The Front Runner

Each installment in this series functions as a standalone story, though reading them in order provides additional context for the recurring cast and their evolving relationships.

The narrative is told through a dual point of view, allowing readers to access the internal thoughts and motivations of both protagonists throughout the story.

It follows Stefan Dalca, the town's prickly outsider, and Mira Thorne, the local veterinarian who is pulled into his orbit when a foal needs saving.

Stefan and Mira agree to strict rules — three dates, no touching, no telling anyone, and no falling in love — a bargain that steadily falls apart as they get to know each other.

He's framed as the town villain: a guarded newcomer with a shadowy reputation who keeps everyone at a distance. A central thread is Mira discovering he isn't the man the town assumes.

It's the third full-length novel in the Gold Rush Ranch series.

Yes — it's an open-door contemporary romance in line with the rest of Elsie Silver's work.

Each book centers on a different couple and works as a standalone, but reading in publication order (starting with Off to the Races) gives the clearest picture of the recurring Ruby Creek cast and the ranch's ongoing storylines.