Member Reviews
I love a cowboy romance and Cowboy Up was a perfect choice. Caroline and Clayton are explosive together! They’re too very different people but they’ve been hurt in their past relationships and none wanted a new relationship. As soon as they meet, their chemistry burns bright so a one night stand seems like a fun, no strings attached, “let’s burn this place down” kind of thing. But sometimes amazing chemistry can turn into so much more…
This book is hot, hot, hot. I was really surprised with the amount of steam in this book. And I loved it! There’s a lot going on, but Harper Sloan managed a perfect balance between sweet, sexy, family unity and suspenseful moments. I loved Clayton and Caroline’s background story, their interactions with each other, the funny moments, there are amazing moments in this story that will make you laugh and cry. I really liked Clay’s relationship with his siblings and the glimpses we get about the two other couples previously featured in this series. Even though I haven’t read the previous books, Clayton and Caroline’s story was so beautifully written that I really didn’t feel like I needed to read them, but I am so curious about them that I think I’ll go back to read both, can’t really miss Maverick and Quinn’s stories after reading Cowboy Up. I’m a little in love with the Davis siblings and I couldn’t put my kindle down!
There’s a little over the top drama, towards the end, with the villain (can’t give it away because I don’t want to spoil it), but overall I really enjoyed Cowboy Up.
A beautifully written, fast paced, full of emotions, very sweet, very steamy, entertaining small town cowboy romance.
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Harper Sloan book, and I really really enjoyed it. I LOVED Clayton as a character. Wow, what a sweetie under that rough exterior.
The characters are well written in this one, both the main characters and the secondary characters, and everything flowed really well.
I loved the way that Clay and Linnie were with each other, and also with their best friends and family too. The accents were awesome (I’m Aussie, so reading the US country accent was really cool), and this was honestly just a really fun and easy book to read.
There are a few serious issues happening in the book, but they’re written well and dealt with well. Even the big part near the end is really well done too.
The end of the book is fantastic and just perfect for these guys, my only wish now is to go back and read the first two books about Clays siblings. I’d love to see a book for Caroline’s two best friends and see each of them get their own happy endings as well.
Loved it, would recommend.
5 'Love you bad' Stars!
ARC provided by the publisher via Ink Slinger PR in exchange for an honest review.
Harper Sloan released this western romance series during 2017 and I am sad to say goodbye to all of these characters because their love stories brought me so many good feelings. The Davis siblings are all now in very happy relationships and I couldn’t be more ecstatic about it because they totally deserve it! So as you can imagine by what I am saying, Cowboy Up is an amazing addition to the other love stories and the perfect way to end this fantastic series.
So, Cowboy Up is the third installment in Harper's Coming Home series and it's finally time for the oldest Davis sibling to fall in love. Clayton has always been the father figure for both his sibilings and he thinks the life that he has is already good as it is.Well, everything changes when he has an extremely hawt one-night stand with Caroline Michaels. These two have a very strong connection so it's obvious they will meet again (they already knew each other, just not in the biblical sense..) and then their feelings cannot be stopped. Caroline and her dark cowboy start falling in love between lots of sexy times, emotional moments, hilarious situations with their families and Friends and even some drama and suspense. What a great mix!
“Want to?”
“Want to what?”
“Be bad, sugar.”
“I think I do.”
If you, like me, have read the other books in the series, I am sure you were as excited to read Clayton's love story. Who does not love the protective older brother? Well ladies, Clayton Davis is not only a fantastic brother, he is a God in the sack and he is more tan ready to steal all our hearts. Especially Caroline's! This dark cowboy hasn't had the best upbringing neither a good example of having a loving relationship so as you can imagine is not easy for him to want more than a one-night stand. He surely feels the chemistry with Caroline, though! And even though both don't think they will meet again, when they actually do, the sparks and the tension are absolutely out-of-this-world and explosive between them!
“One night of being bad with you, Caroline, and I felt more with you in the darkness than I’ve ever felt with anyone else in the light.”
Their magical night turns into a beautiful relationship that will not leave you indifferent. When these two accept what they feel and act on it, they will leave you breathless. Clayton and Caroline have such a strong connection and both as individuals and as a couple are pretty strong characters. Caroline also comes from a difficult past (with an abusive relationship included) but when she is next to her dark cowboy nothing gets in her way! Not even if there are moments with lots of difficulties or pasts getting in the way or even the drama that happens towards the end. And she is a bookworm! Heck, yeah! That made me love her even more! Also, you know what I really really loved? How much we see of the other couples and how much the Davis siblings love each other. Clayton, Mav and Quinn always have each others backs and their moments together will melt your insides and make you cry like a baby! I loved seeing them so happy and I loved that Clayton and Caroline got their much deserved happy ending!
I never stood a chance at keeping my heart from him. Not when he makes me feel like nothing is impossible.
Therefore, I am rating Cowboy Up with 5 STARS because it was the perfect conclusion for the Davis siblings! After so many suffering, all of them have beautiful families and they will always have each other too. I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Clayton and Caroline (boy, things get SO hot!) and how that connection develops into such an emotional love story. I loved this western series and I can't wait to see what is next from Harper Sloan. This woman never fails to check all my romance boxes and I know she will continue doing it! Highly recommend this book and the whole series!
Clayton Davis, the oldest siblings in the Davis family, has always been my favorite character in this series and I was so excited to finally get his story. And it did not disappoint. This book has a mix of sweet romance, dirty talkin' and a bit of mystery!
Giddy up! Clayton is one hot, sexy and dirty-talkin' cowboy. He's always taking care of his siblings and it's about time he let loose and have fun. And that fun is with sweet Caroline. Caroline Michaels is back home and trying to find a new life. Away from her past, to letting it go and moving on. And maybe have a little fun in the mix. So she never expected that her one and only one-night stand ends up changing her entire life.
I’ve always been intrigued by Clayton and was so happy to finally get his story.
Caroline and Clay’s story was very emotional and almost a cathartic experience. Both characters have had past experiences that have clouded their attitude to love and relationships.
Clay may come across as grumpy and moody but underneath there is a strong passionate man who comes to life with Caroline.
Caroline the good girl ready to break out the box everyone including herself has put her in. Who knew there was such a funny adventurous woman just wanting to be free.
A really enjoyable story from a fab series.
The final Davis sibling has gotten his story and wow what a story it was! Whatever you’re looking for in a read I’m sure this has it. There is equal amounts heat and sweet along with mystery, closure & laughter. Cowboy Up is Clayton’s story but also gives you a look at how the other Davis siblings are doing now that they have found their HEA’s.
Harper Sloan has a great writing style that is easy to get lost in from the moment you starting reading. The way she developed the family and their love interests really made me feel connected to them and wanted to see each of them get their own stories. I love how she really included everyone together so often making it feel like you got another book for each of the previous main characters. This really was a perfect ending to a lovely series.
Even though I’m sad to see it end I’m happy to see Clayton smile. Maybe we’ll get lucky and get Luke & Lucy stories!
*Arc generously provided for honest review.
I would have to say that this book was my favorite in this series.
Clayton Davis is the dark and mysterious cowboy who keeps to himself and is always taking care of his family so I was hooked to find out more about him! The way Clay protects his family it is obvious that he has lots of love to go around he just hasn't found the woman to pull that love from him. Caroline caught Clayton's eye at a local bar one night.Watching the soft sensual side of Clay come out was sexy as hell. A good mix of hard and sweet softness.
She grew up with Clayton's sister and close friend Leighton. She moved away right after high school to escape her troubled life. 5 years later she meets a dark mysterious cowboy at a bar and has one wild passionate night little did she know it was Clayton Davis. Caroline has a hard time fighting the natural chemistry and pull between them. He just simply makes her feel safe, and that is something that she is not used to.
Can Caroline get over her past? Will Clayton be able to open his heart to Caroline?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Clayton Davis doesn't do relationships, especially after the disaster of his last one. Yet, the moment he meets Caroline Michaels, he finds his stance on relationships changing. But as they get to know each other, will they be able to face the trouble of their pasts together; or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?
Although I haven't read the first two books of this series, I found this third book of Ms. Sloan's Coming Home series could easily be read as a stand-alone and I've got to say that it was a very entertaining tale encompassing wonderful main characters that have some tough obstacles to overcome; and engaging dialogue that had me loving how resilient the heroine was when it came to facing her past and had me liking how feisty she could be when standing up for herself, especially when it comes to facing the trouble that comes her way. The way this story started was a bit slow, but once the hero and heroine met things got very interesting, as Clayton seems like a bit of a mystery. However, in saying that, this story really took off from the moment the heroine discovers just who Clayton is.
Both the main characters were well-developed and had fascinating back stories with both having exes determined to cause trouble. I also liked how the heroine has overcome the horrible treatment she suffered from those that should love her to be the strong, independent woman she is. Really, she's done well for herself with everything she's accomplished. While the hero, being the oldest sibling hasn't always been easy, but he did his best for his brother and sister and I liked the close bond they shared, as his siblings have found their happy ever after and now they want the same for him. Furthermore, the hero is confident, determined to win the heroine's heart, and I loved how protective he is of Caroline, especially with what she faces from his ex, her ex and her mother. Will the hero be able to protect Caroline from the trouble she faces?
Overall, Ms. Sloan has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance totally hot and showed how much these two need each other; and the ending had me worried for one of the main characters, but had me smiling because of how things turn out for Clayton and Caroline, especially with the news the heroine learns. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of how far the hero and heroine as well as the hero's siblings and their partners have come. Truly, everyone is so happy and life is perfect. I would recommend Cowboy Up by Harper Sloan, if you enjoy second chance romances, small town romances, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Aurora Rose Reynolds, Kristen Ashley, Emma Hart and Kendall Ryan.
Clayton's story is one that I had been waiting for since we met him in Lost Rider, he had an air of mystery and I was more than intrigued. In Kiss My Boots we learn a bit more about the eldest brother in the Davis Family but we still didn't know the root of his being, well I am thrilled with what we finally get to see and more than happy with the way his story turned out. You know the saying saved the best for last? well that is exactly what Harper Sloan has done here, and that's really saying something since I really enjoyed the first two books.
Caroline has been in hiding since she left her abusive ex-boyfriend, she only has two friends, Luke and Lucy (twins), she lives above the bookstore she owns and pretty much keeps to herself. I will say this time and time again, it takes a strong woman to leave an abusive relationship and an even stronger one to move on and believe that there is still good people in the world. Caroline not only had been in an abusive relationship but the relationship she had with her mother really left a bad taste in my mouth, being a mom myself it always boggles my mind when I hear about, read about, or even see that there are parents that abuse their children, not only physically but mentally as well and that is what we have here and I must admit that words can absolutely do more damage to a persons self esteem that a fist can.
We start off with Caroline and Clayton having a one-night-stand without really knowing the other persons name, but the sex....WOW! It has them thinking about the other for a couple of months before another chance encounter. This isn't a true second chance at romance for me but I am sure some would look at it that way. I really enjoyed Caroline and Clayton together, it was as if they need to go through all the nonsense they both had in order to get to the place where they just clicked.
We have not only one crazy ex but two in this story and it does add quite a bit of drama but I never felt as if it was an overload because there was so much else going on in the story. We have both Leighton and Quinn from the first two books pregnant and due soon, we have a baby shower to plan....did I mention we get babies!!! Also, Luke and Lucy, the twins, are best friends with Caroline so we get to see them quite a bit as well, they are so likable that I really hope to see each of them get their own HEAs.
This was a great ending to the Davis siblings stories and I must admit that I read the epilogue twice because it was chock-full of info on the future of the siblings that I felt the need to really absorb what will/has happened to them in the upcoming years.
the coming home series closes with clayton's story in cowboy up. unlike his siblings his isn't a second chance at love. he meets caroline at a bar outside of town. on a night where it's clear that she's looking to be bad. and he decides that he's the one who's going to be there for it. they don't exchange names, and yet, what should feel like a tawdry hookup in a motel room is something else entirely.
it's the best sex of their lives. but it's one night. and neither of them tries to find the other.
until caroline shows up at his sister's baby shower. the moment she walks in the room he recognizes her. not just as the woman in the bar, but as the woman who belongs to him. from that moment caroline is his. he proves this by saving her time and time again. once he has her in his arms this second time, he's not going to let her go. he's head over heels crazy in love with her.
and she's in love with him.
this book is dripping with love. it's in every look they share. every conversation they have. every single time they touch they combust in a flare of lust and emotion.
of the davis siblings, clayton is the strong silent steady older brother. he doesn't lose that persona here, but we are given the chance to see, to experience how big his heart is. and it's so delightful. as the closing book to the series, it was absolute perfection.
**cowboy up published on december 19, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/gallery, threshold, pocket books (pocket books) in exchange for my honest review.
I've been waiting on the third book in the Coming Home series for months now and I was so happy to find out it was about my favorite character. Clay was the most intriguing character in the first two novels, even though they weren't necessarily centered around him. I had my fingers crossed that Sloan would write an installment to the series about him, and she granted my every wish. Clay was exactly the dark, mysterious, and strong man I expected he would be.
Clay is the last of the Davis siblings to find love, but does he want to find it? Caroline Michaels lived a rough life so far and things only looked like they were getting worse, but when she stumbled into the strong arms of Clay Davis, her story began to take a turn for the better. The chemistry between Clay and Caroline was intense, and I have to say, there were a few times I had to put the book down and catch my breath. As in the first two novels, there were a lot of intense sex scenes and as much as I love a good hot'n'heavy sex scene, it seemed to be a little much from time to time.
Out of the three novels from the Coming Home series, Cowboy Up was my favorite. There was romance, steamy love scenes, budding friendships, and even a little action that I wasn't expecting. I love Sloan's writing and can't wait to read more from her in the future. I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a steamy romance novel with a slight twist!
Rating 4/5
*Thank you Gallery and NetGalley for sending a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I really really loved and enjoyed Cowboy Up! Really just a beautiful story from start to finish. I have loved this series from the very start and I'm happy with the ending and felt it was everything I wanted and more. can't wait for what's next from the author.
I've always loved Harper Sloan and her intriguing and captivating way of writing. And I did really enjoy the first two books in the Coming Home Series. But this third book was just something so much more. From the very beginning of the series, I knew that Clay's story is going to be probably my favorite. And I wasn't wrong. I was spellbound by the beautiful story between Clay and Caroline. And yes, the story is romantic but it is also so much more. It is a story of strength and survival, a story of learning how to trust again, of opening up to new possibilities and so much more.
I felt like with every page I've read, I was falling in love with the book more and more. Part of it was that I've always thought that Clay is my favorite of the Davis brothers. With his brooding a quiet personality and fierce protectiveness and loyalty to the people he loves, he's had a place in my heart from the very first book in the series. And I've always known that it will take a very special woman to crack the hard shell around his heart. And I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed.
The chemistry between Clay and Caroline is palpable from the very start. But their relationship, though it might start as a simply physical encounter, is definitely something much more emotional and deep than probably either of them expects for the short time they've known each other. And though, each one has been heart in the past, together, they piece their hearts together. They give each other the strength to heal.
Unfortunately, there is danger lurking around the corners and the past doesn't always stay in the past. So be prepared for some suspense to be added to this already incredible heartbreaking story.
I can honestly say that this is my favorite book in the series. There is just something about Clay and Caroline that lodged itself in my heart and it won't be leaving anytime soon :) So it is not surprising that in my opinion this is a must read book and definitely one of the best I've read this year. So don't waste any time and pick up your copy asap. I am sure you won't regret it <3
This review was originally posted at Living In Our Own Story Book Blog.
Cowboy Up is a scorching-hot romance set in the Texas heat in which two people burned by love have another chance at happy-ever-after. Clay Davis and Caroline Michaels both had their hearts bruised in past relationships, and neither is looking to repeat the experience. Therefore, when they meet one night at the local honky-tonk and have instant, searing chemistry, they agree to an anonymous one-night stand. They never expect to see each other again, but fate brings them face-to-face soon afterward, and their attraction has only intensified, fueled by the memories of their night together.
Clay quickly realizes he wants more than just a physical relationship with Caroline, and he woos her with patience and tenderness, sensing her emotional wounds run deep. Their fall into love is slow and steamy, but their pasts come back to haunt them and complicate their burgeoning relationship. Harper Sloan injects dashes of danger and suspense into this heartwarming romance, and Cowboy Up is a fan-yourself-worthy, emotionally intense and unpredictable pager-turner that is easy to devour in one sitting.
Cowboy Up is probably my favorite out of the three books in the Coming Home Series by Harper Sloan. I have followed her works for a while now and her writing just keeps getting better and better. This series is very different than what I'm accustomed to reading by her and I guess that's why I enjoyed it so much.
Caroline and Clay are two very likable characters that had a lot of chemistry between them. Aside from their backstory, I felt so much emotion with them. I was drawn to Caroline with the heartache she'd endured. And Clay, wow, he is my favorite of the cowboys. Harper Sloan has a way with making you love her men and Clay is right up there at the top with her other heroes.
There were moments of swoon, passion and steam between them which made this a very fast-paced and enjoyable read. It was a great way to end the series with Clay getting his happily ever after.
***ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley
I am not one that reads romance that involves cowboys that often but reading this series certainly enticed me to delve further into this subgenre. Way to go Harper Sloan for being such an influencer, you’ve definitely caught my attention when it comes to sexy cowboys.
Cowboy Up revolves around the eldest son of the Davis siblings, Clayton. Every day he witnesses the contentment that his sister Quinn and his brother Maverick have found in their relationships and although he is happy for them you can sense his feeling of loneliness.
I desperately wanted him to find the HEA that his siblings had and thought he deserved someone just as amazing and he finds it in bookstore owner, Caroline. Caroline has never had a healthy relationship but Clayton changed that for her.
Their “how did you first meet” story isn’t ideal what comes after that is perfect. For once, I was grateful that they didn’t hesitate to reveal their feelings early on. It gave us an ample amount of opportunity to see these two interacting as a couple. The author proved to us repeatedly just how good they fit in all aspects of their beings.
What I appreciated most about the story was how the previous couples impacted Clayton and Caroline’s relationship. In the end, it isn’t just about the romantic love between great couples but it is also about the love for the family.
I immensely enjoyed this book and hope that this isn’t the last we hear from these great characters. Spin-off perhaps?
Hot alpha cowboy who is also bit kinky?!? Like when can I marry him?
All Caroline's ever felt was lonely. After a fall out with her mother followed by an abusive relationship she barely got out of, she had pretty much given up on her Happy Ever After. On one of these lonely nights, she meets her Dark Cowboy. She has no idea what he looks like, but his voice and his confidence awaken something primal inside of her. Too bad, her fantasy with lasted only a night. But maybe fate has other plans.
Clayton Davis has always kept a safe distance from commitments and relationship. A man who gets burnt the way Clay it, it's no surprise that monogamy feels like a big farce to him. Then comes Caroline with her shy smiles and hidden spirit and his entire universe is tilted to it's side. He can't get enough of her and suddenly imagines her being his forever.
The road to true love is not easy but when the reward is as great as Clayton feels it'll be, he's ready to risk it all.
GUYS this cowboy has my heart!! *ugly crying* I was so not prepared for Clay and his sexy voice and dirty talk. My heart was beating so damn fast whenever Clay was talking so like I had heart palpitations for 90% of the book. Can someone please bring him to live for me??
Caroline's character development was so freaking powerful through the book. I related to her on a lot of levels and I am so so happy she found it in herself to get out of that protective bubble and came out a shiny, confident little birdy.
I've said this before and I'll say it again, these cowboys are my fucking kryptonite.
This book just checked so many boxes for me! Hot cowboy. Broody and protective man knocked off his axis by a girl he never sees coming. A second chance romance. Girl connects with a secret crush from years ago. A family full of loyalty and laughter. Great friendships. Two people who never think they’ll find their happy, find nothing but beauty out of their ugly. Harper Sloan does all this along with her amazing character development and hotter than hot chemistry! This trilogy wraps up with Cowboy Up and I can’t wait to read the others in the series too!
3.5 Stars
I have to confess that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this series - to the point that I debated reading this book. My desire to see how Clay’s story unfolded finally won out.
The start - what do I love?
The premise! The idea that three people terribly wounded by the failures of their parents can pull themselves up and be open to love.
Clay’s book is no exception- he and Caroline click right away and end up having a love story that makes both parties stronger.
Ms. Sloan does a great job with the alpha mail and his gooey center. Clayton is definitely a hero to swoon over.
My frustration-
The way dialogue in this series is written absolutely sets my teeth on edge. The author clearly establishes in each book that they are set in North East Texas. Having established that the setting is 1) in Texas 2) a semi- rural farming/ranching community and 3) a small town I find in unnecessary to have every sentence “spoken” to show the dropped g and a couple of other quirks the author has decided are indicative of the setting. Dialogue written this way is very difficult to read.
There are some other stereotypes thrown that make me shake my head too, but those are easier to allow. This is a work of fiction.
Specific to this book -
I loved getting to catch up with Maverick, Quinn and their other halves. It was nice to get glimpses of how their stories continue to play out.
I loved Caroline and her evolution into a stronger heroine and it was nice to see a more robust character from Clayton.
We also meet two new secondary characters Luke and Lucy - I am definitely curious to see what happens with them in the future.
I always seem to love the oldest of the family for some reason. Maybe because they're the responsible one, always looking out for the younger siblings, trying to make everyone's life easier but not taking time for themselves? I'm not sure but Clayton is all those things.
Clay and Caroline hasn't had a great track record when it comes to love. Somehow though these two could have it all if they can work through their pasts. Will they be able to believe what their hearts are telling them? Will they be able to believe in love?
These two together just make you want to sigh, root for them and tell the ex's to get out of there. I giggled at parts, swooned at others. Totally enjoyable read and another great book by this author.