn’t mind a light plot, you might find this book appealing. But for me, it just felt like the steam overtook everything else that could’ve made the story more meaningful. There wasn’t enough substance for me to connect with or care about their journey.
I’ve felt the same way about the entire series. I’m definitely not a hater when it comes to cowboy romances—I actually love them! But this series just hasn’t delivered. The characters have been one-dimensional, the plots thin, and each book has left me feeling underwhelmed at best. I keep hoping for something to really grab me, but so far, nothing has.
In the end, Riding the High felt like a missed opportunity. The premise was solid, and the characters had potential, but the execution didn’t work for me. If you’re looking for a romance that leans more heavily into smut than emotional depth, this might be a good fit. But if you’re after a story with true chemistry and character development, I’d say skip this one. I might pick up the next book in the series when it releases, but it won’t be out of excitement—more out of curiosity or if I’m just in the mood for something light and steamy.
All in all, I was left disappointed. It just didn’t resonate with me, and unfortunately, the whole series so far has been a bit of a letdown.
Thank you Penguin Random House Australia for the arc.
Lately, all of my recent reads have been so underwhelming that I honestly can’t tell if Riding the High was a bad book, or if I’m just stuck in a terrible reading slump. I went into this one with low expectations after struggling through the first two books in the series, hoping that maybe, just maybe, this one would turn things around. After all, Cole and Ginger’s dynamic seemed promising enough to keep me going. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I just didn’t enjoy it. At this point, I’m not sure if it was the book’s fault or if I was just in the wrong headspace, but either way, it didn’t work for me.
The premise had a lot of potential: a small-town sheriff and the daughter of a congressman who accidentally get married after a wild weekend in Vegas. What’s not to love? They decide to keep their marriage a secret until their personal and professional lives settle down. As Ginger agrees to help Cole with his daughter that summer, their accidental marriage starts to feel more real. It could’ve been a cute, swoon-worthy romance with all the right ingredients, but somehow, it just didn’t hit the mark.
Instead, it felt like the plot dragged on without ever picking up momentum. It took me over a week to finish this book, and this is coming from someone who usually devours books in about 2-3 days. When it takes that long to get through a story that should have been quick and engaging, that’s never a good sign. Every time I picked it up, I found myself struggling to keep going. I almost wanted to dnf it several times, but I kept pushing through, hoping it would redeem itself. Unfortunately, it didn’t.
The romance—Let me be clear: I don’t mind smut in my romances. In fact, I’ve been known to enjoy it! But in this case, it was like the book was more about their physical relationship than about developing any emotional depth between the characters. Every major moment seemed to revolve around Cole and Ginger hooking up, and it started to feel repetitive. It wasn’t romantic—it was just smut for the sake of smut, and it completely overshadowed any potential for emotional growth. It left the plot feeling thin, and I just couldn’t get invested in the characters or their relationship.
If you’re someone who’s into steamy romances and doesn’t mind a light plot, you might find this book appealing. But for me, it just felt like the steam overtook everything else that could’ve made the story more meaningful. There wasn’t enough substance for me to connect with or care about their journey.
I’ve felt the same way about the entire series. I’m definitely not a hater when it comes to cowboy romances—I actually love them! But this series just hasn’t delivered. The characters have been one-dimensional, the plots thin, and each book has left me feeling underwhelmed at best. I keep hoping for something to really grab me, but so far, nothing has.
In the end, Riding the High felt like a missed opportunity. The premise was solid, and the characters had potential, but the execution didn’t work for me. If you’re looking for a romance that leans more heavily into smut than emotional depth, this might be a good fit. But if you’re after a story with true chemistry and character development, I’d say skip this one. I might pick up the next book in the series when it releases, but it won’t be out of excitement—more out of curiosity or if I’m just in the mood for something light and steamy.
All in all, I was left disappointed. It just didn’t resonate with me, and unfortunately, the whole series so far has been a bit of a letdown.
Thank you Penguin Random House Australia for the arc.
June 2, 2025
╰┈➤ 5 stars!
riding the high by paisley hope felt as if i was riding the high on my own! this story was so good! it was full of support, love, and friendship. there's just something about small-town romance books that just captivates me.
living in a small-town where everyone is close to one another, having a big family who are tight, and just the place itself makes me wanna escape the city and live my life in a town where everyone is not in a hurry.
౨ৎ ginger. a woman who refuses to let her parents dictate her life, especially when it comes to their demands for her to find a husband and have children. she’s fierce, independent, and doesn't back down from a fight. her love for kids shines through, making her an incredible caregiver and role model. she’s sassy, confident, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, which makes her character even more lovable. most importantly, she’s the mother who stepped up when others couldn’t—a true embodiment of strength and resilience.
౨ৎ cole. the ultimate single dad who carries an enormous weight on his shoulders. despite his many responsibilities, he manages to be an amazing father to mabel. and can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that he has a “G” tattoo that stands for ginger? if that’s not peak devotion, i don’t know what is. plus, the fact that he buys flowers for mabel’s room every time she’s away just so the house doesn’t feel empty—ugh, my heart. cole is not only a great dad but also a man who knows how to show love in the most thoughtful and meaningful ways.
the banter between ginger and cole? absolutely top-tier. it keeps the spark in their relationship alive and makes their dynamic so entertaining. the way they challenge and tease each other adds so much depth to their connection. and let’s not forget the ashby men—they’re the perfect balance of protective and respectful. they know when to step in and defend their women, but they also understand when to give them space and let them handle things on their own. it’s such a refreshing dynamic that adds a lot of charm to the story.
cole being a total girl dad just melts my heart even more. his bond with mabel is so pure and wholesome, and you can really feel the love he has for her. overall, this book was an emotional rollercoaster with the perfect mix of spice, humor, and heartfelt moments. it’s definitely one that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
been waiting for cole and ginger’s story! i just know that this will eat given that they’re already fully aware of the tension between them but just not making a move 🤭👀 i’m so glad my request for the arc got approved 💌
riding the high by paisley hope felt as if i was riding the high on my own! this story was so good! it was full of support, love, and friendship. there's just something about small-town romance books that just captivates me.
living in a small-town where everyone is close to one another, having a big family who are tight, and just the place itself makes me wanna escape the city and live my life in a town where everyone is not in a hurry.
౨ৎ ginger. a woman who refuses to let her parents dictate her life, especially when it comes to their demands for her to find a husband and have children. she’s fierce, independent, and doesn't back down from a fight. her love for kids shines through, making her an incredible caregiver and role model. she’s sassy, confident, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, which makes her character even more lovable. most importantly, she’s the mother who stepped up when others couldn’t—a true embodiment of strength and resilience.
౨ৎ cole. the ultimate single dad who carries an enormous weight on his shoulders. despite his many responsibilities, he manages to be an amazing father to mabel. and can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that he has a “G” tattoo that stands for ginger? if that’s not peak devotion, i don’t know what is. plus, the fact that he buys flowers for mabel’s room every time she’s away just so the house doesn’t feel empty—ugh, my heart. cole is not only a great dad but also a man who knows how to show love in the most thoughtful and meaningful ways.
the banter between ginger and cole? absolutely top-tier. it keeps the spark in their relationship alive and makes their dynamic so entertaining. the way they challenge and tease each other adds so much depth to their connection. and let’s not forget the ashby men—they’re the perfect balance of protective and respectful. they know when to step in and defend their women, but they also understand when to give them space and let them handle things on their own. it’s such a refreshing dynamic that adds a lot of charm to the story.
cole being a total girl dad just melts my heart even more. his bond with mabel is so pure and wholesome, and you can really feel the love he has for her. overall, this book was an emotional rollercoaster with the perfect mix of spice, humor, and heartfelt moments. it’s definitely one that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
been waiting for cole and ginger’s story! i just know that this will eat given that they’re already fully aware of the tension between them but just not making a move 🤭👀 i’m so glad my request for the arc got approved 💌
March 5, 2025
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘- ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
╰┈➤ 3.5 rounded up. I really wish I loved this one more but I found it to be too cringey and too sexual. I wish there was more connection rather than them just sleeping together to solve their problems. I still adored their story and Mabel 🫶🏼
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤
❀ accidental marriage
✿ single dad
✾ best friends brother
❀ secret friends to lovers
✿ forced proximity
❀ nanny
𝔽𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤
❥Ginger Danforth- Aka vixen. Extremely Sarcastic. She is a high school teacher who has off for the summer. She grew up liking Cole. She begins to watch Cole’s daughter for the summer. She has almond chocolatey eyes and is short and curvy. She has curly deep brown hair and tanned skin. Her father is a congressman so she is from a high standard family. Also she smells like coconut vanilla citrus. I only know this because Cole talks about how good she smells throughout the book 🙃
❥ Cole Ashby-aka law daddy. Cole is the sherrif of Laurel Creek and Mabels dad. He is a 6’3” tatted athletic man with big amber eyes with wavy brown hair. He HATES mushrooms
He also gets very very jealous of when other men have her attention. He has secretly wanted Ginger for years but didn’t speak up. Ginger changes his player ways and he now only wants her.
❥ Mabel: aka half pint. Coles 8 year old daughter. Long dark hair with his eyes. Absolutely adores Ginger. Very anxious. Loves Ginger more than her own mother.
❥ Gemma : Cole’s ex wife and Mabel’s mom. Social life is more important. She is typically found drinking. She is also dating Cole’s coworker Brent. Just an uber C U Next Tuesday. Could throttle her. Literally pissed me off whenever her name came up.
❥Cece: Coles sister and Gingers best friend. Her bacherlorette party in Vegas is what caused Cole and Gingers accidental wedding. She wasn’t even upset when she heard about Ginger and Cole 🥺 She was actually wishing on it happening.
༺ 𝓢𝓸𝓷𝓰/𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓡𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯༻
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
01:43 ━━━━●───── 03:50
⇆ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮
Worst Way by Riley Green
01:43 ━━━━●───── 03:50
⇆ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 ༝༚༝༚
✎ PLAY WORST WAY BY RILEY GREEN. 100 PERCENT COLE AND GINGER 🫠😩
✎ Like I stated above I found certain parts so cringe to the point I wanted to almost dnf. They are 30 ish year olds talking like 20 year olds.
✎ Ginger is a baddie and I will stand on that for life. I adore her and her mannerisms throughout the book.
✎ I would pay to get a sangria with her and Cece. Sounds like a grand ole time.
✎ Coles jealousy issues were HOT HOT HOT. I love jealous men so bad in books.
✎ Cole still was consistently thinking with his 🍆. When Ginger came to have a serious conversation it immediately turned into sex. I actually closed the book.
✎ I feel this book may have lacked some personality and depth to the characters. I ADORED Cole and Ginger in other previous books but something was missing in this one. I didn’t feel connected or enjoy them as much.
✎ Some side characters were introduced for the upcoming books which has me excited. I was kinda sad older book characters were left out. For a small town cowboy ish romance it made me sad how the friendgroup/ family dynamic was lost.
✎ Overall I still enjoyed Cole and Gingers story. I am excited for the other 2 books in this series 🥰
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉୨♡୧﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉
𝙴𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚙𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟼𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻
﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉୨♡୧﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉
⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖 𝙷𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙿𝚊𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝙷𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎-𝚊𝚛𝚌 𝚒𝚗 𝚎𝚡𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 ❤️
━━━━━━━━━━⊱ 𝒑𝒓𝒆- 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ⊰━━━━━━━━━━━
FINALLYYYYY. WAR IS OVER. I CAN START ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED READS OF 2025 ✨ praying for 5 stars 🥺🫠
╰┈➤ 3.5 rounded up. I really wish I loved this one more but I found it to be too cringey and too sexual. I wish there was more connection rather than them just sleeping together to solve their problems. I still adored their story and Mabel 🫶🏼
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤
❀ accidental marriage
✿ single dad
✾ best friends brother
❀ secret friends to lovers
✿ forced proximity
❀ nanny
𝔽𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤
❥Ginger Danforth- Aka vixen. Extremely Sarcastic. She is a high school teacher who has off for the summer. She grew up liking Cole. She begins to watch Cole’s daughter for the summer. She has almond chocolatey eyes and is short and curvy. She has curly deep brown hair and tanned skin. Her father is a congressman so she is from a high standard family. Also she smells like coconut vanilla citrus. I only know this because Cole talks about how good she smells throughout the book 🙃
❥ Cole Ashby-aka law daddy. Cole is the sherrif of Laurel Creek and Mabels dad. He is a 6’3” tatted athletic man with big amber eyes with wavy brown hair. He HATES mushrooms
He also gets very very jealous of when other men have her attention. He has secretly wanted Ginger for years but didn’t speak up. Ginger changes his player ways and he now only wants her.
❥ Mabel: aka half pint. Coles 8 year old daughter. Long dark hair with his eyes. Absolutely adores Ginger. Very anxious. Loves Ginger more than her own mother.
❥ Gemma : Cole’s ex wife and Mabel’s mom. Social life is more important. She is typically found drinking. She is also dating Cole’s coworker Brent. Just an uber C U Next Tuesday. Could throttle her. Literally pissed me off whenever her name came up.
❥Cece: Coles sister and Gingers best friend. Her bacherlorette party in Vegas is what caused Cole and Gingers accidental wedding. She wasn’t even upset when she heard about Ginger and Cole 🥺 She was actually wishing on it happening.
༺ 𝓢𝓸𝓷𝓰/𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓡𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯༻
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
01:43 ━━━━●───── 03:50
⇆ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮
Worst Way by Riley Green
01:43 ━━━━●───── 03:50
⇆ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 ༝༚༝༚
✎ PLAY WORST WAY BY RILEY GREEN. 100 PERCENT COLE AND GINGER 🫠😩
✎ Like I stated above I found certain parts so cringe to the point I wanted to almost dnf. They are 30 ish year olds talking like 20 year olds.
✎ Ginger is a baddie and I will stand on that for life. I adore her and her mannerisms throughout the book.
✎ I would pay to get a sangria with her and Cece. Sounds like a grand ole time.
✎ Coles jealousy issues were HOT HOT HOT. I love jealous men so bad in books.
✎ Cole still was consistently thinking with his 🍆. When Ginger came to have a serious conversation it immediately turned into sex. I actually closed the book.
✎ I feel this book may have lacked some personality and depth to the characters. I ADORED Cole and Ginger in other previous books but something was missing in this one. I didn’t feel connected or enjoy them as much.
✎ Some side characters were introduced for the upcoming books which has me excited. I was kinda sad older book characters were left out. For a small town cowboy ish romance it made me sad how the friendgroup/ family dynamic was lost.
✎ Overall I still enjoyed Cole and Gingers story. I am excited for the other 2 books in this series 🥰
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉୨♡୧﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉
𝙴𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚙𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟼𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻
﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉୨♡୧﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉
⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖 𝙷𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙿𝚊𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝙷𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎-𝚊𝚛𝚌 𝚒𝚗 𝚎𝚡𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 ❤️
━━━━━━━━━━⊱ 𝒑𝒓𝒆- 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ⊰━━━━━━━━━━━
FINALLYYYYY. WAR IS OVER. I CAN START ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED READS OF 2025 ✨ praying for 5 stars 🥺🫠
September 11, 2025
COLE WESTON ASHBY KING OF MY HEART BODY AND SOUL AHHHHH I LOVED THIS ONE WITH EVERYTHING IN ME RTC!!!!
~~~~~~~
to the person at PRH ballantine/dell who just approved this on my NG if you feel a phantom tingle on your cheek dont worry thats just me giving you the fattest smooch. i hope your pillow is always cold, that your food while eating out is always hot and fresh and that you never ever stub your toe or get your pant loops caught on a doorknob again LOVE YA
~~~~~~~
to the person at PRH ballantine/dell who just approved this on my NG if you feel a phantom tingle on your cheek dont worry thats just me giving you the fattest smooch. i hope your pillow is always cold, that your food while eating out is always hot and fresh and that you never ever stub your toe or get your pant loops caught on a doorknob again LOVE YA
will-not-read
November 17, 2024It’s always been you except for all those times i fucked other women 🙄
May 3, 2025
❀ “Because, right now, I’m just riding this high. And fuck, maybe getting her to fall for me is exactly what I’m trying to do.”
Cole and Ginger have been close friends for a long time, but have always been attracted to each other. so when they drunkenly get married in Vegas one night, they start to question if friends is all they really want to be. I’ve always liked Ginger, she’s so attentive and supportive of everyone around her and it’s easy to see why Cole feels the way he does about her. Cole has a bit of a reputation for sleeping around which didn’t bode well for me, especially with the way it was portrayed. i’m not the biggest fan of kids, but i love Cole’s daughter Mabel and seeing her grow fond of Ginger was sweet.
❀ “You don’t have to ask me. I volunteer. I know exactly what it means to love you, Cole. I think on some level I’ve always loved you. And I want it all. Every last piece. Especially Mabel.”
i really wanted to like this more than i did, but i ended up feeling underwhelmed. my main issues with this book were: things moved too fast, Cole and Ginger didn’t have the most depth to their characters and a lot of their dynamic/interactions were too lust driven. they do start off as friends before anything sexual happens, but we don’t get enough domestic moments with them in my opinion. i did appreciate that there was no third act breakup though, i just felt like Ginger is so young and it all got glossed over a little too much for me when it came to her just accepting everything Cole had going on. the only “conflict” was with Cole running to be sheriff and the scandal that would be caused if the town found out he got randomly married. i just never really got invested.. this is now my least favorite in the series.
➳ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Random House Publishing for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Cole and Ginger have been close friends for a long time, but have always been attracted to each other. so when they drunkenly get married in Vegas one night, they start to question if friends is all they really want to be. I’ve always liked Ginger, she’s so attentive and supportive of everyone around her and it’s easy to see why Cole feels the way he does about her. Cole has a bit of a reputation for sleeping around which didn’t bode well for me, especially with the way it was portrayed. i’m not the biggest fan of kids, but i love Cole’s daughter Mabel and seeing her grow fond of Ginger was sweet.
❀ “You don’t have to ask me. I volunteer. I know exactly what it means to love you, Cole. I think on some level I’ve always loved you. And I want it all. Every last piece. Especially Mabel.”
i really wanted to like this more than i did, but i ended up feeling underwhelmed. my main issues with this book were: things moved too fast, Cole and Ginger didn’t have the most depth to their characters and a lot of their dynamic/interactions were too lust driven. they do start off as friends before anything sexual happens, but we don’t get enough domestic moments with them in my opinion. i did appreciate that there was no third act breakup though, i just felt like Ginger is so young and it all got glossed over a little too much for me when it came to her just accepting everything Cole had going on. the only “conflict” was with Cole running to be sheriff and the scandal that would be caused if the town found out he got randomly married. i just never really got invested.. this is now my least favorite in the series.
➳ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Random House Publishing for the arc, all opinions are my own.
April 18, 2025
tbh, i'm kinda bummed. i got super hyped for this one after snagging an arc but it just didn't hit the spot, ya know?
the premise sounded amazing. small town vibes? yes, please. single dad sheriff? sign me up. i was picturing all the feels, maybe some small-town drama mixed with those swoon-worthy moments. but honestly, the plot just kinda droned on. nothing wrong with it, per se, but definitely nothing that grabbed me and held my attention. like, I wasn't exactly losing sleep to find out what happened next, and that's a big no-no for me.
and the chemistry between cole and ginger was so disappointing. i was expecting fireworks, that charged energy that makes you wanna scream into a pillow. instead, it felt lukewarm. like they were just going through the motions. i wanted depth, i wanted that spark, but it never really ignited. the whole thing felt kinda surface-level.
look, i'm not saying it's a bad book. it's just... not what i was hoping for. maybe my expectations were too high. maybe i was just in the wrong mood. eiher way, riding the high left me feeling more meh than OMG I need to tell everyone to read this.
so, the final verdict? i'm giving it a 2.5 to 3 stars. it wasn't terrible, but it definitely didn't blow me away. maybe check it out if you're really into small-town romances, but don't expect to be blown away. just keep your expectations low, and you might enjoy it more than i did.
thank you random house publishing group — ballentine and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
2.5 ─ 3 stars ⊹
⤿ small town
⤿ friends to lovers
⤿ accidental marriage in vegas
⤿ single dad
⤿ slow burn
౨ৎ ⋮ more by paisley hope
─ holding the reins
─ training the heart
─ wolf.e
─ protect
the premise sounded amazing. small town vibes? yes, please. single dad sheriff? sign me up. i was picturing all the feels, maybe some small-town drama mixed with those swoon-worthy moments. but honestly, the plot just kinda droned on. nothing wrong with it, per se, but definitely nothing that grabbed me and held my attention. like, I wasn't exactly losing sleep to find out what happened next, and that's a big no-no for me.
and the chemistry between cole and ginger was so disappointing. i was expecting fireworks, that charged energy that makes you wanna scream into a pillow. instead, it felt lukewarm. like they were just going through the motions. i wanted depth, i wanted that spark, but it never really ignited. the whole thing felt kinda surface-level.
look, i'm not saying it's a bad book. it's just... not what i was hoping for. maybe my expectations were too high. maybe i was just in the wrong mood. eiher way, riding the high left me feeling more meh than OMG I need to tell everyone to read this.
so, the final verdict? i'm giving it a 2.5 to 3 stars. it wasn't terrible, but it definitely didn't blow me away. maybe check it out if you're really into small-town romances, but don't expect to be blown away. just keep your expectations low, and you might enjoy it more than i did.
thank you random house publishing group — ballentine and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
2.5 ─ 3 stars ⊹
⤿ small town
⤿ friends to lovers
⤿ accidental marriage in vegas
⤿ single dad
⤿ slow burn
౨ৎ ⋮ more by paisley hope
─ holding the reins
─ training the heart
─ wolf.e
─ protect
April 24, 2025
let me scream this for the people in the back…PAISLEY HOPE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!!!! 😭🙌🏼🩵👮♂️💍 i was waiting with baited breath for this book and when i tell you guys i screamed, cried, squealed and kicked my feet all the way through it, I’M NOT KIDDING!!! 😭🫶🏼
cole and ginger’s story was one i knew was gonna hit, but i didn’t think it would send me into the stratosphere ✨ you guys know i am an absolute WHORE for an ACCIDENT VEGAS WEDDING! but throw in a single dad SHERIFF who accidentally marries his secret friend and sister’s best friend, and you have the romance of a lifetime.
i just fell in love with every element of this love story from beginning to end. i have too many things to say and i’d be here forever if i went on but i’ll say two things. i related to Ginger so deeply. not only is she a fiery Italian like yours truly 😉, but i just understood her on such a deep level. she’s a character who will stay with me for a very long time. second of all, i officially read my first 5⭐️ sex scene and all I’ll say is it’s in chapter 46 😩🔥🙌🏼🙌🏼 i literally wrote in my book that it was the hottest scene i’ve ever read in my life.
paisley, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the ARC copy. i’m so grateful everyday that i stumbled upon your work 🩵🩵🩵
once again, this was a 5⭐️ and 4🌶️. enjoy my chaotic thoughts while reading:
- tropes: best friends brother, single dad, accidental secret marriage, secret friends to lovers, VEGAS WEDDING!
- aesthetic: bar baseball games, brooklyn 99, sherrif, bachelorette party, vegas wedding, chocolate martini, butterflies, waterfall
- MY BODY IS FUCKING READY!!!
- omg their connection is everything like im a SUCKER for friends to loverssss
- THE SEXY MACCARENA IM LOSING IT
- JOINT BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTY IN VEGAS??!?!! oh this is going to fucking EAT
- aww Ginger’s Italian too 🥹💖
- BAHAHAHAHAHAH her decorating the house with her team’s colours and corrupting Mabel is EVERYTHINGGG 😂😂😂😂
- BAHAHAHAHAH THE SUITCASE
- omg mabel with the flowers 🥺 my precious angel
- wade and ivy being sickeningly cute 😭
- JESUS CHRIST THAT TOY SEX SCENE 😩🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- knew someone was gonna find out that bloody DOUCHE 😡
- FUCK YEAH GET HIM COLE!!!
- THEY NAMED THE DOGS JAKE AND AMY
cole and ginger’s story was one i knew was gonna hit, but i didn’t think it would send me into the stratosphere ✨ you guys know i am an absolute WHORE for an ACCIDENT VEGAS WEDDING! but throw in a single dad SHERIFF who accidentally marries his secret friend and sister’s best friend, and you have the romance of a lifetime.
i just fell in love with every element of this love story from beginning to end. i have too many things to say and i’d be here forever if i went on but i’ll say two things. i related to Ginger so deeply. not only is she a fiery Italian like yours truly 😉, but i just understood her on such a deep level. she’s a character who will stay with me for a very long time. second of all, i officially read my first 5⭐️ sex scene and all I’ll say is it’s in chapter 46 😩🔥🙌🏼🙌🏼 i literally wrote in my book that it was the hottest scene i’ve ever read in my life.
paisley, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the ARC copy. i’m so grateful everyday that i stumbled upon your work 🩵🩵🩵
once again, this was a 5⭐️ and 4🌶️. enjoy my chaotic thoughts while reading:
- tropes: best friends brother, single dad, accidental secret marriage, secret friends to lovers, VEGAS WEDDING!
- aesthetic: bar baseball games, brooklyn 99, sherrif, bachelorette party, vegas wedding, chocolate martini, butterflies, waterfall
- MY BODY IS FUCKING READY!!!
- omg their connection is everything like im a SUCKER for friends to loverssss
- THE SEXY MACCARENA IM LOSING IT
- JOINT BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTY IN VEGAS??!?!! oh this is going to fucking EAT
- aww Ginger’s Italian too 🥹💖
- BAHAHAHAHAHAH her decorating the house with her team’s colours and corrupting Mabel is EVERYTHINGGG 😂😂😂😂
- BAHAHAHAHAH THE SUITCASE
- omg mabel with the flowers 🥺 my precious angel
- wade and ivy being sickeningly cute 😭
- JESUS CHRIST THAT TOY SEX SCENE 😩🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- knew someone was gonna find out that bloody DOUCHE 😡
- FUCK YEAH GET HIM COLE!!!
- THEY NAMED THE DOGS JAKE AND AMY
March 11, 2025
Ok this takes my favorite of the series so far.
Law daddy 🫠
I love a sheriff, but a single dad and cowboy too 😅
Oh Cole
Ginger
His little sisters best friend
Sassy & wild child vibes
Mabel
Instant points for also being my daughters name
Am oopsie Vegas wedding
Secretive tho
“Nanny”
Friends to “my wife”
It’s always been you vibes.
Their relationship just felt organic.
Arc review ✨
Netgalley
Law daddy 🫠
I love a sheriff, but a single dad and cowboy too 😅
Oh Cole
Ginger
His little sisters best friend
Sassy & wild child vibes
Mabel
Instant points for also being my daughters name
Am oopsie Vegas wedding
Secretive tho
“Nanny”
Friends to “my wife”
It’s always been you vibes.
Their relationship just felt organic.
Arc review ✨
Netgalley
October 25, 2025
⋆˚࿔ review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
3⭐️
I don’t know what happened here, but I’m confused, disappointed, and honestly a little bored. These two were so fun in the previous books, all that teasing, the tension, the playful banter that had me excited to finally get their story… and then this is what I got?
Maybe it’s just me, maybe Mercury is in retrograde or my standards have gotten too high, but this just didn’t do anything for me. Not the fluff, not the “romance,” not even the spice, and you know it’s bad when even the spice falls flat. I wasn’t blushing, I wasn’t giggling, I was just… there. Reading.
Only thing that gave me a little joy was the Brooklyn Nine-Nine references. I’m not even joking, I gave it a whole star just for that. That’s the level we’re working with.
I wanted swoons and butterflies. I got meh and disappointment.
Next book better come through because I’m spiraling 🫠
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I really loved the first two books and Ginger was super interesting in both, can’t wait to finally be in her head for this one!
3⭐️
I don’t know what happened here, but I’m confused, disappointed, and honestly a little bored. These two were so fun in the previous books, all that teasing, the tension, the playful banter that had me excited to finally get their story… and then this is what I got?
Maybe it’s just me, maybe Mercury is in retrograde or my standards have gotten too high, but this just didn’t do anything for me. Not the fluff, not the “romance,” not even the spice, and you know it’s bad when even the spice falls flat. I wasn’t blushing, I wasn’t giggling, I was just… there. Reading.
Only thing that gave me a little joy was the Brooklyn Nine-Nine references. I’m not even joking, I gave it a whole star just for that. That’s the level we’re working with.
I wanted swoons and butterflies. I got meh and disappointment.
Next book better come through because I’m spiraling 🫠
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I really loved the first two books and Ginger was super interesting in both, can’t wait to finally be in her head for this one!
August 18, 2025
From the moment I read Holding the Reins, I knew law daddy Cole and Ginger were going to be my favorite. And now that I have finished Riding the High, I can confirm that it did not disappoint! This book lived up to every single one of expectations, in fact it over exceeded what I would want from these two. Hands down this is my favorite book in the series and I think the only one that will be in competition for the number one spot is Chasing the Fire, which is the last book.
First things first, I would like to say that the accidental drunken Vegas wedding trope is one of my favorites. I think it is just so much fun! Now add in the fact that they have been pining for each other for YEARS, he's a single daddy and she's his sister's best friend, that is a recipe for perfection in my personal opinion. And Paisley truly executed this one perfectly.
I have loved Cole and Ginger from the start of this series. I loved their banter. They always had amazing banter and that is definitely carried over into this book and I think it was top tier. On top of their banter, their chemistry was also perfect. Ginger may have fallen first and also made the first move but Cole definitely fell harder. Like the way this man was so gone for her. It was to the point where he branded himself with a G! Did you hear me? HE BRANDED HIMSELF with her initial! Screw the secret tattoo, if my man ain't branding himself, I don't want it. Cole just leveled up in the book boyfriend category with that on. Turned my knees into literal goo and I'm currently on the floor in a puddle. What a declaration of love.
I was also a puddle for Ginger and Mabel's relationship. The way Mabel took to Ginger and the way Ginger so seamlessly folded into their daily lives. I loved their daily gardening. Ugh, it seriously just melted my heart. It was a truly special bond.
Paisley, you straight delivered with this one! Hands down my favorite! Keep them coming because this series is true perfection. and if you have not read this series or book yet, move up on the tbr!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Accidental Marriage
- Drunken Vegas Wedding
- Best Friends Brother
- Friends to Lovers
- Single Dad
- Police Officer MMC
- Teacher FMC
- Secret Relationship
- Small Town
- Reformed Playboy
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
- Secret Pining
- It's Always Been You
First things first, I would like to say that the accidental drunken Vegas wedding trope is one of my favorites. I think it is just so much fun! Now add in the fact that they have been pining for each other for YEARS, he's a single daddy and she's his sister's best friend, that is a recipe for perfection in my personal opinion. And Paisley truly executed this one perfectly.
I have loved Cole and Ginger from the start of this series. I loved their banter. They always had amazing banter and that is definitely carried over into this book and I think it was top tier. On top of their banter, their chemistry was also perfect. Ginger may have fallen first and also made the first move but Cole definitely fell harder. Like the way this man was so gone for her. It was to the point where he branded himself with a G! Did you hear me? HE BRANDED HIMSELF with her initial! Screw the secret tattoo, if my man ain't branding himself, I don't want it. Cole just leveled up in the book boyfriend category with that on. Turned my knees into literal goo and I'm currently on the floor in a puddle. What a declaration of love.
I was also a puddle for Ginger and Mabel's relationship. The way Mabel took to Ginger and the way Ginger so seamlessly folded into their daily lives. I loved their daily gardening. Ugh, it seriously just melted my heart. It was a truly special bond.
Paisley, you straight delivered with this one! Hands down my favorite! Keep them coming because this series is true perfection. and if you have not read this series or book yet, move up on the tbr!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Accidental Marriage
- Drunken Vegas Wedding
- Best Friends Brother
- Friends to Lovers
- Single Dad
- Police Officer MMC
- Teacher FMC
- Secret Relationship
- Small Town
- Reformed Playboy
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
- Secret Pining
- It's Always Been You
December 15, 2025
After reading them as side characters and hearing all the witty banter, I was so happy to finally read their book—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This book was funny, sweet, and spicy.
You watch Ginger and Cole dance around one another. Ginger becomes Cole’s friend during one of the toughest times in his life, while Cole is Ginger’s saving grace when she needs it most. But never once do they cross that line… until one drunken night when they both wake up married.
I honestly had such a fun time reading this book. You see Ginger show Cole that he doesn’t need to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders by himself. I also really loved the dynamic between Cole and his daughter, along with the strong relationships within the Ashby family and friends. It was so much fun seeing everyone again.
I want to thank Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell and Paisley Hope for the eARC. All options expressed in this review are my own.
You watch Ginger and Cole dance around one another. Ginger becomes Cole’s friend during one of the toughest times in his life, while Cole is Ginger’s saving grace when she needs it most. But never once do they cross that line… until one drunken night when they both wake up married.
I honestly had such a fun time reading this book. You see Ginger show Cole that he doesn’t need to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders by himself. I also really loved the dynamic between Cole and his daughter, along with the strong relationships within the Ashby family and friends. It was so much fun seeing everyone again.
I want to thank Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell and Paisley Hope for the eARC. All options expressed in this review are my own.
August 1, 2025
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
C'est pas un secret que j'adooooore le single dad trope, fake dating/mariage et je trippe sur le banter de Ginger et Cole dès le premier tôme alors j'ai été absolument gâtée par ce livre wow. De voir Cole passer d'un dude qui se fou de tout à un homme qui ferait absolument n'importe quoi pour protéger et défendre sa famille c'était tellement touchant et tellement de forts moments en émotion! J'ai versé des larmes à quelque reprises surtout vers la fin y'avait des moments vraiment trop touchant pour que jme gère
Partez moi même pas sur le spice. Cette auteur s'est vraiment dit quality over quantity. Y'a pas beaucoup de scènes de spice dans la série mais laisse moi te dire que quand y'en a c'est du BONBON. Les scènes les plus chaudes j'ai lu dans du cowboy romance. Peut-être même romance tout court.
J'ai vraaaiment hâte au 4e tôme. J'ai vraiment découvert un grooooos coup de coeur pour cette auteure et cette série! C'est sur que ça aide que j'sois vraiment dans mon cowboy romance era lol
3.5 🌶️
C'est pas un secret que j'adooooore le single dad trope, fake dating/mariage et je trippe sur le banter de Ginger et Cole dès le premier tôme alors j'ai été absolument gâtée par ce livre wow. De voir Cole passer d'un dude qui se fou de tout à un homme qui ferait absolument n'importe quoi pour protéger et défendre sa famille c'était tellement touchant et tellement de forts moments en émotion! J'ai versé des larmes à quelque reprises surtout vers la fin y'avait des moments vraiment trop touchant pour que jme gère
Partez moi même pas sur le spice. Cette auteur s'est vraiment dit quality over quantity. Y'a pas beaucoup de scènes de spice dans la série mais laisse moi te dire que quand y'en a c'est du BONBON. Les scènes les plus chaudes j'ai lu dans du cowboy romance. Peut-être même romance tout court.
J'ai vraaaiment hâte au 4e tôme. J'ai vraiment découvert un grooooos coup de coeur pour cette auteure et cette série! C'est sur que ça aide que j'sois vraiment dans mon cowboy romance era lol
May 1, 2025
3.25✨ (rounded to 3 for GR)
2.5🌶️
This is a NetGalley arc review. Thank you to NG and the author + co for this opportunity!
🐎Contemporary western romance
🐎Friends-to-lovers
🐎Sheriff mmc x congressman’s daughter fmc
🐎Oops we got drunk married in Las Vegas
🐎Mutual pining
🐎Single dad mmc
🐎Pseudo-nanny fmc for the summer
Riding the High by Paisley Hope is Book 3 in the Silver Pines Ranch series, contemporary western romance books that follow the love stories of the Ashby family. I love this world that PH has created. In 3 books, PH has managed to create a warm and enriched world you can’t help but want to return to again and again. And with the cameos from the previous books’ couples, it was like a comforting hug of nostalgia.
I really liked the first two books of the series, Book 1 more than Book 2, and I was looking forward to diving into Cole Ashby’s story, the emotionally aloof but passionate man who’s a single father to his young daughter Mabel and soon-to-be sheriff of the town. His marriage to Mabel’s mother quickly fell apart 8 years ago – there was no love there to sustain it – and the mother is not very present in Mabel’s life, forcing Cole to take on both roles. But after a drunken marriage to his little sister’s best friend Ginger in Las Vegas, a convenient nanny stand-in hops into place, and as long as they stay married for 90 days so Cole can remain scandal-free until his swearing in, everything should work out for the best. Unless neither of them truly wants the marriage to have an expiration date…
While the characters were interesting and their dynamic engaging, I found myself a little underwhelmed by this entry to the series. Some of Cole’s early behavior in front of Ginger rubbed me the wrong way, and there were too many references to past women/hookups in his life for my own liking, especially when Ginger would compare herself to them. The writing in this book also seemed rushed in places with choppy transitions between plot events. Book 2 came out on December 31, 2024 and this one is scheduled for May 6, 2025, so I almost wonder if more time between releases to refine the writing and solidify the story for this book would’ve helped in this case. Book 4 in the series, Freeing the Wild, is currently slated for a November 11, 2025 release, a little more time between, so that gives me hope I’ll love it just as much as the first two!
Overall, while this entry to the series wasn’t my favorite and felt somewhat rushed and choppy, the world PH has created and the likeability of the Ashby family and their love interests makes this series shine, and keeps me coming back for more. I can’t wait to see what else PH has in store!
2.5🌶️
This is a NetGalley arc review. Thank you to NG and the author + co for this opportunity!
🐎Contemporary western romance
🐎Friends-to-lovers
🐎Sheriff mmc x congressman’s daughter fmc
🐎Oops we got drunk married in Las Vegas
🐎Mutual pining
🐎Single dad mmc
🐎Pseudo-nanny fmc for the summer
Riding the High by Paisley Hope is Book 3 in the Silver Pines Ranch series, contemporary western romance books that follow the love stories of the Ashby family. I love this world that PH has created. In 3 books, PH has managed to create a warm and enriched world you can’t help but want to return to again and again. And with the cameos from the previous books’ couples, it was like a comforting hug of nostalgia.
I really liked the first two books of the series, Book 1 more than Book 2, and I was looking forward to diving into Cole Ashby’s story, the emotionally aloof but passionate man who’s a single father to his young daughter Mabel and soon-to-be sheriff of the town. His marriage to Mabel’s mother quickly fell apart 8 years ago – there was no love there to sustain it – and the mother is not very present in Mabel’s life, forcing Cole to take on both roles. But after a drunken marriage to his little sister’s best friend Ginger in Las Vegas, a convenient nanny stand-in hops into place, and as long as they stay married for 90 days so Cole can remain scandal-free until his swearing in, everything should work out for the best. Unless neither of them truly wants the marriage to have an expiration date…
While the characters were interesting and their dynamic engaging, I found myself a little underwhelmed by this entry to the series. Some of Cole’s early behavior in front of Ginger rubbed me the wrong way, and there were too many references to past women/hookups in his life for my own liking, especially when Ginger would compare herself to them. The writing in this book also seemed rushed in places with choppy transitions between plot events. Book 2 came out on December 31, 2024 and this one is scheduled for May 6, 2025, so I almost wonder if more time between releases to refine the writing and solidify the story for this book would’ve helped in this case. Book 4 in the series, Freeing the Wild, is currently slated for a November 11, 2025 release, a little more time between, so that gives me hope I’ll love it just as much as the first two!
Overall, while this entry to the series wasn’t my favorite and felt somewhat rushed and choppy, the world PH has created and the likeability of the Ashby family and their love interests makes this series shine, and keeps me coming back for more. I can’t wait to see what else PH has in store!
June 29, 2025
Oh my god, its finally the Cole x Ginger book!!!!
And secret marriage!!?? Its giving Isiah Rhodes situation from Play Along 🤔
Post reading
Good ol cowboy romance!! This series is getting better with each book. How they got married in the end was a frcking plot twist for me, didnt see that comingggg
The secret friendship
Slow burn
Easy flirting
This book was fun as hell 😂
And secret marriage!!?? Its giving Isiah Rhodes situation from Play Along 🤔
Post reading
Good ol cowboy romance!! This series is getting better with each book. How they got married in the end was a frcking plot twist for me, didnt see that comingggg
The secret friendship
Slow burn
Easy flirting
This book was fun as hell 😂
May 5, 2025
“Ginger has always been in my heart, but it’s taken less than two months for her to sink into my bones and every goddamn nook and cranny of my soul.”
Paisley Hope…. the chokehold that you and Silver Pines Ranch have me in!!!! Riding the High is the third book in the Silver Pines Ranch series and it follows Cece’s best friend, Ginger and Cece’s sheriff brother, Cole.
Overall this is a super fun and easy to read story! I like that there’s an actual storyline happening. The romance and smut are good! I really appreciate that the smut and characters are noticeably different from one another in comparison to the other books in the series. (I feel like often times in series like these the books feel like carbon copies of one other).
The tension between Ginger and Cole builds nicely (both in the series and in this book). They’ve known each other for a long time, so I love getting to see all the flashbacks. It really adds to their story. Maybe I’m starting to dig single dad romances??? Because OMG this was so sweet. Cole’s relationship with Mabel melts your heart and Ginger becoming closer with Mabel is equally heartwarming to read.
It reads a little wattpady at times; there are a lot of repetitive phrases and a couple of pet names that don’t really work for me personally, but other than that it’s a really solid read and I’m excited to continue the series!
☑ Small town cowboy romance
☑ A man in uniform (and handcuffs 🤫)
☑ Best friend’s brother
☑ Single dad
☑ Forced proximity
“So even though I’m not in your family, I can still have your roots?” she asks.
“Yes, babe. That’s exactly right,” I say with a smile.
Content warnings: sexual content, pregnancy
Thank you to Netgalley, Paisley Hope, and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Paisley Hope…. the chokehold that you and Silver Pines Ranch have me in!!!! Riding the High is the third book in the Silver Pines Ranch series and it follows Cece’s best friend, Ginger and Cece’s sheriff brother, Cole.
Overall this is a super fun and easy to read story! I like that there’s an actual storyline happening. The romance and smut are good! I really appreciate that the smut and characters are noticeably different from one another in comparison to the other books in the series. (I feel like often times in series like these the books feel like carbon copies of one other).
The tension between Ginger and Cole builds nicely (both in the series and in this book). They’ve known each other for a long time, so I love getting to see all the flashbacks. It really adds to their story. Maybe I’m starting to dig single dad romances??? Because OMG this was so sweet. Cole’s relationship with Mabel melts your heart and Ginger becoming closer with Mabel is equally heartwarming to read.
It reads a little wattpady at times; there are a lot of repetitive phrases and a couple of pet names that don’t really work for me personally, but other than that it’s a really solid read and I’m excited to continue the series!
☑ Small town cowboy romance
☑ A man in uniform (and handcuffs 🤫)
☑ Best friend’s brother
☑ Single dad
☑ Forced proximity
“So even though I’m not in your family, I can still have your roots?” she asks.
“Yes, babe. That’s exactly right,” I say with a smile.
Content warnings: sexual content, pregnancy
Thank you to Netgalley, Paisley Hope, and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2025
Thank you to Dell Romance and NetGalley for the arc!!!
This is definitely my favorite Silver Pines novel!! I have been so excited for Cole and Ginger’s story and Paisley Hope definitely didn’t disappoint! This one had me hooked from the start and I loved Cole and Ginger’s story so much!!!
Cole and Ginger’s characters are so well done! Cole is the hardworking, dedicated, caring single father who will do anything to make sure his daughter has the life she deserves. He’s selfless, funny, loving and kind. I loved him!! Ginger is his perfect equal with her feisty, fun, loving personality. Living under the thumb of her father’s career for her entire life, Ginger just wants to feel like her own person. I loved her and her kind, genuine, and caring nature!!!
I loved these two SO much. Genuinely couldn’t get enough of them! This is such a fun, banter and chemistry filled friends to lovers story. Their dynamic is so good, two people who will poke fun at each other 24/7, but when needed are always there for one another. I loved getting to see these two explore the tension & chemistry that has been building between them for YEARS. There is so much passion, desire, love, and trust in their relationship, its soso good. The smut in this is so well-done too and matches these characters so well!!! Love love love them!!
If you love tropes such as: accidental marriage/marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, small town, forced proximity, & single dad, this is the one for you!!! highly recommend!!!
This is definitely my favorite Silver Pines novel!! I have been so excited for Cole and Ginger’s story and Paisley Hope definitely didn’t disappoint! This one had me hooked from the start and I loved Cole and Ginger’s story so much!!!
Cole and Ginger’s characters are so well done! Cole is the hardworking, dedicated, caring single father who will do anything to make sure his daughter has the life she deserves. He’s selfless, funny, loving and kind. I loved him!! Ginger is his perfect equal with her feisty, fun, loving personality. Living under the thumb of her father’s career for her entire life, Ginger just wants to feel like her own person. I loved her and her kind, genuine, and caring nature!!!
I loved these two SO much. Genuinely couldn’t get enough of them! This is such a fun, banter and chemistry filled friends to lovers story. Their dynamic is so good, two people who will poke fun at each other 24/7, but when needed are always there for one another. I loved getting to see these two explore the tension & chemistry that has been building between them for YEARS. There is so much passion, desire, love, and trust in their relationship, its soso good. The smut in this is so well-done too and matches these characters so well!!! Love love love them!!
If you love tropes such as: accidental marriage/marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, small town, forced proximity, & single dad, this is the one for you!!! highly recommend!!!
April 21, 2025
Okay, let me be clear, this book was five stars before I even new the title, because I have been invested in Ginger and Cole since book 1 of this series and I knew I was going to fall even more in love with them as the books went on.
I adore everything about this. The platonic relationship, the sassy flanter, the accidental marriage, the actual relationship that blossoms, and everything in between. I think the thing I love the most about Paisley's books, but especially this one, is the way the characters communicate like adults and there's no third act break up. It makes my heart so warm!
Ginger is so confident in her flirty-banter (flanter) with Cole until things get serious and become something more than platonic, and she's at risk of being hurt, or losing what they have entirely, and I just loved to see her gain confidence in being open with him off her own back without his prompting. But I also loved to see him push the uncomfortable conversations forward so they we're both on the same page.
Mable is such a key character in this book and I truly adore her. She's the sweetest bean and seeing her and Ginger build such a beautiful relationship was so cute.
There wasn't a single thing wrong with this. My favourite in the Silver Pines series so far, but I've been pining for them since book 1 so, naturally, that'll be the case for me ha.
Thank you to Evermore for an ARC of this book. I truly appreciate it.
I adore everything about this. The platonic relationship, the sassy flanter, the accidental marriage, the actual relationship that blossoms, and everything in between. I think the thing I love the most about Paisley's books, but especially this one, is the way the characters communicate like adults and there's no third act break up. It makes my heart so warm!
Ginger is so confident in her flirty-banter (flanter) with Cole until things get serious and become something more than platonic, and she's at risk of being hurt, or losing what they have entirely, and I just loved to see her gain confidence in being open with him off her own back without his prompting. But I also loved to see him push the uncomfortable conversations forward so they we're both on the same page.
Mable is such a key character in this book and I truly adore her. She's the sweetest bean and seeing her and Ginger build such a beautiful relationship was so cute.
There wasn't a single thing wrong with this. My favourite in the Silver Pines series so far, but I've been pining for them since book 1 so, naturally, that'll be the case for me ha.
Thank you to Evermore for an ARC of this book. I truly appreciate it.
February 9, 2025
COLE AND GINGER ARE EVERYTHING!!!
first of all i did not expect to be accepted for this arc but the gods were on my side today 😭 i absolutely binged the hell out of it and don’t regret anything. cole and ginger were amazing and my favorite in the series as of right now!!
cole and ginger have had tension building longer than we’ve seen them on page and in this book, it finally snapped. this was one of my most anticipated reads because of their chemistry and it did NOT disappoint. cole is this grumpy playboy and ginger is best girl material 🥹 the way the marriage in vegas trope is going to do it for me everytime should be studied. they literally were WILDDD. i love the banter, everything was tit for tat for them and i ate it up.
also i cannot believe paisley hope made favors sexy?
thank you netgalley and paisley hope for providing me with the arc 🫶🏼
first of all i did not expect to be accepted for this arc but the gods were on my side today 😭 i absolutely binged the hell out of it and don’t regret anything. cole and ginger were amazing and my favorite in the series as of right now!!
cole and ginger have had tension building longer than we’ve seen them on page and in this book, it finally snapped. this was one of my most anticipated reads because of their chemistry and it did NOT disappoint. cole is this grumpy playboy and ginger is best girl material 🥹 the way the marriage in vegas trope is going to do it for me everytime should be studied. they literally were WILDDD. i love the banter, everything was tit for tat for them and i ate it up.
also i cannot believe paisley hope made favors sexy?
thank you netgalley and paisley hope for providing me with the arc 🫶🏼
November 30, 2025
4 ⭐️ Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much going in, but this ended up catching me off guard in a good way. The premise is kind of unhinged when you say it out loud, but once you’re actually in it, it’s softer in this weirdly comforting way.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙tropes˙⋆✮
➪ single dad x nanny
➪ accidental marriage
➪ secret relationship
➪ best friends brother
➪ small town
➪ found family
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✧° Ginger? Loved her immediately. She’s chaotic in the best way. Life’s knocked her around, but she refuses to shrink herself for anybody. She’s loud, funny, dramatic in the best ways. Does she make impulsive decisions? Yes. Does she own them? Also yes.
✧° Cole… yeah, he got me. Sheriff + single dad + grumpy but secretly a marshmallow? I never stood a chance. He’s quiet without being rude, protective without the controlling nonsense, and you can tell he’s halfway gone for Ginger from page one. And the way he shows he cares instead of giving big speeches? YUP.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙what worked˙⋆✮
⊹ Ginger’s chaotic + messy + lovable energy
⊹ Cole’s soft + steady + grumpy sheriff dad energy
⊹ great chemistry — banter + tension + yearning
⊹ Mabel is adorable + adds emotional depth
⊹ fun + bingeable energy
⊹ Ginger’s growth + attempts to do better
⊹ found family / community warmth
⊹ low stress but surprisingly emotional
─────────୨ৎ─────────
Their chemistry is exactly my vibe: banter, tension, lowkey yearning, and just enough bite. Ginger shakes up his rigid world, and Cole gives her something steady without trying to cage her. And any scene with the daughter? Immediate heart-squeeze. Those parts took the whole book up a level.
It’s one of those books where you’re reading, vibing, not really thinking about anything, and then suddenly you glance at the percentage and go, ‘wait, how am I almost halfway through already?’ It just… moves without making a big deal about it.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙what was missing ˙⋆✮
⟢ some conflicts resolved too neatly
⟢ couple emotional moments deserved more depth
⟢ plot is a bit too predictable
⟢ would have loved more vulnerability
─────────୨ৎ─────────
Overall, this is a warm, sweet, genuinely satisfying single dad romance with real emotional payoff. Definitely the standout of the series for me so far. I had a genuinely good time with it and, honestly, I’m actually looking forward to picking up the next book.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙favourite quotes˙⋆✮
✧ The life I wasn't even looking for is the best damn one I could ever ask for.
✧ I know without a doubt that when my lungs pull in their last breath, my final thoughts will be of you."
✧ If the mood ever strikes to save a horse and there are no cowboys in sight, don’t worry, darling. The always gorgeous, sometimes moody, sometimes sweet town sheriff will do just fine. (And besides, cowboys don’t carry handcuffs.)"
✧ Ginger may be my friend, but I’m pretty sure she’s quickly becoming my obsession too.
✧ With Ginger by my side… I feel whole.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✦. ── series ranking + similar books:── .✦
⊹ holding the reins: ⟶ 3.5 ⭐️
⊹ training the heart: ⟶ 3.75 ⭐️
⊹ riding the high: ⟶ 4 ⭐️
⊹ free the wild: ⟶ tbr
⊹ chasing the fire: ⟶ upcoming
─────────୨ৎ─────────
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙tropes˙⋆✮
➪ single dad x nanny
➪ accidental marriage
➪ secret relationship
➪ best friends brother
➪ small town
➪ found family
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✧° Ginger? Loved her immediately. She’s chaotic in the best way. Life’s knocked her around, but she refuses to shrink herself for anybody. She’s loud, funny, dramatic in the best ways. Does she make impulsive decisions? Yes. Does she own them? Also yes.
✧° Cole… yeah, he got me. Sheriff + single dad + grumpy but secretly a marshmallow? I never stood a chance. He’s quiet without being rude, protective without the controlling nonsense, and you can tell he’s halfway gone for Ginger from page one. And the way he shows he cares instead of giving big speeches? YUP.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙what worked˙⋆✮
⊹ Ginger’s chaotic + messy + lovable energy
⊹ Cole’s soft + steady + grumpy sheriff dad energy
⊹ great chemistry — banter + tension + yearning
⊹ Mabel is adorable + adds emotional depth
⊹ fun + bingeable energy
⊹ Ginger’s growth + attempts to do better
⊹ found family / community warmth
⊹ low stress but surprisingly emotional
─────────୨ৎ─────────
Their chemistry is exactly my vibe: banter, tension, lowkey yearning, and just enough bite. Ginger shakes up his rigid world, and Cole gives her something steady without trying to cage her. And any scene with the daughter? Immediate heart-squeeze. Those parts took the whole book up a level.
It’s one of those books where you’re reading, vibing, not really thinking about anything, and then suddenly you glance at the percentage and go, ‘wait, how am I almost halfway through already?’ It just… moves without making a big deal about it.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙what was missing ˙⋆✮
⟢ some conflicts resolved too neatly
⟢ couple emotional moments deserved more depth
⟢ plot is a bit too predictable
⟢ would have loved more vulnerability
─────────୨ৎ─────────
Overall, this is a warm, sweet, genuinely satisfying single dad romance with real emotional payoff. Definitely the standout of the series for me so far. I had a genuinely good time with it and, honestly, I’m actually looking forward to picking up the next book.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✮⋆˙favourite quotes˙⋆✮
✧ The life I wasn't even looking for is the best damn one I could ever ask for.
✧ I know without a doubt that when my lungs pull in their last breath, my final thoughts will be of you."
✧ If the mood ever strikes to save a horse and there are no cowboys in sight, don’t worry, darling. The always gorgeous, sometimes moody, sometimes sweet town sheriff will do just fine. (And besides, cowboys don’t carry handcuffs.)"
✧ Ginger may be my friend, but I’m pretty sure she’s quickly becoming my obsession too.
✧ With Ginger by my side… I feel whole.
─────────୨ৎ─────────
✦. ── series ranking + similar books:── .✦
⊹ holding the reins: ⟶ 3.5 ⭐️
⊹ training the heart: ⟶ 3.75 ⭐️
⊹ riding the high: ⟶ 4 ⭐️
⊹ free the wild: ⟶ tbr
⊹ chasing the fire: ⟶ upcoming
─────────୨ৎ─────────
August 1, 2025
Par MIRACLE, il y a un peu moins de smut que dans le tome précédent (mais en même temps, il y en avait TELLEMENT dans le tome 2, grosse overdose) et du coup, j'ai vachement plus accroché aux personnages, à leur relation, aux thèmes, aux enjeux... et toujours, cette ambiance si cosy ! Ces personnages si attachants, avec ce found family de qualiteyyyy. Vraiment, j'ai adoré cette saga pour ça et j'ai très très trèèèèès hâte d'avoir la suite, je compte les jours avant la sortie du tome 4 hihihi
November 5, 2025
These are fun, fast, and spicy.
I loved the male narrator for the audiobook but the female narrator is not my favorite. Most of the book I switched back and forth between audio and print to avoid listening to the female narrator.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Dell Romance for the gifted book. I won this in a giveaway. All opinions are my own.
I loved the male narrator for the audiobook but the female narrator is not my favorite. Most of the book I switched back and forth between audio and print to avoid listening to the female narrator.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Dell Romance for the gifted book. I won this in a giveaway. All opinions are my own.
March 4, 2025
Oh my god. I think this might actually be my favourite book of the series so far?
The single dad trope does it for me every time😏
Ginger & Cole together are absolutely perfect. They’re both fiery, sarcastic and passionate & their relationship with Mabel?? I could sob😭
Absolutely incredible.
The single dad trope does it for me every time😏
Ginger & Cole together are absolutely perfect. They’re both fiery, sarcastic and passionate & their relationship with Mabel?? I could sob😭
Absolutely incredible.
Read
January 10, 2025someone take netgalley away from me immediately
the book starts of with a flashback to the mmc having marriage problems all while he’s out there flirting and confiding in the fmc who’s had a crush on him since at least high school 🙂 i was ready to dnf right then and there but decided to read on (my second mistake my first mistake was requesting this in the first place) the next chapter is in the present where he’s separated from his wife but is free to be a manwhore again and the fmc walks in on the aftermath of him sleeping with another woman. so by the time they start of their relationship he will have been celibate for all of two seconds
the first book in this series had a playboy mmc, the second a divorced one and this had both of those and the SINGLE DAD trope, quite literally triple homicide
ofcc the fmc is all okay with this and judgement free 🙄 how very noble of her
and what kinda nickname is law daddy pls, it reminded me one in this other book but i can’t remember what, prob a elsie silver
the book starts of with a flashback to the mmc having marriage problems all while he’s out there flirting and confiding in the fmc who’s had a crush on him since at least high school 🙂 i was ready to dnf right then and there but decided to read on (my second mistake my first mistake was requesting this in the first place) the next chapter is in the present where he’s separated from his wife but is free to be a manwhore again and the fmc walks in on the aftermath of him sleeping with another woman. so by the time they start of their relationship he will have been celibate for all of two seconds
the first book in this series had a playboy mmc, the second a divorced one and this had both of those and the SINGLE DAD trope, quite literally triple homicide
ofcc the fmc is all okay with this and judgement free 🙄 how very noble of her
and what kinda nickname is law daddy pls, it reminded me one in this other book but i can’t remember what, prob a elsie silver
April 19, 2025
I can safely say that I have been waiting for this book since these two were introduced in book 1. The way they sassed at each other. They way they interacted. I just KNEW there was something simmering underneath. Let me tell you that Ginger and Cole delivered! I enjoyed learning that these two had a little bit of a secret friendship going on for a while. They had been circling this thing between them for a while. I loved the truth or dare thing- neither of them could not turn down a challenge. I was a little challenged with the lack of details on their night in Vegas together- I get that they wanted to act like all was well but EVERYTHING had changed. I loved reading how both of them were trying to ignore said changes. I loved watching the relationship build between Ginger and Cole's daughter. I liked how opposite these two were- Cole with his preparedness and Ginger with her flying by the seat of her pants. These two balanced each other out. The bedroom chemistry was off the charts- LOVED their scenes together. And how once they crossed that line, Cole was done fighting it. I loved how everyone was supportive of them and how they made each other better- happier, more confident. A little unit of sorts.
Ginger has had her eye on Cole for a minute. Ever since he opened up to her about his struggles they have had this amazing friendship. She hasn't acted on her feelings because she doesn't want to lose that. At the same time she is only human. So when they are in Vegas and lines get crossed- she doesn't regret it but she wants to make sure that all is the same between them. The problem is that it isn't. They are now married. They decide to use this to their advantage while keeping it on the down low. But now Ginger is living with Cole and his daughter. The cover being she is helping for the summer. The problem is that now that she has a taste of Cole (even though she was drunk) she can't stop thinking about MORE. She wants more. She sees that he does too. So they stop fighting it. They give in- just for the summer. They will enjoy each others company in all ways. But the more time they spend together the more this seems real. The more she wants it to be real. So when the end of the summer comes and Cole tries to push her away. He won't tell her why but she knows something is up. Well she isn't going to let him because this is real to her. And she knows it's real for him too.
Cole has a system. It's him and his daughter. And then his family and his job. He has been able to maintain all of it with order and structure. But he has also had Ginger in his life for a while. She means so much to him. The time they spend together means something- so despite him continuing to have thoughts about her that he shouldn't have he never makes a move. What they have is too delicate. But then all of that goes out the window when they get drunk, hook up and get married. Now he is back in reality deciding that this could actually be really good for him as long as they can keep things under wraps. She can move in and help for the summer. Somehow she agrees and now the woman he can't stop thinking about is here under his roof. She is with his daughter. She is making him coffee and hanging out at night. He can't deny there is something between them. The question is do they want to act on it? The answer is emphatically YES. So they do and it's beyond what he has ever experienced. It's meaningful. They put an end date on it for the summer. But in his mind she is his and he is hers. He just has to make sure she feels the same and that their secret marriage doesn't get out before he is ready for it too. He has finally mustered up the courage to lay it out to her when his nemesis tries to mess it up. He throws a wrench in the plan. But he doesn't know how much Ginger means to him or what he is willing to do to make this work.
I so much enjoyed being back in this world and with these characters. I loved the angst between these two while asking myself who was going to make the first move and then the second move. I so enjoy watching when a person becomes rooted in a family to make it a full unit which is exactly what happened here. I loved the cameos from our side characters and how Wade and Nash were messing with Cole about his relationship with Ginger. I loved that everyone on the sidelines was waiting for them to realize what they meant to each other because they knew. I can't recommend this series enough!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ginger has had her eye on Cole for a minute. Ever since he opened up to her about his struggles they have had this amazing friendship. She hasn't acted on her feelings because she doesn't want to lose that. At the same time she is only human. So when they are in Vegas and lines get crossed- she doesn't regret it but she wants to make sure that all is the same between them. The problem is that it isn't. They are now married. They decide to use this to their advantage while keeping it on the down low. But now Ginger is living with Cole and his daughter. The cover being she is helping for the summer. The problem is that now that she has a taste of Cole (even though she was drunk) she can't stop thinking about MORE. She wants more. She sees that he does too. So they stop fighting it. They give in- just for the summer. They will enjoy each others company in all ways. But the more time they spend together the more this seems real. The more she wants it to be real. So when the end of the summer comes and Cole tries to push her away. He won't tell her why but she knows something is up. Well she isn't going to let him because this is real to her. And she knows it's real for him too.
Cole has a system. It's him and his daughter. And then his family and his job. He has been able to maintain all of it with order and structure. But he has also had Ginger in his life for a while. She means so much to him. The time they spend together means something- so despite him continuing to have thoughts about her that he shouldn't have he never makes a move. What they have is too delicate. But then all of that goes out the window when they get drunk, hook up and get married. Now he is back in reality deciding that this could actually be really good for him as long as they can keep things under wraps. She can move in and help for the summer. Somehow she agrees and now the woman he can't stop thinking about is here under his roof. She is with his daughter. She is making him coffee and hanging out at night. He can't deny there is something between them. The question is do they want to act on it? The answer is emphatically YES. So they do and it's beyond what he has ever experienced. It's meaningful. They put an end date on it for the summer. But in his mind she is his and he is hers. He just has to make sure she feels the same and that their secret marriage doesn't get out before he is ready for it too. He has finally mustered up the courage to lay it out to her when his nemesis tries to mess it up. He throws a wrench in the plan. But he doesn't know how much Ginger means to him or what he is willing to do to make this work.
I so much enjoyed being back in this world and with these characters. I loved the angst between these two while asking myself who was going to make the first move and then the second move. I so enjoy watching when a person becomes rooted in a family to make it a full unit which is exactly what happened here. I loved the cameos from our side characters and how Wade and Nash were messing with Cole about his relationship with Ginger. I loved that everyone on the sidelines was waiting for them to realize what they meant to each other because they knew. I can't recommend this series enough!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
May 24, 2025
4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
3.5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 24, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 38, 46, 53
First Person, FMC POV 🫶🏻
Cole (MMC) and Ginger (FMC)
This story has a brother's best friend trope, which I usually don't like, but works well in 'Riding The High'. So far, imo this is the best book in the series 🙌.
Pros:
- Pining and tension.
- Lots of s*xual chemistry 🔥
- Ginger calls her purple silicone s*x toy "Always Ready", I love the name! 👏🏻😂
- Lots of delicious dirty talk and spice 🌶
- A sassy FMC who's not scared of speaking her mind.
Cons:
What kind of cringy nickname is "Law Daddy"? Is it just me, or does it sound inappropriate, especially for the MC's who, for years, have been 'just friends'? And she calls him that in front of other people. It sounds like anything, but innocent 🤨😖
It's annoying that Ginger isn't more straightforward with who is meant to be her best friend. First, she doesn't openly admit that she's interested in her brother. Also, why would Ginger keep to herself the fact that she's afraid of heights? And Cole, knowing about it, instead of helping her get out of the situation, encourages her to ride a freaking helicopter 🤦🏼♀️. Fear is irrational and should be respected, not thrusted upon, imo 🙄. Is it charming that he tries to convince her to ride on the helicopter? No, I don't think so.
I wonder: What do the MC's have in common besides enjoying the tv show Brooklyn Nine-Nine and years of knowing each other? I don't know because an emotional connection is NOT FOUND....
Even though Ginger she has had several serious boyfriends in the past, we're meant to believe that she's NEVER been on a single date?? C'mon, make it make sense! And no man has ever bought her flowers?? Very doubtful, but ok 🙄.
Overall, is 'Riding The High' a literary masterpiece? Definitely not. Did I eat up the spice and the drama? Absolutely! 💯
Happy reading! 📚
3.5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 24, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 38, 46, 53
First Person, FMC POV 🫶🏻
Cole (MMC) and Ginger (FMC)
This story has a brother's best friend trope, which I usually don't like, but works well in 'Riding The High'. So far, imo this is the best book in the series 🙌.
Pros:
- Pining and tension.
- Lots of s*xual chemistry 🔥
- Ginger calls her purple silicone s*x toy "Always Ready", I love the name! 👏🏻😂
- Lots of delicious dirty talk and spice 🌶
- A sassy FMC who's not scared of speaking her mind.
Cons:
What kind of cringy nickname is "Law Daddy"? Is it just me, or does it sound inappropriate, especially for the MC's who, for years, have been 'just friends'? And she calls him that in front of other people. It sounds like anything, but innocent 🤨😖
It's annoying that Ginger isn't more straightforward with who is meant to be her best friend. First, she doesn't openly admit that she's interested in her brother. Also, why would Ginger keep to herself the fact that she's afraid of heights? And Cole, knowing about it, instead of helping her get out of the situation, encourages her to ride a freaking helicopter 🤦🏼♀️. Fear is irrational and should be respected, not thrusted upon, imo 🙄. Is it charming that he tries to convince her to ride on the helicopter? No, I don't think so.
I wonder: What do the MC's have in common besides enjoying the tv show Brooklyn Nine-Nine and years of knowing each other? I don't know because an emotional connection is NOT FOUND....
Even though Ginger she has had several serious boyfriends in the past, we're meant to believe that she's NEVER been on a single date?? C'mon, make it make sense! And no man has ever bought her flowers?? Very doubtful, but ok 🙄.
Overall, is 'Riding The High' a literary masterpiece? Definitely not. Did I eat up the spice and the drama? Absolutely! 💯
Happy reading! 📚
May 4, 2025
Paisley Hope you’ve done it again!!! I have loved each and every one of the Silver Pines Ranch books, and this was no different! In true fashion, in fact, it became my new favorite of the three released! I love a single dad, and having him as the SHERIFF?????? THANK YOU PAISLEY!!! I loved how much background and story buildup there was between Cole and Ginger pre-timeline and pre-…everything that goes down :) It made everything that much more special and loving. Mabel was written so so perfectly. What a little ray of sunshine empath who stole! my! heart!!??! Ginger, beautiful Ginger, I’ve been so excited to get her story and I don’t think I could have asked for it to have been executed any better!
June 27, 2025
they went from FREAKED OUT in the last book to not freaked out at all in this book… i love how i said i don’t need smut and then! whatever
May 21, 2025
I had the best time reading this!!!! 😭😭 this was EVERYTHING!!!🩷🩷
February 16, 2025
I was so happy to be back with these characters & I truly loved these characters & getting to know them better was the best. The romance was truly everything!
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