The Lost Rider by Harper Sloan is a new series about family ranch in Texas called Coming Home. The father recently died and the brother who has been gone for so long returns. Maverick Austin Davis is home from the rodeo. He has been told to give up riding or give up living. Unfortunately it is the only thing that has given him any pleasure these last years.

Leighton Elizabeth James runs a shop called the Piehole. It is famous for its wide range of pies. Leighton has put all her love and hard work to the shop since her parents died. She is feeling alone, but glad for the shop. She has always been in love with Maverick, but once he is home, she is pretty sure she hates him!

There are secrets to be uncovered and lies to be challenged. There are two lonely people who have only loved each other suddenly put together. The character of Maverick is not an easy character to like. He is rude, crude, and brash. Leighton smooths him out, but he still has stories to tell.

The Lost Rider by Harper Sloan is a good read.

A heart-warming romance !

This was an utterly moving story of second chances in life, and I truly loved every minute of it. I don’t know why I am even surprised anymore when I fall in love with another book by this incredible author because it happens every single time. 

This story is about retired rodeo star Maverick Davis and bakery owner Leighton James who happens to be Mav’s sister’s best friend too. 

Ten years ago, Maverick left his little home town in Texas to pursue his dream of becoming a bull rider and to get far away from his abusive father, leaving behind his siblings and her, Leighton. Trapped in an impossible situation, eighteen-year-old Maverick had any other choice than to leave and for many reasons to intentionally break Leighton’s heart in the process. When forced to return home after one too many head injuries and his old man gone, all it took for Maverick was one glance in the direction of the woman he never forgot to realize he would do just about anything to turn back time. 

« Staying here would have killed me, even though leaving her did the trick all the same. » 

Done with the life he’s lived during all those years, being driven by anger and fueled with a whole lot of regrets, Maverick will have to fight with all his heart to convince Leighton to give him a chance and that the only thing he craves more than escaping, is her. 

« 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. » 

There's just one small problem...Leighton is no longer the naive and insecure schoolgirl she used to be. She has loved Maverick since she was sixteen, the one man who shattered her heart and left her a changed woman. The one she thought she would never be good enough for. The one she spent the last ten years trying to forget. Ten long years which have not even dimmed the sting of the words he spoke that ill-fated night before he left town. But one day, there he is, ready to set everything ablaze once more…

Lost Rider holds all the elements I’ve come to love in my romance, an engaging storyline, a compelling backstory, a phenomenal writing, with just the right balance of sizzling sex, scorching passion and mounting emotional attachment between the characters. This story captured my heart from the very beginning and feed my senses page after page. I totally loved the entire environment Harper Sloan created in this one, how the story played out and every single character is spot on. I just loved it all so much ! Maverick and Leighton were both amazing and the devastating intensity of their connection was undeniable. My heart was all over the place and I felt so many emotions throughout their story. This is ultimately a story about the value of family, emotional healing and most of all about true love. If like me you’re a fan, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy this beautiful story as well. 

ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

A second chance romance has Maverick coming home 10 years after crushing Leighton's heart at the tender age of 16. There is a lot of heart to this story and it starts out pretty rough with the way Maverick handled Leighton, but then you start to learn why he was so harsh and how he truly feels.

The book starts out with Maverick coming home for the first time after leaving town 10 years prior, but we also get flashbacks to when they were teenagers to show the bond they had before he left. Maverick is bitter and angry, not only from losing his bull riding career, but also his father's funeral. A father he ran away from as soon as he turned 18.

To get away from his abusive father, he severed the bond with Leighton and he soon realizes how much he he has to repair with her. It starts out a little rough but I liked that this author didn't dwell too much on them apart, but more of the couple working things out together. The second half of the book was a lot sweeter than I was expecting.

Maverick may have needed to heal the most but we see that his sister and brother also have very deep wounds. This book set up both siblings nicely for their own story to come.

ARC provided by Netgalley.

Maverick left his hometown in Texas ten years ago to follow his dreams. He wanted to be the biggest rodeo star ever. And he achieved all that and more. But now an injury sends him back home for good. Also, his dad died and he has to help with the family's horse farm business. Which he hates! He and his dad had a horrible and abusive relationship. His dad didn't believe he would ever make something of the rodeo thing. But he did.
And now he's back home .... But his family was not the only thing he left back then. There was also the girl who could've been his forever girl. But he just couldn't stay and live with his dad for even one more day. So he left. And poor Leighton got hurt pretty badly by all that. And now that he's back.... will she give him another chance? And what will he do with his life now that he's retired at 28?

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LEIGH & MAV???
WILL THERE BE A HAPPY END?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺

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COWBOY-ISH ADORABLE!

I loved this book!
Mav and Leigh are so adorable! The way they fight and flirt and bake cake and clean horse stalls and love each other, it's too cute and funny. But it's kind of sad too. They could've had all those years together, but Mav left and broke her heart. Ugh! I shed a few tears here and there.
But now he's back and he wants - needs - his girl back.
Time to fight the most important fight of his life. It'll probably be harder than fighting against the baddest bull he ever came across!
But for us readers it's so absolutely fun to watch!

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I really loved the story and the characters, but I think it should've been edited a bit better. 50 pages less wouldn't have hurt. It's just too long somehow. It goes around in circles too much. They get together for the first time at the 26% mark and then it all could've been long over with by 50% - but we still have half a book left - which to me translates to way too much unnecessary drama - which I hate :/
And again - a tiny spoiler - at 80% it's all good and could be over, but we still have 20% to go ... it was way too long. Also the conversations of everyone are waaay too long. Almost half a page many times. Too long. But I think that's a Harper Sloan thing. This is only my second book of hers and I just went back to look at my review for Perfectly Imperfect, and I said the exact same thing about it: too long and complicated sentences et cetera. :(
It just should've been a bit shorter! It would've made it much more interesting. Readers are bored easily and I'm afraid that this will happen in this case :/
Another thing that turned me off a little bit - Mav saying DARLIN' ALL the time - and Leigh saying HONEY. It's not sexy in my opinion. A cowboy can be a bit cowboyish, but that was way too much old texas grandpa in such a hot guy!

But I still loved the book and the people in it - and I want pie now!!!! ☺
If an editor should go over the book again and make it perfect - I will up my 4.25 stars to at least 4.5 - which in math is 5 ☺

Now I can't wait for Quinn's book to be released in July - and then of course Clay!!!!!!

LOST RIDER was an adorable & sexy & moving second-chance Cowboy Romance! Hurry to your nearest amazon asap for your own Maverick - this one is MINE!!!!

Lost Rider was Fantastic! Maverick is an extremely complex character and Leighton is the path to calming his soul. Along with whitty banter that is signature in a Harper Sloan story you find a beautiful hot love story! ~ E

I am not usually a fan of cowboy romances but this is so much more than ranches and cowboys.

Maverick is a dark beautiful soul; one that needs a path. He finds a beautiful one with Leighton, he just has to make her see it and guide her to love him again.

Leighton has loved Maverick her entire life; even when he hurt her and walked away from her. Ten years it has been since he walked away from her and any type of future they could have had together.

Can Leighton forgive Maverick and continue on their destined path?

A brand new series from Harper Sloane and she's given us Cowboys!!! Yay! I got really excited about this book and looked forward to diving in.

In this book we meet Maverick. A world class rodeo rider whose life has been suddenly changed. He's spiralling; not knowing where to go, and is also being forced home following a family tragedy. Back to his home town where he's not returned for the last 10 years. Back to his past and back to Leighton.

This was a great second chance romance. There was a definite slow burn and it did take me a while to get into but there were also some super hot and sexy scenes. Maverick and Leighton has some grammar chemistry. There were a few lulls for me, but overall the story was sweet and romantic.

The characters were great, especially the secondary ones. Clay and Quinn are great, and Jana was hilarious at times. Some really funny, humorous parts, plus the more serious and emotional parts too.

Overall an enjoyable read and I look forward to another in this series.

3.5/4 Stars

***ARC Provided by the Author and NetGalley***

4.5 Stars

Somehow, this is my first book by Harper Sloan. Yes, I know. No, I am not all that sure how this happened. But, I think I started in a pretty great place. I know I am hoping we get the stories of the other 2 siblings, as there is a lot to tell and they were incredibly interesting and developed as side characters.

Maverick and Leighton (Leigh) were wonderful, and there was so much to love about them. That said, for some reason, I had a tough time getting into this at the beginning. I think because Maverick really wasn't in a great place at the beginning of the story. Definitely not the romantic hero that you imagine. But, he makes up for this first impression...both to the readers and to Leigh, who isn't all that glad to see him return. And then she is. But she isn't.

One of the things I loved about this book is how much Maverick loves Leigh. He just does. He is in it for the long haul, he is putting down roots, and they are not going anywhere.

He is all in...although he is smart enough to know why there is some doubt for the people around him. And, I was glad for this. As, while the chemistry is off the charts, as a reader, at first, I was not all that sure what I thought of Maverick. By the end, well, he can unpack that duffel at my house, no problem.

I loved the way Harper Sloan wrote this amazingly flawed character and then allowed him to redeem himself in the eyes of the readers as he was proving himself to the people he loved, to his family and to Leigh. This makes you believe him. You KNOW he is telling the truth, that he is all in. And, you feel it. You sense it. The emotion he feels, and those of those around him, practically pour off of this book.

The story arc for this was also well done. There are things that are not answered, but are left in such a place that you have the answers you need for Maverick and Leigh to move forward. And I thought this was perfect. There was a lot about this book that felt like real life, like a story about 2 real people. So, the idea that while they get their happily ever after, and it is wonderful, that there is more story to tell when others are the main characters is definitely left open.

I recommend this book and I really, really, hope we get the other stories that are so clearly asking to be told. I know I will read them.

4.5 stars

Maverick and Leighton have avoided each other for 10 years, easy since Maverick has been on the professional rodeo circuit. But too many head injuries means his career is over and a single phone call pulls his home despite his loathing of the place.

Leighton hasn’t left her hometown, but the emotional pain Maverick inflicted before he left lingers, despite her best efforts to move on. His family is nearly her family though and it was inevitable she would have to face in at some point.

They both have so much emotional pain to work through. The damage was done in the past, but never faced by either character. They are both determined to work through it though, so things go relatively smooth in the present day. But their past is painful, dramatic, and angsty. Maverick took some getting used to. He returns to town angry, holding onto the chip that chased him out of town and takes his anger out on everyone around him. But as the book progressed and some of his pain is revealed, I found that I understood the anger and the other character’s reactions to his actions made me feel better about his character.

There is more than just a romantic relationship to fix. Familial tension, the farm, the future, and so much is tied up in these pages. At times, it became somewhat repetitive in the emotional side of things, but enough different storylines going on that the repetition makes sense as the characters work through their hang-ups.

Maverick’s siblings have their own emotional baggage to work through, and the introductions we see into their problems makes me look forward to their books as well.

This is a new direction for Harper’s writing. New setting, new subgenre, new family, but it still has the same emotional storytelling, depth of characters and compelling plots. As a new introduction to her writing and for those who are already fans, this is a an entertaining piece and I look forward to more from the series.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

4-4.25 STARS

In this first book of author Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series, “Lost Rider” is the story of injured rodeo star, Maverick Austin Davis, who returns to his home town following the death of his abusive father. While familial obligations might have been the catalyst that forces Maverick home, he knows full well that his return is long overdue. It’s time for Maverick to acknowledge old regrets and to finally face them head on; to open old wounds and to put to rest the demons of his past. And in doing so, maybe… just… maybe… he can undo his biggest regret of all and win back the heart of the girl he loved but had left behind.

Leighton Elizabeth James has been in love with her best friend’s brother, Maverick, for practically her entire life. But Leighton has never been able to garner Maverick’s attention—or, so she thinks. Thus, when Maverick spews hurtful words in her direction and then leaves without ever looking back, Leighton is devastated and left with a wounded heart.

Years of hurt can’t easily be erased, yet Maverick’s return reignites the flame that never truly died. Armed with apologies and an explanation, Maverick is determined to make things right and to fight for Leighton’s love. But how can Leighton entrust her heart to Maverick when he could so easily decimate it once again?

Upon returning home, Maverick was angry and obnoxious. In contrast, I found Leighton to be sweet and caring. As such, I really didn’t care much for Maverick, despite all the reasons why I should. Therefore, not only did he have to prove himself to Leighton, but he needed to prove himself to ME. Knowing his history, I understood all of Maverick’s reasons for leaving in the first place. Hurting Leighton in the manner in which he did… not so much. And keeping his distance from the siblings that continued to love and care for him through all the years they were apart, was a selfish and cowardly thing to do. I really doubted that this sexy, brooding cowboy would ever change my mind… and yet... eventually... he did just that!

Just as Maverick chipped away at Leighton’s guarded heart, he somehow managed to slip inside mine as well. As Maverick opened up and let his secrets flow, the man hiding beneath the gruff exterior slowly began to emerge. He proved himself to be worthy of a second chance, thus, a man worthy of Leighton’s love. Soon, I found myself swooning over Maverick’s romantic gestures, and fanning myself over the couple’s sinfully lustful encounters.

For Maverick Davis, the path to redemption was a journey that didn't come easy, but it was a road well worth traveling. Because in the end, the girl of his dreams was by his side for good. Together, Maverick and Leighton would make a life built on love and promises instead of living a life filled with sorrow and regret.

If you believe in true love, destiny, and new beginnings, then “Lost Rider” is a story that’s sure to capture your heart.

Harper Sloan never ceases to amaze me!!

Lost Rider was an unputdownable read that had me drooling on my kindle screen over some down home, good ole country boys!

Maverick and Leighton had such an incredible dynamic between the two of them! In fact, their chemistry was so unique, captivating and hot, that I never wanted their story to end. I constantly wanted to keep reading to see where their story was going to go next, and how it would all end!


This novel has quickly become one of my favourite reads of the year!! I cannot wait to read the next book in this new, scintillating series!!

5/5 Stars!!

I totally loved this book, Her characters had love and a good sense of humor, I was gunning for someone to hit Maverick and I was so glad that someone did, what a real jerk he was in the beginning. Jana and Quinn had me laughing with their comments to Leighton. I can't wait for more of this Series to come.

3.5 stars
I struggled a little bit with how to rate this book. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but there were also things that I found incredibly frustrating. I ended up giving more weight to the enjoyment because things I found frustrating may be more personal preference and I would hate for that to keep someone away from this book.
Maverick and Leighton have history and an undeniable connection. I appreciated the glimpses into who they were as teenagers as knowing that history made their instant connection as adults make so much sense. It was wonderful to see the work Maverick was willing to put into making amends and showing he intended to stick around for the long haul.
Once Leighton and Maverick took the time to fully discuss their history and resolve things, it was heartwarming to see the emotional evolution of both characters. They were both extremely easy to like, both on their own and together.
The secondary cast of characters created several truly funny and laugh out loud moments, especially when it came to potentially embarrassing Leighton.
The frustrations I had with the book are two fold. The first is strictly a personal pet peeve regarding the setting - at one point the author referenced the town being near Austin and another she indicated they were near Dallas. While both cities are near the Interstate mentioned, they are no where near each other. There is also the implication that a small town, with at least one very large ranch would be within a quick hour drive from Dallas. Maybe I am being too literal, but the author seemed to be playing to stereotypes of Texas versus the reality of the modern day DFW metroplex. The second piece of my frustration comes from the dialog. Maverick and Leighton rehash things a lot - and while I admire their desire to make sure they start on the right foot - the shear number of conversations about the same issues gets repetitive. There is also a stiffness to the conversations that I found a little disconcerting.
Overall, Lost Rider is a good story and is definitely worth reading. Seeing two soul mates in Maverick and Leighton find their way back to each other gives a great case of the warm and fuzzies. I am very curious to see what happens with Quinn and Clayton. This is a great family and I want to know more about them.

Oh, Lost Rider was one I debated about. On one hand, Harper Sloan is awesome. Seriously, her Hope Town series? Amazing! But, the synopsis of this book reminded me of a J. Daniels book that I was super frustrated with. I love the best friend's sibling trope, and I love a good second chance romance. However, when the hero crushes the heroine because she isn't quite the beautiful swan yet? Ugh!! Then, he comes back, she is a slamming hottie and NOW he wants her? I want to kick him in the balls, and then throat punch her until she realizes she deserves someone who has ALWAYS loved her, no matter what. In all honestly, I know this comes from my own personal insecurities about my appearance and the truly mean things boys said when I was younger. I know that I would never be able to move past what they said and trust them.

However, like I said, its Harper Sloan. So, I took a deep breath, told myself to try and keep an open mind, and I dove into Lost Rider. While I was glad that it wasn't quite as clear cut as the blurb made it sound, I was still frustrated with Maverick. I wasn't sure that I wanted Leighton to forgive him! When he first comes back to town, he is horrible to her. I mean, HORRIBLE. I was beginning to think he would never 'get it'. He was so self absorbed, he was unable to see the pain he caused because he felt he 'had to' do things that way. But, as the story progresses you get more insight into both Mav and Leigh, I was able to let some of my anger go. Both of them agree to talk through some things and forgive the mistakes of the past. It was honestly a pretty mature move that I don't often see in romance novels. Leighton is the type of girl who is wise well beyond her years. Seriously, she should have been a psychologist because she always has just the right thing to say in a situation!

The angst for the first 1/2 of the book is all between Mav and Leigh which is difficult for me because I hate angst in the relationship. But, the second 1/2 of the book the angst is with the family secrets and such which I found more compelling.

If you are a sucker for second chance romance, Lost Rider needs to be at the top of your TBR. Their story is one for the ages!

I would definitely recommend this book, it's a really good story with a lot of drama and so many emotions. The flow was great and I just loved all the characters. Maverick was a broody cowboy in the beginning, but as he opened up to Leigh he became a cowboy with a heart of gold. I loved them both. I can't wait for Clay and Quinn's books.

Panty Scorching-5
Angst-3
Value- 5
Overall Rating-5
eKindle Review by: Jen

Lost Rider by Harper Sloan is one of those emotionally charged books that you can’t put down and once you finish reading you can’t stop thinking about the characters. I was so desperate to read this book that I found myself sneaking breaks in at work just to read one more page. I was THAT addicted to the story and invested that much in the characters. As I saw the number of pages dwindle down on my kindle as I read the story I couldn’t help but get mad because I did not want their story to end… ever! But that is just me being super greedy!

As with all her books, Harper, gives us amazing characters that you not only root for and fall in love with but find pieces of yourself in them as well. Lost Rider is the story of Maverick and Leighton who have been in each other’s lives their entire life. Leighton is best friends with Maverick’s little sister Quinn and has always had a crush on Maverick and when she finally has the courage to step up and tell him her world is crushed by words that can never be taken back. As her world is crushed and heart is broken Maverick makes good on a promise that he has always said would happen- he leaves everything and everyone behind to chase his dreams. It’s only years later, when his dreams are no longer attainable and his family needs him back home, does Maverick make the journey back to the place he promised he would never return to. As years of pent up anger and desire combust will Leighton and Maverick be able to put the past behind them and move on together? Or are the wounds they each carry too deep to heal that will allow them to move on?

Let me start off by saying that Maverick is the ultimate cowboy…and…. really makes me want to pack my bags and move to Texas. He is the kind of man that opens doors for his lady *swoon*, knows his way around the bedroom *wink* , and can admit when he makes a mistake (although it may take him a loooonnnngggg time to admit it but who cares can we get an hallelujah for a guy realizing and correcting his mistakes!) Leighton is your girl next door whose insecurities have sometimes kept her from coming out of her shell but refuses to shut her mouth when she has something on her mind. I LOVED her for her fierceness, what she perceived as her flaws, and her ability to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. She is one strong lady! Leighton and Maverick’s chemistry can seriously make sheets on a bed combust! WOW!! Their passion, desire, and love is off the charts. I loved reading about them and their story. I just have to say how much I loved the relationship between Leighton and Quinn. Their friendship is one that is loyal and unbreakable and I can’t wait to read more about their friendship!

Thank you Harper Sloan for once again giving us an amazing story. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series!

in lost rider, the first book in the coming home series, maverick davis has lost his sense of purpose. ten years ago he left everything behind to pursue his dream of bull-riding. he left behind his siblings. he left behind the girl he loved—not that she was aware of the fact. because in order to really leave, he behaved despicably, unforgivably. he couldn't risk anything keeping him close to his abusive, drunk, poor excuse for a father.

except now that bull-riding is no longer a viable career, now that his father is dead and buried, and now that his siblings need him more than ever, he's come home. and what he did ten years ago still flays at him. especially now that his dream is gone. so he gave up love for nothing. he hurt leighton james for nothing.

and he did hurt her. she's survived and grown stronger and tries so hard to hold on to her anger. she wants to hate maverick so much. and when he first returns he does his best to help her continue hating him. but so much anger and pain and emotion and longing and love can't stay hidden. and soon enough they realize that it is useless to fight their connection.

if ten years of hurt and pain and loneliness didn't kill it. nothing will. and now they just need to figure out who they are together. because not being honest with themselves or each other is what has them so twisted up in knots. and maverick has plenty of amends to make. for a while there is such a disconnect between what is going on in his head and what his mouth is actually saying that it's hard to know how to feel about him. he does redeem himself. once he stops getting in his own way, things move forward. really, most conflicts in life can be resolved if only we stopped being our own biggest obstacle.

**lost rider will publish on april 25, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/gallery, threshold, pocket books (pocket books) in exchange for my honest review.

Harper Sloan does NOT know how to disappoint her readers at all. I just fell in love with Maverick and Leigh! There is so much about this book that just draws you in and won't let you go. I wouldn't call this a second chance romance, but yet it is. It's unlike any other I have ever read and I was lucky enough to get an ARC of her first published book ever!! Maverick hasn't had it easy, Leigh is one heck of a lady. I instantly fell in love with Maverick, he is broken and hurt and he doesn't know what to do with all that. Leigh, well, there is so much to say about the first heroine that I have ever had a girl crush on. She is so strong in her own right. She knows what is meant to be and as scared as she is, she takes life by the boots and keeps on truckin' it! I laughed with these characters, I cried with and for these characters, I swooned over these characters! And I can't forget to mention Clay and Quinn! I can NOT wait until they get their own stories, which I know will be epic with the set up for them. There were more test and turns then I seen coming and it was the best plot twist that I could have ever wanted! Leigh and Mav are my new top couple of the year!

Lost Rider was a beautiful, fun, sweet, emotional, and utterly engaging story. That was full of characters I just want to read more about,

It's unfortunate that I could not finish this book. I just couldn't get into the book enough to enjoy it. I'm a huge Harper Sloan fan but was disappointed with this new book. I may try to read book two, or even try to read this one again. I had such high hopes.

Harper Sloan is one of my favourite 1-click authors. She is incapable of writing something that i wont like. Her books are simply brilliant!

This is a great start to a new series that i know i am now hooked on completely. What i want to know is where can i find my very own cowboy?!?!?

Maverick Austin Davis is a super hot, alpha male, swoon-worthy, ex-rodeo star, genuine cowboy. He's come back home to lay some ghosts to rest and to try to win over the girl that stole his heart when they were kids. Unfortunately on his way out of town he did not handle things the right way and he broke Leighton James tender teenage heart. 10 years of pain is a lot to get over and make up for but he is in it for the long ride.

<b><i> "You better believe I'm ridin' this out with you until you buck me off. And darlin', there hasnt been a ride I've ever been more prepared for." </b></i>

The chemistry and tension between Leighton and Maverick is scorching hot. Leighton is fighting her head, its telling her to walk away but her body and heart wants the broken cowboy. Once he has his shit together hes not letting her go, no matter how stubborn she is. The journey for them to find their way back to each other is simply brilliant, its emotional, its raw, its fought hard and emotionally draining for them and us as the reader. It seeps into your heart and embeds itself there.

The secondary charcaters were equally as brilliant as Leighton and Maverick. The banter between them all was hilarious and i cant wait to read more of Clayton and Quinn. I have a feeling Clayton's story will be my favourite as he comes across as guarded and brooding which equals hot passion in my book.

Looking forward to book 2 <b> Kiss My Boots </b>

Harper has certainly done it again, a brilliant series im addicted to.

<b><i> I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Inkslinger PR </b></i>

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