Thank you to Dell for providing me with an arc.

I have absolutely loved the previous books in this series but I couldn't get into this one. I dnfed it like 10% in as I really didn't like the mmc as he was two of my least favorite things an f boy and a cop/sheriff. I definitely plan on reading future books by this author still as I love her writing this just wasn't for me sadly.

✨small town romance
✨sheriff x congressman’s daughter
✨friends to lovers
✨best friend’s brother / little sister’s best friend
✨WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS…👀

SAVE A HORSE, RIDE…THE SHERIFF?! Holy hell this was hot and I’m feeling downright giddy in my cowgirl boots over this one 🤠

HYPE UP QUOTE:

“It’s always been you, Ginger,” he mutters into my lips. And I have no f*cking clue what to do about that. Besides maybe keep you.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for a review!

This one might have been my favorite in the series. I really liked the chemistry between Cole and Ginger, and the cringy-sex scenes from the previous books were much better in this one.

We finally got Cole and Ginger‘s book.! Secret friends to lovers which has been hinted at in the previous books finally comes to fruition. I’m not gonna lie, was kind of mad at Cole for using Ginger as emotional support while denying his feelings for her. But ultimately, I fell for the slow burn. Their friendship built the foundations of romantic love and a very steamy physical relationship! I think this was a very well done culmination of the series. Historically, my favorite book in a series is always when the long awaited couple comes together. At this point Paisley Hope is one of my go to cowboy romance authors. I’m really into this series and can’t wait for it to continue.

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Paisley does cowboy romances so well! I love how steamy and how much tension there is between Ginger and Cole. I also love a good accidental romance story. Overall a solid book!

I am so in love with this series so far. When I finished Elsie silver I was looking for another cowboy romance that gave me those vibes. This totally did it for me! I cant wait for the other books!!!

Ok I really enjoyed this one! I've read the previous two books of this series and I wasn't sure what to expect going in, because I loved book one, but book two wasn't my favorite. After finishing this one though? I'm happy to say that it may even have an edge over the first book!

I just really liked the fmc Ginger and who doesn't love an amazing single dad like we have here with Cole? I liked that even though this series is based around a ranch and has all the cowboy vibes, Cole chose a different path in life and is the town Sheriff. It was refreshing! I don't normally love the wake up married in Vegas trope, but it was fun here. It didn't take away from the history these two had and that's what I loved most. Ginger and Cole had known each other for so long and were always friends, always there for each other, so it just made sense for something like that to happen. Their relationship was much deeper than anyone knew. After that, you get forced proximity when she moves in as his "nanny" for the summer and that brings all the sweet and spicy moments with it!

I really enjoyed everything about Riding the High and I'm definitely more excited for the rest of the series 🥰

“Because, right now, I’m just riding this high. And fuck, maybe getting her to fall for me is exactly what I’m trying to do.”

Ginger and Cole were the literal embodiment of “it’s always been you”. Ginger has served as a support system and close friend to her best friend’s brother, Cole. But underneath that is a whole lot of pining between them after a kiss one summer. It’s only natural that the weekend they go to Vegas they end up accidentally married, and then everything becomes real.

Law Daddy Cole Ashby…. is down bad for Ginger! This man… I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking about him. The MOUTH ON HIM, I don’t think I’ll ever recover. He is my latest book boyfriend!!! Ginger was a breath of fresh air as a FMC, I loved how free spirited she was, and how fiercely she cares for those around her. Seeing the two of them finally give in to their feelings was just chefs kiss perfect. They had enough chemistry to burn down the entire state of Kentucky.

Secondary to Cole and Ginger falling in love, is Ginger and Mabel creating a Mother daughter relationship. The way they naturally gravitated to each other, and Ginger just seamlessly stepping into the role of caregiver for Mabel was the sweetest. I also really loved the way they teamed up together and teased Cole LOL

The epilogue might be one of the best epilogues I’ve ever read because it was several years after the story ends, so you really got a good glimpse of what Cole and Ginger got up too, and what life looked like after the book ended.

Somehow this was my first book by Paisley Hope, and I absolutely fell in love with her writing style! I cannot wait to go back and read books one and two in the series, so just an fyi this can def be read as a SA!

Overall, this book was just truly incredible, I didn’t want Ginger and Cole to end, and I will be thinking about their epic love story for a long time! 🥹

Some of my fave quotes:

“If you don’t want to be my one-night stand, then it’s a good thing we’re in Vegas. I dare you to marry me, Ginger, so I can properly fucking worship you.”

“Ginger. When it comes to you, I don’t forget.” I completely unravel as he groans and whispers, “I remember every fucking thing.”

“My heart beats faster just having her beneath me. “Feel this?” I ask her. She nods so I kiss her again. “It’s all for you, Vixen.”

“This ache, this need to be inside her confirms she’s the drug I’m quickly becoming addicted to.”

“I have no idea how this man makes me feel this way. Oh, wait, yes I do. It’s because he’s fucking incredible, and the literal definition of hot-sheriff-daddy-big-dick-energy.”

“Because, over the last week, it’s fucking hit me. Somewhere along the lines of friends to best friends to fake wife, I’ve fallen in love with Ginger Danforth. Deep fucking in love with her.”

“It’s always been you, Ginger,” he mutters into my lips. “And I have no fucking clue what to do about that. Besides maybe keep you.”

“I’m so fucking in love with this woman. In fact, the word love doesn’t even cover it. How can you be only in love with someone who feels like they’ve been a part of you forever?”

“There hasn’t been one day over the last seven years where I’ve woken up and not felt grateful for my decision to play a drunken game of truth or dare with Cole.”

Tropes:
🤠Cowboy Romance (he’s a police officer too)
🤍Small Town Romance
🤠Forced proximity
🤍Accidental marriage
🤠Single Dad
🤍Best friends brother
🤠”Its always been you”

Riding the High follows Cole and Ginger during the summer, after their accidental marriage leaves them in a bind.

This book has EVERYTHING - part time cowboy, full time sheriff, single dad (Mable is the CUTEST). Mr. Ashby and his dirt talk left me swooning 😍😍

Can’t wait for y’all to read about these two - out May 6th!!!

Thank you to Random House for the arc!!!

After reading Training the Heart, I was so excited to get to read Ginger and Cole’s story! You guys, this book was so good!

Ginger was just a sweet, sassy, funny, ball of energy. I absolutely loved her and how she wasn’t afraid of a dare. She was so kind and loving to Cole’s daughter, Mabel. While she was fun, she always had to be careful because she was under the eye of the public due to her father being a congressman.

Cole was a bit more serious and was very organized. He was an amazing dad to Mabel and he loved his family so much. I loved his playfulness when it came to Ginger. After going through a tough time, Cole was able to lean on her for support. However, now that he’s been appointed the new sheriff in Laurel Creek, he’s being watched very carefully too and has a huge weight on his shoulders. Together, Cole and Ginger need to figure out what they are going to do now that they’re married, after a crazy night in Las Vegas.

The tension and chemistry between these two was definitely off the charts. I love how they were also there to support one another, not only after they were married, but when they were just friends as well. I loved getting the small tidbits of their past. I will say, Mabel was an amazing character for sure. I absolutely loved the relationship and bond that she formed with Ginger.

It was fun to get more of the Ashby family and see where they’re at now in their lives.

I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you love a spicy, single dad, friends to lovers, accidental marriage romance!

Thank you to Paisley Hope, Random House - Ballantine Dell and NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review!

“Save a horse, ride the sheriff”

What a fun and heartwarming ride—this book totally delivered!

Riding the High is the perfect blend of swoony romance, spot-on spice, and feel-good vibes. The plot kept me engaged from start to finish, with just the right mix of tension, chemistry, and emotional depth. I loved how the story unfolded—it was fast-paced but still gave space for the characters to grow and re-connect in a way that felt genuine.

The relationship between the leads? Top-tier wholesome. Their bond was not only steamy but filled with mutual respect, kindness, and that undeniable spark that makes you root for them from page one. Paisley Hope really nailed the balance between sexy and sweet, making this such a satisfying and entertaining read.

Definitely a solid 4-star (4.5 if I did halves) romance that I’ll be recommending to friends who love a good mix of spice, heart, and happily ever afters!

Finally Cole and Ginger’s story! I’ve read all of the this series so far and I have to say their story has been my favorite. I loved watching their relationship transform. If you love:
-accidentally weddings
-single dad
-best friend’s brother
-friends to lovers
I highly recommend!

Let me start by saying this is the first book I have read in this series. I enjoyed this read and definitely want to read about the rest of the Silver Pines Ranch family. I especially loved Cole’s family and the found family created by the friend group. Now I wish I had read the other two first so I had more of Cole and Ginger’s backstory. Without that I was missing some of the build up and tension that I really enjoy and look for in a romance. I found it hard to believe the “I’ve loved you as long as I can remember” dynamic between them. Especially with the way Cole’s character was portrayed and his history. Overall it was an enjoyable read but no butterflies for me, sadly.

Full review to come (I'm 60ish % through), but for the editor/publisher:
Mabel does not read like an 8-year-old child. As a mother of a 5-year-old and an 8-year-old who substitute teaches at my kid's school (K through 6th), Mabel reads much younger than 8. She's more aligned with a 5 or 6-year-old. My 8-year-old and all their friends are significantly more independent, opinionated, and knowledgable about certain conversation topics (in particular, family roots). None of them (even those who are small for their age) would be children I'd describe as having small or tiny hands etc. Being helped to be set up for coloring etc are all more in line with a 5yr old. (And even my 5yr old packs her own activities and sets herself up when we are in adult situations).


Updated review:

This is the 3 installment in the Silver Pines series, by Paisley Hope. It is a standalone, you do not have to read the previous two books to enjoy this book.

Cole has been a secret friend with is little sister's best friend, Ginger, for quite some time. She was his support system when his "we got pregnant so let's do the right thing" marriage fell apart and the mother of his child left him to be the main caregiver of their young daughter. And then, before all that, there was that one night, that one kiss... that went nowhere. But then, drunk in Vegas, at his sister's bachelor/bachelorette party, where he married Ginger. Needing to keep his job as town Sheriff, and not wanting to upset her fathers ongoing political campaign Cole and Ginger scheme to keep their totally platonic, mistake of a marriage a secret... until they can't.....

This was a sweet and fun "it's always been you", small town romance filled with lots of spice... an emotionally mature single dad and a couple whose HEA is one you will root for.


What to expect: single dad, small cowboy town, secret friends to lovers, best friends brother, she accidental/drunken Vegas marriage, she moves in to be his "nanny", "it's always been you"

3.75 rounded to 4 out of 5 stars.
4 out of 5 spice.

(Why this didn't get a full four stars from me: It's a little petty. I have two elementary school-aged kids and a substitute teacher who spend significant time in Inclusion or closed environment classrooms. Cole's daughter is supposed to be the same age as my older child, but reads much more like the 3-year-old younger sibling. Yes, I know that children develop at different rates, but without a significant developmental delay to explain this gap in ability, it kept tripping me up. I know most readers will say "so what, it's only 3 years". Except a Kindergardener/1st grader is worlds away in attitude, interest, skill, etc from a 3rd/4th grader who is almost twice their age. I kept getting tripped up by this discrepancy.

Thank you to Paisley Hope, Random House - Ballentine Books and Netgalley for an early copy to read and review.

THIS BOOK. I was waiting for this story the most as its book 3 in the series,and it did not disappoint. We get that juicy banter that we love along with an accidental marriage?! LOVE.
I loved Cole and Ginger so much and their chemistry did not disappoint, I knew this book was gonna be a favorite in the series. I can't wait to read book 4.

Every time I pick up a Paisley Hope book my jaw is on the floor. I swear there is magic in these books.

Riding the High is everything!!! Paisley can do no wrong in this series. Every single thing about this was amazing. Steamy, heartfelt, and full of sweet moments and irresistible tension. This friends to Vegas to marriage to real life love story had me swooning, grinning and flipping or tapping the pages late into the night!! I do not regret it one bit!

Cole Ashby is the kind of romance hero you can’t help but fall for - steady, grounded, and fiercely protective, especially when it comes to his daughter.

Ginger Danforth, on the other hand, is a fiery force of nature looking to escape the expectations of being a congressman’s daughter. Their chemistry is instant and electric, and when a wild Vegas weekend ends in a very unexpected “I do,” the real fun begins.

I loved reading/watching these two navigate their fake marriage turned all to real connection. I mean, c'mon, these two had a friendship like no other. The slow unraveling of their emotional walls was such a burn. The steamy scenes had me flushed and I was unsure if I was having a hot flash or not....wait, I think I am still to young for those but I think you get where I am coming from. Cole and Ginger's journey from friends to something much deeper is filled with banter and heartwarming moments.

If you enjoy forced proximity, single dad romance, or the classic “oops, we’re married” trope, this book is an absolute treat. Riding the High proves that sometimes love doesn’t follow the rules—and thank goodness for that.

5⭐️

If you like:
Single Dad
Secret Best Friends to Lovers
Best Friends Brother
Accidental/Secret Marriage
Forced Proximity
Reformed Playboy
One Night Stand
Secret Pining
He Falls Hard
Small Town Romance

This book was on top of my TBR, and I love all of Paisley Hope's books, so when I saw my request was accepted, I was so happy. This book was written so beautifully, and I also loved the mention of Brooklyn 99. Also, the Vegas wedding trope is the best. I fell in love with every aspect of this book.


Thank you, Paisley for this ARC copy.

"𝐼𝒻 𝐼 𝓂𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑜𝓁𝑜 𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒱𝑜𝓁𝓉𝒶"

I'll take this town Sherriff single daddy over a cowboy any day..

If you haven't read this series, please do me a favor and start because the lead up to Ginger and Cole Ashby is so worth it!

Ginger has been Cole's little sister's best friends since they were knee high to a grasshopper. The tension and banter has always been chefs kiss between these two, and now that they are on their way to celebrate a wedding in Vegas guess who decides to get married? Wow their Summer was hawttt. Who doesn't love a Vegas wedding?

The relationship Ginger had with Cole's daughter Mabel was so sweet and they were the perfect daddy's girls combo! The Ashby family is so perfect throughout each book and papa Dean always makes me LOL. Cole Ashby, I am so in love with this man, the things he did for his girls and their may have been handcuffs involved

If you love: Small town romances, Single Daddy's, "My Wife" and Summer agreements? This one is for you!

Thank you to the author Paisley Hope, Dell Romance, NetGalley for allowing me to continue arc reading this amazing series .

3.25✨
2.5🌶️

🐎Contemporary western romance
🐎Friends-to-lovers
🐎Sheriff mmc x congressman’s daughter fmc
🐎Oops we got drunk married in Las Vegas
🐎Mutual pining
🐎Single dad mmc
🐎Pseudo-nanny fmc for the summer

<i>Riding the High</i> by Paisley Hope is Book 3 in the <i>Silver Pines Ranch</i> series, contemporary western romance books that follow the love stories of the Ashby family. I love this world that PH has created. In 3 books, PH has managed to create a warm and enriched world you can’t help but want to return to again and again. And with the cameos from the previous books’ couples, it was like a comforting hug of nostalgia.
I really liked the first two books of the series, Book 1 more than Book 2, and I was looking forward to diving into Cole Ashby’s story, the emotionally aloof but passionate man who’s a single father to his young daughter Mabel and soon-to-be sheriff of the town. His marriage to Mabel’s mother quickly fell apart 8 years ago – there was no love there to sustain it – and the mother is not very present in Mabel’s life, forcing Cole to take on both roles. But after a drunken marriage to his little sister’s best friend Ginger in Las Vegas, a convenient nanny stand-in hops into place, and as long as they stay married for 90 days so Cole can remain scandal-free until his swearing in, everything should work out for the best. Unless neither of them truly wants the marriage to have an expiration date…

While the characters were interesting and their dynamic engaging, I found myself a little underwhelmed by this entry to the series. Some of Cole’s early behavior in front of Ginger rubbed me the wrong way, and there were too many references to past women/hookups in his life for my own liking, especially when Ginger would compare herself to them. The writing in this book also seemed rushed in places with choppy transitions between plot events. Book 2 came out on December 31, 2024 and this one is scheduled for May 6, 2025, so I almost wonder if more time between releases to refine the writing and solidify the story for this book would’ve helped in this case. Book 4 in the series, <i>Freeing the Wild</i>, is currently slated for a November 11, 2025 release, a little more time between, so that gives me hope I’ll love it just as much as the first two!

Overall, while this entry to the series wasn’t my favorite and felt somewhat rushed and choppy, the world PH has created and the likeability of the Ashby family and their love interests makes this series shine, and keeps me coming back for more. I can’t wait to see what else PH has in store!