The Front Runner By Elsie Silver Apr 2026

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.

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 The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

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. When a prized mare dies at Gold Rush

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. Core Story Summary Stefan agrees to let his

The plot follows , a no-nonsense equine veterinarian, and Stefan Dalca , a wealthy but misunderstood ranch owner often viewed as the town's "villain".