The Front Runner

Gold Rush Ranch, Book 3

By: Elsie Silver

Narrated by: Zachary Webber, Soneela Nankani

Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Stefan Dalca is infuriatingly handsome. And annoyingly persistent. We’re supposed to hate each other. But apparently he didn’t get the memo, because he’s been asking me out for years.

And I always say no. Until today.

Today he has something that I desperately need. Today he’s a savior, and I’m his prize.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction. Three dates. No touching. No telling anyone. And definitely no falling in love.

But with every intimate conversation, and each stolen glance, the tension between us builds.

The way he looks at me gives me butterflies. And when he finally touches me? We sizzle.

Stefan makes me feel seen in a way no other person has before. He cherishes my words as passionately as my body.

He makes me laugh. He makes me blush. He calls me kitten.

He’s not the villain he’s been made out to be.

And suddenly I find myself longing for him in a way the people closest to me wouldn’t approve of or understand.

Giving in to Stefan Dalca is playing with fire.

But with him I don’t even mind the heat.

©2021, 2022, 2024 Elsie Silver (P)2024 Elsie Silver

New favorite in the series!

I just devoured the newest book in this series, and oh my stars, it's now my absolute favorite! Stefan and Mira are like characters plucked straight from my heart. Stefan's charm was a delightful twist, and the whole story was just flawlessly perfect. Elsie Silver sure knows how to sprinkle just the right dose of magic into her tales. Is the slow-burn romance finally bursting into flames? Talk about sizzling!

The character glow-up in this series is pure gold. Is a former baddie turning into a beloved legend? Now that's a plot twist! Stefan, once the big bad wolf, has now stolen the show - what a transformation!

In just one chapter, Stefan went from a misunderstood mystery man to a softie with a heart of gold. Forget the brooding bad boy stereotype - he's a sweet soul who just needs a little TLC. But let's talk about Billie's grumpy vibe towards Stefan - not cool, dude.

The book's heart beats around saving a baby colt and embracing an outsider - a theme that hit me right in the feels. Learning more about Stefan only made me swoon harder. His fierce protection of Mira, his love for Loki, and his care for his sis? That's some serious heartwarming stuff.

Mira's brains and independence shone brightly as she navigated her feelings for Stefan despite the world throwing shade. Her loyalty to him and mission to help Nadia find her place? Major kudos. The bond between Stefan and Mira, those cozy moments in Loki's stable, their "pretend" adventures, and those deep chats? Soul-touching moments, all of them.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions - I laughed, I cried, I swooned! Can't wait to dive into the next book in audio. The narrators? Stellar. Zachary Webber's suave vibe as Stefan? Nailed it. And Soneela Nankani? Pure magic - she took me on an even wilder ride through this epic story! Absolutely, wholeheartedly obsessed!

Superb narration!

My favorite story of the series. Both narrators gave an excellent performance. This may very well be my new favorite from Webber. 100% awesome!

An amazing story; and the narration? Wonderfully perfect!

I read the book and now I’ve listened to the story and couldn’t love it more. Stefan (the horse rancher everyone seems to hate) falls for the town veterinarian and their slow burn romance is a delight. I loved every moment of this story.

Outstanding!!

The Front Runner is my favorite book of this series and the audio did not disappoint. Wonderful performances by both narrators and the accent work was amazing. 100% will listen to again and again.

Sooooo good!!!!

Each book in this series becomes a new favourite. This is a fantastic (should be) enemies to lovers, secret arrangement book. Stefan has instant feelings for the veterinarian Mira. He shows this by asking her out every chance he gets. Mira thinks he handsome but because of her best friend’s hate for him she keeps her distance and has for years. That’s all until she needs his help and in exchange he says yes if she will go on three dates with him.

These two open up to each other and show sides of themselves they don’t show anyone. Stefan does play the long game with Mira but when things do finally spark between them it’s hot and Mira who normally doesn’t feel a connection with anyone can’t stop thinking about Stefan!!

This book had unexpected turns in it that are amazing. I laughed, cried and swooned!!! I can’t wait for the next book to be released to audio. The narrators were so good. Zachary Webber had a bit of an accent and I thought it really suited Stefan. Soneela Nankani OMGOSH she’s a new narrator to me and now I’m wondering why I haven’t listened to her sooner. She was fantastic!!! Her voice draws you even more into the already amazing story!! Loved the whole thing!!!

Fantastic story with amazing narration

Front Runner is book 3 in the Gold Rush Ranch series and Elsie’s stories keep getting better and better. Mira is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t put up with anyone’s bs. She is a well respected veterinarian who is passionate about the care of animals. She is surrounded by great friends and family. Stefan comes across as a wealthy jack wagon but was we learn more about him, what head faced in his past and his true heart - you can’t help but fall in love with him. Mira and Stefan cannot stand each other but they are somewhat forced together and come up with a plan. To date secretly - to meet both of their needs. Their secret-fake-dating agreement goes from an enemies to lovers situation to an intense relationship. You will laugh at the banter, flirty and fun interactions between the two. Your heart will hurt a bit as some of their past comes to light, how intense the relationship is and the vulnerability they show with one another. Zachary Webber and Soneella Nankani deliver an amazing performance. Their voices are strong, passionate and strong. They give the characters perfect voice, emotion and personality. I love how narrators give readers/listeners a whole new experience to enjoying authors words.

Love it!

Definitely my favorite out of the Gold Rush Ranch series! Stefan gives me all the feels with his seductive accent and dirty talk. 🥵 Their tension and passion were so on point! I would recommend increasing the speed a bit because the narration is somewhat slow, but otherwise it was perfect!

So glad the narrators did the book justice 🥹

I rarely write reviews but Front Runner is my favorite Elsie book & I’ve been eagerly awaiting for the audiobook. Zachary is one of my top male narrators & Soneela has become one of my favorite female narrators.
I’m super picky about narrators lmao. They both were amazing for Mira & Stefan & truly brought the story to life for me. Damn near brought tears to my eyes on the suspenseful chapters lol! I was also SO pleased they did the bonus chapter too! I can’t get enough of them & that felt like such a sweet way to end the audiobook 💖
Highly, highly recommend. I pretty much finished it in two sittings.

Zachary Webber

He is just amazing at bringing the story to life. I’ll listen to anything he narrates! The story is also good.

Stefan Dalca might be my favorite

Wow! The narration was incredible. I was hooked. The subtle accents, the voices for different characters, it was top notch.

Elsie did a great job of painting Stefan as the villain in the first 2 books, but this man is so misunderstood. And MIRA!! We love a FMC that knows her worth and is loyal and independent.