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Elsie Silver
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The Front Runner: A Small Town Fake Dating Romance (Gold Rush Ranch Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Elsie Silver (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 28,895 ratings

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 every 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.

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  1. Book 3 of 4
    Gold Rush Ranch
  2. Print length
    400 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    December 3, 2021
  5. File size
    1.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “Trust me, Dr. Thorne, if I had you up against a wall, you’d be the meal.”
    Highlighted by 5,279 Kindle readers
  2. “Absolutely nothing about the way I feel for you is a joke. And I’ll keep telling you that until you believe me.”
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From the Publisher

Villain gets the girl
He teases me with...
You are not the pawn...

Editorial Reviews

Review

  • "I freaking love a good story that makes me go all weak in the knees and I can't stop gushing about Stefan freaking Dalca." - Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm, Goodreads

  • "The CHEMISTRY. The SPICE. The SWOON. I couldn't get enough of Stefan and Mira together." - Book Addict Reviews, Goodreads

  • "Never have I ever fallen so hard for a book boyfriend, like I did for Stefan Dalca." - Judy Ann Loves Books, Goodreads

  • "Fake dating? Check. Small town? Check. Anti-hero? CHECK." - Teresa, Goodreads

  • "Steamy and emotional." - United Indie Book Blog

About the Author

Elsie Silver is a Canadian author of sassy, sexy, small town romance who loves a good book boyfriend and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees. She lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, son, and three dogs and has been voraciously reading romance books since before she was probably supposed to.

She loves cooking and trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with her boys–especially outdoors. Elsie has also become a big fan of her quiet five am mornings, which is when most of her writing happens. It’s during this time that she can sip a cup of hot coffee and dream up a fictional world full of romantic stories to share with her readers.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09LGC7LK8
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 3, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Gold Rush Ranch
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 28,895 ratings

About the author

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Elsie Silver

Elsie Silver

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Elsie Silver is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of sassy, steamy, small town romance. She’s a born and raised Canadian girl who loves a good book boyfriend and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees. Her books promise banter, tension, and a slow burn that comes to a screeching halt.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
28,895 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance novel for its sweet love story between Stefan and Mira, along with its intense emotional depth and character growth. The book features loved twists and turns, with one customer highlighting the perfect bonus scene. Customers appreciate the strong female characters, with one describing Stefan as a tough and fiery veterinarian, and they find it laugh-out-loud worthy with amazing banter. The writing style receives positive feedback, with customers thoroughly enjoying Elsie's work.

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47 customers mention "Romance"47 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as full of love, steam, and passion, with one customer noting how Stefan melts their heart.

"I loved Mira and Stefan!..." Read more

"...Stefan was an absolute sweetheart on the inside. Mira was fierce and intelligent...." Read more

"...It’s a beautiful, romantic, emotional read." Read more

"...Elsie Silver did a great job at creating depth and intimacy with their romantic relationship which is why I read romances...." Read more

32 customers mention "Character development"32 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, appreciating their growth throughout the story, with one customer noting how their personalities work well together.

"...So far she has created relatable and realistic characters with pasts that play into their present and future...." Read more

"...The two main characters are so well written and such a joy to know…" Read more

"...The Harding boys could NEVER. I loved that there was a focus on both character's independence outside of their relationship...." Read more

"...I am so glad the author made him oh so good. This book was outstanding and I loved every single page. Such a great read." Read more

32 customers mention "Emotional depth"32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's emotional depth, describing it as intense and passionate, with one customer noting how it tugs on heart strings.

"...She is fierce, independent, intelligent, and so so so compassionate underneath her tough exterior...." Read more

"...It’s a beautiful, romantic, emotional read." Read more

"...this one was one of those books for me. Cozy, swoony, spicy and low angst. 🥰..." Read more

"...The way Stephen watches over and cares for Loki absolutely melted my heart...." Read more

25 customers mention "Twists and turns"23 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the twists and turns in the book, with one mentioning the perfect bonus scene and another noting the heart-wrenching spicy scenes.

"...Elsie Silver did a great job at creating depth and intimacy with their romantic relationship which is why I read romances...." Read more

"...Although I did still love the horse side plot in this one." Read more

"...😫 HE WAS DOWN BAD AND I LOVED IT!!! Their dynamic was so cute, and the ending of this book honestly made me tear up a bit I can’t even lie to..." Read more

"...in end they couldn't be without each other, this book has the perfect amount of detail...." Read more

20 customers mention "Strength"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the female characters in the book, particularly Mira, who is described as a strong independent woman, with one customer noting she is a tough and fiery veterinarian.

"...SWOON. Mira, Mira, Mira. She is fierce, independent, intelligent, and so so so compassionate underneath her tough exterior...." Read more

"...Stefan was an absolute sweetheart on the inside. Mira was fierce and intelligent...." Read more

"...Mira is such a strong women but forgets about herself at times. This two were a match I did not see coming. Loved their chemistry so much as well!" Read more

"...Dr. Mira Thorne is a tough and fiery veterinarian, but she holds her cards close so it takes some time to get to know her and understand what makes..." Read more

19 customers mention "Heartwarming"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, appreciating the character's good nature and kindness.

"...I am thoroughly enjoying Elsie’s writing. So far she has created relatable and realistic characters with pasts that play into their present and..." Read more

"...Now be warned, Stefan has more heart and goodness in him than we ever could have imagined when we originally met him...." Read more

"...And the unexpected found family towards the end was so heartwarming! I throughly loved this book and can’t wait to read the final installment!" Read more

"...He's the best man in this series by far. The Harding boys could NEVER...." Read more

18 customers mention "Laughter"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its amazing banter, with one customer specifically praising the snarky interactions between Mira and Vaughn.

"...They were both quick witted and silver tongued and it made for amazing banter...." Read more

"...His snarky banter with Mira is priceless. She gives it right back! What isn’t there to love about this story?..." Read more

"...It’s truly sweet how much of a funny teddy bear he turns out to be. Their journey is one with sexual tension for like 40% of the book...." Read more

"...Then there is Mira. She’s smart, sarcastic and she puts Stefan in his place. I have related to her more than any of the ladies so far...." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing style"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, particularly Elsie's work, with one customer noting the snappy dialog and another mentioning the easily readable font.

"...I think that the writing is great, and I would classify them all as being slow-burn as the spice seems to occur within the last 100-150 pages of the..." Read more

"Open door. Enemies to lovers. Slowish burn but not entirely slow. Solid read would read again. Can read in one go" Read more

"...These books are truly such easy reads." Read more

"...There's so much in these pages, and it's so well written...." Read more

Elsie Silver does it again!!
5 out of 5 stars
Elsie Silver does it again!!
Holy guacamole this was GOOD!!! I’m buddy reading this series with two of my besties and they had already finished the books and told me that the books get better as they go and this is proof of that!! I LOVED this book omg. - The way Stefan was pining for her? 😫 HE WAS DOWN BAD AND I LOVED IT!!! Their dynamic was so cute, and the ending of this book honestly made me tear up a bit I can’t even lie to you. - I know I’m an easy eater so I rate my books pretty highly but this one was just SO GOOD!!! - Tropes: - 🩺 misunderstood/overprotective mmc - 🩺 “ice queen” fmc - 🩺 frenemies - 🩺 secret relationship - 🩺 antihero
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kaylee Howell
    5.0 out of 5 stars OMGGGGG. this is one of my top 3 Elsie silver books. love the banter, spice, and the plot twist?! SO GOOD
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I loved Mira and Stefan! The banter between these two was intense from the very beginning and seeing them open up to each other in their own ways was so special!

    I’ll be honest and say Stefan is also one of my top three Elsie Silver men. The way he stood up for her with her family before they were even really much of anything 🥹 omg he had me giggling & kicking my feet. But also he is HOT - the dirty talk, his confidence, his heart, and his overall charm? SWOON.

    Mira, Mira, Mira. She is fierce, independent, intelligent, and so so so compassionate underneath her tough exterior. I admire her for how hard she works and how hard she loves, even if she doesn’t outwardly show it as much. I was decently surprised at everything underneath after seeing her tough exterior in books 1 & 2, but I freaking loved her growth after developing these relationships with everyone.

    The plot twist here? Omg. The found family in Elsie’s books is always strong, but I really really felt it in this one and it truly warmed my heart. I seriously loved this story so much.
    One person found this helpful
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  • pushNpages
    4.0 out of 5 stars • A 3.5 - 4 star read for me •
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    | contemporary romance | cowgirl romance | small town romance | fake dating | man of mystery | horse racing | gold rush ranch | dual POV | mira x stefan | unknown past | secrets | dirty talk | spicy | slow burn | kink |

    The thing I loved most about this book of the series were the characters. I knew from book 1 or 2 that mira’s love interest would be Stefan. There was enough foreshadowing to know it was coming, but not the particulars of their story.

    Stefan was an absolute sweetheart on the inside. Mira was fierce and intelligent. They were both quick witted and silver tongued and it made for amazing banter. I think the character building was on point and fit really well with the other installments of this series.

    This wasn’t a 5 star read for me because the plot of this particular book just didn’t grab me like the first 3 books of this series. I am thoroughly enjoying Elsie’s writing. So far she has created relatable and realistic characters with pasts that play into their present and future. I think that the writing is great, and I would classify them all as being slow-burn as the spice seems to occur within the last 100-150 pages of the books ending. This structure really builds *the wanting* and I love getting all caught up in the feels and descriptions.

    I think another thing I am seeing with Elsie’s writing is that there will always be an easy to love FMC and MMC. This has been the first story to even broach the line of a morally grey MMC, and truly Stefan wasn’t quite that, he was just perceived that way and didn’t try to sway anyones opinion on the matter.

    I really love this series so far. Although this hasn’t be my favorite book, it was still really enjoyable and had so many great things a reader like me enjoys.

    Happy Reading Friends xx
    3 people found this helpful
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  • JanfromNJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars a slow burn, full of snarky banter, and a beautiful, romantic, emotional read.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Veterinarian Mira Thorne and horse rancher Stefan Dalca become unlikely allies, then friends, and their mutual attraction can’t be denied. She’s the Vet to his horses. But he wants more even though he’s the hated enemy of her best friends at Gold Rush Ranch. When a mutual life or death decision needs to be made for an orphaned colt, they have to work together. Awkward? You bet. Entertaining? Absolutely!

    We met Stefan in book 1 of this series and he was definitely the villain. Mira became good friends with the Gold Rush Ranch women in book 2. In fact her new best friend clearly hates Stefan Dalca. Now be warned, Stefan has more heart and goodness in him than we ever could have imagined when we originally met him. His snarky banter with Mira is priceless. She gives it right back!

    What isn’t there to love about this story?

    First, we have the orphaned colt and mama horse who adopts him as her own. Here is where we first see the heart behind Stefan’s gruff exterior. It’s emotional and heart melting.

    We meet Stefan’s younger sister, Nadia, who’s struggling in school and when she and Mira bond, well, it tugs at your heart strings. Oh and more swooning over Stefan when he finally shares with Mira their tragic family history.

    Then there’s Stefan meeting Mira’s family and making samosas with her Nana. Mira fails miserably at fighting her growing feelings for Stefan at this point.

    But the ultimate plot twist comes 1/2 way thru this story and I’m not gonna lie, I burst into tears saying. “Oh my god!” Brilliant storytelling. Never saw it coming.

    This is a slow burn story and so worth the wait. These two burn up the pages of this book when they finally do get together. Wow. And in typical Elsie fashion, there’s drama and danger and yes, Stefan wins over even his harshest critics. It’s a beautiful, romantic, emotional read.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Sara S.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Stefan is perfection 👌
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This has been my favorite in this series so far. I was hesitant to read it cause Stefan isn't entirely likeable in the previous two books but I realize now how misunderstood he was. Elsie Silver did a great job at creating depth and intimacy with their romantic relationship which is why I read romances. I want to be taken on a journey and feel all the things the characters feel. That's was books are for, right? It's easy to get caught up in the hype of booktok and all the marketing involved in that. So I'm grateful when I read something that hasn't been hyped but should be. this one was one of those books for me. Cozy, swoony, spicy and low angst. 🥰
    One person found this helpful
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  • Shelphild
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really Good!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a bit of a surprise, honestly was not expecting it to be so good. The two main characters are so well written and such a joy to know…
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars good until the fire
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the book up until the barn fire. This man already feels enough guilt in his life and the fire just added more to it. He had every right to be mad at her since you always stressed that his character believed in honesty. He just needed time to sort things out and she should have been the one to fight for him and she should have been able to do it without adding guilt to his poor soul.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Rebecca
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Series!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Yet another amazing book in the series! I LOVED Stefan and Mira's story!

    I can’t place exactly what it is a loved about it most. The chemistry was great, the banter fantastic.

    I enjoyed that both the happy and sad moments of horse breeding were shown within the book. I showed the full picture of what happens. I loved the bond that grew between Stefan and Loki after his tragic beginning.

    Got a quick look at book 4 characters - Griffin and Nadia. Super excited for this one!
    Report
  • Rainbowlovesbooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars My front runner of the series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    After being led to believe that Stefan was a little bit of a shady character, Elsie has flipped the script with front runner and probably given me my top main male character in Stefan.
    He's so misunderstood, has a heart of gold and is just trying to navigate through his emotions as best he can. And I am here for it as Mira is definitely the right woman to help him with everything.
    Both characters are determined, smart, headstrong and loyal.
    I love that there's yet another twist that I sort of figured out when it was mentioned, but still didn't stop me being overly excited as we read on.
    Elsie is brilliant at delivering a romance with angst thrown in. I was hooked from the start, and to see some comeuppance come for Patrick well that just topped it off nicely.

    5/5 stars and as corny as it sounds the front runner book, has become my front runner of the series.
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  • The Vixen!
    5.0 out of 5 stars O.M.G
    Reviewed in Australia on May 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What a story, a roller coaster from start to finish, so many tears shed while reading this one, only Mira could find the real Stefan hidden under his layers, add in saving a treasured colt, finding a long lost parent and destroying enemies what more can you ask for in a story, loved every minute!!
    Report
  • Anna P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars “You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.”
    Reviewed in India on December 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Like so many others, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Stefan Dalca getting his own HEA. But can we take a minute to talk about how incredible he is? Elsie Silver took a character we all muttered and grumbled about in the first two books and turned him into this sexy stud that we can’t get enough of. And if that’s not enough, she made us fall head over heels in love with Dr. Mira Thorne as Stefan fell in love with her too. I mean…I’m personally invested in everything Mira, but to see so much of her and to understand the woman behind all the horses being saved was an absolute treat.

    Where do I even begin with this review?! The Gold Rush Ranch series is so special to me and to see more characters from this world completely made my life. Mira and Stefan might just be my absolute favourites from this series––which is saying a lot since Violet and Cole are my one true loves––but their journey to falling in love is one that I can read over and over again, and never tire of.

    Mira is loved by everyone. Despite being younger and a woman, Mira is well respected and known all over Ruby Creek for the work she does with horses. She’s got a solid home base at Gold Rush Ranch and she’s best friends with Billie and Violet, plus she’s got Hank who adores her just as much. And Mira’s got supportive and loving parents (less supportive extended family members, but that’s not important) that gives her a rounded life. She’s not even missing a man to warm her bed, because she’s got a purple friend that does the job for her. I related to Mira so much, not just because she’s Indian, but because she’s so self-sufficient and sure of herself. She’s a tough woman, she knows her limits and she knows what she’s capable of. I loved the scenes where she’s working and treating horses, because you can feel the amount of love that pours through her when she’s in her element. She’s also hella sassy and feisty, her snappy comebacks are some of my favourites. Plus, Mira believes in giving everyone a second chance.

    Stefan. Ah, the man of the hour. I remember thinking he was so sleazy and creepy, but that’s because Billie flat out hates him and we saw him through her eyes. To see him through Mira’s eyes? *fans self* He is everything and then some. With Stefan, what you see is not always what you get and I really enjoyed watching Mira peel back the layers of the man. He’s been through so much and he’s never let those shortcomings and struggles define him. Stefan is so much more than just a rich man in a suit, he’s kind and caring and despite what Billie (and everyone else) thinks, he loves his horses and wants only the best for them. And then there’s Stefan’s feelings for Mira. Sweet lord, this man. There needs to be a word that is beyond swoony, because that’s what Stefan is. He’s a combination of swoony, sexy, dirty and charming––and it’s distracting as all get out. But the way he feels? Man, it broke me.

    Their relationship starts as a working one, then turns into three fake dates and eventually becomes the hottest and most beautiful thing on the planet. Elsie’s heroes have the best dirty talk and she also writes some really good steam, but what I loved so much about Mira and Stefan was their banter. It’s snappy, it’s funny and it’s incredibly sexy. There’s some serious pining in this book too. I know we all love watching the hero pine––and Stefan does that pretty much the whole way through––but there is just something so beautiful about the heroine pining too. And Mira’s feelings for Stefan are so confusing before she realises just what all of that means and she takes control of it. Some of my favourite scenes included Mira giving Stefan grief because he kept brushing their relationship off when she was getting so invested. I seriously didn’t think I would love these two as much as I did, but my god, they were so wonderful together. I also want to give Elsie lots of love for all the extra steam she included just for me (not really, but it’s an inside joke of sorts).

    Prepare for some tears too, because as you peel back Stefan’s layers and see the man beneath that broody, sexy facade, you’ll fall in love with him too. I also loved the scenes we got with Billie and Violet, because Mira’s friendship with them is so wonderful. I even loved how much of Hank we saw, because I loved him in Off to the Races and wanted more of him and I got it! I can’t wait to see what else we get from the Gold Rush Ranch world, because I’m not done with them yet!
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  • Stephania
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on February 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book and all the other books in this series!
    Report

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