Review for Off to the Races by Elsie Silver
⭐️:4.8 🌶️:3.5
I really liked this book, but I can also tell this was Elsie's first novel...I think. Not a bad thing, and it obviously was great, since I gave it four stars. I had a fun time reading about Billie and Vaughn! Vaughn Harding has been working to fix the problems at his late grandfather's racing horse ranch, Gold Rush Ranch, since his grandfather passed away. He's also been working to fix the not-so-little issue of the scandal he left behind. It seems that he may have been fixing races, and Vaughn can't reconcile that with the great man his grandfather was. He's in the midst of inner turmoil when Billy Black is due to interview for the position of horse trainer. He needs this win, and hopefully this man will deliver.
Only Billy Black is Billie Black, and not only is she gorgeous, but he makes an absolute ass of himself the first time they meet. Foot, meet mouth. However, Billie is excited for the chance to turn his luck around. His horse, Double Diablo, is the favorite to compete and win. Only DD is all kinds of stubborn trouble trapped in this adorable young horse, and Billie is dedicated to getting him trained up. She isn't blind to how gorgeous Vaughn is, but she's also no stranger to rich, entitled assholes, having been raised by a few, and wants nothing to do with that sort of man. Only Vaughn is proving himself to be a little bit more than your run of the mill spoiled rich guy.
I'll leave it there, and while this was a romance, 1 actually loved all the details in between about the horses and the racing and the business behind the industry. And Billie Black, did I freaking love her.
When she lit into that asshole jockey, I laughed until I actually cried. She's so spunky and full of spirit and doesn't give a shit how she is perceived, albeit in a way that only beautiful people can really afford to be, but I really enjoyed reading about her. Vaughn I could take or leave, he wasn't as special to me as Billie, but I did like him!
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Okay, so you've heard my initial thoughts on 'Off to the Races,' but let's dive a little deeper, especially if you're curious about where this gem fits into Elsie Silver's wider world or what truly makes Billie and Vaughn tick! Many of you might be wondering about Elsie Silver's books in order or if this is a standalone. While it's true this felt like a strong early work for her, it’s actually the first book in her fantastic Gold Rush Ranch series. So, if you fall for these characters, you're in luck – there's more where that came from! Knowing it's part of a series just adds another layer of excitement, making you want to explore the whole world she’s created on the ranch. Now, about that 🌶️ 3.5 spice rating for Billie and Vaughn... let's just say Elsie Silver knows how to build tension! It's not just about the explicit scenes, but the undeniable chemistry that practically sparks off the page from their very first, hilarious, meeting. Imagine a grumpy, brooding ranch owner (Vaughn) who's clearly out of his depth, meeting a fiercely independent, horse-whispering woman (Billie) who doesn't take any nonsense. Their dynamic is a delicious slow burn with some really satisfying payoff moments. You get that classic 'he thinks he hates her but secretly adores her' vibe blended with a strong dose of 'she's not impressed by his money but captivated by his heart.' If you're into workplace romance, forced proximity, and a bit of a power imbalance that gets deliciously flipped, then this book is absolutely for you. The emotional connection is just as strong as the physical, making the 'spicy' moments feel earned and impactful. What I really found myself appreciating, and what truly sets this book apart, was the detailed backdrop of the horse racing industry. It wasn't just a pretty setting; it felt authentic and added so much more to the plot. From the ins and outs of training to the high-stakes business decisions at the Gold Rush Ranch, it gave the couple real challenges and motivations beyond just their romance. The struggle with Double Diablo, that stubborn young horse, not only added humor but also showed Billie's incredible dedication and skill. You can almost picture his dark, expressive eyes, a bit like the black horse's head often seen in equestrian imagery, reflecting his strong personality. It made me feel like I was right there on the racetrack, cheering them on. And let's talk aesthetics for a moment! The book cover itself is so inviting – you get a glimpse of the passionate couple and a powerful horse, reminding you of a woman embracing a horse on a racetrack, setting the perfect mood before you even turn the first page. It really captures the essence of the story, combining romance with the thrilling world of equestrian sports. If you love discovering new series, enjoy a good dose of enemies-to-lovers (or at least, initially wary colleagues-to-lovers), and want a romance that's more than just fluff with a unique setting, then 'Off to the Races' is definitely one to pick up. It's a fantastic introduction to Elsie Silver's writing and a truly memorable read that leaves you rooting for Billie and Vaughn long after you've finished the last page.
