Is he willing to risk everything and follow his heart? 💕
Fever Dream
From 1 New York Times bestselling author Elsie Silver comes a small-town, forbidden, rivals-to-lovers romance, the first book in a brand-new Western romance series, Emerald Lake.
Professional bull rider, Emmett Bush, is not looking for love. He’s looking for a paycheck to save his family’s farm from bankruptcy. So when he agrees to be the leading man on a hot new reality dating show, Romance Ranch, he’s already decided it’s all one big performance.
Until Julia Silva walks onto his property. Smart, snarky, beautiful, and off-limits in more ways than one. As the location consultant on set and the little sister of his most bitter professional rival, she’s the last woman who should pique his interest.
Julia has been warned about Emmett. She knows better than to fall for his cocky swagger, broad shoulders, and smoldering good looks. Plus, she’s sworn off relationships.
But as Julia and Emmett work together, mutual distaste grows into an unexpected connection and then… something more.
Soon, they find themselves searching for excuses to spend time together and out of reach of the cameras.
Knowing glances. Stolen kisses. Secret rendezvous.
Still, Emmett signed up to play the role of an eligible bachelor searching for the one. His family’s land and legacy depend on him completing the show.
The problem is, he’s already fallen in love.
Just not with a contestant.
Reading Fever Dream feels like stepping into a wild yet tender world where passion meets hardship head-on. As someone who enjoys Western romances, I was instantly drawn to Emmett Bush’s character—a professional bull rider driven not by romance but by the desperate need to save his family's farm. This adds a layer of grit and authenticity to the story, making his eventual emotional journey so much more compelling. What sets this novel apart is the unique backdrop of a reality dating show, "Romance Ranch," where every moment is under scrutiny but real feelings emerge in secret. The dynamic between Emmett and Julia Silva is electric; their initial rivalry and mutual skepticism evolve into something genuine and heartfelt. Julia, as the location consultant and sister to Emmett's rival, adds tension and depth, embodying the classic forbidden love trope but with fresh twists — her independence and guarded heart make her a powerful counterpart to Emmett’s broody charm. One of my favorite parts, which is vividly captured in the story, involves Emmett’s playful and cocky moments, like the cheeky scene about the missing panties—this blend of humor and raw attraction kept the pages turning. The portrayal of secret rendezvous and stolen kisses gives readers that heart-racing secret romance feel, balanced with the stakes of Emmett’s farm and family legacy. For anyone who has fallen for a "bad boy" cowboy and appreciates stories filled with snark, smoldering looks, and emotional vulnerability, Fever Dream is a must-read. Elsie Silver’s ability to combine heartfelt romance with Western grit and small-town charm makes this novel a standout. It also offers a refreshing focus on the male protagonist's internal conflicts and growth, which deepens the narrative beyond typical romance arcs. If you're like me and love diving into stories that mix reality TV drama with slow-building, forbidden love, this book hits all the right notes. It’s more than just a romance; it’s about risking it all for family, love, and one’s own heart. The Emerald Lake series promises more of these engaging stories, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.