Heartless by Elsie Silver Blog Tour

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-shouldered 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 façade. 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.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Chestnut Springs series!
For book one, Flawless, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“I bet you’re too chicken to pick dare,” he taunts, eyes looking a little glassier than they did when he first walked out here. The heat. The bourbon. The walk down memory lane.

He looks different. Lighter somehow.

“Dare.” I’m not going to let him figure me out that easily.

He swirls the glass and studies me like he’s weighing his options. With one more swig of liquor, he says, “I dare you to sit up on the edge of the hot tub for the rest of this game.”

I blink slowly, hearing the rush of blood in my ears. The pounding of my heart.

He thinks he can make me put a stop to this game. But I’m not sure Cade Eaton knows me all that well. If he wants me to sit where he can watch me while he drinks bourbon, then I’m all in.

I’m not going to fold.

Pushing myself across the tub and out of the water, I hold his dark eyes, lips parting on a labored breath. I don’t look down and neither does he as I slide my ass onto the edge of the hot tub, leaving my legs dangling into the water.

It’s a test of wills, which one of us is going to look down at my chest first. And this time it’s not just the metal barbells causing a scene. My nipples are pointing straight at him.

“My turn,” I rasp.

He nods, still holding my gaze. “Your turn.”

“Truth or dare, Cade?”

“Truth.” A muscle in his jaw twitches.

“Wimp.” He doesn’t even react to my jibe. “If you’re really good at rodeo stuff, why wouldn’t you go do those events while I’m here to help you?”

The weight of his gaze has my entire body humming. The intensity in his eyes. I feel like he’s trying to light me on fire with his glare alone.

I lean back on my hands, waiting for him to answer.

But instead, he claims his prize. His eyes rake over my body, and I feel it, like the tip of something cool and pointed. There’s no distaste on his face this time. It’s pure want. And that’s a look I can recognize.

My core throbs and I feel too hot, even with the cool night air hugging my skin.

I sit, watching him. Watching his expression. Watching him devour me with his eyes.

I do the same. Unable to tear my attention from the beautiful, intense man before me. The way the skin on his throat throbs over his pulse point. The subtle shake of his head as his tongue presses into the side of his cheek.

“Because it’s frivolous. I have responsibilities that I can’t overlook.” He’s talking to me, but he’s staring at my breasts.

“We all need to do something frivolous sometimes. Even you.” I absently wonder if we’re talking about rodeos at all right now.

“Careful, Willa. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” His jaw pops as he glances up at me.

I reach out to him, pulsing my fingers, silently asking for what’s left of the drink in his hand. Needing a little liquid courage of my own. He moves forward, handing it over and hovering before me. Indecision tracing his every feature.

“You’re a giver, Cade.” I take a sip before I stare down at him and delicately wipe my lips. “What if you took something for yourself for once?”

“I can’t,” his voice cracks as he looks at me imploringly.

“You should let me help you. You deserve to enjoy yourself too.”

Now I know we aren’t just talking about the rodeos. We’re toeing a line. A line between employee and employer. A line between an older man and a younger woman. A line that may well differentiate appropriate from inappropriate.

“No.” He grabs the glass and pushes himself across to the opposite side of the square, leaning back to feast on my body. I chance a look down at myself now, seeing the outline of my nipples battling against the fabric and the thin nylon at the bottom of my swimsuit lewdly wedged between my pussy lips.

Something that hasn’t escaped his attention based on the way his eyes snag there before slipping back up to the dark sky above us.

A little part of me wants to hide in the water, but the bigger part of me gets off on sitting here on display for him. Knowing he likes what he sees but won’t let himself touch. Knowing he wanted to see it.

Knowing his cock has got to be rock-hard under the water.

“Truth or dare,” he bites out.

“Truth,” I reply, not sure I can handle another dare or where it might take us.

His brows furrow and his eyes narrow on mine. “What are you thinking right now?”

“That I like sitting here with your eyes on me.”

“Fuck,” he groans, running a wet hand over his face and through his dark hair before tossing his head back and polishing off the dregs of the bourbon.

“What are you thinking?” I push. Wanting to know. Wanting to hear him say he likes what he sees.

“I didn’t pick truth, Willa.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Cade is a single dad looking for a nanny for his son over the summer. What he didn't expect was Willa. The way these two meet is hilarious, and he didn't even get her name.

The heat between them is off the charts and gets hotter with each touch. Their banter and sass are so funny. Luke is the best kid, he will keep you on your toes.

I think this is my favorite so far, the story is filled with banter, a grumpy cowboy, a fun-loving kid, a sassy redhead, family, friends, lots of sexiness, and an all-around great story. I recommend this author to anyone looking for a new one who writes feel-good, sexy stories, you will not be disappointed.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and is an offshoot from the Gold Rush Ranch series – I enjoyed the first one but this is absolutely fabulous!

Given the grumpy, single dad/nanny write-up, the last thing I was expecting was to be laughing out loud at some of the scenes – Cade's dad is just the business! Side characters are always important, but in this case, they added even more than usual.

Willa agrees to come out to Chestnut Springs to help out as a nanny as her best friend, Summer, is now engaged to one of the owners. She soon realises that Cade has a rough exterior but adores his son, Luke, so she is patient and forgiving. Cade cannot deny the care that she bestows upon Luke and the great summer that they are having, but she will leave, as everyone else always has, so what is the point?

Well, chemistry burns away the ability to stay distant, but the deadline still looms – unless that hard shell around his heart is prepared to crack. I was so invested in this, that I just read straight through the evening and most of the night to get the answer... you may want to start earlier in the day, and make sure you have plenty of snacks.

I really did love everything about this book – the sweetness, the grumpy, the sexy, and definitely, the funny! Thank you, Elise Silver, great story!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Cade has always felt the need to take care of everyone else. He's a single dad and works to keep his family's ranch running. To make sure his son gets the childhood he deserves (and the one Cade had to forfeit), he is in need of a nanny to watch him over the summer. He is one of the town’s sexiest bachelors and he is grumpy as all get out. He has interviewed quite a few women for the position, but immediately finds something wrong with all of them. When his soon-to-be sister-in-law suggests her best friend, Willa, Cade knows he doesn't have many options left.

Willa is carefree, fun, and so confident. She is all about just living her life as she wants and having fun. When Summer asks her to come nanny for Cade's son, she thinks it'll be an easy gig, until she falls for the grumpy cowboy and his son.

I loved everything about this read. Elsie Silver has a way of writing that just makes you fall into the world she created. The back-and-forth banter between Cade and Willa is perfect and hilarious. And Luke is adorable and makes this story even more endearing.

I can't wait for more from Chestnut Springs!

 

 

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.

Connect with Elsie Silver

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Silver Society

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Heartless (Chestnut Springs #2) by Elsie Silver to read and review.

Flawless by Elsie Silver Blog Tour

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 ball-busting daughter for the rest of the season as my “full-time supervision.”

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.

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.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“I don’t think I can lift my arm to put the cream on my shoulder.”

She freezes, skirt swishing against her knees. On a heavy sigh, she turns back to me with an expression I can’t quite place on her face. Some cross between annoyance and sadness. And then she’s kicking her boots off and padding across the room in socked feet, swiping both creams off the desk, and then crawling up on the bed until she’s kneeling behind me.

“Which shoulder?” Her voice is tight as her breath dances across my bare back.

“The right one.”

“Where?”

“Everywhere.”

“Jesus, Rhett,” she breathes.

“Getting hung up tonight didn’t help.” Nothing worse either because you can see the disaster coming in slow motion. This sense of panic settles into your gut that your hand is really fucking stuck in there.

“Okay, before tonight, where did it hurt?”

“Under the shoulder blade.”

The tips of her fingers land gently right where the plate of my shoulder blade rests over my ribs, and I shiver. “Here?”

“Jesus, why are your hands so cold?”

“Because it’s freezing outside, and I walked to get you all this, dumbass.” Her fingers prod along the line of the blade, and I wince.

“Careful. Your dad told me to keep my hands off you.”

“Yeah, well, he didn’t tell me to keep my hands off you.”

A quiet, strangled noise lodges in my throat as her hands flutter over my skin. Somehow, that one sentence from her lips has all my blood rushing in a singular direction. And suddenly, things feel awkward. Altogether too quiet. Too personal.

“Thank you,” I mutter, it’s so much easier to say without looking her in the eye.

She rests her hand flat against my back for a few beats and quietly replies with, “You’re welcome.”

I can hear her squeeze the cream out into her palm next, the sound of her hands rubbing together as she warms the ointment between them. And then she’s slathering it over my shoulder, hands gliding against my skin with such tenderness that it doesn’t even hurt. She massages gently, and I let my eyes fall shut, my shoulders drooping when I didn’t even realize I had them tensed up.

Her fingers press and slide down every line of muscle, down into my mid-back, toward my spine and over the top of my shoulder.

“These muscles are hard as rocks,” she mutters with a thread of annoyance in her voice.

Yeah, and so is something else.

When her fingertips push up the line from the top of my shoulder into my neck, I groan.

“Is your neck sore too?”

“I told you everything is sore.”

She sighs and reaches for the other tube. I can smell the minty medicated scent the minute she squeezes it out. “Your neck is sore because all the muscles beneath it are so fucked.”

“Is that the medical diagnosis? Fucked muscles?” I ask as she brushes my hair aside.

Her responding laugh is quiet, but then her hands are on my neck, digits digging in at the base of my skull and pulling down, thumbs working hard. And when I groan this time, it’s in pleasure, not pain. I lean into her touch like a dog getting a scratch behind the ear.

I hate seeing the tour doctor on the best of days, but after The Summer Treatment, I will definitely dread his thick, rough hands when I could have her careful, soft ones instead.

My cock throbs between my legs, and I’m momentarily grateful for my loose sweatpants.

At least she’ll never know.

She spreads the muscle balm over my shoulders, covering areas she’s already soothed. And for a moment, I let myself imagine that she really likes this. Doting on me. Caring for me. Putting her hands on me. That it’s not just a job. That she isn’t just trying to prove herself in what I’m assuming is a brutally cutthroat industry.

When she pulls away, I bite my tongue to stop myself from asking her to keep going.

She swallows audibly before she crawls off the bed and straightens herself beside me. “Just make sure you cover that cream up with a shirt, so it gets nice and hot.”

“Okay. Yeah.” My eyes shift over to my luggage, wondering if I’ll be able to lift my arms comfortably enough to pull a shirt on.

Summer must catch the look on my face because she sighs deeply and moves over to my open bag while shaking her head. “Is this t-shirt okay?” She turns, holding up a well-worn gray shirt.

“Yeah.” I scrub at my beard, feeling a little embarrassed by her involvement here, but also relieved. Because I’m tired. Tired of hurting. Tired of knowing my body isn’t keeping up but pretending it’s fine. It’s nice not having to pretend in front of someone.

She saunters back toward me, gathering the body of the shirt up and holding the right side arm hole out to me first as she comes to stand between my knees. I silently put my arm through, lifting it as little as possible, and inhale her scent. She even smells like cherries. Once both arms are through, she steps even closer, legs brushing against my inner thigh as she lifts the neck hole over my head and pulls it down.

All I can hear is the brush of fabric over my ears and the sound of us breathing the same air.

The t-shirt falls over my body, and she gives me a forced closed-lip smile. She brushes my shoulder, as though there’s something there, and then quickly turns away. Almost like she can’t get away from me fast enough.

And who could blame her? I’m sure dressing a grown-ass man wasn’t what she imagined for herself when she went through law school.

“Thank you, Summer.” My voice comes out gravelly in my dry throat.

“Of course. Just doing my job,” she replies, pulling her boots up over toned calves. “You were incredible tonight. You should be very proud of yourself.”

She says it as she walks out, not looking me in the eye. Which is fine, because she’d see how much it bothers me that she’s just doing her job.

Because it does bother me, and I can’t put my finger on why.

The worst part is, it doesn’t bother me enough to stop me from limping over to the bathroom and fucking my hand while thinking about her cherry lips the minute she shuts the door.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Flawless is the first book in the Chestnut Springs series. It can be read as a complete standalone.

First let me say, this is the first time I have read anything by Elsie Silver, and I am not disappointed at all.

Rhett is nearing the end of his bull riding career. Is he ready for that career to end? Absolutely not. It's all he knows. He loves the attention being the best brings him and he's not ready to give that up. When he unknowingly upsets one of his main sponsors, his reputation takes a nosedive. His agent, Kip, is beyond livid. He knows Rhett has always been a wild child but ending his career this way isn't acceptable, so Kip sends his daughter to be the bull rider's babysitter until the end of the season.

Summer has always been one of Rhett's biggest fans since she was a teen. The last thing she expects to do is to have to be stuck like glue to the man, so he doesn't ruin his career. Summer needs to prove to her dad she can do the job. She will be capable to take over his company one day. Every day with Rhett she lets down that guard just a little more. She can't be involved with him, it would ruin everything.

I loved the chemistry with Rhett and Summer. Her past with men had her walls almost unbreakable but Rhett finds a way to break them down brick by brick. Their story is an emotional rollercoaster that had me in tears at one point. The connections they develop are deep and exciting to watch.

I can't wait to see what is next for this series. Now that I've read Elsie Silver, I'm excited to read more from her!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
You know the old saying, opposites attract? Well, Rhett and Summer are total opposites. He is the golden boy of professional bull riding, and she is the daughter of his agent. She is sent to help him clean up his image. When he first looks at Summer, he sees a princess, but she will put him through his paces, make him believe in himself, and see that she is more than just a princess.

Summer can't believe she has been sent to help Rhett clean up his image. She had posters of him on her teenage bedroom walls, so now she gets to look at him in person. And he looks so much better in person.

Rhett and Summer were drawn together from that first meeting in the conference room. Their chemistry was off the charts hot. He is a dirty-talking, protective cowboy needing the love Summer can give him. Summer is strong, independent, caring, and wants to help others before herself. His father and brothers are great, and I cannot wait for their stories. I also hope there is a story on Theo, Rhett's bull riding buddy.

This story is built on trust, a perfect enemies-to-lovers tale that is fast-paced and will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. This story can be read as a standalone and I hope you love it as much as I have.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
As a big fan of the Gold Rush Ranch series, I was delighted to get this first book in a new series, with a link to that one – however, other than Rhett mentioning his sister, Violet, by name, we get no discernible overlap.

I found this to be a fun read, particularly the text exchanges which set up many of the inevitable events along the way. Rhett is a curious character who holds a lot inside, and having got fed up of being teased for what he does and most especially what he did as a younger, cockier bull rider. He is now definitely at the end of his career, aching, somewhat jaded, and unfortunately, has just revealed his hatred of milk on air! I am guessing that the rest of the men in his family will feature in future installments, but it will take a bit for me to warm to them after their attitude to Rhett! Even if it was meant in love.

Summer has an interesting past, to say the least, and the most amazingly supportive dad in the face of a glacial stepmother and half-sister – they were a little cartoonish in character. The revelations about Rob were hugely distasteful, and only added to the unpleasant home life that they must all have suffered. I did enjoy how the layers were pulled back though, each slightly more unexpected than the last!

I enjoyed the buildup between the two of them, although Summer's naivety made her seem even younger than she was. Together they were going to be combustible, and the adrenaline created from the 8 seconds bull ride was clearly potent for both Rhett and Summer when they finally gave up resisting. That Kip was good with it was slightly disturbing, but really also a relief. He did turn out to be a bit of the hero of the book, which was a surprise given the beginning!

 

 

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.

Connect with Elsie Silver

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Silver Society

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Flawless (Chestnut Springs #1) by Elsie Silver to read and review.

A False Start by Elsie Silver Blog Tour

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.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Gold Rush Ranch series!
For book one, Off to the Races, click HERE.
For book two, A Photo Finish, click HERE.
For book three, The Front Runner, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Nadia and I walk silently down the hallway toward the elevator.

Coffee with my parents turned out to be nice. Once they both settled down a bit and everyone had their extremely involved cups of coffee in hand, the conversation flowed easily. The dog curled up on my mother’s lap and was snoring happily in no time. And I didn’t even stumble over my words, which was a nice change.

I expected taking Nadia to my parents’ place would give her some perspective. What I didn’t expect was for her to fit in so seamlessly. I didn’t expect it to feel like something else entirely, like she’s the missing piece of the puzzle.

My dad invited her golfing with him for crying out loud. My mom is sending her links for where to purchase a special kettle so she can start making pour-over coffee too. She wasn’t supposed to be funny and charming and make my parents welcome her into the fold of our family unit like she’s some long-standing friend.

But Nadia is funny and charming. Her energy is infectious. It’s like she makes everyone around her happier.

Even the dog is enamored.

Everyone except me is now officially calling him Tripod. And I’m pretty sure my parents are in love with Nadia and think grandbabies are on the way, no matter how many times I assured them we’re just friends.

I tossed the word friend in everywhere I could, as well as emphasizing our age difference a few times. It didn’t stop my dad from whispering in my ear when he gave me a parting hug. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”

So, I poked him in the stomach. “Getting soft, old man.”

Then my mom went from whispering something in Nadia’s ear to piping up and saying, “Hardly.”

Gag. That was my cue to leave. I latched Tripod to his leash with one hand and grabbed Nadia’s bicep with the other and dragged us all out of there, tossing a promise to visit again soon over my shoulder.

I always look forward to visiting with my parents, but I have never brought any woman home with me, and I severely underestimated their ability to play it cool.

We stand silently at the bank of elevators, and I watch the floor numbers light up as it speeds toward us. Nadia slants her head toward me, eyeing the place where I’m still holding her bicep.

Truth is, I don’t want to let her go. I’m comforted by how well she rolled with the punches in there. My parents were acting totally insane, and she seemed like she was enjoying the hell out of it.

“That’s a firm grip you’ve got there.” Her eyes flick up to my profile because I’m still trying not to look at her. “Am I in trouble, Mr. Sinclaire?”

“Nadia.” My tone is full of warning. It makes me sound old and creepy when she calls me Mr. Sinclaire.

“What?” She stares openly now and when those elevator doors slide open, I pull her into the blissfully empty elevator with me, eager to put as much space as possible between my parents and what I’m about to do.

She hums in amusement as the doors slide shut, clearly enjoying agitating me.

The minute the doors close, my hand with the leash darts out and slams into the red emergency stop button. And then I turn, drop the leash, and press Nadia up against the mirrored wall of the elevator, one hand still on her upper arm while the other slides across the taper of her waist. Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t cower. In fact, she looks downright pleased.

“What, Griffin?” she taunts as my jaw pops under the pressure of my teeth grinding.

This woman tests every piece of patience I possess. I should step away from her, take my hands off her. I should keep this side of myself under wraps from her.

She’s been roughed up enough in her life. The last thing she needs is me man-handling her. And I would manhandle the hell out of her. She’d love it. There’s no doubt about that. I’ve had no complaints in that department. Quite the opposite, in fact. But gentle I am not. Making love I don’t do.

“Say it.” Her free hand lands on the waistband of my jeans, and my body goes tense. She slides her dainty fingers beneath the front of my shirt, trailing a nail over the ridge of my hip bone, forcing a low ache to take hold at the base of my spine.

If I don’t get control of this and stop it now, I’ll be taking her against the wall of this elevator. Which is not what she needs.

I shoot back like I just touched a hot stove, pressing myself against the opposite wall, trying to put as much space between us as I can while being locked in this box of temptation. My breathing comes in quick frustrated pants. “Call my dad and me Mr. Sinclaire within a few minutes of each other again and—”

“And what, Griffin? You gonna spank me for that, too?” Her top teeth press down into her pillowy bottom lip. “Or are you going to kiss me again and then tell me I’m a mistake?”

A low rumble takes root in my chest. My entire body is rigid, my will to stay away from her melting with every second I spend staring at her. The imprint of her fingers still burns on my abs.

I need to get the hell away from her. The last thing I need to do is torpedo what little semblance of happiness I’ve created in my life by not being able to keep it in my pants around Nadia Dalca.

My hand slams into the red button, and we lurch back into motion.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series – and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order. The stories involve new couples, but all linked together by family and their love of horses. In this book we get Nadia's story; her older brother had his happily ever after in the previous book, and would help you understand his relationship with her, and with his best friend Griffin - who is the other lead in this book... yep, best friend's sister issues exist! I am going to assume that you know their backgrounds in my review.

Nadia is now qualified as a vet tech, no longer the wild child she was when she first came to the US. Possibly affected by her brother and his now wife, who have provided her with the love and family that she needed. But she still stumbles a little when in the company of Griff, who unknowingly gave her the best kiss of her life a couple of years ago.

Griff is fighting his demons, hidden away training horses and minding his own business – but he cannot deny that Nadia, who he calls Wildflower, is someone significant in his life. It is hugely enjoyable watching them try and decide how much they can trust each other and themselves – throw in friends who care and worry, and there is a lot to unravel.

There are some really gorgeously romantic moments, and some super sweet ones, especially when Nadia meets Griff's parents. It is a hopeful and affirmative read, with both determined to be thoughtful about their decisions about the love they both feel.

Lovely storytelling, thank you, Elsie Silver.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
I was glad to see that Nadia got her happily ever after, even if it was with her brother's best friend.

Nadia met Griffin in a bar bathroom while she was making out with someone else. it was such a funny scene and then it turned hot for just a minute and one kiss that Nadia and Griffin can’t forget.

The age gap doesn't seem to bother either of them, it is Griffin's past that is the problem. He was the high school football star that turned pro, got hurt, and then the star fell. Now he helps train horses and lives in the mountains alone.

Nadia is working at the vet clinic with Mira and wants to be a vet herself. She can't stop thinking about that kiss and seeing Griffin again only brings it back to the front of her mind. She wants to have what her brother has – a loving partner and a family.

This story has a painful past for both Nadia and Griffin that will make you feel for them both. But in the end, the pain will be worth the happily ever after. There is so much these two go through, that is a perfect way for them to be brought back together.

I fell in love with this series and hope there is more to come.

 

 

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.

Connect with Elsie Silver

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Silver Society

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A False Start (Gold Rush Ranch #4) by Elsie Silver to read and review for this tour.

The Front Runner by Elsie Silver Blog Tour

Stefan Dalca is beautiful, brooding, and bossy. He’s also public enemy number one in this small town, with a murky past that’s hard to overlook. And I just agreed to three fake dates with him.

I may be a renowned veterinarian, but when I find myself in a sticky situation, Stefan is my last hope. I need his help to save a sick foal and what he wants in return is me.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction, but the more time I spend with him, the more I wonder if he’s not quite the villain they’ve made him out to be. With every intimate conversation and lingering look, the tension between us builds. I’ve been drawn to Stefan since the first day I laid eyes on him. And now he’s downright irresistible.

I know sleeping with the enemy is playing with fire. But like a moth to a flame, I’m attracted to the mysterious man in a way I can’t explain—in a way those closest to me wouldn’t approve of or understand.

And the more he softens for me, the harder I fall.

But as his mysteries unravel, so do hidden truths. Truths that are bound to leave someone burned.

I just didn’t expect that someone to be me.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Gold Rush Ranch series!
For book one, Off to the Races, click HERE.
For book two, A Photo Finish, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“Don’t be such a baby.”

Stefan has his arms wrapped around Loki’s neck and is looking down at the foal like he’s a stuffed animal, not a future athlete and animal that needs space to frolic and run.

“Are you serious right now?” I prod him. “I thought you were a big, tough man, but you’re too chicken to let this little guy romp around outside?”

“Mira. I’m not a big, tough man. I’m just a dick. Remember?”

“Yeah, yeah.” I wave my hand at him dismissively. Stefan is a lot of things, but the more I get to know him, the less I think a dick is one of them. “Let’s go. Outside. Fresh air is good for everyone.” I slip the leather halter onto Farrah’s head and buckle it near her ear. She looks excited. Ready to get out of the barn.

“What if he hurts himself?”

“Can’t live life that way, Stefan. Bad things happen all the time. Buck up. Let’s go.”

With a firm cluck, I walk Farrah out into the barn alleyway and head toward the big, wide-open sliding door. Today was beautiful and sunny and dry. And now, under the quiet charm of the evening, it’s the perfect time to let them take their maiden voyage outside with no tractors, no staff milling about, just calm and privacy for this colt and the mare who’s taken him under her wing.

Within a few moments, I hear the clopping of Loki’s hooves against the concrete and the scuff of Stefan’s boots. I smile to myself. The big bad wolf has certainly developed quite the soft spot for Loki.

Out under the setting sun, we head toward the paddock that’s already waiting and open. It’s a big grass field on the opposite side of the lake from the willow tree where Stefan and I buried the other foal a few weeks ago. I pull Farrah’s halter off, and she’s through the gate. Loki follows her, like the sweet little colt that he is.

Until Stefan lets him go.

Beneath the pink and orange sky, the sweet little colt blows a gasket. He’s got his head down between his knees and is trying to buck. Mile-long legs fly out all over the place while Farrah takes off for a leisurely trot down the fence line. Loki goes with her but doesn’t stop his antics. I shut the gate quickly and lean against the fence, chuckling.

Stefan steps up beside me and presses his elbows against the railing. “He looks like Elaine doing that godawful dance on Seinfeld.”

I straight up cackle. That is exactly what he looks like. “He looks happy,” I reply.

Stefan nods. “He does.”

“You’ve done a great job with him, Stefan.” I want him to understand what a huge difference he’s made for this small horse. That even if everyone sees him one way, I see that they’re all wrong. It feels like something he should know. This man is still clearly so broken up about his mother and trying so hard for the only family he has left.

His eyes flit to the side. “This is all you. I probably just made your job harder.”

“Oh, you mean by using me as a pawn in your pointless war with my friends?” I joke.

Now his head turns to me. Slowly, but sharply. Like a predator that’s heard his prey fumbling through the forest. “Pawn?”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t play stupid, Stefan. It’s not cute. Making them keep Loki here rather than at Gold Rush Ranch. The three dates. I’m sure you’re just desperately hoping Billie finds out about those so you can sow discord between us. I know it’s all part of your plot to cut them down at the knees.”

He unfolds his fingers slowly as he regards me. Turning his body to face me. And mine follows like the opposite end of a magnet, matching his movement so we stand facing each other under the golden glow of the evening sky. “You think that you’re the pawn in my game?”

I scoff and roll my eyes in response. How dumb does he think I am?

He moves swiftly now, surely. One hand shoots out and slides between my coat and thin shirt. He palms my ribs there as he presses me back against the fence. We’re supposed to be watching the horses. But suddenly, all we’re watching is each other. My hands come up to push him away, but as soon as I feel the hard lines of his pecs beneath his shirt, my resolve withers.

“I’m going to tell you something, Mira.” I can feel the rumble of his voice through my palms. I can’t take my eyes off the sight of my hands on his chest. I’m not supposed to be touching Stefan Dalca, but my body must have missed the memo. Because my nipples rasp against my bra, and with each breath I draw, an ache coils just behind my hip bones.

“And I want you to listen very carefully.” With his free hand, Stefan reaches up and drags the pad of his pointer finger over my collar bone.

My breath turns to stone in my lungs. I’m too shocked to move. And too far gone to stop him. He’s standing so close I can smell his laundry detergent and the hint of pine that must be in his cologne.

“Because you are very confused.”

He starts at the center of my chest, his eyes following his finger, watching goosebumps fan out across my skin in his wake. When his finger gets close to my shoulder and the neckline of my shirt, he slips it just inside. Just under the strap of my bra. And with one flick, that strap is pushed right off my shoulder. His grip pulses on my ribs and he steps even closer, forcing me to look up and hold his gaze.

A quiet gasp escapes me when I catch sight of the expression on his face. What I see there is primal. He’s not just looking at me appreciatively… he’s looking at me like he wants to devour me.

I’m positive no man has ever looked at me like this before.

A sinful smile touches his mouth as he leans in close. His free hand cups the back of my skull so his thumb can brush across the sensitive part of my neck, almost at my throat.

His whisper is warm and silky. “Do I have your attention now?”

I swallow and nod, feeling chills break out over my skin. There is not a single part of my mind or body that is not entirely focused on the man who has pushed me up against the fence.

“Good. Because I want to make myself abundantly clear.” We’re so close. I can feel the entire length of his body covering mine. He teases me with the lightest brush of his lips against my ear as he drops his voice and holds me captive. “You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.”

I reel, and I feel the burn of his lips against my skin as he presses a featherlight kiss to the spot his thumb had been rubbing. My pulse hammers, and I swear all I can hear is my blood rushing through my veins. The air crackles between us. No man has ever spoken to me like this.

I should put a stop to our interaction. And yet, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. My body comes to life for him in a way it shouldn’t.

He steps away, and I feel alarmingly bereft, like I want to yank him back toward me. Like I want more. I’m the biggest traitor I know because I want him to continue. I want him to whisper more forbidden secrets against my body.

His tongue darts out over his bottom lip, followed by his teeth, in a very intentional way as his eyes peruse my body. His gaze lands on the hand I now have slung over my chest in an attempt to slow my racing heart. The other one grips the fence post behind me, possibly the only thing that’s keeping me upright at this moment.

“And I love to win,” he finishes with a stupidly sexy smirk, then turns around and walks away.

Leaving me with the perfect view of his firm ass and a jumbled mess of confused feelings.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and is quite possibly my favourite so far. I love a misunderstood, bad character, who turns out to have had a big heart all along and everyone has to decide how they deal with the new reality. Make the catalyst for this conversion an orphaned foal paired with a mare who had lost her foal, and the chances are that no one can resist the charm and the magic.

If you have been reading the series to date, you will be well aware of the enmity between the two racing horse establishments and their inhabitants. Well, as I mentioned, be prepared to learn that Stefan Dalca most definitely covers up his nicer side, and beautiful local vet Mira is about to remove the layers and bring out his true colours. Not only do we learn about his past, which brought him to this place, but also why he holds back all manner of humanity in an act of careful self-defence!

As these two succumb to the chemistry that surrounds them, there is another even bigger surprise which unfolds. I loved how the lessons of the first book – never assume anything about family – come around and remind everyone of what is truly important. Delicious, and I hope there is more to come as I am fully invested in this series!

 

 

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.

Connect with Elsie

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Front Runner (Gold Rush Ranch #3) by Elsie Silver to read and review for this tour.

A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver Blog Tour

I’ve seen every square inch of Violet 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 heat, 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.

A Photo Finish is a slow burn interconnected standalone romance. This book contains a HEA, no cheating, and plenty of steam. It’s the second book in the Goldrush Ranch series, set in a small town called Ruby Creek.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Gold Rush Ranch series!
For book one, Off to the Races, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Shaking my head as I march back into the barn, I head down the long hall of offices toward the laundry room at the end. I live in a small apartment above the barn so I just do my laundry down here. I grew up on a proper ranch, in the dirt and snow, usually with hay in my hair, so the thought of washing all my clothes in the same machines used for the hairy horse laundry doesn’t bother me at all.

I’m almost to the door when I hear it.

“Violet.”

That voice. The low rumble of it. The threat woven into it. The man behind it. I swear my feet grow roots that shoot out and bind me to the ground. My heart knocks violently in my chest like it’s trying to get out and run away. And quite frankly, I don’t blame it. I want to get out of here too.

He wasn’t supposed to be here yet. I was supposed to be gone down the highway by the time he showed up. He was supposed to be out of my life. I was supposed to have left him behind. Forgotten him.

But I haven’t. I’ve warred with myself, wrestled and fought. Been with other men to prove to myself that I’m fine. But one word out of his mouth, and I seriously wonder if I am. I could run and hide, but that’s not how the new me handles this. The new Violet isn’t a shrinking Violet. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

Maybe one day it will feel true.

So I suck in as much oxygen as I can and hold my head up high. I refuse to let this man make me feel small or embarrassed. We have a shared past, but we’re both adults. This will be fine.

Spinning on one heel, I turn and march back to the office I just passed. The one that has sat empty for years. I stop just inside the doorway, partly because I don’t want to go any further and partly because I’m reeling. All it takes is one look at Cole Harding, sitting behind a desk in a dark suit, spinning the cufflinks on his shirt, for me to lose all the bravado I just puffed myself up with. I literally feel it roll right off me like someone has doused me with a bucket of cold water. My body’s reaction to him has never been normal, and today is no exception.

The inky hair, the gray eyes, the square shoulders, the sad tilt to his mouth. He crosses his arms under my gaze, and I roll my lips together at the sight. Just the way he moves, so sure and so calculated, drives me to distraction. There’s so much power coiled in every inch of his body. A soldier’s body.

His biceps are where my eyes land, and where they stay. They’re incredible. I wonder how they’d look completely bare, how they’d feel wrapped around me. I hate myself for even going there. But I keep my eyes trained on them, because it’s less unnerving than looking him in those soulful eyes. Silvery pools, deep and haunted and swirling with so much. The ones full of anger, and pain, and sorrow. Those are a much bigger problem for me. And for my heart.

“Violet.” He says my name like it’s a sentence, a full thought. Like I should know exactly what he means when he says it. But I don’t know anything where Cole Harding is concerned. I think I actually know less than anything. Other than the hair on my arms is standing up like there’s an electrical current running over me, and my stomach is flipping like I just shot down off the high point of a roller coaster. Which is apt, because my history with Cole is nothing if not a roller coaster.

“Everyone calls me Vi.” I hate how quiet my voice comes out. I hate the way my name sounds on his lips, too formal and too familiar all at once.

His eyes rove my body, but he doesn’t smile. It’s not appreciative. It’s more like he’s assessing me, like I’m a mess that needs cleaning up and he’s trying to figure out how. Shame lurches in my gut, flashes of the way he talked to me once and how it warmed me to my bones pop up in my head, but I do my best to will it away. I’ve worked too hard at moving on to go down that rabbit hole again.

“I’m not everyone,” he says plainly.

I hiss as I suck air in, trying not to sound like I’m gasping for it. Trying not to give away the fact that he’s just winded me with his words. Blood rushes in my ears and pools in my cheeks—like it always does. You look so pretty in pink. He’d told me that once, and now it takes every ounce of my strength not to let my mind and body wander back to that day.

“What do you want, Cole?”

His eyes flash, and his body goes rigid right as his jaw ticks. Like somehow I’m the one who’s annoying him when he’s the one who called me in here. He could have kept his mouth shut, and I’d have been none the wiser. We could have avoided this entire encounter.

“I just want to make sure that we’re on the same page. That we can continue to stay out of each other’s way while I work out here. That you can keep things...” his eyes slide down my body and then back up, “professional.”

Professional. Nothing between us has ever been professional. He’s seen me naked, trampled my heart, and then showed back up out of nowhere with nothing but cool looks and mocking words and now expects me to keep things professional? Indignation flares up in me over the fact that he feels entitled to dictate how I should conduct myself. Like I don’t come up against enough of that in this industry as it is. It’s a sore spot, and he should know. I spent long nights telling him about my childhood. About how I struck out on my own. And now he’s going to waltz in here and talk to me like that? No way.

“Let me be clear, Cole.” This time I don’t let my voice waver, and I don’t stare at his biceps. I stare right into his steely eyes. “This is my place of work, and I am nothing if not professional. The way you’re talking to me right now? It isn’t professional. So, I’m going to continue doing exactly what I have been for the past year and you can stay out of my way. Think you can manage?”

His body snaps back slightly, and his eyes go wide. Like he didn’t see that coming. Didn’t see me coming. And he lashes out at me for it. I see the flash of insecurity on his face right before he spews his words back at me. And it’s that hint of sorrow that takes the bite out of them.

“Pretty in Purple was so sweet. What happened?”

I shake my head at him sadly. Because when it comes down to it, that’s what I feel when I see him, when I think of him. Sad.

“Seems like you mistook Pretty in Purple for a doormat.”

I look at him just long enough to see the forlorn look on his face, the crack in his cold exterior, before I turn and walk away. The spear to my damn heart. Golddigger85 is just as lost as he was before, just as complicated. Just as broken. And I’ve already decided I won’t tolerate the way he lashes out. We all make choices. That’s what he told me once, and he wasn’t wrong.

It’s why I moved on. It’s why I disappeared without a word. It’s why this awkwardness between us now is on him, not me. My head knows exactly what choices to make where Cole Harding is concerned.

But my heart?

It’s not so sure.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and whilst this is a new romance, I would recommend reading the first book to get the background to the brothers, the ranch, and the state of play in its recovery.

After her success riding DD, little does Violet expect to be confronted by a past online indiscretion. We learn very early on the gist of what happened, but the unfolding of events is done in a very delectable style. It was an enticing mix of innocence and carnality, which was very different from the everyday life of training and riding in a competitive stable.

Anyone who read book one knows what a pig Patrick is, so the accident is not surprising, but at the same time shocking. It does, however, lead to a situation which works to any romantic's advantage. It is such fun watching them cope with each other in close quarters, sizzling with chemistry.

I also enjoyed catching up with Billie and Vaughn's relationship and seeing how they have grown as a couple. Billie is so in tune with horses, and shows her understanding and patience with humans too – as Cole discovers. His secret may not have been that easily hidden after all...

A really worthwhile read, with lots of depth and situations which make you think just how you would react in that position. Intriguing how one is so tied up in the past that a potentially wonderful future could be allowed to slip away. In this case, Pippy was definitely part of the solution!

 

 

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.

Connect with Elsie

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Photo Finish (Gold Rush Ranch #2) by Elsie Silver to read and review for this tour.