A Photo Finish: Gold Rush Ranch, Book 2

5/5 ⭐OVERALL4/5 🌶 STEAM"When I ghosted him without a word, he was supposed to stay where I left him. He wasn’t supposed to matter to me. But as I drown in his gray eyes while the circus rages around me, I realize he still does."IF YOU ENJOY:- Second Chance- Grumpy/Sunshine- Angst- 10 Year Age Gap- Tortured Hero- Strong Heroine- Slow BurnYou need this book in your life.. NOW!! This book was perfect on every level. The plot.. gosh it was so beautiful, angsty, and emotional. And, the characters... PHENOMENAL! This is not your typical second chance romance, either. I loved how original it was.Cole is a literal hero. His character comes with some trigger warnings, so beware of that. He experienced some traumatizing things as a child and as an adult, in war. And let me tell you, Elsie Silver did a fantastic job touching on his PTSD. It was so raw and drew out my emotions exactly how I wanted it too. His character was written so well!! 👏I absolutely adored Violet. Her strength was inspiring. She is the epitome of sunshine. She was confident, independent, and fierce. Honestly, she's the ultimate heroine and I loved her character."She’s even more beautiful than I remember, soft and feminine, and soothing without even trying. Getting to know Violet was like discovering a medicine I didn’t even know I needed."Cole and Violet's journey to love is not an easy one. They had a lot of hurdles to overcome, but that's what made this book. Their chemistry was through the roof and you can really feel the longing between the two of them. The sexual tension should be noted too, because damn! 🔥 Also, their love for each other draws you in so much, I had hard time putting this book down!This one will be stuck with me for a while and can't wait to read the next one! 🧡

After making her first win as Gold Rush Ranch’s newest jockey, Violet should be on cloud nine. But a few words whispered in her ear after crossing the finish line brought a past Violet thought she buried right back to the surface.2-years ago, Cole thought he was damaged beyond repair—in more ways than one—and sought out affection the only place he knew how…on the internet. That’s where he met “Pretty in Purple,” who he developed a relationship with over the next year. When Cole moves onto his family’s property for work, he never expected that his online vixen is none other than his newest jockey—Violet.When Violet takes a fall and injures her leg, she’s forced to move into the main house to recover and it just so happens she’ll be shacking up with her new boss, Cole. Neither of them expected to meet in real life, let alone live together. And now their already complicated relationship is about to get a whole lot more complicated…A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver is book 2 in the Gold Rush Ranch series. I loved Elsie’s debut full-length novel, Off to the Races, but man, I loved A Photo Finish even more. This has so many things I crave in romance: small town, grumpy/sunshine, a damaged hero, a strong heroine, forced proximity, delicious slow burn. I seriously couldn’t ask for more. I fell hard for Cole & Violet and was desperate for their HEA. Elsie didn’t disappoint with this romance and if you’re looking for a new author to put on your radar, she’s one to look out for! 5/5 stars.

"He's think he's the dark. I think he just shines differently. The way the moon illuminates the world at night, soft and subtle. He doesn't shine, he glows. Especially when he looks at me the way he is right now."This. Book. Yall.i went into this book thinking it would be sweet and cute, just like Off to The Races. THIS book had so much more depth than I was ready for, in the best way possible. The BEST grumpy/sunshine with so many twists. I laughed. I cried (all over IG stories). I gasped. I freakin swooned! So many feelings and I loved every second of it.Cole is reserved, closed off, and GRUMPY. Violet is sweet, caring and always looking on the bright side. But Cole and Vi have a past; as past that she never thought would come back to her. Can Violet help Cole break through the darkness to find happiness?10/10 recommend! Elsie truly set the bar high with this one!

This book was definitely a slow burn but in the best way. Violet and Cole met online (sounds like an only fans like app 😆) struck up an unlikely friendship then became more, became less, were then forced roommates and coworkers to lovers. This book was a blend of tropes. But honestly was so good because of it.Violet and Cole are contradictions of character and appearance. Which was a fun additive. Violet was a small, petite, and blonde jockey but in actuality was strong, intelligent and took zero crap. Cole was large, dark, and “growly” but really felt vulnerable, broken and small/unworthy.They were an opposites attract , the light and the dark. I enjoyed this read a lot. I had moments of awe 🥺, moments of heat 🥵 , and a few surprises 😯.There is definitely spice and it was worth the wait. Loved the characters and plot developed naturally and didn’t feel forced. For sure going down as a re read for me.

A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver. Where do I even start to describe this book? I was overwhelmed. This author blew me away with the knowledge she had about PTSD. It's an intense story where true love conquers the pain and helps Cole come out of the darkness of PTSD into the light. I was on the edge of my seat reading Violet and Cole's story. It is a haunting, intense, beautiful tale of how love shines through the darkness. If you are a true fan of romance then this book is definitely for you.

This book was quite intense at times. At first it wasn’t clear exactly why Cole acted the way he did and I could completely understand Violet’s frustration. Their start was an unconventional one and when they meet up at the races, things don’t have an ideal start, but it seems like they just keep being drawn back to each other. I loved how strong, motivated, caring and independent Violet was. Cole comes off as cold and closed off, but he really just needs to realise what a good, strong and caring man he is. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favourite genres and I know it was a good one when I want to shake the H and I definitely wanted to shake Cole and then give him a hug. I’m looking forward to more from this series.

I couldn't wait to read Cole and Violet's story after the ending in the previous book and it did not disappoint!Cole and Violet have a very complicated past! When they realised who the other person they do everything to avoid one another. But that doesn't mean they have forgotten each other. There was so much heat and tension I just couldn't put it down! I just adored their story and Elsie has been my new favourite author find of this year! I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Cole is such a swoony alphahole man.His secret only made me swoon harder for him.And violet was his perfect match.A little timid to start then took absolutely no prisoners.How they met gave it that extra edge.Brilliant read!

Really enjoyed the 2nd in this series of romance stories set in a race horse ranch setting. Violet is quiet on the surface but oh so strong! Cole is a veteran and is hiding from everyone to avoid dealing with his issues. Together they are hot and sweet. Great read.

There is nothing I didn’t like about this book. I got lost in the story so much that I didn’t see the words on the page. I loved seeing Billie and Vaughn again, as well as Mira and Hank, Violet was lovely, but Cole stole the whole show!