The Front Runner

Gold Rush Ranch, Book 3

By: Elsie Silver

Narrated by: Zachary Webber, Soneela Nankani

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.

©2021, 2022, 2024 Elsie Silver (P)2024 Elsie Silver

An amazing story; and the narration? Wonderfully perfect!

I read the book and now I’ve listened to the story and couldn’t love it more. Stefan (the horse rancher everyone seems to hate) falls for the town veterinarian and their slow burn romance is a delight. I loved every moment of this story.

Beautiful complicated storyline

I’ll say it a million times but Elsie Silver is the master at writing female friendships. In addition the found family in this story is complicated and heart warming. I’m actually surprised Stefan Dalcas redemption was this moving. Also Mira is a badass.

The storyline is very complex with lots of trauma. I love the how the trust slowly builds between Stefan and Mira. I like how Billie and Stefan are linked. It’s tightly and brilliantly written. LOVED the bonus epilogue in this audio version. Can’t get enough of this entire found family.

great audio Zachary Webber did a good job with Stefan’s complicated accent. It did drop at the beginning of each new chapter but he easily recovered it.

“I don’t want to tame her; I just want a front-row seat to watch her win the race.”

The Front Runner
Book #3
Gold Rush Ranch Series

4⭐️
2 🌶️🌶️

Stefan Dalca is the worst…. But is he really? He honestly loves unconditionally. The way he cares for the people he loves. How he holds so much in and feels guilty for things that were not in his control. Every part of this man’s life is trying to prove to the people he loves how sorry he is. the way his love for Mira Thorne shows since the very beginning. Yes there is bantering and longing but he waits for her. He waits for her to finally see what he sees. A beautiful and talented woman.
Mira Thorne is just fierce! Selfless and loving. Her love for those horses is wonderful. I love their relationship. The way he gets her to go out with her by saving Loki’s life.
their love grows from fake dating friends to actual lovers. The truths spills. My favorite part was when Stefan stands up for Mira at her family gathering. That’s a man standing by his woman.

"Nothing about this feels fake. Our bodies. Our minds. Our hearts. Absolutely everything about being with Mira feels like one of the most real things l've ever had in my life. And I won't let her slip between my fingers now."

"You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize."

“…Mira and I we are like a phoenix born from the ashes and I wouldn’t have it any other way..”

Wholesome and beautiful!

Is this the favorite of the series? No, yes… well maybe. I can’t choose between this and A Photo Finish!

The story of the villain? Sign me up!! I love a good redemption story and this delivered. Meeting Stefan in the previous books I knew I wasn’t his fan. Was he arrogant and cunning? Yes. He went for what he wanted and didn’t have that many obstacles along the way, so he could basically do what he wanted. Then we got to know him.

I enjoyed this tremendously. I loved how each layer of Stefan got slowly but steadily pealed off and we got to know just how wholesome and genuine he was. So charming and some of the words that this man delivered was so incredibly romantic and sweet- others filthy. But this quote I can’t stop thinking about- absolutely dreamy!

”You have beautiful hands. Almost as beautiful as your mind and heart. Sometimes I find myself staring at them while you work, so elegant and strong all at once. Hands that heal. Hands that save lives. Hands that belong in mine.”

I loved his dynamic with Mira. The tension and attraction was fun and how they both were denying their feelings for each other when they both were obsessed and the lust was dripping off the pages. Their self-control didn’t stand a chance in the end.

I loved how strong yet tender Mira was. She didn’t let the societal pressures define her and went about her life how she wanted to live it. I also loved how she stood up for herself and also when she couldn’t she had someone at her back to fight for her- that scene was perfect and I loved it!

The Loki storyline was so wholesome and I almost couldn’t handle the level of adorable that was Stefan and Loki. Not to mention the subplot which was heartbreaking and wholesome. Absolutely loved it!

This was such a thrilling, lovely and tension filled story and I loved how the villain wasn’t truly the villain after all. It all came together beautifully.

Stefan Isn’t Who I Thought!

When I read the blurb for The Front Runner, I ALMOST didn’t buy it bc it was Stefan’s story. I couldn’t fathom how he could become a book boyfriend I’d root for. But Silvers did the unfathomable! And I was thrilled when Stefan and Mira found their HEA!

I love the progression of the stories in his series. They really need to be read in order. Silvers ticks off all the boxes for me: likeable main characters, both steamy and sweet, excellent narration, and WONDERFUL epilogues! Her epilogues are truly phenomenal. Highly recommend the series!

Perfection Narration and a Perfect Romance!

Loved Mira and Stefan’s story! The chemistry between them really came out in the narration. Was hooked from chapter 1!

💗💗💗💗💗

Omg anything Elsie writes is gold! On to the next and final in the series and I’m sad! So excited to get back to them all ❤️❤️❤️

One of the best

Oh, my heart. I was reluctant heading into this book knowing it was about Stefan, but he’s now one of my favorite Elsie Silver characters along with Mira. Their love is so sweet and strong. What a beautiful book with fantastic narration.

And this is just getting better and better

I am obsessed with this series. In the first book, I was not a fan of Stefan and I don’t know what Elsie did, some kind of magic but I freaking love him now. Mira and him are just perfect together. I love the narrators in this audiobook so much they gave life to these characters.

Superb narration!

My favorite story of the series. Both narrators gave an excellent performance. This may very well be my new favorite from Webber. 100% awesome!