Learn more
These promotions will be applied to this item:
Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
The Front Runner: A Small Town Fake Dating Romance (Gold Rush Ranch Book 3) Kindle Edition
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.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateDecember 3, 2021
- File size1.7 MB
Shop this series
See full series- Kindle Price:$17.97By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
- Kindle Price:$23.96By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
Shop this series
This option includes 3 books.
This option includes 4 books.
Customers also bought or read
- Done and Dusted: A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel#3 Most GiftedWestern & Frontier RomanceKindle Edition$2.99$2.99
- King of Wrath (Kings of Sin Book 1)#2 Most GiftedBillionaires & Millionaires RomanceKindle Edition$5.99$5.99
Customers who bought this item also bought
- “Trust me, Dr. Thorne, if I had you up against a wall, you’d be the meal.”Highlighted by 5,500 Kindle readers
- “Absolutely nothing about the way I feel for you is a joke. And I’ll keep telling you that until you believe me.”Highlighted by 5,093 Kindle readers
- I don’t want to tame her; I just want a front-row seat to watch her win the race.Highlighted by 5,009 Kindle readers
From the Publisher



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
- Accessibility : Learn more
- 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
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,052 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

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
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star5 star54%36%10%0%0%54%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star4 star54%36%10%0%0%36%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star3 star54%36%10%0%0%10%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star2 star54%36%10%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star1 star54%36%10%0%0%0%
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy this romance novel for its steamy content and character growth, with one review highlighting the complex character development. The book features intense emotional depth, with one customer noting how it tugs on heart strings, and customers praise its amazing chemistry and banter. Customers appreciate the strong female characters, with one describing Mira as a tough and fiery veterinarian, and the writing style receives positive feedback.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
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.
"...Elsie Silver did a great job at creating depth and intimacy with their romantic relationship which is why I read romances...." 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
"...The revenge that takes place is sweeter than sweet! And the unexpected found family towards the end was so heartwarming!..." Read more
"...Stefan was an absolute sweetheart on the inside. Mira was fierce and intelligent...." Read more
Customers love the characters in the book, appreciating their growth throughout the story, with one customer highlighting the focus on their independence.
"...The Harding boys could NEVER. I loved that there was a focus on both character's independence outside of their relationship...." Read more
"...I loved this as an audio book as well. The actors did an amazing job...." Read more
"I enjoyed this character growth : enemies to lovers trope...." 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
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
"...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
"...It’s a beautiful, romantic, emotional read." Read more
Customers enjoy the twists and turns in the book, with one mentioning the perfect bonus scene and another noting the heart-wrenching spicy scenes.
"...Although I did still love the horse side plot in this one." 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
"...in end they couldn't be without each other, this book has the perfect amount of detail...." 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
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
"...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
"...Stefan was an absolute sweetheart on the inside. Mira was fierce and intelligent...." 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
Customers find the book heartwarming, appreciating the character's good nature and kindness.
"...He's the best man in this series by far. The Harding boys could NEVER...." 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
"Man was he such an amazing man and not what he was portrayed to be in the other books. I am so glad the author made him oh so good...." Read more
"...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
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.
"...It’s so easy to read just like all Elsie Silver books. Read this if you’re in the mood for… - banter - fake dating -..." 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
"...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
"...There's so much in these pages, and it's so well written...." Read more
Customers enjoy the chemistry in the book, particularly the banter between the characters, with one customer noting it was absolutely pristine.
"...This two were a match I did not see coming. Loved their chemistry so much as well!" Read more
"...They were both quick witted and silver tongued and it made for amazing banter...." Read more
"...However wow this book was worth the read! Amazing chemistry." Read more
"...Stefan and Mira had some hot chemistry but what I loved most about them were the quiet moments they spent together...." Read more
Reviews with images

Elsie Silver does it again!!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseWhy did I wait to read this book?! I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a book about Stefan but wow I missed out this past months. I LOVED this book and it just might be my favorite from the Gold Rush Ranch series. It’s so easy to read just like all Elsie Silver books.
Read this if you’re in the mood for…
- banter
- fake dating
- forbidden love
- secret golden retriever
- friendship to love
I have nothing negative to say about this book. I loved it from the first page and all of a sudden I had been reading for 3 hrs and it felt like no time had passed. Stefan is a sweetheart and I wanted to give him a hug the entire time. I love the way they are gentle with each other and their steady growing friendship.
Here are a few of my favorite things…
- he sleeps in the stall? I can’t take it
- their teasing and banter
- sitting on the floor dates
- he is a goner for her from the first moment
Yes I recommend!!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025This is one of my favorite Elsie Silver novels oh my gosh. Second only to Reckless. Both Mira and Stefan were incredible MCs. The conflict in the previous two books made me rate those much lower than I than I thought I would. I still think the conflict in this one could have been handled better but it didn't make me angry like the last two did. Some of it was justified but I wish they could have communicated better.
I cannot believe Stefan was the bad guy early in the series! He's the best man in this series by far. The Harding boys could NEVER. I loved that there was a focus on both character's independence outside of their relationship. This was a little more of a slow burn than the typical Elsie fare, which I loved of course.
The Hank and Stefan subplot was so good. I would've liked to see a little more development with their relationship but I really enjoyed having a side plot in this series that wasn't just a horse race lol. Although I did still love the horse side plot in this one.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseSo, I still really love Cole more than Stefan. But this story is equally as beautiful. I feel like Stefan was given the reputation for the bad guy when he was never one. I loved this as an audio book as well. The actors did an amazing job.
I liked Mira, and I love that they were given different ethnicity and background. I feel like this story gave us a bombshell that a lot of the other ones lacked, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of the stories go.
I know that Violet gave us the link to Chestnut Springs, but Stefan and Hank gave us another link as well to a slightly normal/Jerry Springer life.
This was truly art.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis one got me in my feels a little. I’m hoping the next one is this good. At one point I wanted to punch him in the face.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis story is my absolute favorite. I can’t get enough of them. I will definitely be reading this one again.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI loved this story line out of her series! This is my fav by far! Def add to your list!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025Format: KindleVerified Purchase🐎The Front Runner🐎 by Elsie Silver
Elsie Silver does it again!🤭
I will admit that I had my doubts with this one, only because the first 23% of the book was a little hard for me to follow. BIG HOWEVER!! once I found my groove, I DEVOURED this!
I didn’t know how I was gonna feel about Stefan Dalca when I learned he was gonna have his own book, but once the book started I absolutely LOVED him!!😍
Anyways!😂 Dr. Mira Thorne was such a baddie in EVERY WAY!! I know this book came first, but she gave serious Winter vibes and I loved every minute of it!
And of course I must say the spice was SPICING🥵🤭 but of course I’d expect nothing less from the Queen herself🙂↕️
My ONLY complaint was that after finding out about certain things (no spoilers of course but IYKYK) I absolutely hated how the MMC handled the situation. He acted like a literally child towards the FMC and said some things that she definitely shouldn’t have let slide🥲
Other than that, I loved this so much and can’t wait to read the final book of this series!
Top reviews from other countries
- RebeccaReviewed in Canada on May 5, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Series!
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!
- RainbowlovesbooksReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars My front runner of the series
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseAfter 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.
- The Vixen!Reviewed in Australia on May 16, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars O.M.G
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseWhat 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!!
- Anna P.Reviewed in India on December 3, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars “You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.”
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseLike 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!
- StephaniaReviewed in the Netherlands on February 9, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
I love this book and all the other books in this series!