Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - July 9, 2024
Original Pub Date - August 13, 2021
New Pub Date - July 23, 2024

*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @authorelsiesilver, @read_bloom and @netgalley!

I loved going back into the world of Elsie Silver small towns and cowboys! I found it interesting that this book starts after the action happens! I don’t feel like that’s common and it was a fun change in pace. If you love grumpy men who do sweet protective things, A Photo Finish is the book for you! Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that? Add in "touch her and d**" energy, and you’re in for some good romance. Elsie Silver books are so easy to annotate because there are always swoon worthy quotes and this one is no exception. I found that somehow she put feelings I’ve had into words in a way that actually makes them make sense! While Violet is not my favourite FMC, I am absolutely looking forward to the rest of the series!

If you like small town, age gap, forced proximity books, you should give A Photo Finish a try!

Get excited to read the new publication of A Photo Finish, available July 23! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

I absolutely love this author and everything she writes. This book....I devoured like all of her others. Thank you so much for the ARC!

Elsie Silver’s “A Photo Finish” is the second novel in the Gold Rush Ranch series. This romance novel explores tropes like grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and an age gap.

Thirty-six-year-old Cole Harding, co-owner of Gold Rush Ranch, has a traumatic past. As a teenager, he witnessed his father's death during a horse race. Seeking escape, he enlisted in the Marines, serving multiple tours in Iraq and returning with PTSD. After his high school sweetheart and fiancée ended their engagement, Cole became bitter, avoiding in-person relationships and physical touch. He resorted to sexual encounters online, where he could see others, but they couldn't see him.

Twenty-six-year-old Violet “Vi” Eaton left Chestnut Springs and her overbearing family to forge her own path. Contrary to her name, Violet is anything but meek and delicate; she's headstrong, focused, and full of positivity. In a bid to rebel, she joins Clikkit (similar to OnlyFans) and uploads a revealing photo from the neck down.

Cole, using the handle Golddigger85, responds to Violet, known as Pretty_in_Purple, requesting a video in exchange for money. Despite Violet's initial rejection, the two exchange messages daily for a year. Eventually, Violet agrees to a video chat, following Cole's instructions for her pleasure. When Cole refuses to turn on his camera, Violet feels betrayed and deletes the app.
A year later, Violet, now a jockey, wins her first race and qualifies for the Denman Derby. Meeting with the owners, she is shocked when Cole whispers her Clikkit name in her ear. Despite the tension, they avoid each other until Violet is injured in a race. Unable to walk upstairs, she moves into the farmhouse with Cole.

As roommates, Cole and Violet confront their pasts. Cole opens up about his scars and torment, and despite their intimate affair, his PTSD remains a hurdle. To maintain their relationship, Cole must confront and navigate his fears to keep Violet in his life.

Silver’s novel sensitively addresses war-time injuries and mental illness, particularly through Cole's conversations with his therapist, Beatrice “Trixie.” However, some plot elements lack resolution. Cole’s reunion with Hilary, a pivotal figure in his downfall, is brief and underdeveloped. Patrick Cassel, who deliberately causes Violet’s injury, also disappears from the narrative without facing consequences. Additionally, Cole's struggle with balancing his city job and the relationship is left unresolved.

Violet’s ultimatum to Cole in the novel's final quarter is problematic. Her "tough it up or leave" mentality is a common but misguided approach to PTSD, lacking compassion and understanding. Her brashness, considering she hasn’t endured similar trauma, undermines her character's previous depth and sensitivity. This portrayal could perpetuate harmful misconceptions about PTSD, suggesting it can be quickly overcome, rather than highlighting the need for patience and empathy.

Thank you NetGalley and BloomBooks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh how I love a good second chance! And with the aspect of anonymous petals? Stop it was so good. This book was full of so many good tropes. He takes care of her when she’s not feeling good, the acts of service, touch her and… I’ll maim you, second chance (obvi), forced proximity, and so many more.
I thought we might get some interaction between violet and her family and there wasn’t. Besides her bringing them up we honestly wouldn’t know much about them (besides the fact that I’ve already read the CS series).
He was so obsessed it was so cute.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this e copy

Violet and Cole had me hooked after the snippet of them at the end of Off to the Races, and I knew I’d love them—and I was right.
Tension and avoidance is heavy in A Photo Finish, but in the most perfect way possible. It allows us to see into who Violet and Cole really are. As Violet and Cole navigate their forced proximity, we see snippets of their past that helps explain their tension and chemistry. But there’s still so much that is not shared.

Cole is the epitome of a tortured hero. Reclusive. Broody. Private. He feels like a shadow of his former self after returning from the military. But he’s still overcoming the trauma of his service, and refuses to share his story with his family. It’s Violet that comes in and breaks down his walls, forcing him to confront his experiences and what his new life is like.

Violet helps heal Cole in many ways, and in the most important ways for Cole himself and how he views himself after his military career comes to an end. Cole’s self-doubt and insecurities run rampant, and for good reason, but my heart breaks for him badly with his self-perception. This is why Violet is so fucking good for him. They’re perfect for each other. Violet reignited parts of him he thought he’d lost. She’s the woman of his dreams, and the woman haunting his dreams (in the best way).

Being so new to her role as the jockey for Gold Rush Ranch, Violet is plagued by her own insecurities, self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Slowly, though, being forced to be in each others’ presence also forces them to come to terms with their issues and secrets, and help each other heal.

Cole will always be special to me. I don’t want to spoil parts of the book, but he has my heart and I want to give him all the hugs and love. With deep scars, Violet shows Cole how worthy and deserving he is 🥹🥹
Genuinely though, Cole is everything and I love him so much.

Cole and Violet are inevitable.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Publishing and NetGalley for this title to read and review.
I have read a few of Elsie Silver's books and always find her books to be a charming read full of heart. Her books are cozy like a Hallmark movie with some added spice.
This is the second novel in the Gold Rush Ranch story and can be read as a standalone.
This book has small town romance, age gap, and grumpy versus sunshine tropes.

I didn't love the way that Violet and Cole initially meet; anonymously on the internet while Cole is being a bit of a predator on a website where Violet posted a half nude picture of herself. That scenario felt a bit ick, but to each their own. I know it happens in real life; it just wasn't the meet-cute I like to read.
The book itself is anticlimactic and redundant. Cole pushes Violet away, Violet secretly pines for Cole but disguises this under a shield of anger and resentment. Rinse and repeat.
Once Cole's walls come down a little, the book gets good. Mind you this almost at the 70% mark. I feel like the book was missing something significant in the middle to draw the reader in.
It was fine, but certainly not this author's best.

Violet Eaton stepped outside of her comfort zone and took a chance on being confident and in charge of her sexuality and met a mysterious man online that captivated her. Their friendship bloomed until one sexy night changed everything. When it ends abruptly she tries to move on, only to encounter him in real life at her job at Gold Rush Ranch. Cole Harding is part owner of the ranch and is shocked that Violet is the new jockey for the stables. He knows he should stay away from her and not let his personal traumas and demons steep into her life but he just can’t help to want to be around her. An accident pushes them closer together and as lingering emotions and feelings bubble to the surface for Violet and Cole, their attraction to one another is tough to deny.
—————-

A Photo Finish is classic Elsie Silver. Swoony and funny and heartwarming. Emotional and spicy. She is so good at writing not quite perfect men trying to work through their demons to be able to fully love a woman.

Violet was amazing. So full of fire and love and ready to be there for Cole. Silver does not write wishy washy women. Her characters are bold and brave and vulnerable when needed. They are always smart and confident but allow for uncertainty at times. They’re real. They feel like women you’d want to be friends with.

Violet loved Cole. Period. Not because of, in spite of, just loved him. Was ready to accept him for who he was but I don’t think even he knew who he was. He was still dealing with past traumas but slowly working through them, even more so to show Violet he wanted to be present for her. We love a man in therapy!

I adored this book and the series so far. I don’t think you can go wrong with an Elsie Silver book.

Thank you to Bloom Books, Elsie Silver and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book for review.

Cole Harding and Violet Eaton know each other through an anonymous online chat and never expected to meet.

When Cole reluctantly moves to Ruby Creek for a business venture, he finds Violet working as a horse jockey on the family ranch.

Cole had his chance with her, and he blew it. She ghosted him, and he closed himself off further than ever.

They were shocked to all the sudden have to see each other in person consistently!

Elsie Silver’s books are always great, and this one is no exception - I always enjoy reading her books!

This was such a fun read! I loved that Cole and Violet had an anonymous online relationship before meeting in person—it definitely created a TON of tension!

The grumpy-sunshine dynamic was adorable (and always my FAV).

A Photo Finish was such a fun and emotional read and I recommend it to those who love grumpy sunshine and forced proximity!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourebooks Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**Tropes:** Military, Horses, Grumpy Sunshine, Small Town, Forced Proximity.

I enjoyed this one a lot!! Following Violet and Cole’s journey was so heartwarming and sweet.

My biggest weakness is reading about military men thriving after PTSD. Sue me! The meet cute in this book was also absolutely giving the Nanny, which I ate the heck up 🤩

This. Book. It’s so freaking good! I started Elsie Silver’s books backwards on accident and read the first 3 Chestnut Springs books before switching to this series, and I had no clue how much I would love Violet. She might be my favorite Eaton. Friends to lovers, second chance romance, workplace romance, and all the character growth!

Posting 7/15 on goodreads and storygraph, posting on IG same week

Omg why have I never read this author before? I snagged this book from Netgalley without having read any of the others in the series. The first chapter didn't snag my attention until the very end. From there, I was hooked. I loved the characters and their development. I loved the therapy representation and battles with PTSD. I liked the FMCs outlook on both her situation and his. I liked mostly everything! I'm not that into horses but there was enough plot aside from that to keep things moving for me.

3.5 stars

Parts of this story I loved, but then it also dragged. I think this could have been a lot shorter and still had the same emotional impact. I loved how strong and independent Violet was. Cole was such a sweetheart underneath all that grumpy. His character growth was the best part of this book. This is the first time I’ve read Elsie Silver, and I definitely plan on reading more.

Thank you to Bloom Books for the gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

This book was everything. I giggled and kicked my feet, I cried, I got angry, I laughed. I felt all the emotions.

Violet and Cole met online 2 years ago under pseudonyms and particular circumstances. Now Cole moves back to his family ranch to realize the girl he's been thinking about for 2 years is working there. Forced to live together, Violet starts to slowly thaw Cole's cold exterior and reconnect with the man she knew through a screen.

I loved how both our MCs Violet and Cole were complex characters. I loved seeing their character development individually and how it made them develop a relationship.

If, like me, you started with the Chestnut Springs series before reading Gold Rush Ranch, you won't be disappointed by Violet's story. It was everything I wanted from a grumpy x sunshine and more.

Tropes:
- Small town
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Age gap
- Forced proximity
- Wounded hero
- Found family

“Hot guy with a horse? It doesn’t get better.”

Another devour in one day, fun flirty adventure at Gold Rush Ranch.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

While Chestnut Springs series is for those with the "Cowboy Take Me Away" fantasy, Gold Rush Ranch Series is for the horse girls (meant lovingly)!
Yes we know as it gets shoved down our throats enough is society men are big and strong, and can do manly things; So it was refreshing with this book and series that the women are the actually the ones doing and thriving in the world of horse racing. Book one our main female lead was the racehorse trainer and in this book our leading lady Violet (little sister from Chestnut Springs) is the new derby winning jockey (get it ladies)! Of course being female power players in a male dominated industry not only do they have to tackle idiotic male behavior in the workplace, but also with their love interests. Thankfully our male romantic leads are willing to grow as humans, and bless Cloe he actually goes to therapy.

Now onto Violet and Cole's story...
Who would have thought our sweet Violet would take a walk on the wild side and post a nude online?!? Of course mister grumpy gills Cole was the one who was able to catch our girl's attention online and make what was supposed to be a private cam girl/sugar daddy type arrangement to a virtual pen pal situationship. After a year of developing a friendship with a dash of flirting, one night Violet finally bares it all for Cole, he returns the favor by being a cold hearted grump. This is the last time Violet plans on speak to Cole (well at least the username) ever again.
Until one year later right after Vi gets her big win on DD and Cole reveals himself to be her former penpal with benefits (only for him), again dick move. Oh since he is also part owner of Gold Rush Ranch, kinda Vi's boss now and he is living on the Ranch for a while. The forced proximity gets worse after Violet breaks her leg (f*ck you Patrick) she has to move into the same house as Cole. This backstory makes Violet's drunken night out with Billie and Mira make so much more sense now.

Thankfully through this forced bonding time Violet and Cole begin to understand each other more, Violet continues her personal development in sticking up for herself/not being a people pleasing doormat, and Cole learns to allow others in and finally tackle his trauma around his father's death and lingering wounds of being a wounded veteran. Thank goodness for Cole's eccentric, hippie, take no bs grandma vibes therapist. (Side note would love for her and Hank to get together).

Loves: the vulnerability from Cole and Violet, the groveling from Cole, oh the sexual tension and reward then the tension finally snapped, ladies doing the work and the men being their cheerleaders, friendship between Vi, Billie, and Mira, and the brothers reconciliation, the horses.
Hates: Both Cole and Vaughn did this where in their inner dialogue multiple times would be like this is what I'm going to do to show her I'm --serious, in charge, etc-- then would whimp out on the action and ghost our girls. Hank falling off in the story, he brought Vi flowers and then we don't really see/hear from him again. Also, why was there no showdown with the mom to has out her abandoning the boys after their father's death and trying to rebuild a new and healthier relationship with her?

Definitely enjoyed this book read it all in one sitting couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading book 3.

Ratings:
Overall: 7.75/10
Spice: 3.75/5

What was hinted in the previous book, what Cole told Violet in book 1, got me intrigued.

This is a nice book, I've enjoyed reading it and loved seeing them falling for each other a second time, in real life now

Elsie Silver can do no wrong in my book and this book was no exception. She is one author in which I have collected multiple versions for my book trophy shelf.
With that being said, let us get into the review for this book. The Gold Ranch series is a separate series than her Chestnut Springs books but there are characters that overlap. You dont have to read the other series to understand this book but I love her books so I recommend that you do. Technically this series also came before the other was written.
A Photo Finish is the second book in this series and it centers around Violet and Cole. Both were side characters in the first book. This book gives all the grumpy/sunshine vibes and I am here for it. Violet is trying to set away from her family’s shadows and become more independent. She is working hard as a jockey at Gold Rush Ranch and is making a name for herself. Cole is the older brother with a dark/mysterious past. He was in the military and it left its mark on him; one he chooses not to talk about. He realizes that they have met before and tries to drag it out of her but she would rather forget it. The two go through a lot but the writing is done so well that you are hooked from start to finish.
I cannot say enough about this book and about Elsie Silver. Please pick up this book, and all of her other books, and you wont be disappointed.

I LOVED this- 5 stars! By the time you jump in to Elsie Silver's smash hit Chestnut Springs series, Violet Eaton's story has already played out. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review A Photo Finish, part of Elsie's previous Gold Rush Ranch series. Violet's story is Book 2 of the 4 part series, but Book 1 was also fantastic, so I didn't mind reading that book first. I would highly recommend the whole Gold Rush Ranch Series to anyone who found the Eaton family through Chestnut Springs. While obviously written first, it was fun to 'go back in time' and learn about Violet.

Violet was tired of living under her father and brothers overprotectiveness so one night she poses nude and posts the picture on an internet site. What she doesn't realize is someone who is incredibly lonely and really needs a friend finds her attractive and reaches out to her. Friendly banter, flirtiness and attraction leads to a friendship, then Violet ghosts him. One day he turns up out of the blue as her boss's boss, Cole. Treading lightly around the origin of their friendship while trying to figure out what the feelings are between them poses an interesting situation.

This book was different in how the two main characters meet. After that the story plays out like a romance including spice. Violet always had feelings for Cole and he shared them for her. It was just getting them to communicate. I enjoyed this story in that it had more deeper topics like war and PTSD. It wasn't a superficial romance story but about dealing with painful pasts and accepting people regardless. I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Elsie Silver and Source Books Bloom Books for allowing me to review this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book, but then again Elsie Silver never misses in my opinion! I loved how this book handled tougher concepts with such grace and gentleness, and all of the imagery of being light and reflecting light was just so perfect.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the relationship between Violet and Cole in the flashbacks, but that’s just a personal preference. However I loved the banter and the taking care of each other in the present between them! And as a horse person it was also so nice the have a book with horses that was written by someone who understands them and the therapeutic side of working with them.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book with its incredible new cover!