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Gold Rush Ranch #4
A False Start
I kissed my best friend’s little sister, and the world stood still.
That night we were two perfect strangers, the town’s grumpy recluse and a gorgeous girl in the back of a bar. Until we weren’t.
Because Nadia Dalca isn’t just some girl. She’s the girl I can’t have. Fourteen years younger than me and completely off-limits.
My plan is to stay away, but the universe keeps pushing us together. It’s like some sort of cosmic joke, to give me a taste of something so electric—so real—something that breathed life back into me.
Because I can look, but I can’t touch.
Her sinful curves, her light-hearted laughter, her wild side . . . I’m addicted to every last bit of her.
And when she turns those sultry eyes on me–the ones so full of longing and so free of judgement? I’ve always considered myself a strong man. But when she looks at me I’m weak.
To give in to our connection would be a betrayal. My life is beyond complicated, and she has the world at her fingertips. Her brother is the only family she has left, and sad as it sounds, he’s also my only friend.
But I kissed her again anyway.
And now I can’t stop.
That night we were two perfect strangers, the town’s grumpy recluse and a gorgeous girl in the back of a bar. Until we weren’t.
Because Nadia Dalca isn’t just some girl. She’s the girl I can’t have. Fourteen years younger than me and completely off-limits.
My plan is to stay away, but the universe keeps pushing us together. It’s like some sort of cosmic joke, to give me a taste of something so electric—so real—something that breathed life back into me.
Because I can look, but I can’t touch.
Her sinful curves, her light-hearted laughter, her wild side . . . I’m addicted to every last bit of her.
And when she turns those sultry eyes on me–the ones so full of longing and so free of judgement? I’ve always considered myself a strong man. But when she looks at me I’m weak.
To give in to our connection would be a betrayal. My life is beyond complicated, and she has the world at her fingertips. Her brother is the only family she has left, and sad as it sounds, he’s also my only friend.
But I kissed her again anyway.
And now I can’t stop.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 18, 2022
7780 people are currently reading
89126 people want to read
About the author
Elsie Silver
32 books70.7k 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 9,309 reviews
January 11, 2025
Brothers best friend, grumpy closed off cowboy with a filthy mouth, age gap?????? Sat. Seated. Folded like a lawn chair.
Guys no… it can’t be over!! What the hell am I gonna do now?!!!
Guys no… it can’t be over!! What the hell am I gonna do now?!!!
August 7, 2024
ThE FACT THAT THIS IS THE LAST BOOK IN THE SERIES IS CRIMINAL. Can I please have like 10 more?! Bc I NEEED MORE OF THIS TOWN AMD OF THESE CHARACTERS!!!
September 14, 2024
I wanna give a big ol smooch to whoever invented the Grumpy x sunshine trope. Bread & butter, I tell u. . . BREAD AND BUTTER 💋💋
Song:
Dandelion - VAX
Song:
Dandelion - VAX
March 7, 2023
men who hate themselves 😍😍😍
October 9, 2025
4.5 Stars ★
"Before? That was a false start. This? This is a clean slate. I want all your right nows. All your tomorrows. I want it all with you.”
This series just kept getting better and better! Leaving me with this being my favorite.
A False Start is the last installment in the Gold Rush Ranch series and is a brother's best friend, age gap, small town romance that includes some heavy topics that Elsie navigated with the utmost care that it deserved. These include alcoholism, domestic and child abuse, sexual harassment, and traumatic brain injury wrapped up into a journey of healing for both the FMC and MMC. Don't worry it's not all heavy you also get her typical, tension and banter that had me giggling out loud and kicking my feet.
Nadia and Griffin met when she was just 19 and he gave her the best kiss that she's ever had. A kiss that neither one of them has been able to forget about. Two years have passed when they are thrown back together both working at Gold Rush Ranch and they try but fail to stay away from one another. The issue is that she is his best friend's sister and 14 years older than her.
Nadia Dalca endured abuse by both of her parents growing up and has trauma as a result but doesn't let that define her. She can be reckless at times and is sassy. Aside from this though she is strong and hardworking, setting goals and working towards them until they are achieved. I admired her for her qualities. Can she be a bit immature at times? Sure but what twenty-one-year-old isn't at times? I really can't blame her at all either as she didn't have the guidance that she needed and deserved while growing up, instead, she was subjected to a father who liked to swing on her and a mother who was an alcoholic. One thing though is that she is headstrong and keeps pushing through. I really loved her and was rooting for her but most of all wanted to give her a hug when she was feeling like she couldn't do something but then she would stew on a bit and overcome that she couldn't and prove to herself that she could never quit on herself.
“My brother and Mira are the first time I’ve seen two people truly love and respect each other. I want that too, but I’m not holding my breath. It seems fragile and unlikely, and I don’t think I can handle getting hurt any more than I already have.”
Griffin Sinclaire is broody, quiet, and private with his life. He has his reasons for the way he is. He was the town's star someone that everyone praised and looked up to for his achievements until he fell. So he keeps to himself and hides away partly because he doesn't like the way that people look at him now. He has his own issues going on that he never fully dealt with. I loved watching his growth throughout and opening up more to the ones that he felt close to who were his friends as he felt before people were only there for his status. He had a lot of demons that were tucked away from his fallout but he begins to heal and work on himself and takes the next steps to be better for himself and see himself as more than a failure. I really loved him from the start.
"Everything I used to define my value in life was swept away in a matter of seconds, and anger and sadness consumed me. And just this overwhelming sense of shame and guilt."
Griffin and Nadia walked a tight rope of tension that was sizzling to the point that they gave in and collided hard when they finally allowed themselves to. Their back-and-forth banter along the way was everything I hoped for. They're messy but not in a bad way necessarily they just come with baggage and some demons from things that have happened to them in the past. They are good for each other in helping each other through those past situations and helping each other heal but they also needed to work on themselves individually and heal first before they could fully commit. I normally don't like a break but in this instance, it is needed because in the end they both come back stronger and able to be more present and what each other needs without unknowingly holding the other back. Being able to be that support they both need in the end for each other rather than potentially dragging one another down in the process of their journeys is what they both deserve. I just loved them so much.
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. But you’re not one of them. You’re the happiest accident I’ve ever known. The very best decision I’ve ever made. My reason.”
One of my favorite things about Elsie's books is the found family. I especially loved it here because both of them needed all the love and support that they deserve and can get. This one was the perfect ending to this series. Though, I did have a couple of issues. One of the main ones is the constant mention of the age gap. We already know that going in, there's no need to keep bringing it up. Aside from that I loved this.
Favorite quotes and moments
"Wildflower. She doesn’t want to be tamed, and I shouldn’t want to try this badly. I should steer her in the opposite direction and send her running."
“I like all your words, Griffin. It’s what you don’t say that kills me.”
“I’ll give you all my right nows, Nadia. Every fucking last one. I’ll give you anything you want. I’ve been powerless since the first time I laid eyes on you.”
"No strings attached. I want you to have it. I want to see you spread your wings and soar. To see all your dreams come true."
"My girl. My reason. My Wildflower. Forever.
---------------------
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
Age gap?? Grumpy/Sunshine?? Brother's best friend?? Hell, yes! It's time for the last book in the series, let's go 🙂↕️🩷
"Before? That was a false start. This? This is a clean slate. I want all your right nows. All your tomorrows. I want it all with you.”
This series just kept getting better and better! Leaving me with this being my favorite.
A False Start is the last installment in the Gold Rush Ranch series and is a brother's best friend, age gap, small town romance that includes some heavy topics that Elsie navigated with the utmost care that it deserved. These include alcoholism, domestic and child abuse, sexual harassment, and traumatic brain injury wrapped up into a journey of healing for both the FMC and MMC. Don't worry it's not all heavy you also get her typical, tension and banter that had me giggling out loud and kicking my feet.
Nadia and Griffin met when she was just 19 and he gave her the best kiss that she's ever had. A kiss that neither one of them has been able to forget about. Two years have passed when they are thrown back together both working at Gold Rush Ranch and they try but fail to stay away from one another. The issue is that she is his best friend's sister and 14 years older than her.
Nadia Dalca endured abuse by both of her parents growing up and has trauma as a result but doesn't let that define her. She can be reckless at times and is sassy. Aside from this though she is strong and hardworking, setting goals and working towards them until they are achieved. I admired her for her qualities. Can she be a bit immature at times? Sure but what twenty-one-year-old isn't at times? I really can't blame her at all either as she didn't have the guidance that she needed and deserved while growing up, instead, she was subjected to a father who liked to swing on her and a mother who was an alcoholic. One thing though is that she is headstrong and keeps pushing through. I really loved her and was rooting for her but most of all wanted to give her a hug when she was feeling like she couldn't do something but then she would stew on a bit and overcome that she couldn't and prove to herself that she could never quit on herself.
“My brother and Mira are the first time I’ve seen two people truly love and respect each other. I want that too, but I’m not holding my breath. It seems fragile and unlikely, and I don’t think I can handle getting hurt any more than I already have.”
Griffin Sinclaire is broody, quiet, and private with his life. He has his reasons for the way he is. He was the town's star someone that everyone praised and looked up to for his achievements until he fell. So he keeps to himself and hides away partly because he doesn't like the way that people look at him now. He has his own issues going on that he never fully dealt with. I loved watching his growth throughout and opening up more to the ones that he felt close to who were his friends as he felt before people were only there for his status. He had a lot of demons that were tucked away from his fallout but he begins to heal and work on himself and takes the next steps to be better for himself and see himself as more than a failure. I really loved him from the start.
"Everything I used to define my value in life was swept away in a matter of seconds, and anger and sadness consumed me. And just this overwhelming sense of shame and guilt."
Griffin and Nadia walked a tight rope of tension that was sizzling to the point that they gave in and collided hard when they finally allowed themselves to. Their back-and-forth banter along the way was everything I hoped for. They're messy but not in a bad way necessarily they just come with baggage and some demons from things that have happened to them in the past. They are good for each other in helping each other through those past situations and helping each other heal but they also needed to work on themselves individually and heal first before they could fully commit. I normally don't like a break but in this instance, it is needed because in the end they both come back stronger and able to be more present and what each other needs without unknowingly holding the other back. Being able to be that support they both need in the end for each other rather than potentially dragging one another down in the process of their journeys is what they both deserve. I just loved them so much.
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. But you’re not one of them. You’re the happiest accident I’ve ever known. The very best decision I’ve ever made. My reason.”
One of my favorite things about Elsie's books is the found family. I especially loved it here because both of them needed all the love and support that they deserve and can get. This one was the perfect ending to this series. Though, I did have a couple of issues. One of the main ones is the constant mention of the age gap. We already know that going in, there's no need to keep bringing it up. Aside from that I loved this.
Favorite quotes and moments
"Wildflower. She doesn’t want to be tamed, and I shouldn’t want to try this badly. I should steer her in the opposite direction and send her running."
“I like all your words, Griffin. It’s what you don’t say that kills me.”
“I’ll give you all my right nows, Nadia. Every fucking last one. I’ll give you anything you want. I’ve been powerless since the first time I laid eyes on you.”
"No strings attached. I want you to have it. I want to see you spread your wings and soar. To see all your dreams come true."
"My girl. My reason. My Wildflower. Forever.
---------------------
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
Age gap?? Grumpy/Sunshine?? Brother's best friend?? Hell, yes! It's time for the last book in the series, let's go 🙂↕️🩷
June 8, 2023
3.5 stars
I’ve finally found an author who writes small town romance series that works for me. Like her series are so binge readable and I never binge read small town romances back to back because they’re always kinda the same and tend to get very formulaic? But Elsie silver books really work for me. Her writing is addicting and her characters are so good. She’s my favorite small town romance author!
This might be my least favorite in the series, but it was still so enjoyable to read. I really liked it. Both characters were likable, they just weren’t a favorite of mine and I didn’t connect with them like the others. Also, I wasn’t really a fan of the third act conflict. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The whole series was just so freakin good. I really enjoyed it.
#1 Off to the races ~ 3.75 stars
#2 A photo finish ~ 4.5 stars
#3 The front runner ~ 4.5 stars
#4 A false start ~ 3.5 stars
I’ve finally found an author who writes small town romance series that works for me. Like her series are so binge readable and I never binge read small town romances back to back because they’re always kinda the same and tend to get very formulaic? But Elsie silver books really work for me. Her writing is addicting and her characters are so good. She’s my favorite small town romance author!
This might be my least favorite in the series, but it was still so enjoyable to read. I really liked it. Both characters were likable, they just weren’t a favorite of mine and I didn’t connect with them like the others. Also, I wasn’t really a fan of the third act conflict. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The whole series was just so freakin good. I really enjoyed it.
#1 Off to the races ~ 3.75 stars
#2 A photo finish ~ 4.5 stars
#3 The front runner ~ 4.5 stars
#4 A false start ~ 3.5 stars
April 14, 2025
3.25 stars!
so, this one was cute, but coming off of loving the prior book it felt like a bit of a let down. i still enjoyed it overall but nadia and griffin didn’t hold a candle to mira and stefan for me.
nadia dalca was strong, intelligent, and hardworking and didn’t give up on her dreams which was really inspiring. coming from the background that she had, i loved that she stuck true to her goals and found peace with what she wanted from her life. i love a strong willed woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone.
griffin sinclaire ended up being someone i surprising liked. the grumpy mmc doesn’t usually strike my fancy, but he had enough under the surface that allowed me to really feel for his character and like the man beneath the gruffness. plus, his sweet gestures were really the cherry on top.
really, i loved both characters individually but my problem came from their relationship together. by the end, it was sweet (especially the letters) but mostly throughout i didn’t really feel the spark. the similar trauma was a good connector but not enough for me to love them as a couple so it fell short for me.
the found family is one of my favorite things about elsie’s books and something i will continuously come back to time and again. even though i didn’t love all of the characters in this series, the tight knit group and their gatherings together always get me with how wholesome they are. by this book, the group is fully established and it was such a great thing to experience.
overall, even though i didn’t love every book in this series i’d still recommend all of them wholeheartedly. come for the cowboys and stay for the found family, you won’t be disappointed.
💌 lastly, special thank you to my girl, lorena for reading this whole series with me. i had the best time sharing thoughts with you <33
.・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・.
꒰ pre-read. ꒱
the last book of the series and i’m not ready for it to be over yet 😩 i’m not sure how i feel about griffin based on his intro in the last one but i’m hopeful anyway! 🤞🏻
“Before? That was a false start. This? This is a clean slate. I want all your right nows. All your tomorrows. I want it all with you.”
so, this one was cute, but coming off of loving the prior book it felt like a bit of a let down. i still enjoyed it overall but nadia and griffin didn’t hold a candle to mira and stefan for me.
nadia dalca was strong, intelligent, and hardworking and didn’t give up on her dreams which was really inspiring. coming from the background that she had, i loved that she stuck true to her goals and found peace with what she wanted from her life. i love a strong willed woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone.
griffin sinclaire ended up being someone i surprising liked. the grumpy mmc doesn’t usually strike my fancy, but he had enough under the surface that allowed me to really feel for his character and like the man beneath the gruffness. plus, his sweet gestures were really the cherry on top.
really, i loved both characters individually but my problem came from their relationship together. by the end, it was sweet (especially the letters) but mostly throughout i didn’t really feel the spark. the similar trauma was a good connector but not enough for me to love them as a couple so it fell short for me.
the found family is one of my favorite things about elsie’s books and something i will continuously come back to time and again. even though i didn’t love all of the characters in this series, the tight knit group and their gatherings together always get me with how wholesome they are. by this book, the group is fully established and it was such a great thing to experience.
overall, even though i didn’t love every book in this series i’d still recommend all of them wholeheartedly. come for the cowboys and stay for the found family, you won’t be disappointed.
💌 lastly, special thank you to my girl, lorena for reading this whole series with me. i had the best time sharing thoughts with you <33
.・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・. .・。.・゜✭・.
꒰ pre-read. ꒱
the last book of the series and i’m not ready for it to be over yet 😩 i’m not sure how i feel about griffin based on his intro in the last one but i’m hopeful anyway! 🤞🏻
March 21, 2025
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
I’ll never watch the sun set again without thinking of her.
-ˏˋ3.25 ☆ˊˎ-
╰┈➤ Griffin and Nadia met when she was only 19 and he blows her away with the best kiss she ever had. Two years go by and the universe brings them together again. The problem is she’s 14 years younger than him and his best friend’s little sister, but he can’t seem to stay away. And she doesn’t want him to.
After reading the previous book I had a feeling this wasn’t going to be my cup of tea and I was right. My main problem were the characters, I just couldn’t connect with them. I don’t think this is a bad book by any means but it just wasn’t for me. I thought it was cute and enjoyable but like every other book in this series there was something missing.
I know some people don’t like age gap but I didn’t mind it. My problem was the “best friend’s brother” trope, or lack thereof. I think the author wanted to approach a different trope in this book and because this is a popular one she ran with it. But it’s not shown anywhere in the book. It’s said that Griffin and Stephan are “best friends” but that’s it. They didn’t act like they knew each other let alone be “bffs”. It felt like sometimes the author would throw it around so that it felt like a forbidden relationship and so there was tension and plot but to me it was just frustrating. And same thing with the age gap, apart from the main characters no one cared about the 14 years…
Nadia is described to be so mature for her age because she’s suffered through so much since she was young, but to me she was sooooo immature! She had some actions that I didn’t agree with and said some stuff that no adult would say. And she’s young still I know, but it was repeated time and time again that she was wise beyond her years, yet she read like a teen most of the time. And Griffin was meh. I din’t like him, I din’t hate him. I sympathized with him and what he went through but I wish it was better developed.
I did like the development of their relationship, and that they managed to find healing in each other. There was however a random plot element that was thrown near the end out of nowhere and I didn’t like how it was handled and solved. But I liked seeing Griffin working for it in the end. Also I like Elsie’s writing but given she’s creating a new world I think there’s some parts that could be better explained and developed.
Overall, I’ve gotta say I was expecting more from this series mainly because of all the praise Elsie receives, but it’s her debut series after all. I’m really excited to jump into chestnut springs and see what all the fuss is about!
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂
series ranking:
1. A photo finish
2. The front runner
3. Out of the gate
4. A false start
5. Off to the races
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂
Cute romance, nothing special. Hopefully chestnut springs is!
RTC
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
·:*¨༺ Pre-read ༻¨*:·
Let’s start my first read of the year by finishing this series. Please, be good!
-ˏˋ3.25 ☆ˊˎ-
╰┈➤ Griffin and Nadia met when she was only 19 and he blows her away with the best kiss she ever had. Two years go by and the universe brings them together again. The problem is she’s 14 years younger than him and his best friend’s little sister, but he can’t seem to stay away. And she doesn’t want him to.
After reading the previous book I had a feeling this wasn’t going to be my cup of tea and I was right. My main problem were the characters, I just couldn’t connect with them. I don’t think this is a bad book by any means but it just wasn’t for me. I thought it was cute and enjoyable but like every other book in this series there was something missing.
I know some people don’t like age gap but I didn’t mind it. My problem was the “best friend’s brother” trope, or lack thereof. I think the author wanted to approach a different trope in this book and because this is a popular one she ran with it. But it’s not shown anywhere in the book. It’s said that Griffin and Stephan are “best friends” but that’s it. They didn’t act like they knew each other let alone be “bffs”. It felt like sometimes the author would throw it around so that it felt like a forbidden relationship and so there was tension and plot but to me it was just frustrating. And same thing with the age gap, apart from the main characters no one cared about the 14 years…
Nadia is described to be so mature for her age because she’s suffered through so much since she was young, but to me she was sooooo immature! She had some actions that I didn’t agree with and said some stuff that no adult would say. And she’s young still I know, but it was repeated time and time again that she was wise beyond her years, yet she read like a teen most of the time. And Griffin was meh. I din’t like him, I din’t hate him. I sympathized with him and what he went through but I wish it was better developed.
I did like the development of their relationship, and that they managed to find healing in each other. There was however a random plot element that was thrown near the end out of nowhere and I didn’t like how it was handled and solved. But I liked seeing Griffin working for it in the end. Also I like Elsie’s writing but given she’s creating a new world I think there’s some parts that could be better explained and developed.
Overall, I’ve gotta say I was expecting more from this series mainly because of all the praise Elsie receives, but it’s her debut series after all. I’m really excited to jump into chestnut springs and see what all the fuss is about!
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂
series ranking:
1. A photo finish
2. The front runner
3. Out of the gate
4. A false start
5. Off to the races
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂
Cute romance, nothing special. Hopefully chestnut springs is!
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
·:*¨༺ Pre-read ༻¨*:·
Let’s start my first read of the year by finishing this series. Please, be good!
March 18, 2022
4.25 stars
This is my favorite Elsie Silver book to date. Age gap romance, brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers. I am always here for these troupes! And I loved being back at Ruby Creek!
As soon as I finished ‘The Front Runner’, I hoped we would get a Nadia book. Nadia is Stefan Dalca’s younger sister and I was intrigued by her. Nadia has been through so much, but she overcame that and had so much growth. Griffin is the grumpiest of heroes and that is my favorite! I loved seeing him overcome his own past and obstacles and be the man Nadia needed.
Nadia and Griffin’s path wasn’t always easy but there was so much worth fighting for. Though they were an unlikely couple, they were perfect for one another.
This is my favorite Elsie Silver book to date. Age gap romance, brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers. I am always here for these troupes! And I loved being back at Ruby Creek!
As soon as I finished ‘The Front Runner’, I hoped we would get a Nadia book. Nadia is Stefan Dalca’s younger sister and I was intrigued by her. Nadia has been through so much, but she overcame that and had so much growth. Griffin is the grumpiest of heroes and that is my favorite! I loved seeing him overcome his own past and obstacles and be the man Nadia needed.
Nadia and Griffin’s path wasn’t always easy but there was so much worth fighting for. Though they were an unlikely couple, they were perfect for one another.
You’re the happiest accident I’ve ever known. The very best decision I’ve ever made. My reason.
March 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
(P.s I filmed all my monthly wrap ups too early so we’re saying I finished this in April, ok? Ok. Thanks!)
(P.s I filmed all my monthly wrap ups too early so we’re saying I finished this in April, ok? Ok. Thanks!)
December 12, 2023
"Anything that might be wrong melts away with the rightness of us."
I hadn't read anything by Elsie Silver before, but the blurb for this one drew me in. I mean, brother's best friend, age gap, small town... it definitely resonated with me. I finished the book last night, and there were tears in my eyes at the end of it. It's probably one of the best brother's best friend books I've ever read.
I'm grateful for having had the chance to read this ARC.
"Griffin is like this growly, dirty-talking, romantic dickhead that I can't get enough of."
This sentence describes Griffin Sinclaire better than I ever could, but it doesn't sum him up. I loved the depth of this character, the character development, and how I got to know the man beyond his grumpy exterior. How I got to see what makes him tick, what he thinks, how he feels. And Griff is definitely book boyfriend material. And then some.
"My girl. My reason. My Wildflower."
Nadia was special. Any girl who can go through what she did, and still be here, rising above it, using her past as an example of what she doesn't want in life is my kind of girl. She's badass, strong well beyond her years, sensible beyond what you'd expect, but also very much young in the way she feels. She is the perfect counterpart for Griffin.
"I like all your words, Griffin. It's what you don't say that kills me."
Griff and Nadia meet at a local bar, and they don't know each other. They share one kiss, and just the one is unforgettable for both of them. Two years later, Nadia is living at her brother's ranch when Griff shows up. He's her brother's best friend, 14 years older than her. But the memory of that kiss is still burned into their minds and their bodies.
Griff is all sorts of grumpy. Nadia has a smart mouth about her and is all kinds of sassy. She pushes him as far as she can, and he pushes right back. There's long stares across crowded rooms, and so much longing. The pushing and pulling is captivating. Their interactions are fun, and filled with tension. You can see it's only a matter of time before they give in, because they have to.
"My special brand of hell. But I want you so badly I don’t even mind the flames."
Once it happens? It is HOT. I cannot stress enough how these two complement each other, even when it comes to sex. It's like they were waiting for each other, and everyone else who came before didn't matter. Everyone else was a stepping stone for them to get to each other. They are absolutely scorching, and it's so obvious to see how they're made for each other in every single way.
"Tie me up, lock me down, keep me forever. I only ever want to do this life with you."
Two things stood out to me. The first was how broken, and at the same time how hopeful, these two people are. How they believe they're not enough, but they keep hoping they will be. How they think that no one would want them if people saw the 'real' them, their flaws, their pasts. How no one would miss them, or really love them. My heart broke for them.
"All our scars melt away as our hands trail over one another's bodies."
The second was the lack of what I call the 'brother drama'. You know, the overprotective brother who becomes an asshole and tries to take over his sister's life. None of it. Stefan didn't try to, and Nadia wouldn't have stood for it if he had.
This book was character-centered, and that was just the way it should be. Even the age gap didn't matter much to me – I really didn't care about it. I just wanted them to get their happily ever after, because it's so clear that they're 'it' for each other.
"I want all your right nows. All your tomorrows. I want it all with you."
A False Start is about healing, and growing. About being loved for who you are, but also for all you can be. About how two people can raise each other up, and heal each other in the meantime, just by being there. And how they can be each other's reason for existing, for loving, for everything.
There was so much love in this book, and I loved all of it.
I hadn't read anything by Elsie Silver before, but the blurb for this one drew me in. I mean, brother's best friend, age gap, small town... it definitely resonated with me. I finished the book last night, and there were tears in my eyes at the end of it. It's probably one of the best brother's best friend books I've ever read.
I'm grateful for having had the chance to read this ARC.
"Griffin is like this growly, dirty-talking, romantic dickhead that I can't get enough of."
This sentence describes Griffin Sinclaire better than I ever could, but it doesn't sum him up. I loved the depth of this character, the character development, and how I got to know the man beyond his grumpy exterior. How I got to see what makes him tick, what he thinks, how he feels. And Griff is definitely book boyfriend material. And then some.
"My girl. My reason. My Wildflower."
Nadia was special. Any girl who can go through what she did, and still be here, rising above it, using her past as an example of what she doesn't want in life is my kind of girl. She's badass, strong well beyond her years, sensible beyond what you'd expect, but also very much young in the way she feels. She is the perfect counterpart for Griffin.
"I like all your words, Griffin. It's what you don't say that kills me."
Griff and Nadia meet at a local bar, and they don't know each other. They share one kiss, and just the one is unforgettable for both of them. Two years later, Nadia is living at her brother's ranch when Griff shows up. He's her brother's best friend, 14 years older than her. But the memory of that kiss is still burned into their minds and their bodies.
Griff is all sorts of grumpy. Nadia has a smart mouth about her and is all kinds of sassy. She pushes him as far as she can, and he pushes right back. There's long stares across crowded rooms, and so much longing. The pushing and pulling is captivating. Their interactions are fun, and filled with tension. You can see it's only a matter of time before they give in, because they have to.
"My special brand of hell. But I want you so badly I don’t even mind the flames."
Once it happens? It is HOT. I cannot stress enough how these two complement each other, even when it comes to sex. It's like they were waiting for each other, and everyone else who came before didn't matter. Everyone else was a stepping stone for them to get to each other. They are absolutely scorching, and it's so obvious to see how they're made for each other in every single way.
"Tie me up, lock me down, keep me forever. I only ever want to do this life with you."
Two things stood out to me. The first was how broken, and at the same time how hopeful, these two people are. How they believe they're not enough, but they keep hoping they will be. How they think that no one would want them if people saw the 'real' them, their flaws, their pasts. How no one would miss them, or really love them. My heart broke for them.
"All our scars melt away as our hands trail over one another's bodies."
The second was the lack of what I call the 'brother drama'. You know, the overprotective brother who becomes an asshole and tries to take over his sister's life. None of it. Stefan didn't try to, and Nadia wouldn't have stood for it if he had.
This book was character-centered, and that was just the way it should be. Even the age gap didn't matter much to me – I really didn't care about it. I just wanted them to get their happily ever after, because it's so clear that they're 'it' for each other.
"I want all your right nows. All your tomorrows. I want it all with you."
A False Start is about healing, and growing. About being loved for who you are, but also for all you can be. About how two people can raise each other up, and heal each other in the meantime, just by being there. And how they can be each other's reason for existing, for loving, for everything.
There was so much love in this book, and I loved all of it.
July 19, 2025
Nadia x Griffin
I think this might just be my favourite book of the series 🙌🏽 what a great note to finish on 👏🏽
For the finale, Elise has fast-forwarded ⏩ 2 years - Mira is now Nadia’s sister-in-law, and her idol; a strong, smart and driven woman.
Nadia, is a BRILLIANT character! She stronger than she believes. Says just what she’s thinking and always wears her heart on her sleeve 💓 Things have moved on at Gold Rush Ranch and Nadia has some big goals ahead of her. She is now 21, has moved out, and with a diploma in hand, she luckily walked back into a job at Gold Rush Ranch. Her heart is set on becoming a vet, just like Mira ❤️🩹
Griffin is somewhat different. He is the famous quarterback who grew up in this small-town, then got injured and disappeared off into the mountains. Oh yes, and he is also happens to be 14 years older than Nadia. Most see him as a grumpy old man. Despite that: IT’S OFFICIAL: Griffin is my favourite male character in the series! He is such a big softy, and truly cares about others. Yes, he needs time alone but “The idea of sharing that space and time with someone doesn’t feel quite so off-putting right now though. But only if that someone is Nadia” 🥰
“I think in some cases, age is just a way to measure the number of years you spent without the person meant for you.” 🥲
Despite a one off meeting in a bar bathroom, 2 years ago, the fun between these two really begins when Griff is moving into Vaughn and Billie’s old guesthouse for the summer to break the young horses because obviously Billie can’t. (Now heavily pregnant with twins 😂)
But there’s a catch: he is Nadia’s brother’s best friend 😬🤭
I LOVED this book. It felt so raw and full of pure emotion. I didn’t expect there to be as much emotion in this book, given Nadia’s ‘wild child’ attitude. But, it turned out she was more of a wildflower than a wild child. When Griff nicknamed her Wildflower because “She doesn’t want to be tamed, and I shouldn’t want to try…” my heart melted. In fact, Elise had my heart in the palm of her hands throughout this book. There were SO many beautifully written scenes, full of genuine love 🥰
“I love that she doesn’t want anything from me. She doesn’t care about my money, my past, my fame. She wants a quiet, simple life. And I think she might want it with me, which is the most incredible feeling. To know that someone wants you for you, not for what you can do for them”
This was a brilliant finale. There may have been a 14 year age gap but this couple felt natural together from start to finish. The banter between them was hilarious and extremely entertaining. Yet another Elise Silver series that I would happily recommend 🙌🏽
“I’ve been powerless since the first time I laid eyes on you.” 🥹💖
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
I think this might just be my favourite book of the series 🙌🏽 what a great note to finish on 👏🏽
For the finale, Elise has fast-forwarded ⏩ 2 years - Mira is now Nadia’s sister-in-law, and her idol; a strong, smart and driven woman.
Nadia, is a BRILLIANT character! She stronger than she believes. Says just what she’s thinking and always wears her heart on her sleeve 💓 Things have moved on at Gold Rush Ranch and Nadia has some big goals ahead of her. She is now 21, has moved out, and with a diploma in hand, she luckily walked back into a job at Gold Rush Ranch. Her heart is set on becoming a vet, just like Mira ❤️🩹
Griffin is somewhat different. He is the famous quarterback who grew up in this small-town, then got injured and disappeared off into the mountains. Oh yes, and he is also happens to be 14 years older than Nadia. Most see him as a grumpy old man. Despite that: IT’S OFFICIAL: Griffin is my favourite male character in the series! He is such a big softy, and truly cares about others. Yes, he needs time alone but “The idea of sharing that space and time with someone doesn’t feel quite so off-putting right now though. But only if that someone is Nadia” 🥰
“I think in some cases, age is just a way to measure the number of years you spent without the person meant for you.” 🥲
Despite a one off meeting in a bar bathroom, 2 years ago, the fun between these two really begins when Griff is moving into Vaughn and Billie’s old guesthouse for the summer to break the young horses because obviously Billie can’t. (Now heavily pregnant with twins 😂)
But there’s a catch: he is Nadia’s brother’s best friend 😬🤭
I LOVED this book. It felt so raw and full of pure emotion. I didn’t expect there to be as much emotion in this book, given Nadia’s ‘wild child’ attitude. But, it turned out she was more of a wildflower than a wild child. When Griff nicknamed her Wildflower because “She doesn’t want to be tamed, and I shouldn’t want to try…” my heart melted. In fact, Elise had my heart in the palm of her hands throughout this book. There were SO many beautifully written scenes, full of genuine love 🥰
“I love that she doesn’t want anything from me. She doesn’t care about my money, my past, my fame. She wants a quiet, simple life. And I think she might want it with me, which is the most incredible feeling. To know that someone wants you for you, not for what you can do for them”
This was a brilliant finale. There may have been a 14 year age gap but this couple felt natural together from start to finish. The banter between them was hilarious and extremely entertaining. Yet another Elise Silver series that I would happily recommend 🙌🏽
“I’ve been powerless since the first time I laid eyes on you.” 🥹💖
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
April 15, 2025
hmm okay. nadia and griffin as individuals were great. they had lots of trauma to heal from, but in a way, the things they feared/went through complemented each other, so you could say they were what the other needed (not to heal, just to realize they needed to do something about it). the setting felt even more magical than in the previous books —it was like i was there at gold rush ranch and cascade acres, and i loved all the scenes of griffin and nadia with mira and stefan (my beloveds).
the problem is that i felt pretty indifferent towards the romance during almost all of the book. nadia and griffin didn't work for me as a couple or gave me butterflies until the very end. i was supposed to be invested in the sort of forbidden aspect because of their age gap and griffin being her brother's best friend, but i simply didn't care. they were super cute during the last three chapters, but i wanted that energy throughout the whole book, which didn't happen.
now, can we appreciate that i'm being nice and still rating this 3 stars? honestly, that has more to do with the reading experience. i read the books in this series with my nina babe and she made everything so much better, so thank you for reading this with me 🥰. i can't wait for us to read the other books in the elsie silver universe together <333 and i'm starting the chestnut springs series this weekend, so i'm also super excited for that!!
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
the problem is that i felt pretty indifferent towards the romance during almost all of the book. nadia and griffin didn't work for me as a couple or gave me butterflies until the very end. i was supposed to be invested in the sort of forbidden aspect because of their age gap and griffin being her brother's best friend, but i simply didn't care. they were super cute during the last three chapters, but i wanted that energy throughout the whole book, which didn't happen.
now, can we appreciate that i'm being nice and still rating this 3 stars? honestly, that has more to do with the reading experience. i read the books in this series with my nina babe and she made everything so much better, so thank you for reading this with me 🥰. i can't wait for us to read the other books in the elsie silver universe together <333 and i'm starting the chestnut springs series this weekend, so i'm also super excited for that!!
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
May 1, 2025
brothers best friend, age gap, he falls first, small town, vet/cowgirl x football player
can’t believe the gold rush series is over and im fully caught up on elsie’s backlist 😭 this is definitely tied with A Front Runner for my fav in the series. the Dalca siblings just dominate, what can I say?
i loved nadia! she has been thru so much and it definitely alters her perception of love. i enjoyed how pro-therapy she was. she is headstrong, witty, and another great elsie FMC!
if ur a sucker for the gruff silent-type 🤤 then griffin is ur guy. the only football player that i would crawl thru rocks to have a dirty night in a tent with. need him #biblically
the smut was 😮💨 definitely some of my fav in the series.
the third act wasn’t my favorite.
i loved that their relationship developed over several years and that we had some well-placed time-jumps. made their connection feel more realistic!
can’t believe the gold rush series is over and im fully caught up on elsie’s backlist 😭 this is definitely tied with A Front Runner for my fav in the series. the Dalca siblings just dominate, what can I say?
i loved nadia! she has been thru so much and it definitely alters her perception of love. i enjoyed how pro-therapy she was. she is headstrong, witty, and another great elsie FMC!
if ur a sucker for the gruff silent-type 🤤 then griffin is ur guy. the only football player that i would crawl thru rocks to have a dirty night in a tent with. need him #biblically
the smut was 😮💨 definitely some of my fav in the series.
the third act wasn’t my favorite.
i loved that their relationship developed over several years and that we had some well-placed time-jumps. made their connection feel more realistic!
August 14, 2024
4⭐️
What a beautiful end to such a beautiful series. This ended on such a high note, and I'm officially almost caught up with Elsie Silver's books.
Right from the jump I knew I was going to love this. I mean, come on. Age gap? Brother's best friend? YES PLEASE!!! I wasn't a fan of Stefan and Mira's book, but Nadia's book? LOVED IT. The chemistry between her and Griffin was just so magical and special and it played out so well. It's a much slower pace romance, but I think the slowness of the build-up is one of the things I loved most about this book. It really felt like it was worth it. The tension between those two was off the charts. This book was not what I was expecting but it exceeded any expectations I could have had.
I'm so sad that this series is over, but I'm beyond happy to have had the chance to be in this universe. I was captured this entire book; I was never bored or uninterested. It's fast enough to keep you engaged, but slow enough to have you wanting more and more. The characters were deep enough to feel like this wasn't just some surface level connection or love. No. This was deep rooted and had you really rooting for them the entire book.
The third-act breakup in this book was THANKFULLY not from miscommunication or anything of the sorts. If I was ever going to read a book with a third-act breakup, it'd be the kind that was in this book. Of course, I wish it never had to happen, but I understand. Even during it I couldn't stop giggling from Nadia and Griffin's connection.
My heart is full but I'm so sad I will never get the chance to be with these characters anymore. These books hold such a special place in my heart and I can't imagine ever letting them go. If you have not read this series yet, this is your sign. Pick up the book and get started cause it's going to be fun, spicy, wild ride. ❤️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buddy reading the series finale with Taylor ☺️❤️ I can't believe that after this I won't be in the Gold Rush Ranch universe anymore 😭
What a beautiful end to such a beautiful series. This ended on such a high note, and I'm officially almost caught up with Elsie Silver's books.
Right from the jump I knew I was going to love this. I mean, come on. Age gap? Brother's best friend? YES PLEASE!!! I wasn't a fan of Stefan and Mira's book, but Nadia's book? LOVED IT. The chemistry between her and Griffin was just so magical and special and it played out so well. It's a much slower pace romance, but I think the slowness of the build-up is one of the things I loved most about this book. It really felt like it was worth it. The tension between those two was off the charts. This book was not what I was expecting but it exceeded any expectations I could have had.
I'm so sad that this series is over, but I'm beyond happy to have had the chance to be in this universe. I was captured this entire book; I was never bored or uninterested. It's fast enough to keep you engaged, but slow enough to have you wanting more and more. The characters were deep enough to feel like this wasn't just some surface level connection or love. No. This was deep rooted and had you really rooting for them the entire book.
The third-act breakup in this book was THANKFULLY not from miscommunication or anything of the sorts. If I was ever going to read a book with a third-act breakup, it'd be the kind that was in this book. Of course, I wish it never had to happen, but I understand. Even during it I couldn't stop giggling from Nadia and Griffin's connection.
My heart is full but I'm so sad I will never get the chance to be with these characters anymore. These books hold such a special place in my heart and I can't imagine ever letting them go. If you have not read this series yet, this is your sign. Pick up the book and get started cause it's going to be fun, spicy, wild ride. ❤️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buddy reading the series finale with Taylor ☺️❤️ I can't believe that after this I won't be in the Gold Rush Ranch universe anymore 😭
February 5, 2023
Griffin & Nadia met when she was a reckless 19 year old kissing an idiot boy in the bar bathroom. After two years of avoidance and silence, they start interacting again on the ranch because of work. She’s his best friend’s little sister. Over a decade younger than him. There’s more than one reason they can’t be together, but when Nadia wants something, she gets it. And she wants him.
I didn’t expect this book to be as emotional as it was! Griff & Nadia carry around guilt and shame like it’s their jobs. But they’re more than two damaged people who “heal” each other. They put in the WORK. I love when books have realistic mental health rep, and Elsie smashed it. (I’m not surprised.)
Read if you like
✨ small town romance
✨ fierce and firey fmcs
✨ grumpy “damaged” (I hate that word) mmcs
✨ opposites attract
✨ forced proximity
✨ age gap
✨ best friend’s sibling
✨ a guy who buys you a HORSE
I’m so sad to be leaving these characters behind. Stefan and Mira definitely take the cake for my favorite couple, but this series as a whole was such a fun read.
I didn’t expect this book to be as emotional as it was! Griff & Nadia carry around guilt and shame like it’s their jobs. But they’re more than two damaged people who “heal” each other. They put in the WORK. I love when books have realistic mental health rep, and Elsie smashed it. (I’m not surprised.)
Read if you like
✨ small town romance
✨ fierce and firey fmcs
✨ grumpy “damaged” (I hate that word) mmcs
✨ opposites attract
✨ forced proximity
✨ age gap
✨ best friend’s sibling
✨ a guy who buys you a HORSE
I’m so sad to be leaving these characters behind. Stefan and Mira definitely take the cake for my favorite couple, but this series as a whole was such a fun read.
August 23, 2023
Just skimmed through the last 100 pages 😭 This book made me realized that the age gap trope is not my thing. The whole forbidden and conflicted vibe just makes me cringe. And if I read the word wildflower one more time I am seriously going to throw my phone out the window 😺
Read
November 24, 2024This was awful 0/5
May 3, 2024
4.25⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Can’t stress enough how strong of a series this was!! Not a single one disappointed me and I enjoyed all of them thoroughly!!! This Age gap was done sooo incredibly well in here and I gobbled it right up! And the way this man worked on himself for her?! Slayyyy!
Can’t stress enough how strong of a series this was!! Not a single one disappointed me and I enjoyed all of them thoroughly!!! This Age gap was done sooo incredibly well in here and I gobbled it right up! And the way this man worked on himself for her?! Slayyyy!
May 25, 2023
5/5★
This was such a beautiful wrap up of the series! This series and this book will always have a special place in my heart and so does Elsie Silver! She’s definitely now one of my favourite romance authors and I can’t wait for her new books coming out this year and the years to come!!
She just knows how to get me attached to her characters and their stories! I was literally addicted to the Chestnut Springs series and I am now feeling the same towards the Gold Rush Ranch series!! I love all of the characters and I can’t wait to reread this series again!!
Now to Griffin and Nadia. These two were so adorable and hot and romantic and all of the things a romance couple needs to be!! They have my heart and they have to be my second favourite couple in the series!! Their story was just absolutely beautiful and had me literally crying through most of it!
Their love story was the definition of if he wanted to he would!
Griffin has been through a lot and because of his past he thinks he is incapable of giving Nadia what he thinks she deserves, which is happiness and stability. Two of the things he thinks he isn’t capable of having for himself as well. However, he decided to freaking turn his life around and fight for her and for himself. She deserved better… SO HE BECAME BETTER!!!!!! Like if that isn’t the standard that idk what is.
Not only was Griffin the sweetest and most romantic man ever… he’s also the hottest. Like holy shit… He had me freaking gagging for him. The spicy scenes between him and Nadia were TO DIE FOR!!! Definitely my favourites out of the whole series. I was literally screaming (without the s lmao). It was just so intimate and hot but at the same time also romantic?? Like the power this man has ugh…
Nadia is such a powerful and amazing woman. The way she fights for what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak her mind and is so honest about her feelings… I WANNA BE HER!!! She’s freaking amazing and I love her so much. I already loved her in book 3 and I am so glad that she got her own book because she carried it!!! As she freaking should!
I also was obsessed with the tropes in this book! Brother’s best friend, grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, age gap. Just all of the good stuff if you ask me. What I loved about this brother’s best friend trope is that the brother didn’t throw a huge fuss about it! Stefan was literally so supportive of them and I love seeing that! It was just so sweet and endearing.
I loved in general seeing all the other couples again as well. One of my favourite things in the last book of a series is always seeing the other couples and seeing them happy. It’s just so full-filling and made me happy seeing them happy! But it is also bittersweet because it means saying goodbye as well :(
Overall, this book, these characters, this series… all of it! I will miss it so much!! These characters mean so much to me and I don’t want to let them go but I will MOST DEFINITELY be rereading this series in the near future! Definitely one of my new favourite romance series of all time now!! I highly, HIGHLY recommend this to anyone!!
This was such a beautiful wrap up of the series! This series and this book will always have a special place in my heart and so does Elsie Silver! She’s definitely now one of my favourite romance authors and I can’t wait for her new books coming out this year and the years to come!!
She just knows how to get me attached to her characters and their stories! I was literally addicted to the Chestnut Springs series and I am now feeling the same towards the Gold Rush Ranch series!! I love all of the characters and I can’t wait to reread this series again!!
Now to Griffin and Nadia. These two were so adorable and hot and romantic and all of the things a romance couple needs to be!! They have my heart and they have to be my second favourite couple in the series!! Their story was just absolutely beautiful and had me literally crying through most of it!
Their love story was the definition of if he wanted to he would!
Griffin has been through a lot and because of his past he thinks he is incapable of giving Nadia what he thinks she deserves, which is happiness and stability. Two of the things he thinks he isn’t capable of having for himself as well. However, he decided to freaking turn his life around and fight for her and for himself. She deserved better… SO HE BECAME BETTER!!!!!! Like if that isn’t the standard that idk what is.
Not only was Griffin the sweetest and most romantic man ever… he’s also the hottest. Like holy shit… He had me freaking gagging for him. The spicy scenes between him and Nadia were TO DIE FOR!!! Definitely my favourites out of the whole series. I was literally screaming (without the s lmao). It was just so intimate and hot but at the same time also romantic?? Like the power this man has ugh…
Nadia is such a powerful and amazing woman. The way she fights for what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak her mind and is so honest about her feelings… I WANNA BE HER!!! She’s freaking amazing and I love her so much. I already loved her in book 3 and I am so glad that she got her own book because she carried it!!! As she freaking should!
I also was obsessed with the tropes in this book! Brother’s best friend, grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, age gap. Just all of the good stuff if you ask me. What I loved about this brother’s best friend trope is that the brother didn’t throw a huge fuss about it! Stefan was literally so supportive of them and I love seeing that! It was just so sweet and endearing.
I loved in general seeing all the other couples again as well. One of my favourite things in the last book of a series is always seeing the other couples and seeing them happy. It’s just so full-filling and made me happy seeing them happy! But it is also bittersweet because it means saying goodbye as well :(
Overall, this book, these characters, this series… all of it! I will miss it so much!! These characters mean so much to me and I don’t want to let them go but I will MOST DEFINITELY be rereading this series in the near future! Definitely one of my new favourite romance series of all time now!! I highly, HIGHLY recommend this to anyone!!
August 14, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
There was a solid amount of time while I was reading this book that I was thoroughly enjoying it… but as I got closer to the end my feelings started dwindling and by the time I was done I felt a bit meh and detached.
We had two damaged characters both dealing with their own demons in very different ways. She was very positive and trying to work on herself, and he was very grumpy and negative and was letting all the bad thoughts and feelings fester - and I really enjoyed seeing how they made each other better by coming into each other’s lives.
But… I didn’t love how much back and forth/forbiddenness was thrown into the story. It started getting old after a while and I think that’s when I started losing interest. Then I got to the 70%ish mark and there was a very random element thrown into the story that I really didn’t think needed to be there. There was enough going on already and I didn’t like how there was no forshadowing for it - so it was introduced super randomly and then taken care of super quickly so it was basically just pointless drama.
Then at the end, I did like that Nadia made him work on himself and get better before they settled down together forever… but it also made me feel like the pacing of getting to watch these characters deal with their trauma was a bit off when looking at the story as a whole.
Overall though, it was a solid ending to the series - but book two was definitely my favorite out of the four.
There was a solid amount of time while I was reading this book that I was thoroughly enjoying it… but as I got closer to the end my feelings started dwindling and by the time I was done I felt a bit meh and detached.
We had two damaged characters both dealing with their own demons in very different ways. She was very positive and trying to work on herself, and he was very grumpy and negative and was letting all the bad thoughts and feelings fester - and I really enjoyed seeing how they made each other better by coming into each other’s lives.
But… I didn’t love how much back and forth/forbiddenness was thrown into the story. It started getting old after a while and I think that’s when I started losing interest. Then I got to the 70%ish mark and there was a very random element thrown into the story that I really didn’t think needed to be there. There was enough going on already and I didn’t like how there was no forshadowing for it - so it was introduced super randomly and then taken care of super quickly so it was basically just pointless drama.
Then at the end, I did like that Nadia made him work on himself and get better before they settled down together forever… but it also made me feel like the pacing of getting to watch these characters deal with their trauma was a bit off when looking at the story as a whole.
Overall though, it was a solid ending to the series - but book two was definitely my favorite out of the four.
September 22, 2023
is it just me, or did the fact that he had a secret wife literally come out of absolute butt fuck nowhere!?
deadass just felt like the author was tryna make this book longer, just for the sake of it!
i usually love elsie silver books, or at least enjoy them, but this one deadass had me reevaluating my life choices on picking it up…
and more ableism? amazing.
Repeat after me.
The. Word. Spaz. Is. Not. Needed. Ever.
also the fact that instead of talking it out they just fuck? nahhhhh. never thought i’d say this but there’s a right and wrong time to get the rope out for smexy time, and that was not the right time buddy.
also going back to the secret wife thing. the fact that it literally BLEW OVER so quickly, and so easily, just adds to the fact that it WAS NOT NEEDED! like… at all.
and another thing. the ‘forbidden’ element was deadass legit non-existent. we already have one couple on the ranch sporting a 10 year age gap, i don’t think an extra 4 years is gonna do anything. literally no one gave a shit except for the main characters? and the fact that when Stefan found out, mans legit held his cool??? like, i was expecting a blow up, to make it actually forbidden, but it was legit sorted within a chapter, not even… so umm… tell me again why it was forbidden?
the pacing was also off for this whole book. like, the trauma got wrapped up with a fucking time skip. ‘one month later, oh, i went to rehab and got my shit together, i am a-okay now and have fixed LITERAL YEARS OF REPRESSED TRAUMA’?? wot? my man… what therapy did u get cause can i also get it?
thank you for coming to my ted talk, i want to turn back time and not pick up this book.
deadass just felt like the author was tryna make this book longer, just for the sake of it!
i usually love elsie silver books, or at least enjoy them, but this one deadass had me reevaluating my life choices on picking it up…
and more ableism? amazing.
Repeat after me.
The. Word. Spaz. Is. Not. Needed. Ever.
also the fact that instead of talking it out they just fuck? nahhhhh. never thought i’d say this but there’s a right and wrong time to get the rope out for smexy time, and that was not the right time buddy.
also going back to the secret wife thing. the fact that it literally BLEW OVER so quickly, and so easily, just adds to the fact that it WAS NOT NEEDED! like… at all.
and another thing. the ‘forbidden’ element was deadass legit non-existent. we already have one couple on the ranch sporting a 10 year age gap, i don’t think an extra 4 years is gonna do anything. literally no one gave a shit except for the main characters? and the fact that when Stefan found out, mans legit held his cool??? like, i was expecting a blow up, to make it actually forbidden, but it was legit sorted within a chapter, not even… so umm… tell me again why it was forbidden?
the pacing was also off for this whole book. like, the trauma got wrapped up with a fucking time skip. ‘one month later, oh, i went to rehab and got my shit together, i am a-okay now and have fixed LITERAL YEARS OF REPRESSED TRAUMA’?? wot? my man… what therapy did u get cause can i also get it?
thank you for coming to my ted talk, i want to turn back time and not pick up this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
La tension et la chimie entre Nadia et Griffin!!!! 🥵🔥 J’ai tellement aimé suivre tous les personnages de cette série, je me suis full attachée à eux. Je finis la série sur un high, parce que c’est définitivement mon histoire pref.
Gold Rush Ranch ✅
Gold Rush Ranch ✅
March 18, 2022
•Age gap romance
•Small town meets horses
•Brother’s best friend romance
•Grumpy, former pro-athlete hero
•Heroine has a dark past
•Emotional & swoony AF
A False Start is book 4 in the Gold Rush Ranch series. This series has blown me away big time! Each book makes me fall more in love with this cast of characters ten fold. Griffin & Nadia were a match made in heaven & the taboo nature of their relationship added the tension I was so desperately looking for. There is a spicy scene involving a tent that blew me away—if you know, you KNOW! I wasn’t expecting to get emotional, but toward the end I was a puddle of tears, but I should’ve been expecting that, it’s an Elsie Silver book after all! Highly recommend, if that wasn’t clear already!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Elsie Silver for my early review copy!
•Small town meets horses
•Brother’s best friend romance
•Grumpy, former pro-athlete hero
•Heroine has a dark past
•Emotional & swoony AF
A False Start is book 4 in the Gold Rush Ranch series. This series has blown me away big time! Each book makes me fall more in love with this cast of characters ten fold. Griffin & Nadia were a match made in heaven & the taboo nature of their relationship added the tension I was so desperately looking for. There is a spicy scene involving a tent that blew me away—if you know, you KNOW! I wasn’t expecting to get emotional, but toward the end I was a puddle of tears, but I should’ve been expecting that, it’s an Elsie Silver book after all! Highly recommend, if that wasn’t clear already!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Elsie Silver for my early review copy!
Currently reading
March 11, 2022
January 2, 2025
The review never came, but just know it's a 10/10 would recommend.
July 2, 2024
4.5 stars
rtc!!
(i swear ill catch up on my rtc eventually 😔)
rtc!!
(i swear ill catch up on my rtc eventually 😔)
December 6, 2024
—— 3.75.✰ stars.
well, first things first, I read this in one sitting this morning, I honestly picked up this book with zero expectations, my motive was only finishing the series so I could move on to the Rose Hill series, but I am pleasantly surprised.
➷ plot:
we follow Nadia Dalca, Stefan’s little sister, who just moved to his house, escaping from the horrors of her previous life and Griffin Sinclaire, Stefan’s best friend, a grumpy and lonely man, but with also his own demons to fight.
➷ nadia + griffin:
I honestly liked them together, I don’t mind age gap at all, they had good chemistry and they helped each other a lot, since both of them have quite important trauma and baggage.
as a warning I must say, domestic violence, brain damage, and alcoholism is discussed in the book.
“You are the very best kind of torture, Nadia. My special brand of hell. But I want you so badly I don’t even mind the flames.”
I didn’t love the smut to be honest, but I did like their romantic development. The final conflict was kind of needed, since the topics we are exploring on the book needs time and care, and I wish it was a little more explored on the book, but anyways.
➷ final thoughts + some quotes:
I finished this series! Honestly I had 0 expectations on it since I hated the first book with my entire soul, but the second and third were good ones!!
As with Chestnut Springs, I have come to love almost all the characters (not you Billie, fuck you), and I will miss them a lot. But onto the next series!! Yeehaw 🤠
“I’d break my own heart a million times over to spare hers.”
well, first things first, I read this in one sitting this morning, I honestly picked up this book with zero expectations, my motive was only finishing the series so I could move on to the Rose Hill series, but I am pleasantly surprised.
➷ plot:
we follow Nadia Dalca, Stefan’s little sister, who just moved to his house, escaping from the horrors of her previous life and Griffin Sinclaire, Stefan’s best friend, a grumpy and lonely man, but with also his own demons to fight.
➷ nadia + griffin:
I honestly liked them together, I don’t mind age gap at all, they had good chemistry and they helped each other a lot, since both of them have quite important trauma and baggage.
as a warning I must say, domestic violence, brain damage, and alcoholism is discussed in the book.
“You are the very best kind of torture, Nadia. My special brand of hell. But I want you so badly I don’t even mind the flames.”
I didn’t love the smut to be honest, but I did like their romantic development. The final conflict was kind of needed, since the topics we are exploring on the book needs time and care, and I wish it was a little more explored on the book, but anyways.
➷ final thoughts + some quotes:
I finished this series! Honestly I had 0 expectations on it since I hated the first book with my entire soul, but the second and third were good ones!!
As with Chestnut Springs, I have come to love almost all the characters (not you Billie, fuck you), and I will miss them a lot. But onto the next series!! Yeehaw 🤠
“I could never hate you, Griffin Sinclaire. I tried, and I failed. You hate yourself enough already.”
“I’ll give you anything you want. I’ve been powerless since the first time I laid eyes on you.”
“She shines so bright, so golden. She deserves someone to match.”
“They listen, but don’t absorb what I’m saying. But you don’t just listen, you hear me.”
April 23, 2024
A False Start by Elsie Silver
4,5/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
"I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. But you’re not one of them. You’re the happiest accident I’ve ever known. The very best decision I’ve ever made."
This final book in the series is a perfect way to conclude it! Violet and Cole are my favorite couple, but I adore Nadia and Griffin's story even more. This book had all the romantic elements I was hoping for and more! I found myself swept off my feet multiple times, and the ending was simply stunning, beautiful, and heartwarming. Even to this day, I still think about it every now and then.
I appreciate the way Nadia's maturity shines through despite her young age. Her childhood experiences have left her feeling lost at times, but her bravery and clarity about her future goals are truly inspiring. And Griffin? Well, he can be a bit grumpy and rude, but deep down he's a good person who just struggles with trust issues and emotional baggage. But what's really adorable is how he becomes super protective and romantic towards Nadia, despite his rough exterior.
"I’ll never get over you. I’ve ached for you. Tie me up, lock me down, keep me forever. I only ever want to do this life with you."
Griffin and Nadia's relationship is one that I truly admire. They complement each other beautifully, and it's heartening to see how their deep understanding of each other has helped them build a strong bond. The connection between them is not just physical; it stems from a profound understanding of each other's emotions and thoughts.
What really stood out for me was the third-act breakup - it was hands down the best one ever! I loved how it made me appreciate the characters even more. The time they spent apart to work on themselves was so important, and it was beautiful to watch them slowly come back together. Overall, this series has been fantastic, and I'm sad to say goodbye to Ruby Creek and its characters, but I'm excited to go to Chestnut Springs and meet new ones.
"I want you to have it. I want to see you spread your wings and soar. To see all your dreams come true."
4,5/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
"I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. But you’re not one of them. You’re the happiest accident I’ve ever known. The very best decision I’ve ever made."
This final book in the series is a perfect way to conclude it! Violet and Cole are my favorite couple, but I adore Nadia and Griffin's story even more. This book had all the romantic elements I was hoping for and more! I found myself swept off my feet multiple times, and the ending was simply stunning, beautiful, and heartwarming. Even to this day, I still think about it every now and then.
I appreciate the way Nadia's maturity shines through despite her young age. Her childhood experiences have left her feeling lost at times, but her bravery and clarity about her future goals are truly inspiring. And Griffin? Well, he can be a bit grumpy and rude, but deep down he's a good person who just struggles with trust issues and emotional baggage. But what's really adorable is how he becomes super protective and romantic towards Nadia, despite his rough exterior.
"I’ll never get over you. I’ve ached for you. Tie me up, lock me down, keep me forever. I only ever want to do this life with you."
Griffin and Nadia's relationship is one that I truly admire. They complement each other beautifully, and it's heartening to see how their deep understanding of each other has helped them build a strong bond. The connection between them is not just physical; it stems from a profound understanding of each other's emotions and thoughts.
What really stood out for me was the third-act breakup - it was hands down the best one ever! I loved how it made me appreciate the characters even more. The time they spent apart to work on themselves was so important, and it was beautiful to watch them slowly come back together. Overall, this series has been fantastic, and I'm sad to say goodbye to Ruby Creek and its characters, but I'm excited to go to Chestnut Springs and meet new ones.
"I want you to have it. I want to see you spread your wings and soar. To see all your dreams come true."
November 22, 2025
⋆˚࿔ ★☆☆☆☆ [1.5 stars]
i'm just going to give you all a list of reasons why i disliked this book :
a) the phrase 'age is just a number' is repeated literally a million times in this book
b) the age gap was not for me (she was 19 when they first kissed and he was 33)
c) this somehow managed to give me the conservative american core feeling and the series is literally set in canada.
d) all elsie silver's books are starting to feel like a copy of each other: there's always the tiny fmc without a personality & a gun owning traumatized man who comes and rescues her
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
ᯓpre-read :
i do not have high hopes for this since i don't have any specific feelings towards nadia based on the previous book. at least i'll be finishing this series! (hopefully..)
i'm just going to give you all a list of reasons why i disliked this book :
a) the phrase 'age is just a number' is repeated literally a million times in this book
b) the age gap was not for me (she was 19 when they first kissed and he was 33)
c) this somehow managed to give me the conservative american core feeling and the series is literally set in canada.
d) all elsie silver's books are starting to feel like a copy of each other: there's always the tiny fmc without a personality & a gun owning traumatized man who comes and rescues her
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
ᯓpre-read :
i do not have high hopes for this since i don't have any specific feelings towards nadia based on the previous book. at least i'll be finishing this series! (hopefully..)
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