My summary:

Stefan Dalca is a new race horse

owner in Ruby Creek and generally hated by everyone, but especially by

the Gold Rush Ranch folks. Dr. Mira Thorne is the local vet and one of the only people in Ruby Creek who is civil with Stefan. When a Gold Rush Ranch horse needs help and Stefan’s farm is the answer, Mira becomes the intermediary. But one of Stefan’s terms is for Mira to go on three fake dates with him. After agreeing to the arrangement, it doesn’t take long for Mira to see that Stefan isn’t actually a bad guy—and the attraction is mutual.

My thoughts:

First of all, morally gray is one of my favorite colors. Especially in fictional men. And fake dating Public Enemy #1 in Ruby Creek? I’m here for this story. 

I love how strong, confident and smart Mira is in this story. I appreciate the respect that Stefan shows Mira from day one in the books preceding this one in the series and throughout this book. And I can definitely relate to Mira being an introvert who gets adopted by an extrovert, Billie, to be best friends. I feel like this is actually the only way for an introvert to make friends. 

I enjoyed Stefan’s connection with the foal in the story. Given his backstory, it really tugs on the heartstrings. And the introduction to Stefan’s sister, Nadia, is great in this book. I can’t wait to read her story next. 

I did enjoy the overall story and I honestly related quite a bit to Mira. But I didn’t feel as invested in the outcome for Mira and Stefan in this story compared to how I’ve felt about Elsie Silver’s other fictional couples. It did leave me feeling like I’ve read a bit too many romance books in a row and am due for a genre switch. But I’m also getting sad that I only have one more Elsie Silver book left to read until her new book comes out in September.