A review by booklovinmamas
Riding the High by Paisley Hope

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Riding the High is the third interconnected standalone novel in Paisley Hope’s Silver Pines Ranch series. I have to admit that my reading experience with the books in this series has been hit or miss lately, particularly with this book. I still enjoyed it, especially since it did have some of my favorite tropes, but the first book will remain my favorite in the series (so far).  

With that being said, what I enjoyed the most was getting to know Cole and Ginger and how these two went from Friends to Lovers, especially since they’ve known each other for so long. They have also been harboring feelings for one another for a while now. When they are in Las Vegas together with some friends on a weekend getaway, they end up doing something crazy while they are drunk, and the next day they realize what they’ve done. Yes, this is an accidental marriage story, and I loved how these two handled it and didn’t rush to get an annulment. They end up agreeing to a certain time frame of being married because of the risk of it affecting Ginger’s father’s reelection and Cole’s probationary period of being Sheriff. Here’s the thing, though, someone is bound to find out about their accidental marriage. 

I loved that Cole wasn’t really willing to give up on the marriage between him and Ginger, and he had an idea of having her as his daughter’s Nanny in the meantime, and trying to win over Ginger that their love for one another was worth it. It gets steamy between these two right away, and it was about time these two finally gave in to those feelings. I loved how Ginger was there for Mabel because that little girl didn’t get the love she deserved from her own mother, and she got it from Ginger. I’m not a fan of Mabel’s mother in this book and couldn’t stand how she put her two cents into things towards the end of the book, but that only makes it more dramatic. 

Here’s the main issue I had while reading this book: I found it difficult to believe that Cole always wanted Ginger, mainly because he is portrayed as a player throughout the story. He mentions his past relationships with other women to Ginger, which diminishes my belief in his true feelings for her. There was also the incident in the first part of the book that seems to be a repetitive scene in each of the Silver Pines Ranch series when it comes to the MMCs. I felt for Ginger, especially when Cole’s ex-wife even got in Ginger’s head about Cole. It took me away from the book whenever it was mentioned that Cole was a player, and I just wasn’t convinced he had feelings for Ginger when they weren’t together initially. I could read it from his POV when they eventually do get together, but not before. 

If it weren’t for Cole being a player and his ex-wife being a nuisance at times, then I probably would have enjoyed this book more. Ginger and Mabel are what stole the book for me when reading it. I felt for Ginger the whole time due to her family, especially her father, and how he treated her. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but it won’t be my favorite in the series. I give it 3.5 stars, and I do plan on reading the next book in the series, especially with who is getting their book next. 

Single/Dual POV: Dual POV

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s an interconnected standalone in the series, which means you don’t have to read them in order. 

Would I recommend this book/series? Yes. If you enjoy reading spicy small-town romances, then this series is a must-read. 

Audiobook Recommendation: If you enjoy listening to your books, then I highly recommend the audiobooks for the series, especially this one. The narrators, Erin Mallon and Thoma Oakley, did a fabulous job bringing Ginger and Cole to life, and they happen to be some of my favorite narrators, which is why I auto-bought the audiobook for this one, while following along with the ebook version (thanks to Libby). 

What to Expect:
✔️Small Town Romance
✔️Friends to Lovers
✔️Single Dad
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Best Friend’s Brother 
✔️Accidental Vegas Wedding