Reviews - Off to the Races

6.86k reviews for:

Off to the Races

Elsie Silver

3.63 AVERAGE

ehcaldwell76's review against another edition

4.0

medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I liked Billie and Vaughn. I'm looking forward to Violet and Cole. I am thoroughly attached to DD.

_thebookishbarista_'s review against another edition

4.5

fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

bribreez's review against another edition

4.25

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4.25⭐️/ 3🌶️

I have FINALLY gone back to read Elsie Silver’s early series, and it was a long time coming. This story had a badass, strong FMC, a rich handsome businessman who was use to getting what he wanted, but was in for a rude awakening, and a certain character who stood out especially having read another one of Elsie’s series. This small town romance had,enemies to lovers, forced proximity, boss/employee, workplace romance, and a heartwarming story of a lovable horse that I adored as well.

I think my favorite parts of this book were honestly Billie and DD. While I didn’t grow up around horses, they are in fact one of my favorite animals. I always grew up wanting a horse and having that special connection to them similar to how Billie and DD shared a deep bond. The way Billie was able to not only train DD, but also have a very clear, deep innate understanding what he needed was a clear indication that Billie knew her stuff when it came to horses. In addition, I loved the way Billie stood up for DD, and ensured that no harm would come to him. I could see how many had brushed off DD as a problematic horse, one that no one could figure out, but with Billie’s intuition, she was able to get DD in racing shape, and also bring a happiness to him. As much as I’m always a sucker for love, the aspect of Billie and DD’s bond was one that really stood out to me, and I found it beautiful and loving.

Billie herself was such a BADASS! I know violence is never the answer, but the way Billie took it upon herself to whip the jockey using the exact whip he used to whip DD was a pretty epic and badass moment! Billie has no fear of the repercussions, if anything she was wrath and fury over having witnessed the traumatic reaction DD faced following the end of the race. Billie knew when to lay down the law, and damn, she was a force to be reckoned with. I also loved how Billie was accomplished in her career as a horse trainer and didn’t let the general male dominated field of her work hinder her at all. Once again, Billie was cut throat and made sure everyone knew she was GOOD at her job, and she knew way more than some man could tell her. I would definitely want to be friends with Billie, I could imagine her giving me some blunt, kick ass advice, and I’d be like, “awww thanks bestie”!

I also loved getting to be introduced to the one and only, VIOLET EATON! If you’ve read the Chestnut Springs series, then I’m sure you’ll recognize Violet’s last name! Anyways, getting to meet Violet I adored her sweet, calm, endearing personality but also her little moments of sass as well. I have a feeling when it comes to Violet’s own story, I’ll get to know her on a more deeper level, and who knows maybe even a cameo or mention of her small town!

The romance was good, but I actually loved seeing Billie and Vaughn’s tension from before they ever got together. Something about Billie and Vaughn’s story in the beginning made me excited for when they inevitably got together. At first, Billie and Vaughn butted heads and had different tactics when it came to Gold Rush Ranch. Even seeing Billie take Vaughn down a few notches really let him know, she wasn’t one of those women who would fall under any of his whims like he was use to. If anything, Billie was the unpredictable woman he never knew how to find out until she later opened up to him. Billie and Vaughn’s story progressed pretty well in a way that gave me some time seeing them at odds with each other, but also once they got romantically involved, it was great seeing them open up and sharing their backstories with one another.

Overall, I think this was a good start to the series, and I’m most definitely looking forward to reading the rest of this series! Something tells me that Violet’s story with a certain character we met in this book will bring a lot of intriguing moments, and dare I say potentially some jaw dropping ones as well? Who knows? All I know is, this was a good, easygoing, enjoyable romance that gave me that easygoing, lovable small town vibes I was craving to read about!

lotsofsarah's review against another edition

3.75

3.75/5 ⭐️

louise04x's review against another edition

4.0

If you loved the Chestnut Springs series, you'll adore Elsie Silver's Off to the Races, the first book in the Gold Rush Ranch series. Despite being her debut novel, Silver's writing is addictive, with top-notch character building. Billie, the fiery, stubborn heroine, will have you laughing out loud with her one-liners, while her dynamic with the grumpy Vaughn keeps things interesting. The emotional bond between Billie and the horse, DD, had me in tears. This small-town, grumpy/sunshine workplace romance is a must-read for fans of strong heroines and ranch settings. I can't wait for book 2!

mayaw28's review against another edition

4.0

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

hillarytrotter's review against another edition

5.0

🐎✨

Billy is an absolute badass boss queen! She is sassy, smart, fierce, and unforgettable. Honestly, I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to dive into Elsie Silver’s books, but I’m so glad I finally did because I loved this one.

The chemistry was everything, and I especially adored that he fell first (one of my favorite tropes done so well here). The mix of boss bitch energy, banter, slow burn and strong character work made this an addictive read from start to finish.

I laughed out loud at one point which involved a whip and a jockey..... If you know you know! That was when I was truly in love with Billy 💞

Elsie Silver has definitely earned herself a permanent spot on my TBR now. I need more of this energy in my reading life