Thoughts I Had While Reading The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

I finished The Front Runner, and I'm over the moon happy with what I read! 

When I started reading this book, I knew I had to do a Thoughts While Reading post. You may recall that last week I posted one for Off to the Races by Elsie Silver. So let's jump into my random thoughts for The Front Runner!

Not familiar with the book? Here's the description:

Stefan Dalca is beautiful, brooding, and bossy. He’s also public enemy number one in this small town, with a murky past that’s hard to overlook. And I just agreed to three fake dates with him.

I may be a renowned veterinarian, but when I find myself in a sticky situation, Stefan is my last hope. I need his help to save a sick foal and what he wants in return is me.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction, but the more time I spend with him, the more I wonder if he’s not quite the villain they’ve made him out to be. With every intimate conversation and lingering look, the tension between us builds. I’ve been drawn to Stefan since the first day I laid eyes on him. And now he’s downright irresistible.

I know sleeping with the enemy is playing with fire. But like a moth to a flame, I’m attracted to the mysterious man in a way I can’t explain—in a way those closest to me wouldn’t approve of or understand.

And the more he softens for me, the harder I fall.

But as his mysteries unravel, so do hidden truths. Truths that are bound to leave someone burned.

I just didn’t expect that someone to be me.

 

The Front Runner is book three in the Gold Rush Ranch series. Trope wise this book is sports romance (horse racing), as well as small town, opposites attract, a little fake dating, workplace, and forced proximity.  I guess you could even consider it a billionaire romance, as well as maybe a smidge of enemies to lovers. Personally I think it might be more hate to love than enemies, as it's really Billie who is enemies with Stefan.

Our main characters are Stefan Dalca and Dr. Mira Thorne. The setting bounces between Gold Rush Ranch and Cascade Acres. Naturally we also find ourselves at the track. 

• STEFAN? Oh, I wasn't too sure about him when he was introduced in Off to the Races. I'm curious about who he is, and how he came to be a race horse owner/breeder/all of that.
• I'm so happy that Mira is our leading lady. I've been curious about her!
• Okay so these stories are overlapping a bit. Interesting. I like that.
• Billie's dislike of this man is intense. I mean I get it after the shenanigans in Off to the Races.
• I still really like Violet. She's good people.
• Wait, what happened to that mare? I think my heart just broke. And of course her baby's sire has to be who it is. OF FREAKING COURSE.
• How is this going to bring Mira and Stefan together?
• OH THAT'S HOW! 
• My heart is breaking all over again. (and over another horse!)
• I'm liking these glimpses of Stefan's past that we are getting. It sounds like his childhood was not an ideal one.
• "He needs a name. It's important he has a name." "Why?" "Because he's going to make it. A name ties him to this world. It gives him an identity. Means we recognize his existence."
• The fact that Mira cannot classify Stefan makes perfect sense. The sides he has shown are vastly different, and which is the real him? Or is he just a mix of it all?
• Hank really is the best. Such a father figure to all the characters.
• OOFTA THAT WAS A LINE! Did it just get hot in here?
• Loki? Really? I mean I love it, but too funny.
• What's going on with Nadia? What was that call about?
• 13 years between Stefan and Nadia. So he's 32, and I think Mira mentioned she's 27. 
• I'm sorry, WHAT HAPPENED TO NADIA? I did not just read that. What the hell?!?
• This bond that Mira and Nadia have formed so quickly is wonderful. Nadia clearly needs someone like Mira in her life. That female connection, a sisterly relationship if you will. (or just a good friend.)
• That's right, Elsie did mention that there was content warnings for this book. 30% in, and Stefan just dropped some info. Oof.
• Okay that's the tie that Stefan has to Rush Creek. I was wondering about that, and it makes perfect sense.
• This has to be the dance that Stefan was referring to:
  
  
  
  
• What is Patrick up to? Seriously. He's sketchy and I don't trust him.
  
• I like learning about Stefan. This book has definitely changed my impression of him. Which was probably the point of him getting a story. The reader would feel for him, and what he's been through. I don't want to call it a redemption arc, as my initial reaction to him was based off of a brief encounter in that first book.
• Okay I guess this really is a fake dating situation. Especially with what's going on. Personally I didn't picture Stefan as blonde, but that's what Mira is saying, and he just confirmed it. So okay then. I pictured him with a darker complexion, and darker skin. Why? No real clue, it's just what I envisioned.
• Everything that happened when they visited Mira's parents was fantastic. From Nana giving her approval of sorts, to the things Sylvia said, to the way Sunny reacted to Stefan, to the "promise" Stefan made, I loved it all. Plus Stefan having Mira's back like that? SWOON!
• OOFTA THAT WAS ONE STEAMY KISS IN THE RAIN! More of that please!
• Oh my word the things that Stefan has experienced! His dad was a horrible person, that is very evident.
• WWWHHHHHAAAAT? WHAT?!? NO! NO WAY. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up from the ground. (p186 iykyk)
  

  

  
  
• Oh I cannot wait for that info to come out!
• Okay this little break up of sorts...I'm not here for it. Nope nope nope. Come on Mira pull your head out of the sand.
• Also this slow burn is TORTURE! (in the best way possible of course because of the tension.)
• Stefan is so f*cking misunderstood.  YES HE IS MIRA, YES HE IS!
• I wonder if Billie, Vaughn, Violet, Cole, and Patrick will be at this event? I could see Billie and Vaughn I guess.
• Of course Patrick was there, and OH MY WORD!!! DID THAT JUST HAPPEN? DID THAT SERIOUSLY HAPPEN? AHHHHHH! Oh to be a fly on the wall!
• Moving on from that ordeal with Patrick...Anyone have a fan I can use because damn that next scene was steamy.
• So it's just done. Seriously. Unacceptable. What the hell!
• Okay that's better, and YES!
• That just made me blush. Dang. I can't say I've had a book make me blush before. Stefan has a mouth on him. 
• Things are going too well, and there's still a lot left in this book. Something big is going to happen isn't it...
• I am loving that Nadia has joined the group. She fits in so well with Violet, Billie, and Mira!
• Glad it's out in the open now. Maybe now opinions will change. I would honestly love it if Billie's opinion changed. She's just holding a grudge.
• I love how much of a goner Mira is. She just hasn't realized it's love yet.
• Uh oh...here comes the drama. This is going to cause a fight, I just know it. 
• I was hoping it wouldn't come out this way. UGH!
• My heart is breaking.
• I did love the conversation that Stefan and ___ had after the fact. I think it helped clear some things up, and shed a little light.
• That person is going out to the lake to "talk" with Nora. Oh my heart!
• WOULD YOU JUST LISTEN to what's being said! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! UGH. I get it you're hurt, you're frustrated, but come on!
• Nana is so spot on with everything she said. Love that she helped Mira see what was right in front of her.
  
• OH NO! NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! NO!
• Tears...tears are falling down my cheeks right now. I'm a wreck.
  
• Oofta that was an emotional ride. 
• Now let's work toward the happily ever after. It's time you two. It's time.
• Ahhhh the results! YAY!!
• The lake! It's happening! AHHHHH!
• So that's how it all went down with the colt. I love it.

My rating for The Front Runner:

When I discovered that this book was about Stefan and Mira, I was nervous. You see when I read Off to the Races I wasn't a fan of Stefan at all. What went down with DD just didn't sit well. Yes part of that was Vaughn's fault, and yes Billie may have overreacted a bit, but ultimately had Stefan pulled back I might not have felt like he was the bad guy. Then there was Mira who had my curiosity from the moment she was introduced. So I wanted to see her get her happily ever after, even if it was with Stefan.

I loved how that forced proximity really spurred things on between the couple. Being there for the mare and the foal was important, but it also proved to be the perfect opportunity for Mira and Stefan to bond. A friendship was forming, and the groundwork was being laid. Plus it showed Mira that Stefan isn't "Dalca the Dick" like Billie believes. There is more to this man, and she's going to like what she sees. While I wasn't too keen on the 3 dates agreement, it really did work out for the best. It allowed experiences to happen, conversation to build, and a connection to be formed. A better understanding was developed. All of that helped lead to their happily ever after.

The visit out to Mira's childhood home for that family event was an interesting one. I knew her mom would love Stefan, but her dad's reaction had me chuckling a bit. Then there's Nana who just knows everything. My favorite part though, besides that kiss, was when Stefan stood up for Mira to another family member. He shut that shit down immediately. The things he said were perfection.

I truly was not expecting The Front Runner to be a 5 star read for me. Yet here we are. I have fallen for Stefan, I like Mira even more now than I did previously, and I'm also really enjoying Nadia. Then there's that dang horse, Loki, that stole my heart too. It's the name plus a few other things.

The steam in this book? OH MY WORD. It may have started off as a slow burn but things definitely heated up. Stefan has quite the mouth on him, and some of those scenes were wow.

Now I marked this book as a sports romance, but I'm debating on it. You see there wasn't much that took place in that environment. We were only at the track once, and it wasn't a frequent conversation. So I'm struggling with my classification as sports romance.

I absolutely loved The Front Runner. It honestly is a toss up between this story and Off to the Races for a favorite. I honestly think that Stefan and Mira could come out on top of the list. That being said, I still need to read Nadia's story. She could trump them all. Only time will tell.

Thank you for reading my random thoughts, as well as my review. I appreciate you sticking around through my long-windedness. Have you read The Front Runner? If so what was your rating? Did you fall for the couple?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thoughts I Had While Reading Off to the Races

I've been hearing about Elsie Silver's storytelling, and everyone is raving about it. So it's time for me to dive in. As I mentioned in my kindle haul, I've purchased the first two books in the Gold Rush Ranch series, and I'm starting with Off to the Races. This is a sports romance set in a small town, and our main characters are starting off as enemies.

Main characters: Vaughn Harding and Billie Black (aka Wilhelmina Farrington)
Setting: Gold Rush Ranch in Canada
Sport: Horse Racing
Release Date: April 29, 2021

As I've done previously, I'm going to jot down my thoughts while reading. I enjoy doing this as it's real time thoughts that I'm having. Afterward I will write my final thoughts as a mini review.

Here we go with Off to the Races...

• So I'm taking it that Billie's family is sort of famous? 
• I'm sorry, Grandpa has been accused of WHAT?
• Kudos to Vaughn for trying to take care of the ranch and also standing up for himself.
• I love that the grandparents had a fairytale type of love.
• Clearly there is drama in Vaughn's family, and they're not exactly close.
• Oh Vaughn, this is not a good way to make a first impression. No wonder this book is enemies to lovers.
• I'm liking Billie already, and how she isn't putting up with this little temper tantrum of Vaughn's. She's also finding a reason to laugh, and I love that.
• Okay so this is a workplace romance as well. I'm here for that.
• This horse has my attention. Cannot wait to see what Billie does with Double Diablo. I also liked how Billie told the horse that he reminds her of another man she met today. Oh how I giggled.
• The interaction with DD was too cute. I can tell Billie is serious about this job, and she's going to give it her all.
• I'm glad that Billie has found a friend in Violet. I think they both could use it. Oh how they are opposites.
• That was an interesting interaction between Vaughn and Billie. Could this be the beginning of the fall?
• Geez Vaughn jump to conclusions much?
• The hug in the kitchen? EVERYTHING!
• Go Billie go! DD is doing amazing. The way that Billie advocates for DD is so needed. She clearly has bonded with him.
• They have meals together every Saturday? It really is starting.
• Time for the first race. I'm nervous. This jockey isn't sitting right with me. He's going to do something to DD, it's what my gut is telling me.
• Mama Bear, not Mother Hen. YES BILLIE!
• Ooh Billie's secret is out! Someone knows her real identity.
• "Vaughn, what are you doing?" "Shutting you up." LOVE IT!
•  DD? WHAT? What's happening?
• I didn't expect to tear up over an exhausted horse trainer, or an under the weather horse. Geez.
• The tension between these two. Goodness. Just give in already!
• They gave in. Kind of. It was very hot. 
• Billie don't put your forcefield back up! Let this man in!
• It's about time Vaughn! This should have been said a while ago.
• Okay I'm 68% into the story. The drama has to be coming. Right? RIGHT? Oh what's it going to be.
• Steamy steamy steamy!
• Who is Stefan Dalca? Why is he popping up now? My mind is whirling.
• Here's the drama, and right after such a successful day. UGH!
• YES BILLIE YES! TELL HIM ALL THE THINGS HE NEEDS TO HEAR. MAKE HIM FACE REALITY!
  
• VAUGHN!!!! WHY?!?! WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO HER? GRRR ARRGH!
• DAMNIT VAUGHN!
• The conversation between Hank and Billie has me crying.
  
• My heart is breaking for Billie. Thankfully Violet and Mira have her.
• So Violet and Cole? Hello set up for the next book!
• Vaughn better figure this shit out or he's going to lose the person he loves, as well as a fabulous horse.
• He figured it out. HE FIGURED IT OUT, and in the perfect way.

My rating for Off to the Races:

That's right, I gave this book 5 stars. How could I not? The story demanded my attention. I was fully invested in the lives of these characters, as well as the horse. Even the setting was perfect. The 3rd act break up? PERFECTION! The antagonists? Even liked them.

Billie's relationship with DD? Absolutely could not get enough. She had a bond with that horse from the very beginning. Then there was that scene after the first race that just had me LAUGHING. Don't get me wrong, I was upset about what occurred, but Billie's reaction and response was top notch. That verbal smackdown was what both of those characters deserved. (in my opinion)

Honestly my only complaint, if you can even call it that, was surrounding Billie's family. I was waiting on them to bring a smidgen of drama. In my mind, and with how the story began, I fully expected them to make an appearance. I mean the mere mention of them brought a morsel of drama, but I figured they would actually appear. Whether that was at the farm, or at the race track. Doesn't really matter though.

The ending of this book had me swooning. Okay fine a good portion of the book had me swooning. I'm not even talking about the steamy moments, I'm just talking the regular every day actions. The care and consideration, the instinct to protect, the worry about how the person is doing, all of it hit just right.

Now I will say I can't wait to see how things play out in the next book. Violet and Cole? Hello opposites attract and potentially grumpy sunshine. I'm guessing there's also an age gap going. Cannot wait to see Cole's tough guy exterior crack. This man is going to fall HARD, and he's not going to know what hit him.

Have you read Off to the Races? How about any other book by Elsie Silver? This was my introduction to her storytelling, and I can see why she is getting the hype that she is. I seriously am going to be buying the paperback editions. I need to own physical copies. Yes I'm making this declaration after reading ONE of her books. When you know, you know. Also I have a feeling that after finishing the Gold Rush Ranch quartet, Elsie will become an auto-buy author for me. I'm making that prediction now.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thoughts I had while reading The Owner

Going into The Owner, I figured I would do another thoughts while reading post, as well as add in a tiny review at the end. Before we dive in though, LOOK AT THIS COVER! I absolutely love it. The simplicity, the colors, the team logo, all of it. More of this please.

For those who do not know The Owner is the first book in the Dalvegan Dragons hockey series from Xavier Neal. This fictional town is in Texas, and the owner of the team recently died. So the team has now been handed down to his daughter Harlow Hennington. Harlow has been raised around hockey. She lives and breathes the sport. To say she knows the ins and outs would be an understatement. This is her passion, and nothing will stop her from curating a fabulous team. Not even the life changes that are thrown at her. A spontaneous Vegas wedding? No big deal, she can get it annulled. A surprise pregnancy from that Vegas wedding? Uh, that's going to be a bit more of an adjustment. Falling for her husband? Well that is not in the plans, but it might be happening. First though she needs to take care of her team. Everything else can wait. Or can it.

When I first heard the premise of this book I thought it was going to be an owner/athlete relationship. That was where my mind went, and so when I was reading and that WASN'T the case, I was confused. Guess that's what happens when you make an assumption. What this book is though (trope wise) is age gap, opposites attract, Vegas wedding, surprise baby, and workplace. The Owner is also FULL of hockey lingo and chirping. After all Harlow is the owner of the team now, and hockey is life.

Thoughts I Had While Reading Final Offer

If you haven't heard the final book in Lauren Asher's Dreamland Billionaires series is now available! Final Offer tells the story of Callahan (Cal) Kane, and takes us on the journey of Cal making his Grandpa's final wishes happen. Of course it takes Cal back to the small town he ran from years ago, and has him returning to Lana's life. This small town, hate to love, second chance romance is going to be interesting. I don't think this happily ever after is going to be easy to accomplish.

As I did with Princess of Hawthorne Prep, I figured I would jot down my thoughts as I read the book. So if you're curious, please keep on reading. I don't think I'm giving any spoilers, but if I did, I apologize. Also if you want to read my full review, it is posted over on Goodreads.

Thanks for reading,
Laura

• Well that was an interesting start to the story!

• Loved how Lana put him in his place right away, and kicked him out.

• Wonder what Grandpa Kane is up to with having Cal return to the lake house? I also wonder what his letter to Cal said.

• Ugh I was hoping that Cal was in recovery, but based on what went down at the hotel that isn't the case. It's only a matter of time before he gets into trouble, and/or someone gets hurt.

• That meeting with the lawyer was kind of eye opening. I wonder why that clause was put in?

• I wonder WHY Cal has to sell the lake house. That part isn't 100% clear, or at least not to me.

• Oofta this small town has it out for Cal. I'm not liking that one bit. Why doesn't Lana tell them to knock it off?

• Those words that Declan spoke clearly struck a cord. Which they definitely should have.

• Cal showing interest during that board meeting caught my attention. He clearly is interested in the company! He just downplays it because that is what is expected. It's almost as though he wants to be underestimated by others.

• Oooh Cal's dad is the worst. He is out to hurt his son with his words, and it shows. Yet at the same time it seems like Cal is taking after him a bit.

• Loving the fact that Lana has a plan in place to push off the sale of the house.

• Cal isn't making it easy on her one bit, and is determined to get the job done at all costs.

• Ahhh! Cami's birthday party! So cute, and dang that's a large party!

• That's quite the trip he's just offered! I wonder what other things he has up his sleeve.

• OH THAT'S WHAT IT IS! Dang he spent a lot to make this happen.

• Loving the family reunion! I am glad the brothers are able to all get together with their busy schedules. Plus the women are meshing perfectly together. 

• Also I am proud of Cal for setting up rehab for himself, and hoping this time is when it clicks for him.

• I feel like drama/conflict is about to happen.

• OH NO! She shouldn't have found out like that! Poor Lana!

• Oooh that fight was a doozy. I don't blame Lana for saying what she did. At the same time she should have listened before reacting. (in my opinion of course)

• Rehab is going to be good for Cal, I just know it.

 

• Well I did not see THAT person walking into the AA meeting! Still an ass, and is clearly only thinking of himself.

• Glad to see Rowan made the call with the offer that he did.

• So how is Cal going to fix all this? It seems like the odds are stacked against him.

• Okay I'm liking this solution. I see what's happening and I approve. Swoon!

• That board meeting was interesting. I also enjoyed what Cal had been up to behind the scenes. Underestimated as always, until he shows people that he knows what he's doing.

• That meeting with the lawyer!!! OH MY WORD! So that just happened. It feels good to see that outcome. 

• Now that the book is over, I'm not certain what to think. I'm conflicted. On one hand I enjoyed a good portion of it. On the other I'm not sold on this couple. There are so many issues that need to be worked out. I still don't like how the addiction storyline was handled. Plus Lana didn't always it right with me. She was combative and always throwing the past, as well as his addiction, in Cal's face. Then there's the fact that Cal threw money around like it was nothing. Which I get it he has $25 billion, but dang! My mind just cannot wrap around the fact that he just spent like he did.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thoughts I had while reading Princess of Hawthorne Prep

I recently finished reading an advanced copy of Princess of Hawthorne Prep by Jennifer Sucevic. This is the second half of Austin and Delilah's duet, and I have been anticipating this release. The book officially releases on February 10, 2023.

Rather than doing a typical review, I thought I would write out the thoughts I had while reading the book. None of what I've shared is a spoiler, or at least not from my perspective. 

If you choose to read Princess of Hawthorne Prep (remember to start with Prince of Hawthorne Prep), then maybe you'll have similar thoughts. You may also know what scene I'm talking about with each random thought.

I hope you like this little change up when it comes to sharing reviews/thoughts on books. It's new to me, but it seemed like a good idea. Even more so since I was saying some of these things out loud.

Happy Reading,
Laura