Harper Sloan can write an alpha male character like no other .... but who knew she could do a cowboy too! I can't wait for this series to continue.

If you like western heroes you'll like this book. Leighton & Maverick find a second chance of love in this sweet, but hot romance.

I have been very fortunate to have followed Harper’s writing journey since the Corps Security days. I remember fondly being a Corps Security Alpha Babe! Her stories have made me laugh, swoon, sigh… Who couldn’t fall in love with these incredible men that she had created? I never imagined that she would turn to cowboys. But cowboys done the Harper Sloane way have been the greatest reading joy and a magnificent display of Harper’s amazing talents.

This story had magic and perfection from the first pages. I was captivated by Maverick Davis. He was angry, lost and grieving… for many reasons. The first his career as a professional bull rider was over. Next he had to return to the one place he vowed never to return to – his hometown in Texas. He had unfinished business there with his family and the one girl that he had always loved. Ten years before he had devastated Leighton James with his harsh words and thoughtless actions. But Maverick had little choice; he had to leave. He had to escape. That meant he had to do what he felt was best. Now he’s home and he wants a chance at the life that he could have had with the beautiful girl that was supposed to be his.

Ten years hasn’t taken away to anger that Leighton feels. The hurts that simply won’t go away. In those ten years she’s lost her parents, started a beloved business and changed in so many other ways. But one thing that has not changed is the connection that Leighton James feels to Maverick. The moment she sees him there’s a spark between them that she knows in her heart has never dimmed. She’s not going to give in to what her body wants and she refuses to be hurt by him again. But in ten years he hasn’t been far from her thoughts. Can Leighton find a way back to the wayward cowboy? One thing is for sure… Maverick won’t give up until he has her back.

Ride ‘em, cowboy.

This story was so emotional… it was the most incredible read! These characters – the whole Davis clan, the town of Pine Oak, and everyone in between – crawled into my heart and would not leave. Harper created a world in this story that made me want to never leave. Maverick is so deliciously alpha, ruggedly sexy and swoon worthy right down to his cowboy boots, but in the same breath he’s broken, haunted and in so much pain that it hurts to see him trying to make sense of his past while trying to forge a future with Leighton. But how could I not love him and how could I not root for him to get the second chance at his life that he so desperately yearned for? Leighton is as strong as she is beautiful but just as insecure and vulnerable. Would she ever be good enough for Maverick? Would she ever simply be enough for Maverick? Watching these two build their relationship and starting over was breathtaking!

If you have never read a book by Harper Sloane, if you ever considered reading her books – read this book! If you are a fan of Harper Sloane – read this book. From Corps to cowboys, Harper surely knows how to hook her fans. Me? I’m not going anywhere. Let the journey continue!

FANTASTIC, Harper!

Six Head Over Boots Stars!

This is the first book written by Harper Sloan in her coming home series. I have to say that I love second chance romances, and I love Harper Sloan so put the two together and you get a good time. this book is explosive in parts, sweet and sassy like you would expect from Harper. The writing was exceptional though the characters were not my favorite of hers, they seemed to fit together well. Maverick is a hard riding rodeo Cowboy with a huge chip on his shoulder and as it seems some anger issues. Though I suppose he came by them honestly throughout his childhood. Then you have the little spitfire that is Leighton and she has been iblove with Mav her whole life is best friends with his sister and just head over boots for him. it isn't a Harper Sloan book without a HEA. over all i give the book 4 solid stars.

Holy feels Batman! I spent a good portion of this book with tears in my eyes. My heart hurt for Leighton and Maverick. This was a sweet, sexy and heart wrenching second chance romance. I haven’t read many of Harper Sloan’s books but I have to say Lost Rider has imprinted itself on my heart. I’ll definitely be going on a one-click spree to see what else she has to offer.

Maverick is broken—emotionally and physically. He’s also sexy, arrogant and a dirty talker. I’m not one to drool over cowboys but oh my. This is one cowboy that I’ll be adding to my book boyfriend list. Leighton is sweet, sassy and has a heart the size of Texas. Maverick broke her when he left but she built herself back up. The deep connection these two characters have is practically tangible. The chemistry is hotter than a Texas summer. They are beautifully written, well-developed and complex. The secondary characters are just as well-written. They add depth and occasionally humor to the story.

There is a lot of feels in this book and it is angsty. But it’s the good angst that breaks you then puts you back together again. This is a stunning book and I can’t wait to see what happens in Quinn and Clay’s stories. I highly recommend that everyone one-clicks this book today.

Harper Sloan has blown me away with the start to this brand new series! A heartwarming story of second chances and healing. Lost Rider has grabbed ahold of my heart and I may never get it back!

Maverick Davis left home 10 years ago to make a name for himself as a professional bull rider. And boy did he succeed! When he is told that is career as a rider is now over, he does not take the news well and isn't sure where to go from there. He can't go home, but when his brother calls with the news that is his father has past away and his baby sister needs him, he is forced to return the the one place he vowed never to return, and face hurt he left behind, and the girl who has owned his heart since he was a teenager.

Leighton James has loved Maverick since she was a kid. When he left town he left her with a shattered heart. The death of her parents a few years later has left her with a heart she fears will never heal. She is content to run her bakery and try to forget the pain. When her best friends father passes she knows she will have to face the man who still owns a piece of her heart.

I absolutely loved this story. Sloan delivers all the feels with this one and a whole lot of heat. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next in this series!

DNF @25%. It was slow moving for me. Maybe I had higher expectations since I love Harper Sloan's Security Corp's series.

What a great change in Harper Sloan's writing. I loved this book. Cannot wait to see what she gives us in the next installment.

What an emotional ride this was...so much so I read it twice back to back. The tenderness, intenseness, and second chances weaved its way throughout the story.

Maverick is a larger than life cowboy who'll steal your heart very quickly...the anger within him radiates outwards directed at those who love him. Leighton brings the counterbalance to that anger. Their coming back together will leave an imprint on your heart and like me, a few tears along the way.

I cannot say enough about how much this story touched me. I am definitely looking forward to the continuation of the series with Quinn and Clay's stories. As with this story, I'm expecting to having an emotional response that'll last long after their stories end.

This ARC book is a complimentary copy and was provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I am a huge fan of Harper Sloan’s writing. I loved her Corps Security Series, and her Hope Town Series were all 5 or more stars for me. While I don’t normally gravitate towards cowboy or western reads, I have read some that I really enjoyed, so I expected Harper to wow me.

Lost Rider by Harper Sloan felt like a traditional western romance. It was written really well, but it felt like it could have been written by a 70 year old in 1986. It was a romantic, swoony, sweet and sexy second chance romance, but there was nothing that stood out as special or unique. I felt like it was missing that Harper magic, and like it was an assignment to write the most traditional cowboy romance possible. I liked the book. It was emotional, I highlighted a ton of great quotes, and I liked the characters, but we were in the character’s heads a lot, and not much happened.

Ten years ago, Maverick Davis left town for good, and left behind a heartbroken Leighton. Leighton was his sister’s best friend, and she loved Mav for as long as she could remember. After spending that time as a champion bull rider, Mav got the news that he can never ride again and risk another head injury. So he headed back home for his father’s funeral after 10 long years and plans to stay.
"I don’t need to see those emerald green eyes to know that the face shadowed from view belongs to the only man I’ve ever craved more than Nanny Jo’s famous chicken and dumplings. I would recognize him in a pitch-black room. Well, I’ll be damned. Maverick Davis has finally come home."

He was a total dick at first, but as we get to know him, we sort of understand why. The only two things, in his mind, that keep him together are riding and Leighton. Even if it’s been 10 years since he's seen the latter.
"All I had wanted, my whole life, was to be the best damn cowboy the rodeo had ever seen, but all it took was once glance in her direction and none of it mattered anymore. All she had to do was walk into a room and I forgot it all."

When Mav left, he cruelly broke Leighton’s heart deliberately thinking it would be easier that way, but Leighton took him back so easily! He deserved some torture after the ass he was.
"I’m on my way to having it all again, and hopefully, God willing, I’ll have it with this girl always by my side. This is my second chance at everything, and I’ll be damned if I fuck it up."

Maverick was so sure of his feelings for Leighton, once he had her, there was no going back.
"We didn’t know it then, but these bonds were always unbreakable. It was just a matter of time before they snapped us back where we belonged. Together."


Likes:

•Excellent writing and editing.
•So many amazing quotes!
•I love a second chance romance.
•I loved the flashbacks to when they were kids together.
•Traditional romance and traditional western romance lovers will LOVE Lost Rider.

Dislikes:

•It was all too easy. He should have had to grovel more.
•He was so introspective and self-aware of all of his thoughts and feelings. It was all too neat and tidy.
•Felt a bit long and repetitive.
•Nothing really happened. I felt like I needed some action, suspense or angst.

The Down & Dirty:
I think Lost Rider by Harper Sloan can appeal to any romance reader of any age if you like your books a little slower and more relationship-based. At one point during reading it, I put it down and read another book because Mav just said and thought all the right, perfect things--so much that I was rolling my eyes. I thought it might have been my mood, so I gave it a rest, and came back and enjoyed it much more. But to me there was just a lot of inner monologue when I prefer a little more action. I think 50 pages could have been shaved from the book and I would have enjoyed it a little more. I have to say, Mav was totally swoony and dreamy. I highlighted a ton of perfect quotes, but it felt like it could have been written anytime in the past 30 years. I missed the modern, sexy edge that Harper usually has in her writing. Still, if you like a traditional western romance, you'll love Lost Rider.

“Head over boots cowboy.
Head.
Over.
Boots.”

Rating: 3.75 stars, 4 Heat

Successful rodeo cowboy Maverick is finally on his way home from a town he ran away from and building up the courage to face the girl he left behind - Leighton James. Unfortunately Leighton doesn't want anything to do with him, despite a stirring of old feelings. But the town is only so small and they can't avoid each other forever.

This book is not a story full of complicated plot or deep characters. It's a pretty simple girl meets boy, girl loves boy, boy runs away, boy comes back and then girl loves boy again story. It is a pretty good holiday read, which is when I read it, and all I wanted was a romantic, easy story to follow and that's what this was. It's full of cheesy lines but a lot of chemistry and hot sex scenes.

I did have some problems with Maverick's language towards women throughout the book. When he gets back to town, he calls out Leighton because of what she's wearing and basically calls her a whore because she happens to be wearing something that enhances her chest. Slut shaming is never acceptable. And it's not the only time he does it. He calls two girls trying to steal him from Leighton hookers at one point because they are wearing something that would apparently be in a prostitutes wardrobe. While the scene was a bit stupid anyways, I didn't like the way he went on and the fact there had to be a scene of women pitted against women. No need.

I did like the town and the other characters we meet throughout the story. I think I will follow on with the series just to see what happens with Quinn in the next book and hopefully, eventually Clay. I'm happy enough for Maverick and Leighton and their crazy chemistry to fade into the background and let others have a time to shine.

This was the first book by Harper Sloan I've ever read and I was drawn to it because of her reputation and the fact that this was a new cowboy series. Unfortunately - there were several things that didn't work for me.

Maverick. I love my men grumpy, but he crossed so many lines. He was so hurtful and borderline misogynistic. It wasn't even so much that he said terrible things about Leighton - it's that he thought them at all. While there were a few interactions that gripped my attention, ultimately I wasn't able to forgive him much less get attached to him enough to invest in his story.

Leighton. Honestly - I wasn't sure what to make of her. I liked her and some of the best parts that I read were centered around her. But her insecurity drove me a little crazy. She made some...confounding decisions. And maybe because I counted Maverick out for the count very early on - I didn't really connect with her either.

The storytelling is a little uneven. There were parts that sucked me right in followed by long periods of inner monologue or exposition that didn't seem to move the storyline forward at all. I skimmed a lot in the first third of the book, looking for more "showing" and less telling to bring me back into the story.

I really wanted to love it, but I lost patience with it at 23%. I put it down thinking it was perhaps my state of mind, but I've tried to pick it back up since and I just can't get my heart to engage. Leaving this one as a DNF.

This book was left me with mixed thoughts. I liked the story line and where it was headed. I did connect with the characters for some parts and then at some point in the book my connection was lost. I wasn’t feeling it anymore. This kind of gave me the Longest Ride feel to it but with Harper’s own twists.

Maverick has known what he always wanted to do in life. He made a great career out of it until an accident changed his world. Reading about his childhood though threw me for a loop. I felt bad for him, no child should ever have had to go through what he went through. But I understood why he left, he had good reason to. I loved his passion for his career. How he never gave up on his dream. It was a go big or go home kind of thing. In the end, he ended up going back home to where he wanted to be far away from.

Leighton has always had a crush on Maverick but he pushed her away. We find out why and of course I understand it. She was a family person up until she had none. But with that, her best friend and her family welcomed her with open arms. I loved how close Leighton and Brianna are. I’ve had a girl like that so I know how much they depend on one another. Leighton has accomplished a lot of has made her life successful even with things not going her way.

When Maverick and Leighton cross paths again, he at first pushes her away again causing past feelings to surface. But we see Maverick try really hard to win her over while he struggles to make a new life for himself. We see his struggle and we see him fall but one person will always be constant.

I did like the direction of where the story was headed. But I just didn’t feel the connection there. For me, towards the ending started to get a bit flat. I did love how close the family was and how they always included Leighton. It shows that family is not only by blood.

‘She is. She was my compass when I was lost without direction. She was the pull I always felt to come home but never had the balls to try, knowing that it might be too late. She was my biggest regret, but she will be my biggest accomplishment – God willing.’

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover, I love a good cowboy romance. The other reason I wanted to read this is because it is a second chance love story and I am a sucker for those. Harper Sloan definitely delivers with this story set in Pine Oak, Texas. I love the small town community aspect, where everyone grew up together and everyone knows your business. I think if I lived in one I wouldn’t enjoy that but I like reading about it ☺

Maverick left home ten years ago to realise his dreams as a rodeo star. His father was dead set against him pursuing rodeo as a career, they have a history of being at loggerheads with each other so to spite him, he did it anyway. Turns out it was the right choice, he really did achieve what he set out to do with great success. The life of a rodeo circuit rider also comes with the risk of injury and after ten years of having his body thrown around, it’s was time to hang up his boots and change directions, well after he drowned his sorrows and regrets in alcohol.

‘I was so fuckin alone. On the top of my game, ridin’ the beasts that made me feel like a fuckin’ god, but even in a sold-out arena, I felt like I was in a room all by myself.’

The death of Maverick’s father brings him back home to his family ranch, filled with memories he would rather forget. It also brings him back to his siblings, older brother Clay and little sister Quinn. He has seen them over the years, when they have come to support him on the circuit but he has avoided the family farm completely. Quinn has missed her brother and is so happy to have him home.

A difficult relationship with his father wasn’t the only reason Maverick was keen to get out of town at 18. Leighton James was the other. She is the best friend of his sister Quinn, a girl that lived and grew up on the farm next door. She was pretty much in love with Maverick from her early teens. He knew this and kept her at arms length, knowing that one day he would be leaving to pursue his rodeo dreams. In fact, the night before he left he made sure she knew there was no hope for the two of them, breaking her heart. And his own.

In the 10 years since he left, Leighton has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Life has been hard for her but she is doing okay. Before she lays eyes on Maverick she senses him, feels his presence in the room. His reaction to seeing her is not what what she expected, hell even I was like WTF Maverick? I wanted to kick his arrogant arse!

One thing is startlingly clear though, these two care very deeply for each other. There are unresolved feelings between them. There is a bit of kicking and screaming involved when they finally have ‘that’ conversation. It needs to happen so they can clear the air and move forward with their respective lives. If Maverick had his way it would be with each other but Leighton is very gun shy when it comes to him, he has stomped on her heart before and there is nothing stopping him doing it again.

Maverick is determined to show Leighton that his heart and body now resides in Pine Oak and he plans to build his future here, having her by his side would be the final missing piece in his life. He knows that he needs to prove it by laying down concrete foundations, cementing his life back into the town.

‘All I’m asking is that you give me a chance. Give us a chance. It wasn’t our time back then, but we wouldn’t be back together like this if it wasn’t meant to be now. I can’t promise that it will be an easy ride, but stick with me and I’ll show you that I’m pretty damn good at holdin’ on for the long haul.’

This lost rider has been found.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader’s copy of this book, and boy am I glad that I did! This was such a fun and enjoyable read! It was the first book I’ve read of Harper’s, and I’ve since devoured more of her early works. Her writing style is addicting and binge-worthy. If you’re looking for a Western contemporary romance with a relatable “second chance at love” trope, then I would definitely suggest adding Lost Rider to your TBR. There was just enough conflict to keep you on your toes, but the rest of the book was filled with Southern charm and hospitality. Add in a whole lot of sizzle and it’s a book you can’t put down. Oh! And the leading lady works at a bakery, aptly named the PieHole that specializes in … you guessed it – pies! I was literally craving all the sugar in the world while reading this book … So have a seat in your porch swing, pour yourself a glass of whiskey, and get ready to settle down in the South!

If you are a fan of sweet drama free reads this book is for you!!!
Sweet, sweet and sweet!

Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

Lost Rider is a beautiful story of love healing the wounds of the past so that these two characters could build a future with one another. Maverick Davis was forced to return home for the funeral of his father and dealing with the end of his career as a rodeo rider. While he tries to deal with the new changes in his life, he comes face to face with his past mistakes including the things he did to his family and his childhood friend, Leighton James. The woman that Maverick knew when he left town has now grown into a beautiful young woman and she isn’t about to put up with Maverick being a jerk to the people that she has cared about since he has been gone. Can Maverick make up for the sins of his past and prove to Leigh that he has changed for good or is it too late to fix her broken heart?

I really enjoyed Lost Rider and these two characters were definitely made for each other. By leaving town and chasing his dreams, Maverick realized that what he was always looking for was left behind with his family and Leigh. Maverick and Leigh had a long history in the beginning of this book because she was the best friend of his younger sister. He made the mistake of saying hurtful things to Leigh while growing up and Leigh still felt the pain from that night. Even though Leigh always knew that Mav was the one for her she had hoped that he would someday realize that and come back to her.

By coming back home for his father’s funeral, he had to finally deal with the pain of the past and the damage that he caused to Leigh. That meant doing everything to convince her that she was his future and he would spend a lifetime trying to mend her broken heart. Some of those things were beautiful and made this reader cry especially the restaurant scene. She was “home” for Maverick and he finally found the peace that he needed by just being with her.

Lost Rider is the first book in the Coming Home series and this romance was very touching for me. These two characters had been through so much and they finally found the love that they needed with each other. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series and I will be sure to have the tissues ready.

I have to say this is my second favorite Harper book to date. It was brilliantly written with an amazing second chance romance storyline. I enjoyed every page and all the emotions evoked through the whole book. I am very much looking forward to the next!

Maverick is the sort of man I would not say no to meeting down a dark alley. Or anywhere. He was hot, hot, hot!! I loved the storyline, the writing style, the fact we got to see everything from Mavericks and Leighton's point of view. Would happily read another book with all to characters!

4 stars

I am a huge fan of Harper Sloan's previous work, and was excited when I saw that she had written a small town romance, featuring a cowboy. Not knowing what to expect, Lost Rider the first title in the Coming Home series, did not dissapoint, and I eagerly anticipate futher books in this series.

Leighton and Maverick's story is heartwarming, sweet and steamy. Mav is a hot, hunky, damaged alpha hero trying to forge a new path after the world as he knows it falls apart around him. Leighton is a strong, sassy and successful business owner.

This pair share a history, their lives intertwined from a young age, as Leighton is Maverick's younger sister's best friend. I adored the build up of sexual tension and the chemistry between this pair was palpable.

With strong themes of family, friendship, second chances and forgiveness I found Lost Rider to be an engaging, well written and entertaining read.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a small town romance, second chance romance or is a fan of alpha cowboys!