This is a cowboy & small town girl second chance romance.
Leighton and Maverick grew up together in a farm in small town Texas. Leighton has been in love with Maverick all her life. Right before Maverick left town to chase his rodeo rider dream Leighton bared her soul to him and he stomped all over it. Ten years later, Maverick was forced to come home after several injuries that prevent him from ever riding again. Leighton is no longer an ugly duckling, flat chested, insecure teenage girl. Leighton is still angry and hurt deeply by Maverick cruel words years ago. Even though Maverick was the first and only love of her life, Leighton vowed to never fall for the fame cowboy again. Maverick has other ideas – he knows he messed up in an unforgivable way but he desperately wants a second chance to prove to Leighton that he is here to stay and this time he wants a fairy tale ending. Can Leighton forgive his past mistake and allow Maverick to mend her heart?
The first part of the book got me immediately hooked. I could not believe the hostel reunion and banters between Leighton and Maverick. Leighton was livid and her sharp tongue slashing toward Maverick stemmed from years of heartache. I thought this cowboy can’t stand a chance with her. Leighton is a strong character – she was vulnerable love-struck teenage once but she grew up and has developed into a beautiful swan. Even with her harden attitude deep down she is still sweet, caring, loving to her friends and the people around her. Maverick is not what he appears either – brooding, alpha on the outside but he has a heart of gold. Maverick has a hard childhood and a huge chip on his shoulder. The reason for his leaving Leighton behind is way deeper than just chasing a dream. My heart really hurt for him. I adore all the characters, the storyline, the romance but I thought the second part might drag a little bit with the reasons and the circumstances of Maverick’s past.
Over all, Lost Rider is a gorgeous second chance romance full of angst, witty banters, likable characters, and a compelling storyline. It’s about love, friendship, forgiveness and find happy ever after.

4.5 Stars

A true love story that has it all!

We have a broody cowboy, the girl next door, second chance romance, oh and pie!

We have Maverick, the cowboy who left town as quick as his boots could take him, And Leighton, who's heart was left in his dust. 10 years pass and Maverick comes home only to have to find his way again with not only his family but Leighton too. I read this book in one sitting and it was a real page turner. I just couldn't wait to see where these characters went next, albeit a funny moment or a serious one. All of them were well written.

I love a good cowboy book and this book did not disappoint, it had mild angst and drama which is great to have in a book, i don't always want everything to go wrong. We have a great connection between all characters even ones just passing by. And we have incredible passion between the two leading characters which is what every book needs. And I love the fact we see the work that Maverick had put into some of these relationships.

If you are looking for a smooth-talking cowboy, you won't find it in this book. Maverick is broody and doesn't give a damn. This is a mixture of friends to lover, second chance book. It's about finding the right path to home no matter how long it takes to get there.

I am dying to see where the author goes with these characters as i especially loved Quinn and Clay, Maverick's siblings. I am also curious about Trey... bring on book 2.
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Lost Rider is the first novel in Harper Sloan’s newest series! Good lord…Cowboys have never seemed as sexy as when Harper Sloan creates her own world. Lost Rider is a second chance romance with a sexy former bull rider home much to his dismay forced to face those he left behind. Including the girl he left behind, Leighton was crushed when Maverick left but knew he needed to go. She isn’t about to let him stomp all over her heart again so Maverick knows to get a second chance with the girl he never forgot, he’ll have to put forth some real effort.

Maverick is a swoon worthy ex rodeo star that you can’t help but fall for page by page. While Leighton is a bad ass tough woman that you can’t help, but admire for her strength. After ten years Maverick has his work cut out in building back the bridges he burned so long ago. He is nothing if not hard headed in the pursuit of Leighton’s heart. These two are both very strong willed with hurt feeling/pent up emotions that together burn up the pages and take readers on one hell of a ride.

Lost Rider is a great first novel to a new series and perfectly captured reading attention. It was full on fabulous character, intriguing storyline, passionate one-on-one scenes, and sweet emotional connections. I loved every second of reading this novel and I can’t wait to read novel two! 5 stars!

Harper introduced us to some new characters to love. She wrote a beautiful story of hope and second chances. Her words pulled you into an emotional heartfelt story that pulled at those heart strings.

My first impression of Maverick wasn’t pleasant but he definitely grew on me. I felt the emotions of that teenage boy running from the pain of his past. Leighton and Maverick’s story wasn’t one that happened over night. It was a slow build up from when they were kids till adults. I felt all the emotions Harper poured into this story; guilt, heartache, hope and love.

This was a moving story and a great start to the series. I can’t wait to see where Harper takes us with these sexy cowboys.

Harper Sloan is a fantastic storyteller. I adore her Corps Security stories. This is everything I've come to except from her and more. Such a talented writer.

I'm a sucker for second chance romance when it comes to sorbet, but add in a family friend situation and I'm 100% here for it.

I struggled with Maverick right from the beginning. He's an ass. He says some reaaaaally hateful things about {and to} Leighton and I just couldn't root for him. Not unless he groveled at her feet and begged forgiveness. Sadly that never came.

As for Leighton, she's sassy in the beginning, but quickly succumbs to the bs that Maverick is selling. And then it just becomes rehashed and repetitive conversations and mildly cringeworthy sex scenes.

I'm not entirely sure why I kept reading. I was pretty done with this book at about 35%, but something compelled me to finish. I will not be reading any others in the series.

**Huge thanks to Pocket Books for providing the arc free of charge**

What a captivating story, it got straight to my heart. A story about second chances, not only in love but life; Harper Sloan created a new couple that will mesmerize you in every way. Maverick and Leighton will be hard to forget. What happens when everything you worked hard for is suddenly taken away? What happens when that love that left you years ago comes back? Lost Rider will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions, get this book, is just that good and might even need to re-read it sometime in the future.

AMAZING. just finished will write up review and add

It’s been a long while since I read a Harper Sloan book. While I enjoyed several of her Corps Security books, her others just didn’t jive with me. But being a sucker for Western Romance, I simply couldn’t pass up the chance to give this a shot, and I’m glad I did. There’s a distinct difference in the writing style that I really enjoyed. Besides that, the blurb for the book instantly hooked me
Leighton James isn’t a woman that you can have and let go.
Leighton James has been in love with Maverick Davis for as long as she can remember. But when she finally grew enough strength to admit to her feelings, he broke her heart and left it shattered beneath his cowboy boots as he ran as fast as he can from the town he grew up in. Now ten years later, after a career ending injury and his father’s death, he’s begrudgingly back. But many things have changed since he left and Leighton is no longer the little girl with stars in her eyes that he left behind. She’s now a woman that’s not afraid to tell him exactly what she thinks of him and she certainly doesn’t mince words.
All she had to do was walk into a room and I forgot it all. I forgot because she became the only thing I wanted more than my need to chase my dreams. The only thing I craved more than escaping.
The first 35% of the story had me completely hooked. I loved the unresolved tension between Leigh and Maverick. I loved their angst and I seriously loved their banter. Leigh is a firecracker and it was entertaining as hell watching her tell Maverick exactly what she thinks of him. Maverick is determined to right the wrongs of his past mistakes, the biggest being pushing Leigh away and never telling her his feelings. He’s not letting her go a second time and he’s prepared to fight for her this time around.
Then somewhere around the 35% mark, my interest began to slowly wane, and somewhere around the 50% mark I found myself almost disengaged from the story completely. I felt like the we got so much in that first 30% that everything following that was almost…dare I say…filler. There was a lot of conversations about the past. Numerous and repetitive. You get Maverick explaining why he left and the secrets he’s been hiding. But because you get that revelation so early in the story, there’s nothing really hooking you anymore. Yes, you get the development of their relationship, but it’s already fairly obvious of where it’ll go, so the rest of it kind of started to feel like mundane detail. All of the excitement is packed in the first quarter of the story and the rest is Leigh and Maverick talking, living their lives, and interacting with the locals and Maverick’s brother and sister. I really felt like the last 70% could have easily been cut down and the reader wouldn’t have lost out on much.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. For the most part. The first quarter was enough to tide me over and while I did have to push myself to finish, it was still a sweet read. The steam factor was just enough and didn’t feel like it was overshadowing the romance.

Ten years ago Maverick Austin Davis knew the only way to survive was to leave. Leaving behind his siblings, his best friend and his father's abuse. All he wanted was to become a rodeo star. And that he did. Until one too many falls put an end to a successful career and a life of loneliness. Not that he would admit to that. Now, forced to return home, Maverick is faced with his one regret: Leighton Elizabeth James. Leigh was happy enough with the way her life was going. She had found a family in the Davis siblings - the ones that never left anyway. She was a successful home and business owner. As a matter of fact, her bakery was the talk of the town. She was good. Until, the man that broke her heart came back and did it again. Lost Rider is an emotional romance, full of love, friendship, loyalty, secrets and regrets. Lost after the end of his career and forced to return to the one place he never wanted to go back to, Maverick needs time to heal and to make peace with his past. That includes making amends with the only girl he ever loved, before he can win her heart. A wonderful romance with sexy cowboys, sassy women, funny moments, drama and all that good stuff…

5 Stars

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Leighton and Maverick’s story. Leighton was in love with Maverick ever since she could remember. But he broke her heart in front of his family before leaving town. Now years later he is back and knows he made a mistake. But she does not want another broken heart. Her heart is still healing from his brutal shattering years ago. Secrets are revealed and things she never suspected are revealed. Can Maverick let go of the pain in his past and start over with Leighton or will she decide she just can’t risk her heart again on him? You can feel the chemistry these two have but is it enough? Can they overcome all the hurt of the past to have a better future together?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.

When I heard that Harper was going cowboy, I was over the top kick up my bootheels excited. I have loved everything she has written and couldn't wait to see what she would do with this new series. I fell absolutely and completely head over heart for Mav. He made me swoon and made me cry and made me love him. This man. He comes back to town for his father's funeral to support his brother and sister. One of his dreams is over yet another is there ready for him to grab hold of again. Leighton. The woman he left behind with no other choice he could see at the time. Now he is ready to go after his heart and fight for hers. And...damn...he surely gives good fight. Leighton. I adored her. She is one of those women who is strong and also vulnerable at the same time. And Mav will need both as he deals with things he has buried for way too long. To say that I loved their story is an understatement. Theirs is one of my favorite reads this year. Well done, Harper. Seriously. LOVED it.

I give Lost Rider 5 hearts!

A heartfelt Southern romance that would make any cowboy lover fall head over heels!

I enjoyed this story. Harper Sloan has a way with words---I was having a hard time putting the book down.

Thank you for writing this story!

I don't really read about cowboys or western so I was little cautious and wary about this book. I'm a huge fan of Harper's Corps Security so I definitely wanted to read this. I FREAKING loved this book so much! It's usually a hit and miss with 2nd chance romances ... in Mav & Leightons case it's more like a "If it's meant to be no matter what they'll find their way back to each other"

It's heartbreaking how they break apart but oh so satisfying once all the puzzles fit right into place not to mention super sexy since their chemistry has always been off the charts. Loved Maverick and Leighton and the whole freaking town actually. GREAT small town feel and LOVED the feels

“it’s too soon, but in the same breath, it’s ten years too late.”

Lost Rider is a second chance romance story that is going to make you feel so many emotions. I fell in love with the story immediately- I was hooked and there was no chance that I was going to put it down.
After reading it, I only wanted one thing- becoming a princess with cowboy boots and have Maverick as my Prince Charming!
Maverick and Leighton’s story is so powerful, raw and full of passion.

“It’s time to come home, not just your body, but your soul too.”

What I loved the most was the characters- all of them!!! Their bond is so strong and this is what, in my opinion, make Lost Rider such a beautiful and enthralling story. They are real.
Leighton has always loved unconditionally her best friend’s brother for how long as she can remember. In her books, Maverick could not do wrong and she would have done everything in her power to make him notice her and see her as more than Quinn’s BFF.

Maverick was not destined to live his life in the family ranch for numerous reasons. So , he decided to leave to pursue his career as a bull rider away from his hometown , his family and Leighton. He left but his last words to her, shattered her heart in million pieces.

“I might have been the king of the rodeo after that, but I did it with a dead heart that no one came close to touchin’.”

10 years later, Maverick comes back for family reasons and meets Leighton again. While he was away, Leighton got even closer to the Davies’s family, she became like a sister to Quinn and Clay. She has never stopped loving Maverick but all those unresolved feelings for him have resurfaced. Can she find the strength in herself to forgive him for all the pain he has caused her? Can Maverick deal with his past in order to build himself a new life in Pine Oak? Can Maverick rebuild the trust he destroyed when he left?

“ I should have known that when the love you have for someone is bigger than you can understand, it’s better to leave that to your dreams.”

I can’t find the words to describe how much I love Lost Rider . It was an all-consuming, emotive read that I literally did not want to put down. I knew from the first chapter that my heart was in for a bumpy ride. I do not want to share too much of the plot as I feel that you need to read it without having it spoilt but I felt so much for Maverick… I did not just read the story of Maverick and Leighton, I felt it <3

“She was my compass when I was lost without direction.”

I was super excited to read this book and once I started it I could not put it down. This was a beautiful second chance at love for two broken people. It was so beautifully written that I had to start it over again once it was over. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Romances where the protagonists get a second chance at love are my not-so-guilty pleasure. I can’t get enough of them. I also can’t get enough of Harper Sloan’s writing, having read and loved several of her books. I was excited to get my hands on her latest release, Lost Rider, because I was eager to see how she’d tackle a Western romance with an honest-to-goodness cowboy hero. She’s already proven herself adept at creating swoon-worthy, Alpha male heroes capable of setting one's heart aflutter so, In Lost Rider, her hero just happens to don a cowboy hat and speak with a Texas twang.

What initially drew me to this book was the set-up. I loved the idea of a cowboy returning home to make amends with the girl he left behind. The notion is incredibly romantic, isn’t it? I was eager for the reunion between protagonists, Maverick Davis and Leighton James, and the author didn’t disappoint, creating a tension-filled, chemistry-laden, gut-wrenchingly emotional situation that relentlessly tugged on my heartstrings. There were hurt feelings and unresolved issues mixed in with fiery banter and sexual tension – a combination that had me anxious to see how the story would unfold.

As I continued through the story, however, waiting for something momentous to happen, I began to feel as though the narrative was growing stagnant with its repetitiveness. There was so much back-and-forth about Mav and Leigh's feelings – talking about, thinking about, and overanalyzing those feelings. I felt as though I was reading the same conversation in every chapter, so much so that, if you take away all the inner monologues and dialogue and descriptions of every person, place, or thing, there's doesn’t seem to be much else happening. The past was being constantly re-lived and it took longer than I would’ve liked for Maverick and Leighton to decide to focus on the future. From that point, the story was a bit rushed, to ensure they’d get their happy ending.

Overall, Lost Rider is a sweet read, with plenty of angst and touches of humor. It’s enjoyable and, had I read not read previous books by Harper Sloan, I might’ve liked it more. Knowing what she’s capable of, though, raised my expectations and I felt as though something was missing. That being said, I was intrigued by Maverick’s siblings, Clay and Quinn, and look forward to their respective stories.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

Rating: 3.5 Stars