Book Review: Riding the High (Silver Pines Ranch, #3)
As a devoted fan of romance novels, I can’t help but feel a magnetic pull towards titles that promise light-hearted escapades and swoon-worthy moments. When I stumbled upon Riding the High by Amanda Ashby, the premise alone—an accidental marriage between a small-town sheriff and a congressman’s daughter—had me intrigued. It sounded like a delightful mix of comedy and romance, a perfect escape from daily life. However, much like my recent reading streak, this one turned out to be something of a disappointment.
Coming off the heels of the first two books in the Silver Pines Ranch series, I was hoping that Cole and Ginger’s dynamic would reignite my excitement for this journey. But despite my optimism, I ended up wrestling with mixed feelings. The story starts with such potential: the vibrant chaos of Vegas, a secret marriage, and a summer of unexpected connections. Alas, despite its promising ingredients, I found the plot dragging its feet without ever gaining momentum.
I admit, it took me over a week to finish Riding the High, a feat that’s virtually unheard of for someone who usually inhales books within days. Each time I sat down with it, I was met with a growing sense of frustration, battling the urge to just set it aside. This book felt as if it was constantly at a standstill, and my anticipation for a turning point dwindled with each passing page.
While romance is central to the storyline, I found the balance skewed. There were moments that had the potential for genuine emotional connection between Cole and Ginger, but they often played second fiddle to the physical aspects of their relationship. I don’t shy away from steamy scenes—those can often elevate a plot—but here, the passion overshadowed the heart. The repeated focus on their physical encounters felt repetitive, leaving little room for growth or chemistry. By the end, I felt I’d seen it all, yet still lacked a deeper understanding of who they were as individuals.
In reflecting on the writing style and pacing, Ashby’s voice still shone through, yet the narrative sometimes felt reminiscent of a meandering river, lacking the sharp twists and turns that keep readers engaged. I longed for vibrant character arcs and the kind of dialogue that sparks joy or laughter—elements that were present but not as impactful as I hoped.
However, I can see where Riding the High could appeal to readers who appreciate lighter fare and enjoy a good amount of steam in their romances. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a plot focused more on physical attraction than character development, this book might still be a fit for you. But for those of us who crave richer narratives, this one might feel like a missed opportunity—a delightful concept that simply didn’t come to fruition.
In the end, despite my disappointment, I maintain a glimmer of curiosity for the next book in the series. Perhaps there’s hope for redemption around the corner! For now, I’ll chalk this experience up as part of my ongoing reading journey, hoping next time I can discover the captivating story I’ve been yearning for.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Australia for the ARC—here’s to finding our next great read together!
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