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amateur_bookworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My summary:
Violet Eaton left home to get out from under the thumb of her loving but overbearing dad and brothers. Working as a groom at Gold Rush Ranch, she was quickly promoted to jockey and already has some big wins under her belt as she forges ahead in making her own way in the world. Her only problem is Cole Harding, half owner of the ranch. The standoffish Cole has been beaten down by a tragic series of life events. As it becomes more difficult for Cole and Violet to avoid each other on the ranch, they have to face their history and attraction to each other.
My thoughts:
Cole Harding is without a doubt my favorite male main character that Elsie Silver has written. I know I haven’t read all of her books yet, but I’m confident it won’t change. My heart breaks for Cole. His past, his brokenness, all of it just really got to me throughout the whole book. I was rooting for him so hard as I read.
I love Elsie’s female characters. They are all so strong and such spitfires. And little Violet Eaton is no different. I also love that she’s the jockey, because I feel like that’s a great nod to women in a male dominated career. I also really enjoyed the flashbacks of the old internet chats at the start of chapters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
hjb_128's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Ableism, Pregnancy, and War
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body horror, Grief, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, Death of parent, Dysphoria, and Cursing
Minor: Pregnancy and Alcohol
savvyrosereads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rating: 5/5 stars
Violet and Cole had an online relationship before she ghosted him—but when they’re thrust back together at the ranch, sparks will fly.
This is a bold statement given how much I loved Chestnut Springs, but this might be in my top three favorite Elsie Silver books so far. I absolutely LOVED Cole—my love language is acts of service and this man DELIVERS with gestures big and small. His journey was also so sweet and tender and made me tear up. The way he talked about Violet and her sunshine???? Chef’s kiss.
Violet was also everything I wanted to be—sunshiney and soft but still tough as nails underneath. The way she handled the third act conflict was so real and honestly so healthy and I am so here for it.
Finally, I am the first to say I can be picky about horse books because I grew up around horses, but Elsie really nailed it here and I have no particular complaints—in particular, Cole’s issues around horses and coming to terms with the events of his past were incredibly realistic and relatable.
CW: PTSD/panic attacks; death of parent; body image issues
Violet and Cole had an online relationship before she ghosted him—but when they’re thrust back together at the ranch, sparks will fly.
This is a bold statement given how much I loved Chestnut Springs, but this might be in my top three favorite Elsie Silver books so far. I absolutely LOVED Cole—my love language is acts of service and this man DELIVERS with gestures big and small. His journey was also so sweet and tender and made me tear up. The way he talked about Violet and her sunshine???? Chef’s kiss.
Violet was also everything I wanted to be—sunshiney and soft but still tough as nails underneath. The way she handled the third act conflict was so real and honestly so healthy and I am so here for it.
Finally, I am the first to say I can be picky about horse books because I grew up around horses, but Elsie really nailed it here and I have no particular complaints—in particular, Cole’s issues around horses and coming to terms with the events of his past were incredibly realistic and relatable.
CW: PTSD/panic attacks; death of parent; body image issues
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent and War
yoohanna's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Minor: Misogyny and Sexual harassment
cassiereadsbooks_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, War, Death of parent, Mental illness, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
taconaut77's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: War
apolen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Mental illness
Moderate: Grief, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Cursing
Minor: Emotional abuse, Death, War, and Ableism
afi_whatafireads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was Draggy AF ngl. There were times I SINCERELY WISHED that some monologues would be cut down . Like significantly shorter....
But the more I think about it, the more I felt that this book is more than just a romance book. It has a very serious representation for Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Imposter-Syndrome to a point that, the spiralling felt annoying to be in the head of someone like that... but its definitely ... very very real. So, shoutout to Elsie Silver for writing this story. I feel that its very different from the rest of her books, but I also liked that she made Cole, the male lead to be this way, and showing that, mental health issues doesn't just go away when you're in love, or fell in love with someone, its wether you want to figure the shit out together enough with the person and work through your issues, whatever they may be.
“But light is tricky. It slips through your fingers. It’s fleeting. It comes and goes. We never get to possess it; you can’t hold it in your hand. We just get to enjoy it. And if you can figure out a way to just let go and enjoy it, well, Cole, you’ll be one of the lucky ones.”
Firstly reading about Cole will give you whiplash. You'll either want to choke him or love him, and when the actual reason about him being the way he is came out..... Honestly it all made sense, and that's when I kinda get why he is the way he is, and why his monologues are the way they are. You'll realize while reading the book, Cole's chapters are significantly longer, and there are a few times that you'll feel like DNF-ing the book, but honestly, just power through and towards the end, I actually teared up. Realities for PTSD patients are hard, but what I love about Cole is how he is open about going to therapy and that he TRIES HIS VERY BEST to work on his problems.
With this book, I liked Violet and Cole's dynamics. Violet is a character that I'm a bit 50-50 cause she can be a bit bratty sometimes, but in some sense, I also do get why she is like that (due to her brothers from Chestnut Springs series hehe); but what stands out most for Violet's character is how she handled Cole and how she fought for their relationship to the end.
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”
In some ways, the complications for a person like Cole to be a relationship is very real. In a sense that it can get tiring and overwhelming for their partners, and I liked that she didn't want Cole to change for the better, but just to love himself enough to fight for their relationship. That to me... is something. Because at the end of the day, you can never change a person entirely, but would they be willing to fight for whats worth with you is the most important.
This book is definitely not for everyone. It has very vivid explanations of anxiety-spiraling, panic attacks and also deaths but its also one that I will cherish for myself. Its a book on knowing your worth and trying to overcome your demons to escape the loneliness that comes with it.
4.5🌟 for this one
But the more I think about it, the more I felt that this book is more than just a romance book. It has a very serious representation for Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Imposter-Syndrome to a point that, the spiralling felt annoying to be in the head of someone like that... but its definitely ... very very real. So, shoutout to Elsie Silver for writing this story. I feel that its very different from the rest of her books, but I also liked that she made Cole, the male lead to be this way, and showing that, mental health issues doesn't just go away when you're in love, or fell in love with someone, its wether you want to figure the shit out together enough with the person and work through your issues, whatever they may be.
“But light is tricky. It slips through your fingers. It’s fleeting. It comes and goes. We never get to possess it; you can’t hold it in your hand. We just get to enjoy it. And if you can figure out a way to just let go and enjoy it, well, Cole, you’ll be one of the lucky ones.”
Firstly reading about Cole will give you whiplash. You'll either want to choke him or love him, and when the actual reason about him being the way he is came out..... Honestly it all made sense, and that's when I kinda get why he is the way he is, and why his monologues are the way they are. You'll realize while reading the book, Cole's chapters are significantly longer, and there are a few times that you'll feel like DNF-ing the book, but honestly, just power through and towards the end, I actually teared up. Realities for PTSD patients are hard, but what I love about Cole is how he is open about going to therapy and that he TRIES HIS VERY BEST to work on his problems.
With this book, I liked Violet and Cole's dynamics. Violet is a character that I'm a bit 50-50 cause she can be a bit bratty sometimes, but in some sense, I also do get why she is like that (due to her brothers from Chestnut Springs series hehe); but what stands out most for Violet's character is how she handled Cole and how she fought for their relationship to the end.
“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”
In some ways, the complications for a person like Cole to be a relationship is very real. In a sense that it can get tiring and overwhelming for their partners, and I liked that she didn't want Cole to change for the better, but just to love himself enough to fight for their relationship. That to me... is something. Because at the end of the day, you can never change a person entirely, but would they be willing to fight for whats worth with you is the most important.
This book is definitely not for everyone. It has very vivid explanations of anxiety-spiraling, panic attacks and also deaths but its also one that I will cherish for myself. Its a book on knowing your worth and trying to overcome your demons to escape the loneliness that comes with it.
4.5🌟 for this one
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
sami_leigh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
‘Maybe she wouldn’t be disappointed if she found out I wasn’t whole.’
‘When Violet’s with me, I know she’s safe, and as much as I hate to admit it, she makes me feel safe too.’
🐎 First person dual POV
🐎 Second Chance Romance
🐎 Grump Sunshine
🐎 Ex Military/ Jockey
🐎 Forced proximity
🐎 Fate
🐎 ‘Touch her & I’ll kill you’ vibes
🐎 Banter
🐎 Online identities who cross paths IRL!!!
🐎 Slow burn 🔥
🐎 The world of horse racing
🐎 Complicated family & past
🐎 MC growth; PTSD, trauma, making it on your own, trust, self worth, the road to healthy communication 🙌🏻
🐎 Found family 😍
🐎 Well established secondary characters; Billie & Mira 🤣
🐎 Consent & Sex Positvity
🐎 Representation of mental illness/PTSD & therapy 🙌🏻
🐎 Disability representation
🐎 Grand gesture 🥹
🐎 Epilogue
🐎 Bonus content via email sign up
🚩 MMC refers to his military tidiness as ‘a bit OCD’
Available on Kindle Unlimited, & paperback in stores & online.
⚠️ Violence (mild), death of a parent (not on page, described on page), death during childbirth (in past/off page), pregnancy, medical content/trauma (minor), injury detail (minor), injury procured during active duty (minor detail), PTSD (childhood trauma & military service), panic attacks/disorders, sexism/misogyny (portrayed through one character), sexual harassment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Sexism, War, Violence, Death, and Pregnancy