If you’re like me, you are signed up for a ton of authors’ newsletters. One week, I got about five of them from various authors and they were all pimping a new release, Heartless by Elsie Silver. When I saw it for that fifth time, I decided to read the blurb and then jump in. It started an Elsie Silver binge for me. I read that book and the first one in that series. Then, I went back further and started her debut novel of her first series, Gold Rush Ranch. I feel like other than those newsletters recommending Heartless I haven’t heard anything about Elsie Silver. If I hadn’t maybe there’s a good you haven’t, so I decided to give you all a series review for her first series.
Off to the Races
Series: Gold Rush Ranch, #1
Author: Elsie Silver
Publication Date: April 29, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Westerns
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
My thoughts:
I’m impressed. For a debut romance, the writing was great. I loved the characters and the plot of the story. The banter between Billie and Vaughn was so much fun. All of their bickering at the beginning led to an explosive romance. I was surprised by how much I loved the working racehorse ranch setting and the racing world Silver created in general. I would say that I can’t wait to see where Silver’s writing goes, but I’ve already read her two latest releases in her Chestnut Springs series and know it’s only gotten better. I can’t wait to binge read the rest of this series.
Out of the Gate
Series: Gold Rush Ranch, #1.5
Author: Elsie Silver
Publication Date: March 23, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Westerns
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
My thoughts:
I actually read this one last when it looks like it was released first. This was a fun novella about Vaughn’s grandfather and grandmother falling in love. They were an age gap romance that was short and sweet.
A Photo Finish
Series: Gold Rush Ranch, #2
Author: Elsie Silver
Publication Date: August 13, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Military Romance, Westerns
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My thoughts:
This book is one of the reasons I wanted to read this series. Violet is the sister from the Chestnut Springs series. She obviously came first, but that’s not how I read the series. I wanted to know her and Cole’s story since her brothers talk about how awesome they both are. Their story surprised me. I wasn’t expecting them to connect the way they originally did. I loved the ups and downs of their romance and the second chance they got. They were perfect together. The only thing I wanted that I didn’t get was to see Cole meeting Violet’s brothers. I want that so bad! Maybe Silver will write a novella/scene just for that? Maybe she already has? I need to do some investigating. Anyways. I loved this book.
The Front Runner
Series: Gold Rush Ranch, #3
Author: Elsie Silver
Publication Date: December 3, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Westerns
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
My thoughts:
Never did I think I would want a book for Stefan Dalca. He seemed like a slime ball in the first couple of books. I loved seeing a different side of him with vet Mira. He grew on me in the best way. I also loved getting to know the serious vet. Their chemistry was fantastic. They both had complicated families. I loved how that was worked into the story, especially with Stefan’s sister. The only thing I didn’t love about this book was the way Billie (from the first book) came across. She got better toward the end, but it made me sad because I loved her in the first couple of books.
A False Start
Series: Gold Rush Ranch, #4
Author: Elsie Silver
Publication Date: March 18, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Westerns
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My thoughts:
I’m so glad Silver decided to give Stefan’s sister Nadia her own book. It was a great way to finish out the series. I adored Nadia and Griffin’s romance from the start. There is a fourteen-year age gap between them, and Griffin is Stefan’s best friend. Those are not the only hurdles these two face. Both have tumultuous pasts that could threaten their relationship. I loved how Nadia was trying to make herself a better person and into who she wanted to be. I loved Griffin’s quiet gruffness. They had amazing chemistry and were adorable together. I loved the way they faced their challenges.
Overall thoughts on Gold Rush Ranch:
I love this author. I love her rove her writing. I love her characters and their romances. I loved this series. I didn’t have any idea I would enjoy a series set around racehorses and racing, but I did. I can’t wait for the next Chestnut Springs book. Elsie Silver might just be my favorite new author of the year…