The Front Runner By Elsie Silver -

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

The story features a significant mid-point plot twist involving Stefan's biological father, later confirmed in the epilogue to be Hank , a central figure from the Gold Rush Ranch community. Main Characters The Front Runner (Gold Rush Ranch, #3) - Goodreads The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

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. The plot follows , a no-nonsense equine veterinarian,