Book Review: Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver

Title: Wild Eyes

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Rose Hill Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 464

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2024

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"A rugged mountain town seemed like the perfect escape from a life in shambles. But on day one, she ran full tilt into the world's hottest single dad, and now all her plans are ruined.

As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press, it's hard for Skylar Stone to find any peace. But she finds it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal her heart just as thoroughly as their dad. 

Weston Belmont.

 

The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that's downright distracting. And in bed? He's addictive.

Everything with him is wild and impulsive, and Skylar is desperate to regain some control. 

But no one has supported her like West does. And no one has ever made her feel as loved as he does either.

So, while Skylar's brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible... her heart says she's right where she belongs.

Still, her life as a celebrity haunts her. It has the power to pull her and West apart. 

She can see in his eyes that he wants her to stay. And she wants that too. 

But she knows better than anyone that you don't always get what you want."

My Rating: 4.5/5

As per usual, I am impressed with Elsie Silver's ability to create a setting and characters that feel so real. I love them; they make me excited to continue with the series and see where each character goes and who they end up with etc. I also love that each series has characters who aren't going to have a story of their own. The town itself also seems so sweet. I can't wait to continue the series.

Sidny

Book Review: Wild Love by Elsie Silver

Title: Wild Love

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Rose Hill Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Billionaire Romance

Pages: 455

Publisher: Bloom Books

Year Published: 2024

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"She's been driving him wild for years.

The good kind of wild. The bad kind of wild.

But mostly, the kind of wild that comes with wanting your best friend's little sister and knowing you can't have her.

Forbes may have labelled Ford Grant the World's Hottest Billionaire, but all he cares about is escaping the press and opening a recording studio in gorgeous small town Rose Hill. Something that comes to a screeching halt when he ends up face-to-face with a young girl who claims he's her biological father. Now, he spends his days balancing business with parenting a sullen twelve-year-old, all while trying desperately to keep his hands the hell off his best friend's sister, Rosie Belmont.

After living in the city, Rosie came blasting back into town like a storm. Beautiful, messy, and chaotic. And one wide-eyed, desperate plea for a job is all it takes for Ford to hire her. He vows to keep her at arm's length. Tries to stick to scowls and grumpy one-liners. But with her, verbal sparring is a type of foreplay-friction that soon turns to blistering heat. 

For knows damn well he shouldn't cross this line. But shouldn't and can't are two very different things.

And the only thing he truly can't do is resist."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I haven't read anything by Elsie Silver for a while, but once again I'm being drawn in. I'm gonna need to read all of these immediately. The way that Elsie Silver builds a community/ found family. The tropes she uses in ways that are more than just a trope (the character backgrounds, the use of inner thoughts, etc.). The setting also lends itself so well to the series, and the way that characters from previous series. I can't wait to see West's character come to life. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A False Start by Elsie Silver

Title: A False Start

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #4)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Pages: 432

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I kissed my best friend's little sister, and the world stood still.

That night we were two perfect strangers, the town's grumpy recluse and a gorgeous girl in the back of a bar. Until we weren't.

Because Nadia Dalca isn't just some girl. She's the girl I can't have. Fourteen years younger than me and completely off-limits.

My plan is to stay away, but the universe keeps pushing us together. It's like some sort of cosmic joke, to give me a taste of something so electric - so real- something that breathed life back into me.

Because I can look, but I can't touch.

Her sinful curves, her light-hearted laughter, her wild side... I'm addicted to every last bit of her.

And when she turns those sultry eyes on me-- the ones so full of longing and so free of judgement? I've always considered myself a strong man. But when she looks at me I'm weak.

To give in to our connection would be a betrayal. My life is beyond complicated, and she has the world at her fingertips. Her brother is the only family she has left, and sad as it sounds, he's also my only friend.

But I kissed her again anyway.

And now I can't stop."

My Rating: 5/5

This was once again Elsie Silver, just writing perfection. The tension between our main characters is excellent. The spicy scenes were wonderful, and the plot was fantastic. I was so grateful for the way the author chose to end this book. She has this way of making each character so unique that I feel like they are real people. This series isn't quite as good as Chestnut Springs in my opinion, but I can't wait to read the Rose Hill Series.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

Title: The Front Runner

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Western

Pages: 356

Publisher: Indie 

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Stefan Dalca is infuriatingly handsome. And annoyingly persistent. We're supposed to hate each other. But apparently, he didn't get the memo, because he's been asking me out for years.

And I always say no. Until today.

Today he has something that I desperately need. Today he's a savior and I'm his prize.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction. Three dates. No touching. No telling anyone. And definitely no falling in love.

But with ever intimate conversation, and each stolen glance, the tension between us builds.

The way he looks at me gives me butterflies. And when he finally touches me? We sizzle.

Stefan makes me feel seen in a way no other person has before. He cherishes my words as passionately as my body.

He makes me laugh. He makes me blush. He calls me kitten.

He's not the villain he's been made out to be.

And suddenly I find myself longing for him in a way the people closest to me wouldn't approve of or understand.

Giving in to Stefan Dalca is playing with fire.

But with him, I don't even mind the heat."

My Rating: 4/5

Elsie Silver has to be one of my favourite authors. If she writes it, I will read it! I loved the two characters that this book covered and I think that the longing was written so beautifully. Also while there was a miscommunication trope, I felt it wasn't the main plot of the story. I loved the way this story and Stefan tied it to the other characters in the story. I look forward to continuing on with the series and starting the next series soon. Although if anyone else uses the nickname kitten, I might have to knock it down a star as well. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver

Title: A Photo Finish

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, 

Pages: 420

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I've seen every square inch of Wiolet Eaton's delectable body and she has no idea who I am.

Until now.

What happened between us online, in our chats, was meant to stay anonymous and in the past.

Until it didn't.

It's a small world, but Ruby Creek is even smaller. When I move to the tiny town, the grumpy, facade I've created slips when we're forced to live under the same roof.

Every flush of her cheeks, every time her eyes flare with what, every time she begs me not to stop, the ice I've encased myself in melts. She has me wanting things I can't want. Things I've been dreaming about since I first laid eyes on her two years ago- things I don't deserve.

But my invisible wounds have the power to ruin us both. As a former soldier, I should have the discipline to walk away, but the more I open up to Violet, the more I want to keep her.

I came back from the war a different man, but my scars are older and deeper than anyone knows- and I planned to keep it that way. I planned to keep my secrets hidden.

Until her."

My Rating: 5/5

This has been my favourite so far. Could it be the grumpy sunshine trope, could it be Elsie Silver's ability to tie together relationships from the current books with previous books, or even other series, or is it because this romance was too damn good. The long-term yearning was excellently written and the characters were unique in a way that wasn't unsettling, but also distinguishable. I look forward to continuing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Out of the Gate by Elsie Silver

Title: Out of the Gate

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #0.5)

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 112

Publisher: Indie

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Own on Kindle)

"Dermot Harding is ten years older than me. A family friend. An employee on my father's ranch.

But I've loved him as long as I can remember.

At eighteen, I kissed him and he pushed me away. He said I was too young.

The army took him from me for three long years, but now he's back at Gold Rush Ranch- looking at me like he's never looked at me before. letting his hands linger longer than they should. Offering to help me train the racehorse I've always dreamed of owning.

I say that I've moved on, but our chemistry? It's electric. It's overpowering. And soon all our reasons for staying away from each other fall away, along with our clothes.

He says he's too old and too broken for someone like me. He says we can never work. But his body tells another story.

I put my pride on the line for him once before.

Am I a fool to risk it again?"

My Rating: 4/5

I think that if you're reading this series it might be a good idea to start here instead of with the actual first book because I had a few moments where I was reminded that we were reading about someone's grandparents and I can't explain why that took me out of moments, but it did. I liked to better understand the characters and how this ranch turned into a racehorse training facility, and the chemistry was excellent. The age gap was a little intense, but I think it was well done overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

Title: Off to the Races

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary, Small Town, Romance, Adult

Pages: 334

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "Lights flash all around me, forcing me to cover my eyes with my forearm."

"Keeping things professional with my employees has never been an issue. Until she waltzed onto my property.

Billie is talented. She's mouthy. And she's so damn tempting. I can't stop thinking about all the ways I could take her down a peg.

I can't stop thinking about her, period.

We clash from the moment we meet. And in a small town, on an even smaller farm, it's hard to keep your distance. It's even harder to keep that friction from turning to fire.

But keeping my distance? That might be the biggest struggle of all. Because Billie is the whole package, whip-smart with a body I fantasize about when I'm alone, and quite possibly the only woman who can save this business- and me.

She drives me crazy. In every sense of the word. Every smart-mouthed little comment- every game we play- I end up wanting more. Wanting her closer. With me. Under me.

I try not to let her get to me, but the more time we spend together the more I crave her. Her lips. Her trust. Her heart.

I want it all.

But at what cost?

Because suddenly I don't just want to win races, I want to win the girl."

My Rating:5/5

It's been a while since I stayed up to finish a book and had no interest in sleep while trying to get to the end and this one did it for me. In the beginning, I was a little hesitant because the male lead is a little hard for me to get behind a rich guy acting the way he does but with time he grew on me. Billie on the other hand I loved from the word go! She's fire, she's passionate and she's amazing. I love the way Elsie Silver builds on her stories to extend to the next book in a natural way. It doesn't feel forced it seems to come around naturally. I love it! The chosen family vibes in this immaculate. Would highly recommend it if you want a small-town romance on a horse farm!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Hopeless by Elsie Silver

Title: Hopeless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Spring Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 486

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "I thought pissing off my brother and storming away would make me feel something."

"Beau Eaton is the town prince, a handsome military hero with a tortured past.

I'm the outcast bartender, a shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

He's thirty-five and all man, and I'm twenty-two and all.... virgin.

He's also my fiance. Correction: my fake fiance.

We start out as a bet. He doesn't believe that anyone holds my last name against me. So he offers his to prove a point.

It's win-win. He gets a break from his concerned family's prying, and I get a chance to shed my family's reputation while I save up to ditch this small town.

He says all I have to do is wear his ring, follow his lead, and pretend I can't keep my hands off of him in public.

But it's what happens between us in private that blurs all those carefully drawn lines.

It's what transpires behind closed doors that doesn't feel like pretending at all.

This engagement was supposed to be for show. This agreement? It has an end date.

He once told me he'd never fall in love.

And yet here I am head over heels for my fake fiance."

My Rating: 4/5

This one wasn't my favourite in the series, but it was still a really great read. It was nice to see the characters all together one more time and it did feel bitter-sweet in a lot of ways. I loved this whole series and all the characters we were introduced to throughout the series. The smut was on point, and this series really has a lot going for it. The romance, the comedy, the characters, the tropes that are done so incredibly well, the plot lines and overall the feeling of family. I was teary-eyed as I finished this final book and I would highly recommend not just this book but the whole series to anyone who is even remotely interested. Elsie Silver builds a family that feels so real you wish you could sit at their table for the Eaton Family Dinner.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Reckless by Elsie Silver

Title: Reckless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Springs Series (Book #4)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 466

Publisher: Self Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line:"'I can't fathom why you feel the need to go work at the dingy little hospital in the country.'"

"Theo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies' man. Scorching hot trouble wrapped in a drool-worthy package.

And he's looking at me like I might be his next meal.

But I'm almost free of my toxic marriage and sworn off men entirely. So all I see when I look back is temptation served up with a heaping side of heartbreak.

The man is hard to trust-and even harder to resist.

Make that impossible. Because Theo is persistent. And no matter how hard I try to freeze him out, he melts my icy exteriors and pulls apart my defenses.

Over a drink in a small town bar, I blurt out my deepest, darkest secrets. Then I spend the singular hottest night of my life with him.

He worships my body. He makes me blush. I come alive beneath his hands.

Then I tell him to forget it ever happened. I want simple, and with him it all feels complicated.

It was supposed to be a one-time thing.

A secret.

But that little plus sign is going to make this secret impossible to keep."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my absolute favourite in the series so far. I always say that I love a grumpy-sunshine where the grump is the female lead. Because I am also the grump in my relationship. The trope that is in this book is written so well and really just added to the story overall (I mean how could it not). The way everything was written you couldn't help but root for this couple and the way they interact is incredible. Not to mention super sexy. I would highly recommend this series and I can't wait to read the final (?) book next month. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Powerless by Elsie Silver

Title: Powerless    

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Springs Series (Book #3)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Smut

Pages: 396

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Kindle Unlimited

"Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That's all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I've been living in the friend zone for years now.

But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn't looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn't touching me like one either.

To his fans, he's the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he's still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.

The man I've loved in secret for years.

So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he's the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I'm there to return the favor.

But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn't feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I've ever wanted and thought I could never have.

Our feelings aren't straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.

Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me. 

But after years of turning me away, he's going to need to prove it."

My Rating: 3.25/5

This is such a precise rating, and I know it's odd but I just didn't love this as much as I anticipated. There were scenes that I enjoyed, there were the characters that I enjoyed revisiting, but there were portions that I just didn't love. I think that the third act was set to a very fast pace and I wanted to slow it down a little. I think that for now I'm gonna take a break from contemporary romance and then jump back in when I'm ready. But don't worry this series will be completed once the final book comes out. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Heartless by Elsie Silver

Title: Heartless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Spring Series (Book #2)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Smut, Contemporary

Pages: 476

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line:  "Lucy Reid's eyes flutter my way."

"Working as a nanny for the world's grumpiest single dad should have been simple. Except I can't keep my eyes off him. And he can't keep his hands off of me.

Cade Eaton is thirteen years older than i am and barely looks my way. Until I get him into the hot tub one night for a game of truth or dare. Then all bets are off- and so are our clothes.

He's gruff, a little rough around the edges. But broad-shoulder ranchers with calloused hands and filthy mouths are this city girl's kryptonite. So who am I to resist?

But it's in our quiet moments together that he softens. It's when he takes care of me that I realize his hardened exterior is just a facade. It's when I watch him go all sweet with his little boy that I really fall for him. 

Someone convinced him once that his best wasn't good enough. But I've never felt more cherished than I do in his arms.

My contract may say this arrangement is only for two months.

But my heart says this is forever."

My Rating: 5/5

I loved this second book. There were a few kinks that weren't necessarily for me but overall this book proved that certain tropes aren't ones I hate, they just need to be done well. I loved the smut, it was fun. The lusting after each other was great. The atmosphere was excellently written and the characters were fantastic. I also love the way the author introduces the next characters in the series so organically. It was excellent. I would highly recommend it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Flawless by Elsie Silver

Title: Flawless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Springs Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 424

Publisher: Kindle 

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "You got one angry motherfucker here, Eaton."

"The rules were simple. Keep my hands off his daughter and stay out of trouble.

But now I'm stuck with her. There's only one bed. And well, rules are made to be broken.

I'm the face of professional bull riding- the golden boy. Or at least I was, until it all blew up in my face. Now my agent says I have to clean up my image, so I'm stuck with his ballbusting daughter for the rest of the season as my 'full-time supervisor.'

But I don't need a goddamn babysitter, especially one with skin-tight jeans, a sexy smirk, and a mouth she can't stop running not 

A mouth I can't stop thinking about.

Because Summer isn't just another conquest. She sees the man behind the mask, and she doesn't run- she pulls me closer, even when she shouldn't.

She says this means nothing.

I say this means everything.

She says there are boundaries we shouldn't cross. That my reputation can't take any more hits- and neither can her damaged heart.

I say I'm going to steal it anyway."

My Rating: 4/5

This book was such a fun ride..... the author did an excellent job of making the characters unique but not too over the top. The way the perspectives of the characters alternated so well together made my reading experience so much more enjoyable. Between the plot and the smut, it was a great read and I can't wait to read more from the author and this series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny