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A review by swolds
Off to the Races by Elsie Silver
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
There is no whip here - just tenderness, trust and a bit of jogger-clad romance.
I bought every Elsie Silver book before reading a single one. I decided to start with her very first series - Gold Rush Ranch. And now? Consider me galloping headfirst into this author’s backlist.
I was hooked from the very first chapter. Off to the Races is a beautifully written grumpy x sunshine story. Vaughn is the typical stoic, broody and somewhat confused male lead. Billie? She has the sarcasm, compassion, chaos and magnetic attitude. She’s a horse girl with heart, wits and the guts to stand her ground - especially when it comes to Double Diablo.
The chemistry? Immaculate. The banter? Laughing out loud by chapter four. The tension? Oh, it builds. Then it delivers. ;)
It is not about the spice however - though it was very well written. It was the way Billie connected with DD, how her empathy for the horse mirrors her growing relationship with Vaughn. There is something quietly powerful about seeing her advocate fiercely for humane treatment in a traditionally toxic world. The ‘no whip’ rule? It wasn’t just about horse training. That was Billie drawing a moral line - and forcing everyone - including Vaughn - to see and respect it.
And Vaughn? Let’s just say the doghouse had reservations. What made this story sing was the was Elsie Silver handled conflict - never for drama, but for growth. Vaughn learns. He makes amends. And in the end, he doesn’t just give her Mister Black - he gives her everything.
The epilogue… quiet. Soft. Peaceful. I melted.
This is a love story of horse, healing and of two people figuring out how to be brave for the first time. And as a lifelong horse gal? I felt seen, respected and emotionally obliterated in the best way possible.
Sincerely a girl who would absolutely train DD and fall for the Boss Man on the job.
I bought every Elsie Silver book before reading a single one. I decided to start with her very first series - Gold Rush Ranch. And now? Consider me galloping headfirst into this author’s backlist.
I was hooked from the very first chapter. Off to the Races is a beautifully written grumpy x sunshine story. Vaughn is the typical stoic, broody and somewhat confused male lead. Billie? She has the sarcasm, compassion, chaos and magnetic attitude. She’s a horse girl with heart, wits and the guts to stand her ground - especially when it comes to Double Diablo.
The chemistry? Immaculate. The banter? Laughing out loud by chapter four. The tension? Oh, it builds. Then it delivers. ;)
It is not about the spice however - though it was very well written. It was the way Billie connected with DD, how her empathy for the horse mirrors her growing relationship with Vaughn. There is something quietly powerful about seeing her advocate fiercely for humane treatment in a traditionally toxic world. The ‘no whip’ rule? It wasn’t just about horse training. That was Billie drawing a moral line - and forcing everyone - including Vaughn - to see and respect it.
And Vaughn? Let’s just say the doghouse had reservations. What made this story sing was the was Elsie Silver handled conflict - never for drama, but for growth. Vaughn learns. He makes amends. And in the end, he doesn’t just give her Mister Black - he gives her everything.
The epilogue… quiet. Soft. Peaceful. I melted.
This is a love story of horse, healing and of two people figuring out how to be brave for the first time. And as a lifelong horse gal? I felt seen, respected and emotionally obliterated in the best way possible.
Sincerely a girl who would absolutely train DD and fall for the Boss Man on the job.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Animal cruelty, Death of parent