If you love small town cowboyish books then this is the one for you! If you are a fan of Chestnut Springs, the Eden’s, or Wells Ranch this will definitely be your vibe. This is a best friends brother, they grew up together, she’s his nanny, and accidental marriage. Now that might seem like a lot of tropes but it all goes together perfectly. We have Cole who is the newly appointed sheriff and Ginger who is a teacher. Growing up she had a huge crush on Cole who is her best friend’s older brother. What happens when you go to Vegas? You drunkly marry your crush.

I'm not a huge fan of the writing, but I will say that the covers are gorgeous!! I might not read anymore by this author but I would recommend it to others!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for this ARC! I don’t know why I was hoping this might be better than book 2 (which I hated) but unfortunately it wasn’t. The writing was boring and some phrases gave me the ICK! I did not find Cole attractive whatsoever but Ginger’s personality was a bit fun. The 3rd act conflict was so predictable. A marriage of convenience can be so fun if well done but this one just wasn’t. Cole made so many weird sexual comments about Ginger (“put a baby in her”?? ELECTRIC CHAIR) and so did everyone else! What kind of family is this??? There were also SO many typos and grammatical errors. I think it’s finally time I give up on the Silver Pines series. And always remember: ACAB.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of Riding the High! 🫶🏻 This book was such a treat—romantic, emotional, and full of heart. As someone born and raised in Lexington, KY, it was SO cool to see the Bluegrass represented! I recognized so many places and loved that extra layer of connection.

Cole and Ginger’s love story had *everything*: they wake up married in Vegas, agree to stay secretly hitched for the summer (she needs to keep up appearances for her congressman father, and he’s running to be the town’s sheriff), and suddenly… she’s living with him and helping care for his daughter, Mabel. What starts as a fake setup slowly turns real. I loved the chemistry and banter between Cole and Ginger! Plus the backstory was so sweet especially when there was a flashback to their first kiss in his truck and the reveal at the end that he got a literal *brand* in the shape of a G from the ranch he worked at the summer after… for *her*. 🥹🥹🥹

I didn’t like the sheriff angle (just personal preference, nothing done on the author’s part), and I wish we got more time on the Brent/envelope twist—it felt rushed at the end—but overall, this book was a quick read that I really enjoyed. I’d rate it 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4 on Goodreads!) and a 4/5 on spice.

Tropes you’ll find:
- Accidental Vegas wedding
- Marriage of convenience
- Grumpy playboy x sunshine heroine
- Single dad
- Secret best friends
- Forced proximity / summer roommates
- Slow burn & pining
- Second chance / past kiss
- Great banter & found family

Infinity stars. Paisley Hope does zero wrong.

The way I would bow down to Law Daddy needs no explanation that this book is a top for me. Single dad? Absolutely. Sign me up.

Ginger, can we be besties? I love this dang series and loved seeing her get her happy after watching her friends and people she considers family.

This was so fun!
The daughter of a Kentucky congressman and newly appointed town sheriff accidentally get married in Vegas. In order to avoid a scandal for her politician father and for his newly elected position, Ginger and Cole decide to stay secretly married until everything can blow over quietly. In the meantime, Ginger moves in to nanny his 8-year-old daughter for the summer.

Sparks fly. Lines blur. Especially since Cole and Ginger have already been harboring a secret friendship for years.. because did I mention Cole’s little sister is Ginger’s best friend?! My favorite part though is the adorable relationship between Ginger and Cole’s daughter Mabel — they melted my heart!

Riding the High by Paisley Hope is book 3 in the Silver Pines Ranch Series. This friends-to-lovers, accidental marriage, small-town cowboy romance is beyond wonderful and a great addition to the series! Cole has recently been appointed as interim sheriff and is determined to prove himself at work while also being a devoted single dad. Ginger is the congressman’s daughter and has always struggled with being herself versus keeping up with appearances. Cole is Ginger’s best friends’ brother, and they have become close friends over the past few years. After a wild, drunken night in Vegas for bachelor/bachelorette parties, they wake up a married couple. This book was fun, emotional, exciting, and overall fantastic! The author did a great job of developing the relationships between Cole and Ginger as well as Ginger and Mabel, and I found I had a hard time putting the book down. She also did a great job of incorporating characters from the previous stories into this book and developing upon their previous storylines, however I think you would be able to pick this book up without reading the previous books in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not going to lie, this book started out a little slow. Part of me feels like the first 30% of the book could have been condensed, because we understood the dynamics between Cole and Ginger very early on (not to mention the other two books they've been less than obvious in). But once I passed that point I was hooked. They are by far my favorite couple out of the bunch. I absolutely adore Mabel. Sometimes it can be hit or miss when you bring in a kid as a main character, but she was written very well and her relationship with both Cole and Ginger is endearing. I was worried for a moment we were going to have third act break up or drama because Cole kept the Brent threat a secret, but Ginger knocked some sense into him.

Overall, while it took a minute to get started, it's a great, fun, sexy book!

Being a Kentucky girl who currently lives in Lexington, who spends part of every summer in Cave Run Lake, I loved how literally close to home this book hit for me (though there is a disappointing deficit of small-town sheriffs in my life).

Ginger and Cole’s love story has been a long time coming. Their bond is special and unique and kind of magical, actually. They’re such perfect contrasts, not just balancing each other out but pushing each other. From playful baseball rivalries, to takeout and TV, to unfailing honesty and acceptance, Ginger and Cole always manage to be what the other needs. Even when it is most difficult for them, the way they prioritize each other is truly the stuff of romance novels.

Considering what all is revealed in the blurb of this book and the well-established relationship between them from the start of things, this book had a bit more of a slow burn vibe than I was expecting. I love that long before their relationship evolves beyond their preexisting friendship everyone else is already giving them shit about the other. Specifically, Papa Dean roasting Cole about Ginger being perfect for him is just top notch, 10 out of 10, no notes.

I loved how much of the book was spent with them actually being together. Though there is a fair bit of buildup and anticipation, readers get the chance to see these two living in their relationship as it grows and deepens. Their constant friendship and care added such an impactful element to the connection between them. I also really appreciated that there was no third act breakup here as I personally feel it would have undermined the dynamic between Cole and Ginger. Also thrilled to say that the period of miscommunication (or, in this case, lack of communication) didn’t take up a ton of space here—and good for Ginger for stepping up. What a badass she is. 💜

I also loved the bonding between Cole, Ginger, and Mabel. Team Daddy’s Girls is simply perfection, but the fact that each pair of that trio has their own special dynamic is lovely and sweet while also feeling totally in keeping with their characters. I will say, I had mixed feelings about Mabel’s anxieties. I like the representation, and I feel like the way it’s depicted is realistic for a kid of that age, but I wish it had been foregrounded a bit more, maybe even acknowledged in the epilogue. As it stands, it sort of feels like a convenient plot point that shows up halfway through and then fades pretty quickly, never to be heard from again. I love the idea of Mabel’s emotional and mental health improving with the increased stability, but still, that kind of thing doesn’t just go away, and it would have been easy to add a line in the epilogue acknowledging that she’s doing much better but still has rough moments or whatever. Freaking Gemma gets a mention in the epilogue, so it feels like that piece of Mabel’s character could have been paid off a bit more.

Overall, this book surprised me in so many ways, all of them delightful. The characterization, the relationships, the filthy mouth on Cole Weston Ashby (🥵🥵🥵)—all incredible. Maybe even more exciting for me was how lush the writing was. My ARC is full of highlights, well beyond my average amount and oftentimes whole pages in length.

Beautifully done, and well worth the wait.

4.5 ⭐️

I am definitely in my small town / cowboy era because this is the third one I’ve read this month! I think Ginger and Cole’s book just might be my favorite of this series so far. I really enjoyed book one, but there were a few nit picky things I didn’t like. I loved book two, but I forgot about a certain trope and it kind of soured the end for me. Even reading the other two, I said I thought Ginger and Cole’s book would be my favorite. I was right! I loved how this book pretty much picked up where the last one left off. I loved the little flashbacks and how Ginger and Cole were way closer than anyone officially knew. I am such a sucker for a Vegas wedding. I wish we got to see more of it! We really only get the aftermath. I would love to be a fly on the wall when they actually got married. Ginger fits right into Cole’s family. She of course knows Mabel after being around the family and being CeCe’s bestie. But these two get along perfectly. They played house so well, I almost wanted a little more angst and longing? Might I also say while I loved Cole in this book, I am not a cop romance girl. I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up if it wasn’t in a series I already liked. I really liked it and I really liked Cole so I’m glad I read it, but it’s not my usual thing. Luckily they live in a small town so aside from his uniform and annoying coworker, we didn’t have to deal with a whole lot of cop related things. Ginger and Cole together are so effortlessly easy, it’s almost hard to imagine that they got married on accident. She literally fits right in, perfectly in his life. I loved how well they understood each other. I loved how good she was with Mabel. There’s so many good family moments between the two of them. And the spice? In true Paisley Hope fashion, the spice is SPICY! Once again, another reason that I would’ve loved to read about their wild wedding night. These two can’t get enough of each other. While I thought the work drama was unnecessary, it did add an extra little surprise element to the end. One of my favorite parts about this series and pretty much all these small town series is the family aspect. I’ve grown to love this family. I loved them teasing each other. I loved getting to see big life moments for characters we met in previous books. This book was just overall a very fun read. While the last chapter is adorable, the cynic in me just can’t. I won’t fully spoil it, but as cute as it was, I just felt meh about it. It’s too fast! Also the epilogue goes from cute to insane real quick lol Overall, this was still an adorable read and I will definitely continue the series. Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Cole and Ginger are honestly what dreams are made of. The banter was always top notch. I absolutely loved their friendship and kind of where they started. It made it feel a lot more natural as the story progressed. Also just their friendship was so sweet. I love that ginger lit a fire under Cole and made him come out of the shell. But I also love that Cole made Ginger feel a sense of belonging with who she was not who she needed to be. The relationship between Ginger and Mabel was the cutest thing. It was really cool to see a lot of growth for the characters throughout the book, but also the growth of their dynamic as well as they came together. Overall, this book was phenomenal. This whole series is easily a five star series for me. And I am so excited for the next book. I cannot thank NetGalley enough for allowing me to read this arc. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.

Let’s be honest, Paisley Hope never disappoints!

Like the rest of the world, I’ve been waiting for Ginger and Cole’s story! And it was perfect! I loved their banter, their spice, and their love for each other and Mabel! It was like a warm hug! Ginger is a girl’s girl! We all need a Ginger in our lives! She is the epitome of a baddie! And Cole Weston Ashby! The things I’d let you do to me… 🥵 Or the things I’d do to you… 🤭 Such a top-notch guy! Perfect book boyfriend! Perfect everything! I loved this story so much! They made the best team!

Of course, we can’t forget the gang! It was so nice to be back in Silver Pines! It was like coming home! Everyone from Mama Jo to Wade and Ivy!

Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC!

🌟Friends to Lovers
🌟Opposites Attract
🌟Best Friend’s Brother
🌟Secret Marriage
🌟Single Dad
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟”It’s Always Been You”
🌟Found Family
🌟Banter
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ginger and Cole were such a blast to read about in 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡! Their dynamic was the perfect mix of opposites — Cole being the grumpy, highly organized one, while Ginger brought the playful, free-spirited energy. The tension and chemistry between them practically leapt off the page, and it was so easy to get completely swept up in their story.

What made their connection even more special was how deep it ran, way deeper than anyone around them realized. There’s been this slow, simmering mutual pining happening between them for 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 — even if they were both a little too stubborn (or blind) to fully see it. It takes one wild, unplanned, drunken Vegas wedding to finally push them past the point of no return, and honestly, I couldn’t get enough.

One of my favorite parts was seeing Ginger’s relationship with Mabel, Cole’s daughter, grow. Their bond was so sweet and genuine, and it made it absolutely impossible for Cole not to fall even harder for her. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing — there are plenty of hurdles for these two to face before they can fully embrace what’s been right in front of them all along. But once they hit that “F - it” moment? Oh, 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙤𝙣.

And as always, the crew of friends and family from Silver Pines brought so much warmth and humor to the story. I love how much heart this community adds to every scene.

Riding the High delivers everything you could want: sneaking around, hilarious banter, sizzling chemistry, deep emotional bonds, and a guaranteed HEA that leaves you smiling. Definitely a must-read if you love friends-to-lovers romances with a whole lot of heart (and heat)!

3.5/5

Pros
- I liked the chemistry between Cole and Ginger a lot. Mabel was a breath of fresh air!
- I liked the family aspect of the story
- the banter between cole and ginger was so fun

Cons
- The name ginger and vixen was a little annoying,
- the story felt a little disconnected at times

ARC REVIEW: Riding the High by Paisley Hope || Book 3 in the Silver Pines Ranch series || Releases 5.6.25

Tropes:
Accidental Vegas Wedding
Secret Friends to Lovers
Best Friends Brother
Secret Pining
Single Dad
Small Town Romance
Secret Branding

This story is about the relationship between Ginger ‘Vixen’ Danforth and Cole ‘Law Daddy’ Ashby. From our very first meeting of Cole and Ginger in book 1, I was desperate for their story.

Cole, the town Sheriff and single dad to Mabel, is a playboy through and through. Due to his probationary period with his new role, he is determined to change his ways. However, after a drunken night with his sister’s best friend, he wakes up married. Cole and Ginger, make a pact to hide their marriage from their families and the town so as not to cause a scandal. When Ginger moves in with Cole and Mabel, lines are crossed and their years long feelings for each other come to the surface.

This story had EVERYTHING I could ever want. The banter was A+, the tensions were high, and the spice was SPICY. The love that Cole, Ginger, and Mabel share was so beautiful to watch unfold. They created their own family and let it thrive.

The world that Paisley has created in Silver Pines is unmatched & I cannot wait for the next story.

Thank you NetGalley and Paisley for the early copy of RTH!

Riding the High was my first experience with Paisley Hope’s writing, and while it definitely fits the current wave of small-town western romances—full of cozy settings, found family vibes, and tried-and-true tropes—unfortunately, it didn’t fully deliver the emotional impact I was looking for.

The premise sounded like a dream setup: a small-town single dad sheriff? An accidental Vegas marriage? Friends-to-lovers tension? I went in expecting a swoony, slightly chaotic love story packed with heart. Instead, what I found was a story that leaned heavily on atmosphere ("vibes") without enough narrative momentum ("stakes") to keep me truly engaged.

Pacing:
The biggest challenge for me was the pacing. The plot moved very slowly, and much of the first half of the book felt like treading water rather than building momentum. Scenes often lingered longer than necessary, focusing on mundane interactions without pushing the story or the emotional stakes forward. I kept waiting for that "turning point" moment—when everything would click into place—but it never fully arrived. Instead, the story maintained a steady but sluggish rhythm all the way through.

Characters & Chemistry:
Both Cole and Ginger are likable characters individually. Cole is the classic gruff but good-hearted single dad, and Ginger is spirited, kind, and trying to find her place. However, their romantic connection lacked the tension and heat I crave in a slow-burn romance. Their dynamic felt more like close friends than two people fighting an undeniable pull toward each other.

Where was the yearning? Where were the stolen glances, the lingering touches, the emotional vulnerability that makes slow-burn romances so addictive? Without those beats, their relationship felt a little too safe and predictable. I wanted more moments where you could feel the ache of them falling in love—even if they didn’t realize it yet. Instead, their connection stayed surface-level, which made the payoff of their romance feel muted rather than explosive.

Plot & Emotional Depth:
The setup—an impulsive Vegas marriage that becomes real in a small-town setting—had so much potential for conflict, humor, and heart. However, the story rarely leaned into the chaos or emotional vulnerability that could have made it stand out. Instead, it played out exactly as expected, without many surprises or standout moments.

That’s not inherently a bad thing—some readers love a cozy, low-angst romance where nothing too shocking happens. But for me, it felt a little too safe, lacking the deeper emotional stakes or unique twists that could have made it more memorable.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, Riding the High is an easy, low-drama read that will likely appeal to readers who want a sweet, familiar small-town romance without much angst or heavy conflict. It’s the kind of story that feels like curling up with a bowl of macaroni and cheese: comforting and predictable, but not necessarily something you’ll rave about afterward.

If you’re craving a deeply emotional, slow-burn romance with lots of chemistry and tension, this one might leave you wanting more. But if you're in the mood for something light, gentle, and cozy, it could be a solid pick—just adjust your expectations accordingly.

Rating: 2.5–3 stars

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tropes featured:
Small Town Romance
Friends to Lovers
Accidental Marriage
Single Dad
Slow Burn

COLE AND GINGER, THE COUPLE THAT YOU ARE.
all of this book, was perfection.
Cole's mouth? Ginger's sass? Vegas? Summer loving?

e v e r y t h i n g about this book was just perfect.
Book 1 and Book 2 did a FABULOUS job of setting these two up, their friendship, their love, their emotions, i just can't say it enough, PERFECT

i giggled, i swooned, i cried, and all while falling in love with Mr. Cole Ashby

Paisley Hope continues to write bangers.

Riding the High is the third installment in the Silver Pines series and this book had me in such a chokehold that I read it in one sitting! I love a single daddy and nanny trope and that’s what is featured between Cole and Ginger! Plus, I fell in love with Mabel. She is such a sweet girl and the relationship that grew between her and Ginger was so endearing. I love that they gardened together, baked together, and schemed against their dad when it came to baseball teams. I don’t think I realized until this book that Cole and Ginger’s friendship went back to when they were kids. It made the accidental marriage seem more intentional and appropriate. I loved this book!

Riding the High shows exactly what could go ”wrong” after a drunken night out in Vegas. Is it really wrong to end up married to your best friend’s brother/the “it’s always been you” girl? Not for Ginger and Cole! An accidental marriage that turns into a marriage of convenience turns into a real deal love story.

Cole and Ginger have always been able to rely on each other. They might have tried to play it off when they were younger using Cece as middle ground but these two will always find their way back to each other. Whether it be extra fries from the bar, a ride home after a party, someone to watch Mabel after getting a promotion (and part of the reason the quickie marriage didn’t end in a quickie divorce) Cole and Ginger are each others go to person. Years of taunting and flirting built the stepping stones for a marriage to last much longer than the beginning of Cole’s new career.

This book was so sweet! I loved the “my wife” moments and Cole realizing just how much of his heart is taken up by Ginger. I feel like in most best friend’s brother trope books, the sibling is always mad. It was perfect that Cece was trying her damndest to get her maid of honor and best man to finally admit what everyone else was seeing, these two were so in love with each other they were just too dumb to see it!

Paisley Hope is slowly building her cowboy world and even though we are smack dab in the middle of it, she does a great job weaving in characters past and future to see the stage. Excited to see where she takes Silver Pines Ranch next!

Single dad? Sister’s Best Friend? Yes please!

Ginger and Cole are such a cute couple. They play off each other so well and just fit. This book is definitely worth reading if you are looking for a fast paced, no 3rd act break up book with the perfect amount of spice and sweetness.

Thank you Net Galley for the chance to be an ARC reader for. Riding The High!