The Front Runner by Elsie Silver | Book Review

March 26, 2024 nanafark

The Front Runner by Elsie Silver
A Small Town Fake Dating Romance

Series: Gold Rush Ranch, Book #3
First release date: December 3, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Format: eBook
Pages: 356
Add to Goodreads | Add to Literal

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶 (3/5)

📕 | This book follows Stefan and Mira, both of whom we have met in the previous books, Off to the Races and A Photo Finish. Stefan Dalca owns a horse racing ranch near Gold Rush Ranch, he’s fairly new in this town and no one knows much about him or his past so they think something fishy is going on with him. He appeared as the villain in the first book but quite as a gentleman in the second. Dr. Mira Thorne is the veterinarian in the clinic of Gold Rush Ranch and best friends with Billie and Violet but also treats other animals around the area and Stefan’s horses. When one of Billie’s foals needs adoption, only Stefan can help them, but in exchange, he wants three dates with Mira and the colt to stay at his property. As they take care of it and spend time together though, things will start to develop between them…

👍🏼 | It’s been a pleasant read and I thoroughly enjoyed it while reading it. I’ve been also intrigued to figure out what’s the deal with Stefan and I’m happy to confirm that he is indeed a good and charming man.

✍🏼 | We have glimpses of the past that blend greatly with the previous books and show how effective the author’s writing can be. The characters are well-written, likeable and believable. Their pasts are explained in a way that doesn’t seem forced or as if they write an essay to each other! And their actions seemed completely understood to me.

💖 | I’ve been delighted to get to know Stefan and unfold his mystery identity. His interactions with Mira were such a delight to read, always fun and interesting. I also appreciated how forthcoming Mira was with her doubts towards him and how he was always clear and honest, avoiding unnecessary drama where it shouldn’t be. Also, I can’t miss the fact that our Mr. Cool Calm and Collected is our dirty talker. Finally, I think that it’s been a family-centred book, from where Stefan has his sister back to look after her, to how we learn about his family situation, to how he stands up for Mira with hers, and of course, the adoption of a colt and its whole theme around it —which has been adorable to read about—. All these are tied to the “found family” vibes and I think it was brilliant on the author’s part.

👎🏼 | Nothing major to report here, only the fact that I wish we could see more of the side characters.

❝ I was just a man with a sad past and no one to love. And then I saw you. It only took one look and I swear some part of me knew. ❞

🗣 | Recommended for those who enjoy fake dating, found family vibes, and a good slow burn.

✨ | Overall, a great and empowering book with an unexpected plot twist, lots of steamy tension, romantic and spicy, lovely characters and heartfelt moments! A False Start is the next and final book of the series that I can’t wait to read.

tropes + micro tropes :

anti-hero/bad boy
fake dating
the villain gets the girl
steamy small-town vibes
slow burn
angst
interconnected standalone

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