A Photo FInish is the second book in the Gold Rush Ranch series and I think it is my new favorite Elsie book.

The dynamic between Violet and Cole… how they started off in secret a year ago and then come together to be forced to live together… It isn’t even one of my favorite tropes but the way their story was written had me flipping pages so fast while having all the emotions.

Cole’s back story and the hidden secrets of his own, Violet’s strength and determination, it just makes for such a great combo.

I loved seeing the characters from other books intertwined into this story and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I will forever be obsessed with all Elsie Silver worlds- and I’ve loved the series that started it all. I knew Violet and Cole’s story would be explosive, emotional, intense, and addictive- and it was all that and so much more. It’s a moving, emotionally rich, captivating love story of hope and healing, true love and growth. My favorite in the series!

A Photo Finish gives us the story of Violet and Cole, two characters we’ve glimpsed in earlier books of the series. Violet is a dedicated young jockey who has been working at Gold Rush Ranch for some time, while Cole is the brooding, mercurial, troubled brother of Vaughn Harding (the protagonist of book one). From the moment they meet, there’s undeniable chemistry between them, though what Violet doesn’t realize initially is that Cole already knows exactly who she is. Their first interaction happened online, in an anonymous, flirtatious, but meaningful way—but it ended abruptly. Their reunion two years later when they "meet" again doesn’t go smoothly, but when they’re forced to live together, Cole becomes increasingly drawn to Violet. Despite his attraction, he resists, trying to ignore her strength, beauty, and determination. Violet, in turn, tries to keep her distance, but the sparks between them are undeniable. They can't resist their connection, their pull.

Their dynamic is electric. The sexual tension and chemistry leap off the pages, and I couldn’t help but love how Violet fought for what she wanted and challenged Cole in ways no one else had before. She treated him like a normal person, not the hero, not the fragile veteran suffering from PTSD, and that was exactly what he needed. He didn’t want to be seen as broken.

While Off to the Races was more lighthearted, A Photo Finish delves into much heavier issues, such as PTSD, mental health, and sexual harassment. Elsie Silver does a fantastic job exploring these topics, adding real depth to both Violet and Cole’s characters. It was refreshing to see Cole get help with therapy, to take his challenges on with intention. Mental health is so critical, and therapy was crucial for both Cole and Violet. Their journey wasn’t easy, but it was made more powerful by the struggles they had to overcome.

Through finding emotional safety and connection in each other, they are able to confront their own baggage together and find a transformative journey. It was at times painful and heartbreaking, but ultimately, it was so rewarding to see them find happiness.

This book is hands down my favorite in the series. I loved how their story unfolded—the way they each had their own personal demons to face, and even though they were tested to their limits, they never gave up. A Photo Finish truly stole my heart. It’s everything I crave in a romance and full of yummy tropes- small-town setting, a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, a damaged hero, a strong heroine, forced proximity, and a delicious slow burn. I couldn’t have asked for a better love story. I was completely captivated by Cole and Violet and was rooting for their happily-ever-after every step of the way. And such a swoon-worthy, heartwarming, and charming ending, it was effortlessly romantic and heartfelt.

ELSIE NEVER FAILS! I can't believe I get to read her books, like they're all absolute masterpieces and make me feel *things*! So I'm reading this AFTER the Chestnut Springs series and before reading had no clue this was taking place BEFORE all of that since it includes Violet Eaton!! I was wondering if we would get her story and here it was all along! I'm glad it was re-released because I wouldn't have read them for years. This was hot, Violet and Cole are everything!

"You don't look at me like I'm tragic. You look at me like we're inevitable."

THIS MAN! THIS WOMAN! THEY WIN! they freaking win (my heart and everything else)

As always, I love anything Elsie Silver puts out - and I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book in the series! I love Violets character!

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

This was my first Elsie Silver book and i will be reading more now! I loved the online relationship turn into more after years of not speaking. I normally despise a slow burn but I really enjoyed this and watching them fall in love.

Elsie never fails to make me laugh and write characters i happen to always love. Super excited to continue this series

Thank you for the arc copy.

Elsie never fails to pull me into a story. Anything by her makes me smile while reading. Great characters, tension and spice. Can’t wait to continue the series!

Elsie does no wrong! Her books will forever be a comfort place for me. I absolutely loved these characters and cannot wait for more from this world.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Elsie Silver can do no wrong. This story was so great and I could not put it down. thank you for my free copy in exchange for a review

“A Photo Finish” by Elsie Silver is such a perfect mix of swoony romance and heartfelt moments. It’s about a woman starting fresh in her small hometown and a broody cowboy who’s got his guard up. Their slow-burn connection is full of tension, chemistry, and all the feels. The small-town vibes are spot-on, and the characters feel so real, you can’t help but root for them. If you’re into emotional love stories with a little steam and a lot of charm, this one’s a must-read!

This book is so beautiful! I loved the FMC, violet, but I was obsessed with the MMC, Cole. I mean, he’s in therapy, which is so beautiful to see in a book! Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes, and it was so well done in this book!

I’m officially obsessed with Elsie Silver and her books! Every single one is a hit for me, and this is no exception. I’m loving the covers of these books, but more than that, I can’t get enough of the swoony romance, emotional depth, and slow burns that make Elsie’s stories so irresistible.

Cole’s broody exterior starts to crack as he’s drawn to Violet, the woman he’s tried to forget. With every heated glance and every moment they share, it becomes clear that their connection was never truly gone. Cole’s battle with his past and the secrets he’s hiding makes this romance all the more emotional. This story everything I love in a romance, sizzling chemistry, emotional growth, and a hero who’s hard to resist. Elsie has once again delivered an amazing story that I’ll be thinking about for a long time!

Elsie Silver’s A Photo Finish delivers all the charm, tension, and emotional depth fans of the author have come to expect. With its engaging characters, picturesque setting, and a love story that simmers with just the right amount of heat, this book is a satisfying ride from start to finish.

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and Silver takes her time letting their relationship develop, making every stolen glance and moment of vulnerability feel earned. The backdrop of small-town life and ranch culture is lovingly detailed, grounding the story in a setting that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly authentic.

While the romance is beautifully written, a few plot points feel slightly predictable, and certain secondary characters don’t receive as much development as they could. However, these minor shortcomings are easily overlooked thanks to the story’s charm and emotional payoff.

A Photo Finish* is a perfect pick for readers who love heartfelt, character-driven romances with a dash of cowboy flair. Silver once again proves she’s a master at capturing the complexities of love, life, and second chances.

After reading the first book in the series - I am unable to pick this up. I don’t like Elsie’s writing and can’t connect with the characters unfortunately.

Definitely one of my all time favorite Elsie Silver books! I had read her other series prior to this and was always curious about Cole and Violet. Elsie did a really great job of weaving the two timelines of the past and the present. The angst between these two was so delicious and made for such a satisfying ending. Also, that twist about Cole!! Totally blew me away. These two might be my favorite pairing of the Gold Rush Ranch books.

Elsie Silver is a queen and she can do no wrong in my eyes in terms of cowboy romance. I highly recommend picking this one up!!

Elsie Silver is my new “auto-buy” author. All her books are so good! She’s incredibly talented at writing well ball ad never romance stories with good characters and plot.

Look, Chestnut Springs had me singing cowboy take me away for months. The author is an auto-buy for me. This premise on this one was a bit hard to swallow *insert Beavis and Butthead snickering* but I still really enjoyed it. I love the angst and the tension and really appreciated the mental health rep.

Definitely one of my all time favorite Elsie Silver books! I had read her other series prior to this and was always curious about Cole and Violet. Elsie did a really great job of weaving the two timelines of the past and the present. The angst between these two was so delicious and made for such a satisfying ending. Also, that twist about Cole!! Totally blew me away. These two might be my favorite pairing of the Gold Rush Ranch books.

Elsie Silver is a queen and she can do no wrong in my eyes in terms of cowboy romance. I highly recommend picking this one up!!

Elsie Silver is easily one of my favorite authors. I loved Violet so much! Her and Coles story is one of my favorites! I especially loved when the close proximity when she gets hurt and it forces them together.