Book Smart Kate

by Elsie Silver – This is classic Elsie Silver! If you loved her Chestnut Springs series but haven’t jumped into her Rose Hill series yet, consider this your sign—it’s time to dive in!

When single dad Weston Belmont spots a woman attempting to take a selfie with a grizzly bear, he’s stunned. Saving her from her questionable life choices, he discovers that the “irresponsible” woman is none other than chart-topping star Skyler Stone. Sky has come to Rose Hill to escape her controlling, overbearing agent-parents and carve out her own path by recording an album at a studio owned by West’s best friend (featured in book #1). With limited housing options in the area, Sky ends up staying on West’s property, where she quickly forms a bond with his children. Despite their mutual efforts to resist it, the simmering attraction between Sky and West becomes impossible to ignore—and in true Elsie Silver fashion, when they finally give in, it’s fireworks.

This series has so many elements I adore. From the quirky small-town bowling team to the strong, layered female protagonists, and swoon-worthy male leads with soft hearts, Silver knows how to create a world you want to revisit. Add in children who play meaningful roles and you have a recipe for a heartfelt, engaging romance.

One thing I really appreciate about Silver’s writing is her ability to take tropes or character types I’m usually hesitant about and make me enjoy them. In Wild Love, it was the billionaire trope (he’s non-toxic). In Wild Eyes, it’s the celebrity heroine trope. Instead of dismissing Sky’s challenges as “rich people’s problems,” Silver makes her deeply relatable, and you genuinely empathize with her struggle to reclaim her independence and identity.

If you’re a fan of spicy small-town cowboy romances, you’ll love this one!

The audiobook is a standout with dual narration by the incredible Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood. Clocking in at 10 hours and 26 minutes, it’s a mesmerizing listen. And here’s a bonus: when Sky’s songs are featured, the narrators actually sing themwith musical accompaniment instead of just reading the lyrics! It’s a unique touch that elevates the audiobook experience.