A False Start by Elsie Silver | Book Review

March 29, 2024 nanafark

A False Start by Elsie Silver
A Small Town Brother's Best Friend Romance

Series: Gold Rush Ranch, Book #4
First release date: March 18, 2022
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Format: eBook
Pages: 404
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My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 (4.25/5)
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶 (3/5)

📕 | This is the fourth and final book of the series where we meet Stefan Dalca’s little sister, Nadia, and his best friend and retired pro athlete, Griffin Sinclair. The two of them met 2 years ago in a bar bathroom where they shared a steamy kiss before he left her behind. Fast forward 2 years later, she’s working at Mira’s clinic and they keep running to each other until they realise who they are… They are forced together on multiple occasions and this results in forming a bond with each other…

👍🏼 | I loved this book, I found it extremely touching, romantic and emotional and I found myself crying many times. I liked how empowering and inspiring it was and of course, the brother’s best friend / second chance combo trope did it for me again.

✍🏼 | The author ties this book beautifully with the previous one, The Front Runner, as it starts off 6 months ago with Nadia’s POV on a scene that we had previously seen from Mira’s POV. I like this way of storytelling when every story blends with the other and the timelines are intertwined. And although in this book we skip months and years at a time, the pacing is still as it should be without feeling as if something is missing or going too fast. The characters are well thought and we slowly and gradually learn more about them and their past in a way that keeps us interested and invested.

💖 | Their love and how they found their way back to each other is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I liked how we got to see Griffin open up to Nadia bit by bit and how they built their bond with each other through time. I also liked how we had a realistic approach to the brother in this situation, without fists and bearing a grudge. And although I don’t think that going through all the things they went through was absolutely necessary for their relationship to work, it was necessary for their personal journey. It’s been very inspiring to see their growth and development and Griffin’s love notes and grand gestures were the sweetest thing in the world.

👎🏼 | Unfortunately, I found Griffin’s change of heart —from grumpy to lovesick— very sudden and as for Nadia, although wild and strong and inspiring, I didn’t like her attitude on some occasions and oftentimes her actions didn’t make much sense to me, which I found annoying.

❝ I’ll give you all my right nows, Nadia. Every f*cking last one. I’ll give you anything you want. I’ve been powerless since the first time I laid eyes on you. ❞

🗣 | Recommended for those who enjoy age gap (10+ years), brother’s best friend and second chance romance.

✨ | Overall, a sweet, inspiring and empowering book. It’s very moving and romantic and at the same time super hot and spicy! I’m sad this series has come to an end but, I’m delighted that we’re gifted with a sneak peek of the next series, Chestnut Springs, from Violet’s POV. It connects it beautifully with this one —because it’ll be about Violet’s brothers— and it means that this universe isn’t completely over yet. ✨

tropes + micro tropes :

brother’s best friend
age gap
grumpy/sunshine
steamy small-town vibes
all the feels
angst
retired pro athlete

I hope you liked this review. If you did, consider sharing it with people who might be interested. Also, if you have anything more to add, please write it in the comments section below so everyone can see it. Until next time!

Love,
Christina xx