by Elsie Silver is the third book in the Gold Rush Ranch series. It is a steamy, small-town romance that centers on the "enemies-to-lovers" and "fake dating" tropes, set against the high-stakes backdrop of thoroughbred horse racing. Core Story Summary
When a prized mare dies at Gold Rush Ranch, leaving behind an orphaned foal (Loki) that desperately needs a surrogate mother, Mira is forced to ask Stefan for help. The Front Runner by Elsie Silver
As they spend time together, Mira discovers that Stefan is not the "bad guy" everyone claims. He is protective, fiercely loyal to his younger sister, Nadia, and carrying the weight of a tragic family history. Their "simple transaction" quickly evolves into deep emotional and physical tension. by Elsie Silver is the third book in
Stefan agrees to let his mare nurse the foal, but only if Mira agrees to three fake dates with him. Though Mira’s friends and the community despise Stefan, she secretly accepts the transaction to save the foal. As they spend time together, Mira discovers that
The plot follows , a no-nonsense equine veterinarian, and Stefan Dalca , a wealthy but misunderstood ranch owner often viewed as the town's "villain".
The story features a significant mid-point plot twist involving Stefan's biological father, later confirmed in the epilogue to be Hank , a central figure from the Gold Rush Ranch community. Main Characters The Front Runner (Gold Rush Ranch, #3) - Goodreads