With Riding the High, Book 3 of the Silver Pines Ranch series, Paisley Hope invites readers into another pulse-quickening, heartwarming Western romance that blends small-town charm with sizzling intimacy. Following the emotional highs of Holding the Reins and Training the Heart, this installment puts two longtime friends at the center of a surprise marriage that turns out to be anything but temporary.
Set in the rustic, sun-soaked landscape of Laurel Creek, Kentucky, Hope continues her signature mix of familial closeness, emotional healing, and romantic tension. For fans of accidental marriage tropes, single-parent dynamics, and cozy cowboy communities, Riding the High checks all the boxes—and then some.
The Accidental Marriage That Was Written in the Stars
The story begins with a classic twist: a spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding between elementary school teacher Ginger Danforth and newly appointed sheriff Cole Ashby. Fueled by a few cocktails and a dare-filled night among friends, the two wake up to find themselves married. The problem? Ginger is the daughter of a re-election-seeking congressman, and Cole’s job as sheriff is still in its probationary phase.
Rather than risk scandal or job loss, they agree to keep the marriage secret and stay married for ninety days. But things get complicated when Ginger moves in to help care for Cole’s young daughter, Mabel, for the summer. What starts as a fake arrangement quickly evolves into something genuine, deeply emotional, and entirely irresistible.
A Love Story Anchored in Authentic Emotion
Where Riding the High truly excels is in its emotional realism. While the premise has all the fun of a rom-com, the execution dives deeper, exploring the vulnerabilities of two people struggling to redefine themselves.
Cole Ashby is more than a handsome sheriff with a cowboy hat and slow drawl. He’s a man haunted by past mistakes, fiercely devoted to his daughter, and determined to do right by the town and his family. His inner battles—about being enough, being trusted, and being someone worthy of love—are captured with quiet power. His stoic demeanor hides a world of longing, especially when it comes to Ginger.
Ginger Danforth, by contrast, is poised, polished, and politically aware on the outside, but inside, she’s yearning for freedom. Her entire life has been dictated by her father’s political career, and marrying Cole—accident or not—becomes her first real act of rebellion. Yet Ginger isn’t reckless. She’s thoughtful, nurturing, and wonderfully self-aware. Watching her embrace messy love, motherhood-adjacent chaos, and her own happiness is immensely satisfying.
Together, they form a magnetic pairing. Their romantic arc moves from awkward domesticity to intense desire to something much deeper—a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared vulnerability.
Highlights That Make This Western Romance Stand Out
Riding the High brings together several genre tropes in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Paisley Hope manages to use these beloved frameworks as springboards rather than crutches:
Accidental Vegas Marriage – The initial setup is delightfully impulsive, but what follows is surprisingly tender and emotionally grounded.
Fake Marriage / Forced Proximity – As they navigate their 90-day “secret marriage,” Ginger and Cole’s day-to-day interactions brim with unresolved tension and domestic sweetness.
Friends to Lovers – The pre-existing bond between Cole and Ginger gives their relationship richness and depth. There’s history, inside jokes, and years of almosts.
Single Dad / Bonus Mom Energy – Mabel isn’t just a cute accessory to Cole’s arc. She is central to the story’s emotional pull, and her growing bond with Ginger adds dimension to both characters.
Small-Town Life and Scrutiny – Laurel Creek is a character in itself, complete with nosy neighbors, supportive siblings, and the kind of community ties that both support and challenge the protagonists.
The Silver Pines Ranch Series: Emotional Throughlines and Family Bonds
Paisley Hope’s Silver Pines Ranch series isn’t just a collection of standalone romances—it’s a tapestry of interconnected lives and overlapping storylines that reward loyal readers.
In Holding the Reins (Book 1), we were introduced to the rugged charm of the Ashby family and watched Wade find love and stability.
Training the Heart (Book 2) deepened that emotional web with Ivy’s journey and the push-pull between headstrong independence and surrendering to love.
Now in Riding the High (Book 3), we pivot to Cole—Wade’s brother—and see how the family continues to evolve, support one another, and sometimes meddle (lovingly, of course).
Hints at Freeing the Wild (Book 4) are sprinkled in smartly, promising another romantic journey with a blend of chaos, courage, and cowboy boots.
Hope excels at making readers feel like part of this tight-knit world, and the continuity between books is smooth and engaging. There’s no confusion, only anticipation for what’s next.
Writing Style and Voice: Sassy, Smooth, and Sentimental
Paisley Hope’s prose in Riding the High is confident and fluid, with a voice that captures both the flirtatiousness of early love and the vulnerability of real connection. Her dialogue crackles with chemistry, and the emotional monologues hit home without veering into melodrama.
Her use of internal narration—particularly from Ginger’s perspective—brings a relatable authenticity to the story. Ginger’s inner conflict between wanting to stay in Cole’s orbit and knowing she must eventually leave feels raw and real. Likewise, Cole’s slow unraveling—the way he fights his feelings even as he’s falling—is both painful and beautiful.
Scenes of domestic intimacy (brushing Mabel’s hair, impromptu breakfasts, late-night movie nights) are where Hope’s writing shines brightest. These moments make the romance feel earned, not just sexy.
Constructive Critique: Small Gaps in an Otherwise Strong Narrative
While Riding the High succeeds on many fronts, there are a few areas where the story could have pushed further:
Political Pressure Plotline – Ginger’s father, the congressman, plays a distant but important role in her decisions. However, his political machinations feel more like narrative convenience than an emotionally weighty obstacle. A deeper exploration of their father-daughter dynamic would have added texture.
Antagonistic Forces – There’s a subplot involving Cole’s ex-wife and a slimy deputy that never fully escalates. A bit more tension from external sources could have heightened the stakes.
Despite these small critiques, the central romance never falters, and the emotional journey stays front and center.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If Riding the High swept you off your feet, you’ll likely enjoy:
Flawless by Elsie Silver – Another cowboy romance with single-dad energy and small-town charm.
The One for Me by Corinne Michaels – Features accidental marriage and emotional redemption arcs.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker – Combines remote settings with emotional depth and intense character evolution.
Who Should Read Riding the High?
This book is for:
Fans of accidental marriages that turn heartfelt
Readers who love small-town romances with strong family elements
Those looking for emotional depth alongside slow-burning steam
Anyone seeking a heroine who reclaims her autonomy and a hero who learns to open up
It’s not just for Western romance lovers—Riding the High will appeal to any reader who enjoys character-driven storytelling, emotional healing, and romantic tension that simmers before it explodes.
Final Verdict: Four Wild, Wonderful Stars
Riding the High is a compelling mix of impulsive beginnings and deliberate emotional exploration. With its magnetic leads, charming supporting cast, and beautifully rendered small-town setting, it’s an instant favorite in the Silver Pines Ranch series. Ginger and Cole’s journey is a testament to second chances, chosen family, and the kind of love that doesn’t just fit into your life—it transforms it.
Whether you’ve been following the Ashbys since Book 1 or you’re hopping on the saddle for the first time, this book delivers a heartfelt, high-stakes romance that’ll keep you turning pages late into the night.