A Photo Finish (Gold Rush Ranch, 2)

There is something about an insecure, vulnerable hero that gets me every time, and this was the perfect example. Our boy puts on a scowling, brave face and keeps his walls up sky high, but he is the softest, sweetest man on the inside. I adored the unique meet cute between these two, their early conversations and the way they fell for each other without ever meeting in person. That was such a great juxtaposition to the awkwardness of their in-person, present day encounters, shaping a second chance romance that came in a different kind of way. The secret pining, charged sexual tension, and roommate situation were just the icing on the cake, and this ended up being another very, very solid read from Silver. It's one of her earliest works, but the ties to the beloved Chestnut Springs series and her signature vibes made it an equally memorable read. I loved it!The story follows Violet, a woman who recently got her big break as a jockey to a sensational horse. Her career is just getting started, so breaking a leg in an accident is the last thing she needs. Even worse? The only place she can stay on the property while recovering is with the grumpiest man on the planet - also known as the man who broke Violet's heart two years ago before they even knew each other's names. Violet and Cole met online when she decided to be a little wild and brave, and they developed an anonymous friendship over the course of a year. But just as they were headed towards something more, Cole closed up without explaining why. So Violet cut him out of her life - until now. As the two get to know each other in person for the first time, the chemistry from their past crackles in the background. But Cole is still as closed-off as ever, so that means they're still at a standstill.I seriously enjoyed the first book in this series, so I've been eagerly awaiting the next to come out on audio. Sure, I could binge the series on kindle at once, but these intermittent audio releases mean I have a little treat to look forward to every few months - and what a treat this was! This is one of Silver's earliest works, but the quality is absolutely still there. It's obvious why she became so popular only a short time later, and the vibes are so reminiscent of the Chestnut Springs series. In fact, Violet's overprotective brothers are the heart of that series, so there were so many little ties to the books I fell in love with. But I also fell in love with these characters too. Violet is gentle but strong, the kind of woman who can handle a man like Cole. He's been dealing with PTSD and other trauma-related issues, which makes him so reluctant to opening up. He knows a good thing when he sees it, but he's scared to take a chance. My heart hurt for him the more I got to know him, and it was easy to see how gone he was for his girl. Their relationship relies on him finding the strength to push through his discomfort and uncertainty, which made this an emotional read. I loved the sexual tension that was woven into the story paired with those heavier undercurrents, which really reminded me of Silver's newer work. All in all, well worth a read - and here's hoping the next audio edition comes soon!Audio note: Worth the wait! I'm definitely glad I waited for the audio, it was such a great way to experience the story. Vanessa Edwin is probably my favorite female narrator, her voice is so relaxing to me. And I love Connor Crais' deep voice, which was perfect for Cole. Together, they brought so much emotion and complexity to the story, which made it feel like a true performance. The runtime (9 hours) was ideal for bingeing, and that's exactly what I did. Not sure I can recommend this as a workday/office listen, as their meet cute was of a semi-scandalous nature and it was revisited many times throughout the book. But I wholeheartedly recommend the format.

✔️ Dual POVs (Violet x Cole)✔️ Set in Canada✔️ Open-door romance (3/5 🌶️)✔️ Tropes: Secret identity; grumpy/sunshine; workplace romance; small age gap (10 years)Violet is living her dream as a jockey, riding in Canada’s horse-racing circuit. Cole is shouldering a lot of burdens from his father’s death and his military service. They actually met online, but now he’s the owner of the stable — and he recognizes her.This was super cute, and therapy plays a real starring role in helping them both earn their happy ending. I wish the spicy scenes had a little more oomph for all the grumpiness. It was still really sweet, and a well-deserved ending for them both.

I went into this book pretty blind only knowing that Violet was the Eaton’s youngest sibling and having seen her in the Chestnut Spring series a couple of times. This book seriously surprised me because I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. And maybe that is my fault because it’s Elsie Silver, I love all her books and this one was no exception. This book scratched an itch in my brain and every time I put it down I kept thinking about it and all the characters. Violet is honestly so amazing and strong and I loved her. Cole was so complicated, raw, and real that you just couldn’t help falling in love with him. Their story was honestly so fun and engaging I was having the best time reading this book. Love all the tropes and the characters.I think this one is my favorite from the series!

Having previously read (devoured and ADORED!) the entire Chestnut Springs Series, I decided it was about time to go back and read the series that started it all. All of Elsie's books for me thus far have been four or five stars, but this one was a bit difficult for me.In A Photo Finish, we get to know Ms. Independence Personified in none other than Violet Eaton. If you're backwards like me, you know Violet is the little sis of all the Eaton brothers from the Chestnut Springs Series. Violet moved away from home to find herself, not wanting to be coddled by her older brothers and father any longer. She not only established herself in her career, but became incredibly successful. Violet's only issue? Her past internet 'fling' not staying in the past OR on the internet....Enter Cole, who takes broody and moody to a whole new level, though rightfully so. Childhood trauma, war PTSD, past relationship issues.. you name it, Cole's struggling with it.Per usual, Elsie's characters are lovable, witty, and charming. I felt connected to both Cole and Violet, though having not much in common with either one of them. It's easy to get lost in Elsie's stories, with their perfect mix of humor and romance.One of the main reasons this book is three instead of four (or five) stars for me personally is the timeline felt a bit off and it felt like this book was lacking some detail the story needed, in my opinion. Starting off, I had a hard time getting past the year gap from when Cole 'outed' himself to when Violet was injured and he ended up at the Ranch. Having read the Chestnut Springs books first, I was hoping to get more information on Violet's relationship with her family, but it felt like that was also semi glossed over and her past/family was always mentioned in passing. I felt like the lack of information carried out throughout the book some and felt like I had a hard time immersing myself in the story because I felt like I was being rushed through it.Overall, I enjoyed watching Violet thrive on her own. As a woman myself and mom of two daughters, a strong, independent, bad ass woman who knows what she wants and chases it down is always encouraging and inspiring to read. Cole didn't steal Jasper, Theo, or Beau's spot as my top three Elsie men, but I enjoyed his character growth and watching him face his past and find happiness.

I think this one was my fave so far I love me a growly man with a great ending and a sexy back story

Gahh, this book had me by the balls, I am addicted.The tension, trauma, and emotional hold this book showcases throughout kept me turning the pages as fast as possible! 😍Cole is the broody alpha I expected but hotdamnit he honestly has good intentions, and he left my swooning for sure!I already LOVED Violet, but she was her own queen in this book, and I love her resilience and badassary to put herself first!!The flash back scenes were PERFECT and gave the perfect insight to the past!!The ending was pure perfection for me and I utterly adored how Cole leant on Billie for guidance and advice. 😍❤️

At this point I’m 99,99999% sure Elsie Silver can’t write a book I won’t fall in love with. I mean, the way she writes the MMCs just hit a spot in my heart. Sometimes it hits harder than others, not going to lie, but this time with Cole Harding it just blew my heart to pieces only to put it back together because that’s what Cole would do.Cole… Cole Harding… The way I disliked this man in Off To The Races only to fall in love with him so deeply I’m pretty sure he’s now on my top 5 Book Boyfriend List of all time. There are two moments in the book — I won’t spoil them — where I was literally crying over this man and his vulnerability. I love a character with layers and Elsie Silver knows how to write some of the best ones.I suffer so much with this book, but in the best way possible. The relationship Cole and Violet have, their past together and how they little by little start to build a future, even if sometimes they have to go back a few steps because of fear or being broken.Honorable mention to Pipsqueak for being the best and most adorable horse ever.

must read

4/5 ⭐️✨ Check TW✨ Small Town✨ Age Gap✨ Grumpy x Sunshine✨ Disability rep.✨ Slow Burn✨ "Pen Pals" (online chatting)✨ Second Chance✨ Mental Health rep.✨ Forced Proximity✨ Horses✨ Interconnected Standalone