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Emerald Lake #1
Fever Dream
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26Die neue Reihe von SPIEGEL-Besteller-Autorin und TIKTOK-Star Elsie Silver
Der professionelle Bullenreiter Emmett Bush ist ganz sicher nicht auf der Suche nach der großen Liebe, vielmehr braucht er dringend Geld, um die Familienranch vor dem Ruin zu retten. Aus diesem Grund erklärt er sich bereit, den Junggesellen auf der Suche nach der Frau seines Lebens in der Reality Show Romance Ranch zu spielen. Doch Julia Silva, Location-Beraterin am Set und kleine Schwester seines erbittertsten Rivalen, durchkreuzt seinen ausgeklügelten Plan. Sie ist die letzte Frau, für die er Gefühle entwickeln sollte, und doch kann er sich nicht von ihr fernhalten. Das Emmett muss sich in eine der Kandidatinnen der Show verlieben, sonst ist die Familienranch dem Untergang geweiht. Dabei hat er sein Herz längst verloren ...
»Elsie Silvers Schreibstil ist eine wahre Offenbarung.« Ali Hazelwood
Band 1 der neuen Reihe EMERALD LAKE von SPIEGEL-Bestseller-Autorin und Queen of spicy Small Town Romance Elsie Silver
Der professionelle Bullenreiter Emmett Bush ist ganz sicher nicht auf der Suche nach der großen Liebe, vielmehr braucht er dringend Geld, um die Familienranch vor dem Ruin zu retten. Aus diesem Grund erklärt er sich bereit, den Junggesellen auf der Suche nach der Frau seines Lebens in der Reality Show Romance Ranch zu spielen. Doch Julia Silva, Location-Beraterin am Set und kleine Schwester seines erbittertsten Rivalen, durchkreuzt seinen ausgeklügelten Plan. Sie ist die letzte Frau, für die er Gefühle entwickeln sollte, und doch kann er sich nicht von ihr fernhalten. Das Emmett muss sich in eine der Kandidatinnen der Show verlieben, sonst ist die Familienranch dem Untergang geweiht. Dabei hat er sein Herz längst verloren ...
»Elsie Silvers Schreibstil ist eine wahre Offenbarung.« Ali Hazelwood
Band 1 der neuen Reihe EMERALD LAKE von SPIEGEL-Bestseller-Autorin und Queen of spicy Small Town Romance Elsie Silver
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 19, 2026
188 people are currently reading
129008 people want to read
About the author
Elsie Silver
37 books75.3k 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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Want to Read
November 26, 2025authors stop using the line “he was so dirty”… to talk about non white skin…when???
November 24, 2025
Alrighty, I’m calling it quits. I made it to 25% and have 30 highlights and notes. If I made it all the way, my Kindle would start on fire.
If Elsie Silver revealed that actually this was written by her 13 year old niece, I would say yes. Yes, I know.
Because despite this being from the POV of two adults, it reads so much like two 13 year olds. I read one page in a 13 year old boy’s voice and it worked so well. And that’s obviously down to how juvenile the writing is.
I don’t remember if Elsie Silver’s older books were this poorly written—it’s been a second since I read them and I’m honestly scared to go back and try at the risk of being disappointed. This book was Jasmine Mas/Lyla Sage level of poor writing.
Here’s a section from the book. No spoilers or anything. I’m just showing how weirdly written this is:
But without another word, I move in her direction.
And I start unloading bags of dirt.
Like I said, irritating.
We finish unloading in silence.
Are paragraphs not cool anymore? What are we doing? I get people have no attention spans these days and “there are too many words on the page” but come on…
This is a 3rd grade writing level.
And that’s just one example! There are more that I don’t want to add as this is an ARC and changes may be made pre-release. Just come on, y’all. Romance is silly goofy, yes, but the genre does deserve quality.
Speaking of that! Let’s talk about the “all tell don’t show.” This book was on another level. I’ve never been hit so hard over the head before about how I should feel about characters. I think Lyla Sage is the only one who has done it worse, but it’s close competition.
I’m told constantly that Emmett is a manwhore, rude, egotistic, blah blah. Turns out he’s the nicest person alive. Wholesome to his core.
Julia had a very scary situation happen (which I won’t reveal as it may be a spoiler) but then we’re told in a half a page how the incident really affected her and she used to be a partier but then she took a few months to work out, eat right, focus on her studies, and ditch her bad friends.
ELSIE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SHOW ME. Stop telling me! I want to SEE how she’s changed. I want to SEE Emmett being a douche bag.
But of course you don’t because that would ruin the fantasy. You can’t have REAL, layered people in romance books—at least not if they’re the main characters because then it would be harder to love them.
The only person in this book who is “mean” is the producer and he’s anime villain level mean: no complexities, no nuance. Just mean, nasty, sexist because we need a bad guy.
Everyone in this book is a one-dimensional character who is so good to their core. They are teasing, but in a lovable way. They selflessly take care of everyone. They bake fresh cookies. They have a business that they love—not for the money, but because they love the job so much. They work hard—the hardest.
Like, come on! There’s nothing here. It’s juvenile writing, juvenile characterization, juvenile storyline, with a predictable, juvenile ending.
Romance deserves better than this, it really does. I don’t need to know everyone’s eye color. I swear, no one cares about eye color more than romance and romantasy authors. I got told everyone’s eye color immediately, when they first entered a scene.
I DON’T CARE WHO HAS BLUE EYES AND WHO HAS BROWN EYES. Write a complex character!
I wouldn’t be so annoyed if this wasn’t going to be so popular when it releases. It just feels like a lazy, rush job that a 13 year old could write better.
There was also a part in this where Elsie Silver wrote:
“mischievous-looking little blond boy—hair nearly white—with a tan so dark that his knees almost appear dirty.”
Hello? Even after the Jessa Hastings debacle, we’re still writing “so tan they look dirty.” Can we just stop?
Anyway, that’s all for me. I can retire Elsie Silver to the shelf of romance authors I’ll no longer read from until they take a writing class.
Thank you, Edelweiss for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If Elsie Silver revealed that actually this was written by her 13 year old niece, I would say yes. Yes, I know.
Because despite this being from the POV of two adults, it reads so much like two 13 year olds. I read one page in a 13 year old boy’s voice and it worked so well. And that’s obviously down to how juvenile the writing is.
I don’t remember if Elsie Silver’s older books were this poorly written—it’s been a second since I read them and I’m honestly scared to go back and try at the risk of being disappointed. This book was Jasmine Mas/Lyla Sage level of poor writing.
Here’s a section from the book. No spoilers or anything. I’m just showing how weirdly written this is:
But without another word, I move in her direction.
And I start unloading bags of dirt.
Like I said, irritating.
We finish unloading in silence.
Are paragraphs not cool anymore? What are we doing? I get people have no attention spans these days and “there are too many words on the page” but come on…
This is a 3rd grade writing level.
And that’s just one example! There are more that I don’t want to add as this is an ARC and changes may be made pre-release. Just come on, y’all. Romance is silly goofy, yes, but the genre does deserve quality.
Speaking of that! Let’s talk about the “all tell don’t show.” This book was on another level. I’ve never been hit so hard over the head before about how I should feel about characters. I think Lyla Sage is the only one who has done it worse, but it’s close competition.
I’m told constantly that Emmett is a manwhore, rude, egotistic, blah blah. Turns out he’s the nicest person alive. Wholesome to his core.
Julia had a very scary situation happen (which I won’t reveal as it may be a spoiler) but then we’re told in a half a page how the incident really affected her and she used to be a partier but then she took a few months to work out, eat right, focus on her studies, and ditch her bad friends.
ELSIE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SHOW ME. Stop telling me! I want to SEE how she’s changed. I want to SEE Emmett being a douche bag.
But of course you don’t because that would ruin the fantasy. You can’t have REAL, layered people in romance books—at least not if they’re the main characters because then it would be harder to love them.
The only person in this book who is “mean” is the producer and he’s anime villain level mean: no complexities, no nuance. Just mean, nasty, sexist because we need a bad guy.
Everyone in this book is a one-dimensional character who is so good to their core. They are teasing, but in a lovable way. They selflessly take care of everyone. They bake fresh cookies. They have a business that they love—not for the money, but because they love the job so much. They work hard—the hardest.
Like, come on! There’s nothing here. It’s juvenile writing, juvenile characterization, juvenile storyline, with a predictable, juvenile ending.
Romance deserves better than this, it really does. I don’t need to know everyone’s eye color. I swear, no one cares about eye color more than romance and romantasy authors. I got told everyone’s eye color immediately, when they first entered a scene.
I DON’T CARE WHO HAS BLUE EYES AND WHO HAS BROWN EYES. Write a complex character!
I wouldn’t be so annoyed if this wasn’t going to be so popular when it releases. It just feels like a lazy, rush job that a 13 year old could write better.
There was also a part in this where Elsie Silver wrote:
“mischievous-looking little blond boy—hair nearly white—with a tan so dark that his knees almost appear dirty.”
Hello? Even after the Jessa Hastings debacle, we’re still writing “so tan they look dirty.” Can we just stop?
Anyway, that’s all for me. I can retire Elsie Silver to the shelf of romance authors I’ll no longer read from until they take a writing class.
Thank you, Edelweiss for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
October 16, 2025We have a cover and I'm in LOVE 😍😍
When the queen of small-town romance writes it, I will read it!!! Can't wait to fall in love with series and another MMC ☺️💘
When the queen of small-town romance writes it, I will read it!!! Can't wait to fall in love with series and another MMC ☺️💘
April 9, 2026
Elsie never lets me down, possibly my favorite book of hers yet
RTC🌟
RTC🌟
Want to Read
August 23, 2025₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞:
AHH ELSIE SILVER IS RELEASING AGAIN!! 👀
rose hill wasn’t my favorite compared to chessnut springs (still need to read her first series) but still so excited to read thisss!!💜💜
AHH ELSIE SILVER IS RELEASING AGAIN!! 👀
rose hill wasn’t my favorite compared to chessnut springs (still need to read her first series) but still so excited to read thisss!!💜💜
Want to Read
October 13, 2025BRAND NEW Elsie Silver series?!!! one way ticket to Emerald Lake, please 🤠
My best guess is Emmet & Julia (Theo’s sister)! I’m manifesting Theo’s cameo ✨
My best guess is Emmet & Julia (Theo’s sister)! I’m manifesting Theo’s cameo ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A new Elsie Silver series!? Sign me up!
This one was such a solid start following Emmett as he is the new bachelor on a dating show. He's only doing it for the money to help out his grandparents' farm, so he's not actually interested in falling in love. But when his rival's sister ends up being the location scout for the show, he can't help but want to spend more time with her...
There is a bit of a complex history between Emmett and Julia, which makes Julia a bit nervous around him but also with a feeling of trust. They spend a lot of time together and Julia finds herself getting jealous of his time spent with the other girls, even when he literally couldn't take his eyes off of her.
The first 50% off this one took me a bit to get into. We were told a lot about how much of a player Emmett was, but I'm not sure how much I believed that as we never saw him act that way. I also don't love reality tv books since they mostly rely on exaggerated characters/stereotypes for the sake of the plot But once we got Julia and Emmett exploring their insane chemistry and they were testing the boundaries of their forbidden relationship, I was hooked. The chemistry was so intense and I could not get enough when they finally decided to stop ignoring it! I loved the stakes and the sneaking around. And I loved how much Theo we got to see in this one!
Overall I really ended up enjoyed this start to Elsie's new series and I can't wait to see what comes next!
This one was such a solid start following Emmett as he is the new bachelor on a dating show. He's only doing it for the money to help out his grandparents' farm, so he's not actually interested in falling in love. But when his rival's sister ends up being the location scout for the show, he can't help but want to spend more time with her...
There is a bit of a complex history between Emmett and Julia, which makes Julia a bit nervous around him but also with a feeling of trust. They spend a lot of time together and Julia finds herself getting jealous of his time spent with the other girls, even when he literally couldn't take his eyes off of her.
The first 50% off this one took me a bit to get into. We were told a lot about how much of a player Emmett was, but I'm not sure how much I believed that as we never saw him act that way. I also don't love reality tv books since they mostly rely on exaggerated characters/stereotypes for the sake of the plot But once we got Julia and Emmett exploring their insane chemistry and they were testing the boundaries of their forbidden relationship, I was hooked. The chemistry was so intense and I could not get enough when they finally decided to stop ignoring it! I loved the stakes and the sneaking around. And I loved how much Theo we got to see in this one!
Overall I really ended up enjoyed this start to Elsie's new series and I can't wait to see what comes next!
May 1, 2026
Red flag/green flag. I don't read blurbs. I pick books up solely for the vibes, aesthetics and covers. And let's face it, I absolutely love Elsie, so reading this book was a no brainer. So imagine my surprise when I started reading this book and found out what the plot of this book was. A reality TV dating show? AND he falls in love with his biggest rivals little sister who is NOT a contestant on the show? Yeah, I straight DEVOURED this book. I can also confirm that Elsie did in fact do it again! Hands down my favorite Elsie Silver book to date!
The vibes of this one is so good. It's the bachelor meets farmer wants a wife set in Canada. Fever Dream is equal parts plot, swoon, spice, witty top tier banter and meddling family members. This one literally has everything that you would want in a book and so much more. The whole time I was reading this book, I didn't want to put it down. There were moments where I forgot that I was reading because I was so immersed. I didn't want it to end.
I fell in love with Emmett and Julia. I have a thing for slightly broken MMCs and there was just something about Emmett that I loved so much. From the outside, he seems like this arrogant and overly confident bull rider. A playboy who doesn't want to settle down. But that stems from his childhood and this sense of never being good enough. He's slightly broken on the inside and doesn't think he's deserving of Julia which makes me love him even more. I also loved, how Julia and Emmett have this little history that no one knows about. And THE BANTER!!!! Julia and her witty one liners have me on the floor laughing. I loved her so much!
Now I had the pleasure of listening to this one on audio and hold cannoli, the audio of this one was PURE PERFECTION! It's a duet narration by THE Teddy Hamilton and Julia Goldani Telles. Mentioning Teddy should be all you need to know on how amazing this book was, but I was so taken aback and surprised by how much I loved Julia's narration. Julia truly brought our fictional Julia to life. Her voice is so youthful and playful which I feel really fit Julia as a fictional character. She was able to bring Julia's banter and witty one liners to life. Like I don't think I could picture a better narrator for Julia! I truly hope Julia Goldani Telles narrates more because I truly enjoyed her story telling and voice.
You should read this book if you like:
- Small Town Romance
- Brother's Rival
- Bull Rider MMC
- Forced Proximity
- Dating Reality Show
- Reformed Playboy
- Grumpy x Sunshine
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Elsie Silver for allowing me the pleasure to read Fever Dream as an ARC/ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
The vibes of this one is so good. It's the bachelor meets farmer wants a wife set in Canada. Fever Dream is equal parts plot, swoon, spice, witty top tier banter and meddling family members. This one literally has everything that you would want in a book and so much more. The whole time I was reading this book, I didn't want to put it down. There were moments where I forgot that I was reading because I was so immersed. I didn't want it to end.
I fell in love with Emmett and Julia. I have a thing for slightly broken MMCs and there was just something about Emmett that I loved so much. From the outside, he seems like this arrogant and overly confident bull rider. A playboy who doesn't want to settle down. But that stems from his childhood and this sense of never being good enough. He's slightly broken on the inside and doesn't think he's deserving of Julia which makes me love him even more. I also loved, how Julia and Emmett have this little history that no one knows about. And THE BANTER!!!! Julia and her witty one liners have me on the floor laughing. I loved her so much!
Now I had the pleasure of listening to this one on audio and hold cannoli, the audio of this one was PURE PERFECTION! It's a duet narration by THE Teddy Hamilton and Julia Goldani Telles. Mentioning Teddy should be all you need to know on how amazing this book was, but I was so taken aback and surprised by how much I loved Julia's narration. Julia truly brought our fictional Julia to life. Her voice is so youthful and playful which I feel really fit Julia as a fictional character. She was able to bring Julia's banter and witty one liners to life. Like I don't think I could picture a better narrator for Julia! I truly hope Julia Goldani Telles narrates more because I truly enjoyed her story telling and voice.
You should read this book if you like:
- Small Town Romance
- Brother's Rival
- Bull Rider MMC
- Forced Proximity
- Dating Reality Show
- Reformed Playboy
- Grumpy x Sunshine
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Elsie Silver for allowing me the pleasure to read Fever Dream as an ARC/ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
Want to Read
April 17, 2025MY QUEEN HAS PUT PEN TO PAPER ONCE AGAIN. SIGN ME UPPPPPPP!!
remind-me-once-out
February 28, 2026I love the title
May 4, 2026
4.5
Fever Dream took me a little longer to get into that most of Elsie's books usually do but once I hit the 25% mark I ended up flying through this book! I'm not entirely sure if I loved the reality show plot line or not, although it felt like something different and I can't fault the author for trying something new. I almost wanted more from the reality show but I think that's just me!
Julia and Emmett were cute together but there were a few moments where their relationship felt a bit too insta-love for me. The banter between the two of them was absolutely fabulous and you could almost see why the connected so quickly! I did find myself slightly frustrated by some of the risks they took, especially considering what was at risk for both of them. It added tension but occasionally pulled me out of the story because it felt slightly unrealistic.
That said, I really enjoyed being back in the Silva family world, and seeing Winter happy with her little family was a highlight. Theo and Winter's book still holds up as a favourite, even after all this time.
I'm intrigued by Emmett's siblings - who I strongly suspect will be featured through the rest of this series - and I'm getting a real Eaton-family vibe from them, especially with the grandparents added into the mix. Emmett's Oma was absolutely hilarious and I can see her becoming a fave!
I'm definitely excited to see where this series goes. Not one of my faves but entertaining, spicy and an easy-read.
Fever Dream took me a little longer to get into that most of Elsie's books usually do but once I hit the 25% mark I ended up flying through this book! I'm not entirely sure if I loved the reality show plot line or not, although it felt like something different and I can't fault the author for trying something new. I almost wanted more from the reality show but I think that's just me!
Julia and Emmett were cute together but there were a few moments where their relationship felt a bit too insta-love for me. The banter between the two of them was absolutely fabulous and you could almost see why the connected so quickly! I did find myself slightly frustrated by some of the risks they took, especially considering what was at risk for both of them. It added tension but occasionally pulled me out of the story because it felt slightly unrealistic.
That said, I really enjoyed being back in the Silva family world, and seeing Winter happy with her little family was a highlight. Theo and Winter's book still holds up as a favourite, even after all this time.
I'm intrigued by Emmett's siblings - who I strongly suspect will be featured through the rest of this series - and I'm getting a real Eaton-family vibe from them, especially with the grandparents added into the mix. Emmett's Oma was absolutely hilarious and I can see her becoming a fave!
I'm definitely excited to see where this series goes. Not one of my faves but entertaining, spicy and an easy-read.
Want to Read
October 17, 2025₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 🌅
AHHHHHHH WE HAVE A COVER AND IT'S STUNNING!!!!!! Elsie is obviously an automatic read author so I couldn't be more excited for this one!!
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 19 May 2026 💙
What to expect
↠reality dating show
↠pro bull rider
↠rival's little sister
↠forbidden
↠small town
The blurb sounds sooooooo interesting! May can't come fast enough.
AHHHHHHH WE HAVE A COVER AND IT'S STUNNING!!!!!! Elsie is obviously an automatic read author so I couldn't be more excited for this one!!
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 19 May 2026 💙
What to expect
↠reality dating show
↠pro bull rider
↠rival's little sister
↠forbidden
↠small town
The blurb sounds sooooooo interesting! May can't come fast enough.
May 11, 2026
I don’t know what I was expecting for the first book in Elsie’s news series but it was so much better than anything I could’ve imagined!!!
There is something so GOOD about a playboy turning smitten over a girl he least expects especially when you realize he isn't as bad as everyone made him out to be. And god I love it when it’s a lowkey Rivals to lovers romance, but in this one we get Julia who is the younger sister of Emmett’s biggest rival, Theo Silva (aka the MMC in reckless). AND THE FLIRTING UGH I LOVED IT. These two get thrown to work together when Emmett is selected to be the star of a new dating/reality show & Julia is working onset to help make it perfect. But the closer they are to one another, the more sparks start to heat up!!! Oh and Emmett has a dirtyyyyyyy mouth that I’m so here for 🤪
I truly love this new family (the Brandts) and I absolutely ate up the audio.
I am so happy we get the start of something special and I already can’t wait until we see more about the Brandt siblings in future books ahhh!!!
Type: audio/physical
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Brother’s rival
Forbidden/Secret Romance
Workplace
Reformed playboy
Small town
Found family
Bad boy x good girl
There is something so GOOD about a playboy turning smitten over a girl he least expects especially when you realize he isn't as bad as everyone made him out to be. And god I love it when it’s a lowkey Rivals to lovers romance, but in this one we get Julia who is the younger sister of Emmett’s biggest rival, Theo Silva (aka the MMC in reckless). AND THE FLIRTING UGH I LOVED IT. These two get thrown to work together when Emmett is selected to be the star of a new dating/reality show & Julia is working onset to help make it perfect. But the closer they are to one another, the more sparks start to heat up!!! Oh and Emmett has a dirtyyyyyyy mouth that I’m so here for 🤪
I truly love this new family (the Brandts) and I absolutely ate up the audio.
I am so happy we get the start of something special and I already can’t wait until we see more about the Brandt siblings in future books ahhh!!!
Type: audio/physical
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Brother’s rival
Forbidden/Secret Romance
Workplace
Reformed playboy
Small town
Found family
Bad boy x good girl
Want to Read
October 23, 2025.🌸˚𑁍.ೃ࿔*:･ I didn’t even finish the Chestnut Springs series yet, but who would blame me for being this excited about the new one? (Okay, maybe me… but I don’t care) As long as it’s a cute, fun, and warm read, I’m all in!
The new year feels so far away because I want to read this one so bad! YOU KNOW WHY?! Because IT’S A COWBOY ROMANCE 🤠 and honestly, who am I to resist that? I already know it’s going to eat and deliver, so here’s hoping I love every second of it! 💫✨
The new year feels so far away because I want to read this one so bad! YOU KNOW WHY?! Because IT’S A COWBOY ROMANCE 🤠 and honestly, who am I to resist that? I already know it’s going to eat and deliver, so here’s hoping I love every second of it! 💫✨
Want to Read
April 3, 2025ELSIE SILVER ANNOUNCED A NEW SERIES I’m SCREAMING
Want to Read
August 29, 2025ANOTHER SMALL-TOWN ROMANCE SERIE!!!
Elise silver men 🔛🔝 of me 🔥
Elise silver men 🔛🔝 of me 🔥
Want to Read
October 16, 2025Hyped for Emmett’s and Julia’s, (who you might not recognize until the last name, Silva) book🩵
no-ty-ill-hate-it
December 18, 2025"mischievous-looking little blond boy—hair nearly white—with a tan so dark that his knees almost appear dirty.” 🙄🙄
(my review got removed, but they allow me to repost it, I don't even understand)
(my review got removed, but they allow me to repost it, I don't even understand)
Want to Read
April 3, 2025The horse girl in me is thriving
Want to Read
October 17, 2025⋆｡˚୨𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰୧˚｡⋆
I didn't see this couple coming at all. BUT I'M LIVING FOR IT!!!!
Also, the synopsis seems very good, ughhh ms. elsie, do something good here, i beg you 🙏🏽💘
I didn't see this couple coming at all. BUT I'M LIVING FOR IT!!!!
Also, the synopsis seems very good, ughhh ms. elsie, do something good here, i beg you 🙏🏽💘
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
After an entire month of reading this 448-page romance, I have finally finished it just to say, she is mediocre as hell.
Playboy Emmett Bush is a professional bull rider and is in need of money, and lots of it, fast to save his family's ranch from going bankrupt. Knowing that his grandparents have sacrificed everything for him, and also knowing he'll retire in a few years, the income he makes right now isn't enough to keep them from selling, so when he is offered a very generous sum of money to be the new bachelor on Romance Ranch, Emmett is willing to play the part for a few months to save the only people he has room in his heart to love: his family. That is, Julia Silva walks in.
Julia is Emmett's rival, Theo's (also from my favorite Elsie Silver book, Reckless) little sister, and needs this job to move higher up in production status. She should be off limits, and she knows better than anyone how rakish Emmett can be. Falling for each other is the last thing they should do, but the two can't stop sneaking away.
Listen, I love Elsie Silver just like every other bitch, but I find the weakest books in her series tend to be the books that start it all off. I didn't LOVE this book, and it's partially because I just don't love a reality TV setting. There's a lot of that at play here, and I just find that setting/ plot point to never work for me. It was meant to provide angst, giving Emmett a motive not to fuck this up and just love Julia loudly, have them sneak around so it's fun and sexy, and also that extra layer of jealousy, having to watch him be and pursue other women. I just wasn't having it. The way they wrapped it up didn't satisfy me, and I found it more of a messy and silly ending than anything else.
With the other women, as well, I just didn't care for them! They're all caricatures of reality TV stars, and because they're being built up behind-the-scenes for the cameras, they are so one-dimensional. I didn't even like the good characters because I didn't know them. I'm not meant to care about them by any means, but shouldn't your side characters have some merit to them?
To touch on the controversy behind the book and a quote from it, I have no idea. The DRC copy that I read didn't include that, so hopefully that means it has been removed from the final book. I don't have any social media other than media tracking apps, so I'm not sure if Silver ever commented on it, but I always hope authors have backbones.
Thank you to Atria Books for the digital advanced copy! Fever Dream is set to release on May 19, 2026, and my review is based on the DRC.
Playboy Emmett Bush is a professional bull rider and is in need of money, and lots of it, fast to save his family's ranch from going bankrupt. Knowing that his grandparents have sacrificed everything for him, and also knowing he'll retire in a few years, the income he makes right now isn't enough to keep them from selling, so when he is offered a very generous sum of money to be the new bachelor on Romance Ranch, Emmett is willing to play the part for a few months to save the only people he has room in his heart to love: his family. That is, Julia Silva walks in.
Julia is Emmett's rival, Theo's (also from my favorite Elsie Silver book, Reckless) little sister, and needs this job to move higher up in production status. She should be off limits, and she knows better than anyone how rakish Emmett can be. Falling for each other is the last thing they should do, but the two can't stop sneaking away.
Listen, I love Elsie Silver just like every other bitch, but I find the weakest books in her series tend to be the books that start it all off. I didn't LOVE this book, and it's partially because I just don't love a reality TV setting. There's a lot of that at play here, and I just find that setting/ plot point to never work for me. It was meant to provide angst, giving Emmett a motive not to fuck this up and just love Julia loudly, have them sneak around so it's fun and sexy, and also that extra layer of jealousy, having to watch him be and pursue other women. I just wasn't having it. The way they wrapped it up didn't satisfy me, and I found it more of a messy and silly ending than anything else.
With the other women, as well, I just didn't care for them! They're all caricatures of reality TV stars, and because they're being built up behind-the-scenes for the cameras, they are so one-dimensional. I didn't even like the good characters because I didn't know them. I'm not meant to care about them by any means, but shouldn't your side characters have some merit to them?
To touch on the controversy behind the book and a quote from it, I have no idea. The DRC copy that I read didn't include that, so hopefully that means it has been removed from the final book. I don't have any social media other than media tracking apps, so I'm not sure if Silver ever commented on it, but I always hope authors have backbones.
Thank you to Atria Books for the digital advanced copy! Fever Dream is set to release on May 19, 2026, and my review is based on the DRC.
Want to Read
October 16, 2025this is literally the plot from that trashy Miranda Cosgrove Netflix movie omg
April 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
I went into this book knowing exactly one thing: Julia is Theo’s little sister. That’s it. And honestly? I’m so glad I went in blind because I did NOT expect this storyline at all. Elsie completely surprised me in the best way possible.
From the first chapter, it felt like coming back to a world I already loved. There’s just something about Elsie’s writing that feels comforting while still keeping you completely hooked. And Emmett… wow. He starts off with all the cocky bad-boy energy, but underneath that charm is someone so caring, loyal, and soft for the people he loves. Watching Julia slowly see through everyone else’s perception of him was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Julia was such a strong FMC too. She’s smart, hardworking, and refuses to back down, but she also has such an emotional awareness when it comes to the people around her. The chemistry between her and Emmett was incredible, all that tension, the forbidden aspect, the rivalry, the slow burn payoff… SO good 😩.
I also loved the reality dating show setting way more than I expected. It added so much drama and chaos without taking away from the emotional side of the story. The behind-the-scenes manipulation and pressure made everything feel messy in a very believable way, and it made me even more invested in Emmett and Julia finding their way to each other.
And the cameos from Theo and Winter?? Perfect.
This was such a strong start to the series and I’m already fully invested in Emerald Lake!!!
I went into this book knowing exactly one thing: Julia is Theo’s little sister. That’s it. And honestly? I’m so glad I went in blind because I did NOT expect this storyline at all. Elsie completely surprised me in the best way possible.
From the first chapter, it felt like coming back to a world I already loved. There’s just something about Elsie’s writing that feels comforting while still keeping you completely hooked. And Emmett… wow. He starts off with all the cocky bad-boy energy, but underneath that charm is someone so caring, loyal, and soft for the people he loves. Watching Julia slowly see through everyone else’s perception of him was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Julia was such a strong FMC too. She’s smart, hardworking, and refuses to back down, but she also has such an emotional awareness when it comes to the people around her. The chemistry between her and Emmett was incredible, all that tension, the forbidden aspect, the rivalry, the slow burn payoff… SO good 😩.
I also loved the reality dating show setting way more than I expected. It added so much drama and chaos without taking away from the emotional side of the story. The behind-the-scenes manipulation and pressure made everything feel messy in a very believable way, and it made me even more invested in Emmett and Julia finding their way to each other.
And the cameos from Theo and Winter?? Perfect.
This was such a strong start to the series and I’m already fully invested in Emerald Lake!!!
Want to Read
April 30, 202619 days to go!!!💃💃💃
My Bookstagram
My Bookstagram
April 2, 2026
Thank you to Atria Books for sending me an ARC of this book!
I think I can honestly say that this one might be my favorite one by Elsie Silver. Imagine competing on a reality show to steal the heart of a professional bull rider. I think you’re all going to love reading about Emmett and Julia.
I think I can honestly say that this one might be my favorite one by Elsie Silver. Imagine competing on a reality show to steal the heart of a professional bull rider. I think you’re all going to love reading about Emmett and Julia.
Want to Read
October 17, 2025LA COVERRRR? ✨
un livre sur Emmett et la sœur de Théo ma vie ? et les tropes 🥹 pitié j'ai trop hâte
plus qu'à attendre le 19 mai 2026 maintenant 🧍🏼♀️
un livre sur Emmett et la sœur de Théo ma vie ? et les tropes 🥹 pitié j'ai trop hâte
plus qu'à attendre le 19 mai 2026 maintenant 🧍🏼♀️
March 20, 2026
✨ Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
Let me start with- I love Elsie Silver, I’d read her grocery list if she published it, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
But it did not hit as hard for me as other books by her. Something was lacking. I needed more contrast between Emmett’s playboy antics and his gooiness for Jules. Maybe seeing his background, his past, the things he got up to in the circuit could have been the missing anchor to this story.
I also wanted more drama from The Bachelor aspect of this book. The fact that Emmett was on a dating show almost felt non-existent at times. The emotion that I wanted to see from all of these characters felt watered down, and part of that is Emmett's personality came off as quite introverted, despite the fact he is meant to have this playboy persona. I felt he would have been more compelling as an MMC if Elsie lent into him being a playboy asshole that had a deep love for his family and not the quiet, brooding man we got.
Still love you though Elsie xx
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I need it like I need air to breathe
Let me start with- I love Elsie Silver, I’d read her grocery list if she published it, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
But it did not hit as hard for me as other books by her. Something was lacking. I needed more contrast between Emmett’s playboy antics and his gooiness for Jules. Maybe seeing his background, his past, the things he got up to in the circuit could have been the missing anchor to this story.
I also wanted more drama from The Bachelor aspect of this book. The fact that Emmett was on a dating show almost felt non-existent at times. The emotion that I wanted to see from all of these characters felt watered down, and part of that is Emmett's personality came off as quite introverted, despite the fact he is meant to have this playboy persona. I felt he would have been more compelling as an MMC if Elsie lent into him being a playboy asshole that had a deep love for his family and not the quiet, brooding man we got.
Still love you though Elsie xx
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I need it like I need air to breathe
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Elsie Silver’s “Fever Dream,” the first installment in the “Emerald Lake” series, is a small-town forbidden romance centered on a bull rider starring in a dating show and the show’s location consultant.
Thirty-two-year-old Emmett Brandt is a professional bull rider for the World Bull Riding Federation (WBRF). After losing the latest championship to his rival, Theodore “Theo” Silva (Reckless), Emmett signs on as the star of Romance Ranch, a reality dating show designed to help the playboy cowboy find love. Ten young women will compete for his affection. Meanwhile, Emmett is also negotiating a deal to save his grandparents’ farm at Emerald Lake Resort. With mounting financial pressure and recent layoffs of several ranch hands, his family is depending on the income the show will provide.
Twenty-five-year-old Julia Silva is Theo’s younger sister. With dreams of working in Hollywood, Julia eagerly accepts a position with Romance Ranch when the opportunity arises. Two years earlier, she was drugged while on a cruise with her mother, and Emmett intervened and helped her to safety. Since that traumatic event, Julia has given up alcohol and dating. As she and Emmett work together scouting the property and surrounding areas for filming locations and date ideas, an unexpected connection begins to form.
Emmett is unaccustomed to genuine emotional attachment, especially with someone he shouldn’t be involved with. His contract explicitly forbids outside relationships and prohibits dating for a year after filming ends. Still, Julia occupies his thoughts in a way he can’t ignore. Both have a great deal at stake: Emmett needs the money to support his family, and Julia needs this job to secure a strong recommendation for her future career. Together, they must decide what matters most and whether they can protect their hearts in the process.
Silver introduces a new cast of side characters, many of whom seem poised to take center stage in future installments. Parker, in particular, and her relationship with her professor appear to be strong contenders for the next novel. While the story includes a smarmy villain and an overly exaggerated female contestant, both of whom feel somewhat caricatured, the novel remains engaging. That said, more behind-the-scenes moments from the dating show would have strengthened the narrative. Additionally, a few subplot threads are introduced but never fully developed, which is somewhat disappointing.
I received an ARC through Edelweiss via Simon & Schuster and Atria books in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thirty-two-year-old Emmett Brandt is a professional bull rider for the World Bull Riding Federation (WBRF). After losing the latest championship to his rival, Theodore “Theo” Silva (Reckless), Emmett signs on as the star of Romance Ranch, a reality dating show designed to help the playboy cowboy find love. Ten young women will compete for his affection. Meanwhile, Emmett is also negotiating a deal to save his grandparents’ farm at Emerald Lake Resort. With mounting financial pressure and recent layoffs of several ranch hands, his family is depending on the income the show will provide.
Twenty-five-year-old Julia Silva is Theo’s younger sister. With dreams of working in Hollywood, Julia eagerly accepts a position with Romance Ranch when the opportunity arises. Two years earlier, she was drugged while on a cruise with her mother, and Emmett intervened and helped her to safety. Since that traumatic event, Julia has given up alcohol and dating. As she and Emmett work together scouting the property and surrounding areas for filming locations and date ideas, an unexpected connection begins to form.
Emmett is unaccustomed to genuine emotional attachment, especially with someone he shouldn’t be involved with. His contract explicitly forbids outside relationships and prohibits dating for a year after filming ends. Still, Julia occupies his thoughts in a way he can’t ignore. Both have a great deal at stake: Emmett needs the money to support his family, and Julia needs this job to secure a strong recommendation for her future career. Together, they must decide what matters most and whether they can protect their hearts in the process.
Silver introduces a new cast of side characters, many of whom seem poised to take center stage in future installments. Parker, in particular, and her relationship with her professor appear to be strong contenders for the next novel. While the story includes a smarmy villain and an overly exaggerated female contestant, both of whom feel somewhat caricatured, the novel remains engaging. That said, more behind-the-scenes moments from the dating show would have strengthened the narrative. Additionally, a few subplot threads are introduced but never fully developed, which is somewhat disappointing.
I received an ARC through Edelweiss via Simon & Schuster and Atria books in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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