Member Reviews
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Coming Home series but it can be read as a standalone. This book features the oldest brother - Clay and a bookstore owner - Caroline. Clay is the owner of his families ranch and takes his job seriously. Sometimes you need a night out though.
One of those nights out leads him to meeting Caroline. She owns a bookstore in a nearby town but things aren't going so well in her life at the moment. One of her best friends owns the bar she finds herself in and meeting "Davis." Davis is Clay's last night but is what her friend called Clay and she assumes it's his first name.
Caroline is in lust with this cowboy. He makes her body sing and her girly parts tingle. One night it can only be though. Her secrets will one day come back to haunt her and she's not willing to bring anyone else into the fold for fear of their safety.
This love story will warm your nights. These two heat up the sheets and are great together. I enjoyed reading their story. Clay is a brooding cowboy but you'll find he's much sweeter when he's with Caroline. She makes him a much more relaxed person. I think you'll enjoy reading their love story.
4 stars. This is a good book! This is Caroline and Clayton's story. Caroline and Clayton are from the same small town. They were acquaintances when they were younger but Caroline moved away for college. After escaping an abusive relationship, she moved back and opened her own bookstore in a neighboring town. Clayton runs his family's ranch. One night, Caroline has a one night stand with Clayton. Both of then were lonely, attracted to each other, and not expecting anything to come from the night. But neither of them could stop thinking about each other after that night, and when they keep running into each other, they both think it's worth starting a relationship and seeing where things can go. The two quickly become inseparable and find they are perfect for each other. There is some suspense when Caroline's book store is purposely burnt to the ground and Clayton has a psycho ex. But it all works out for them in the end and they get their HEA.
I have read the other two books in the series, and while I liked them, I didn't love them. I liked this book much more. I actually felt the connection between the characters more too. I really liked both Caroline and Clayton. Caroline was not the spitfire the other two heroines had been She was a shy, quiet book store owner. Clayton was not a manwhore. He was a loner, running his ranch on his own, working all the time. Both of them had pasts that damaged them. Clayton's mother left his family as a small child and he was raised by an abusive father. Caroline had an abusive mother and she was also in an abusive relationship. Neither of them ever imagined that they would end up in a relationship with anyone again. They were both surprised when they met again and had such a strong connection. I really liked them both and was happy that they found well-deserved happiness and a future with each other. There is still some hokey, country speech in this book, but it wasn't as bad or somehow didn't bother me as much as it did in the other books. I liked catching up with the other couples from the series too. I felt like the pacing was a little off. The first half of the book was very good. I would have been fine if it had ended there. Most of the second half felt like an extended epilogue. While I still enjoyed it, I felt like it lacked tension. It picked up a bit towards the end. Still, I did really enjoy this book and felt like it was a good way to wrap up the series. There is a great epilogue too.
Overall, I really enjoyed Cowboy Up! I think it is definitely worth reading, even if you haven't read the others in the series. I look forward to more from Ms. Sloan in the future!
I have read many of Harper Sloan's books and I still have yet to find one i didn't like! Clayton is the dark mysterious cowboy where Caroline is the nerdy girl that owns a book store. Neither of them really had the greatest childhood so the both of that in common. The crap they go through is emotional. Your emotions will get on the rollercoaster and won't get off until the end of the book.
You will have a little bit of the other 2 Davis siblings in the book. Little Mav and a little Quinn that will also touch your heart. This is an insta-love story that will pull at your heart strings and will make you fall in love even more with the Davis clan. I am not sure which one I like the most but I do have to say all 3 books are great reads.
5 She Makes Him Fell Like He's Coming Alive Stars!!
The minute I finished this book I thought to myself I'm going to write a review giving a bunch of quotes that I highlighted while reading to really get across how much I absolutely adored this book. But now that I'm sitting here and writing it, less is more in this case.
This is book three in the Coming Home series and until I read Clayton and Caroline's story I wasn't really sure how much I liked Clayton. He's the oldest brother and has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders running The Davis Ranch and honestly, he's a cranky man! Until, he meets her.
Caroline Michaels changes his life in so many ways all for the better. While she's doing this, she grows so much as a woman and that is what I loved about her most. She's a woman that finds strength in herself because of Clay and for me, there's nothing wrong with that.
This book has heat, desire, family, love, suspense and overall is my favorite of this series. I say this because for me, Clay and Caroline are the ones that changed and grew the most through the pages of this book. Their characters are so well developed and their chemistry cannot be denied.
I was so connected with this book that I was late lighting my Menorah for the seventh night of Hanukkah! Ms. Sloan has done a phenomenal job with this book and the entire series and even though I don't think there's plans to write future books set in Pine Oak, I'm going to lobby hard to see more of all these characters and their kids!!!
Who doesn't love a good cowboy romance? Clay is the perfect cowboy for you. He's is serious and steady with a sense of responsibility that keeps him from opening his heart to love. Thankfully Clay has needs and one night with Caroline proved to be a game changer. For once in a long time, Clay is entertaining the thought of something more than work. Caroline has had her share of heartbreak and struggle but she's a survivor that wants more than life has dealt her. Together these two are explosive and this story was captivating. I held out hope that these two could find their way back to each other and love would find a way. I loved this series and the incredible characters that made up these stories. I think this is the final book but I hope the author finds more ways to keep this series alive.
Clayton Davis has always been the protector... but he never lets outsiders into his heart. Then Caroline Michaels walks in the door of the bar and he just has to have her... even for a night. He never imagines seeing her again, when he does he holds on tight and never lets go.
Cowboy Up is the third in the Coming home series from Harper Sloan and she never lets you down. You get a sweet loving cowboy getting his walls torn down. The two insanely crazy sisters from the first two books will keeps you giggling and Laughing out loud. This book and the entire series is a must read!
I'm going to just say I feel like the best was saved for last. I've been waiting to get my hands on Clayton Davis since we first met him in Lost Rider. You have seen different sides of Clayton in the previous books, from protective, to grumpy, to quiet. We get to see a whole new side in this book! It's full of love, sexiness, and surprises. Caroline and Clayton are what fairy tales are made of. I couldn't help but fall in love with this book and it was one that I didn't want to put down!
Cowboy Up by Harper Sloan is the third book in the series of standalones, Coming Home.
Book one, Lost Rider and book two, Kiss my Boots are the stories of Quinn and Maverick Davis.
In Cowboy Up, the lastDavis ' brother, Clayton, finds his match.
Clayton Davis is the eldest of the three siblings. He's responsible for the family ranch, the shop and his siblings. His last relationship was a bad one and he never wants a wife or kids, so he says.
Caroline Michaels is a bookstore owner. She's shy and introverted, a book nerd.
Both meet and it's like fire and fuel. They can't be without each other. But both have baggage.
Cowboy Up is a beautifully thought out, beautifully written and beatifully told story. The sex scenes are kinky and scorching hot. There is just the right amount of danger and drama. I started reading and was captivated from the beginning. I read the book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I love the words - " I was made to love you. " ; the characters and the writing.
Favorite Quote : " Words are weak darlin', it's actions that mean somet'hin' when it comes to a man's character. "
I recommend the book and the series and give 5 stars. Thank you, Harper Sloan !
"Sometimes what we need to finally feel whole is what we least expect."
Cowboy Up is the third book in the Coming Home series, and focuses on eldest Davis brother, Clayton. He has taken on the role as head of the family, running the Davis ranch & doing whatever he can to protect his siblings. He has also spent years isolating himself and avoiding relationships, not wanting to suffer through repeats of his past.
Caroline has been running from her past, starting a new life a few towns over from where she grew up. Besides her two best friends she avoids most people, basically living a life of solitude running her own bookstore. When her past starts creeping back on her she decides to live a little, and ends up having a one night stand with a "Dark Cowboy".
After running into some friends from high school, Caroline goes back to her hometown & runs into the one man she never thought she'd see again, but can't stop thinking about. Only she wants to keep their one night just that -one night. Can Clay convince her to give love a chance?
Fans of the series will love the appearances by the other Davis siblings, and Luke & Lucy bring the perfect amount of humor as Caroline's best friends.
To be honest, I was a bit nervous when I found out that Harper Sloan was doing a cowboy series, but she has completely knocked it out of the park! She's imparted her trademark sexiness, bringing us a steamy romance that I couldn't put down.
I just knew Clayton was going to be my favorite! this one was just what I wanted and so much more! Sweet, romantic, heartfelt, and oh so sexy, it had everything I love!
Clayton had my heart from the very start. After being hurt in the worst way, he is determined to keep his heart to himself. Working and taking care of his family is all he has time for. When he meets Caroline he realizes keeping his heart locked up may be harder than he thought.
Caroline has just as much hurt in her past. Just trying to get by and run her bookstore, she has no time for a relationship. But one night with a dark, mysterious cowboy and she can't get him out of her head.
This one made me want to go out and get my very own Dark cowboy! I love this entire series but this one is my absolute favorite!
It's time for oldest Davis sibling and father-figure Clayton to have his turn in the spotlight!
For years, Clay did everything he could to protect Maverick and Quinn from his father's rages, and over time he become more of a father to them than the man who donated his DNA. Responsibility has weighed heavily on his shoulders at times but he would do anything for his family. He never really gave much thought to having a family of his own though since he didn't have the best role model in the world. He tried doing the relationship thing but when his ex Jess showed just how far she was willing to go to try to force him to marry her, he gave up on anything long term after kicking her to the curb. Now he travels a few towns away to find companionship one night at a time, and that is good enough for him.
Caroline moved far away as fast as she could after graduation leaving behind her friends Quinn and Leigh as well as her poor excuse for a mother. The man she thought would be her future turned out to be nothing more than another nightmare though, and with the help of her newfound friends Lucas and Lucy, she was able to escape from him and start over again in a small town not too far from where she grew up. She lost a part of herself in the experience though, and now the solitude of her bookstore allows the shy part of her nature to come to the forefront while she tries to find a new path forward in life once again. One phone call from her ex rocks her world enough to send her running to Luke's bar where she encounters one sexy as sin dark cowboy who lights her up with just his voice. She may never see his face, but Luke's trust in the man gives her the courage to act on the attraction long enough for a very atypical one night stand. Neither one of them counts on it being an unforgettable night, but they go their separate ways never to cross paths again... or so they think.
A month later Quinn and Leighton unexpectedly pop up in her store, and Caroline is surprised to have them envelop her back into their friendship like she never left. They leave after persuading her to come by Leigh's shop later that night to catch up and just like that, she is back in the place she swore she would never return to. Fortunately she doesn't see her mother anywhere and she just misses Clay at the shop so she remains blissfully unaware of her dark cowboy's identity for just a little longer. Then tragedy strikes and she finds herself in need of a home and a job so Luke and Lucy take her in. While working at Luke's bar, Caroline catches a glimpse of Clay again but she panics and runs away without approaching him. Fate finally brings them back together at a party for Quinn and Leighton, and the sparks are still strong enough to singe anyone in close proximity. Clayton decides it is time to take a chance on exposing his heart again and vows not to let her disappear again.
Caroline had the hugest crush on Clay in high school but he was several years older than her and way out of her league so she just watched him from afar. More than a decade later, she is still sure he is way out of reach but he is determined to show her how wrong she is despite her conviction that she is too broken with too much baggage to warrant that much effort on his part. Little does she know exactly what his ex put him through until he shares the whole story with her including details no one in his family knows. He certainly has a way with words as he tries to reassure her he is not going anywhere until they have a chance to explore what could be 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."
Clay is just as hot as any of Harper's other heroes, and while Caroline may be a bit shy and low on self-confidence to start, little by little she finds her backbone and spirit with his encouragement. Neither of their pasts want to remain in the rearview mirror though, and it isn't long until their bubble of happiness is being threatened by vindictive jealous people. Despite the growing threats and dangerous moments, Clay and Caroline keep getting stronger as they fight for their future and heal each other too.
Cowboy Up was a great finish to the series! I really enjoyed Clay and Caroline's story, and there is plenty of Leighton, Maverick, Quinn and Tate throughout the book too that fans of the prior books will love. Quinn and Leigh are just as feisty and goofy as ever, and they are quick to embrace Caroline back into the fold. Maverick, Tate and Clay continue to bond over new life experiences, and Clay finally finds the sense of peace he has been searching for years. The epilogue put a big smile on my face and really wrapped up the family's journey in a wonderful way. Cowboy Up can be read as a standalone, but if you haven't started the Coming Home series yet, I definitely recommend it and there's no time like the present to dive into the stories of all 3 Davis siblings!
Cowboy Up is the final novel in Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series that was a beautifully wrap up for the Davis family. Clay is the eldest sibling and in the previous novels was a detached character that you just couldn’t help but being intrigued with. Cowboy Up immediately captured my interest and held it to the very end. Caroline is first introduced as escaping an abusive ex and in a path of rebuilding herself esteem and life. Coming back home or to the next town over was step one for Caroline but once she meets her mysterious cowboy at her best friend’s bar, she decides she need a little freedom to become bad. Clay holds himself in an isolated lifestyle after being burned in the past. With his siblings falling in love and having kids, he realizes how cold and lonely his life truly is, but he doesn’t know if he could ever trust someone else. Caroline and Clay have a one-night stand with no names exchanged and no plans for a repeat, especially when Clay disappears before Caroline opens her eyes. When Caroline and Clay meet again it’s at Clay’s sister and sister-in-law’s baby shower, with just one look Clay is re-hooked and realizes that just once won’t be enough. I loved the feelings expressed in this novel because Clay just kept surprising me how many layers were behind the secluded exterior. That old saying the stronger they resist, the harder they fall applied to Clay to a T. Caroline was the perfect heroine to bring out the surly cowboy! I loved reading Cowboy Up and I was sad when it was over. I would easily give it 5 stars!
I have been enjoying Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series about cowboys and the ladies that bring them to their knees! In Cowboy Up, we get the eldest Davis’ story. This was a sweet and charming romance about a very sexy and protective cowboy and a woman who is insecure and a bit lost. Though each book can be read as a standalone, they are inter-connected stores about siblings.
We have seen Clayton Davis be the best big brother he could be to his younger siblings in the previous books. He has always been the voice of reason, practical and in control. But seeing his siblings find happiness, is making him realize how lonely life is for him now. But since his last relationship ended so badly, he has been hesitant to start anything new. I loved Clay, though he was very serious and determined, he was always there for those he loves and matter to him.
Caroline Michaels has not had an easy life. She ran from home right after graduation, but what she found was not any better. Once she finally walks away from an abusive relationship, she slowly begins to find herself and build her own dreams. Though she is not ready to let anyone in to her life, she finds herself in the arms of a stranger for a very steamy one-night stand. I loved Caroline. Though she saw herself as weak and meek, we slowly see her grow and become stronger.
Clay and Caroline never wanted anything serious but after one night together, though steamy and hot, they walk away from each other. But when they run into each other again, do they walk away or see what they can have together? When Caroline finds herself in trouble, Clay steps in to help, though both have reservations after being in bad relationships, they feel such a strong connection to each other.
I love second chance at love stories and Cowboy Up was such a sweet and charming story with a bit of suspense and a whole lot of steamy. I loved Clay and Caroline and it was so much fun to catch up with the characters from the previous books. Though Clay is the last Davis siblings, I would love to see more stories from other characters in the series. Cowboy Up was a great read with all the feels.
4.5+ stars
Clay has always wanted to protect his siblings, but as they have each found their partners, he has found they need him less and less. But he continues to run the family business with as much focus and control as always. Everything about him is controlled, calculated, and in charge.
Caroline Michaels finally has her feet under her again after leaving an abusive relationship. She has planted roots that she didn’t expect and spends much of her time with her two best friends. A one night stand to let off some steam stay with her long after that night, despite not knowing who the dark stranger’s identity.
Their night together was all kinds of steamy, with instant sparks and a connection neither was expecting. When they go their separate ways the next morning, neither expects to see the other again. But these are small towns, and despite not living in the same small town, social circles are small. When Caroline needs help, Clay is near to offer help.
Clay is one swoony cowboy. I am a sucker for a good cowboy, and Clay fit that bill perfectly. From the way he hid in the shadows at the bar, to the way he commanded the family business, he has always intrigued me.
Caroline was a good match for Clay. She has just the right mix of strength and vulnerability to both challenge him and sooth his need for control.
The background drama is where most of the conflict comes into play for Caroline and Clay. They carry baggage from their exes that has to be worked through, but there are also some strange coincidences happening around Caroline that add to the danger and tension.
I loved returning to the Davis ranch and the dynamics between these three siblings. Seeing where each of Clay’s siblings are with their relationships was great fun, including continued changes are their relationships progress.
The third and final story in the Coming Home series is the perfect finale to the Davis siblings’ journeys.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As the oldest in his family, Clayton Davis couldn't be happier in the love that both of his siblings have found. Although at times it can serve to magnify just how lonely he is in his own life. But long term relationships aren't for him. After being burned by an ex, he just can't see himself committing to more than a one night stand on one of his rare evenings off.
Caroline Michaels left Pine Oak at the first possible moment she could. Wanting to break away from the shackles of her home town, she ended up in an even worse situation. But older and wiser now, the shy bookstore owner has moved back closer to Pine Oak than she ever thought she would. Making her own way in life with great friends and a business she loves, Caroline is content with her life... until a dark and sexy one night stand that she can't forget.
When Clayton and Caroline cross paths again, neither is letting this second chance pass them by... but will the town of Pine Oak and it's residents support this budding relationship.... or obstruct it at every turn...
This was a really good read! Southern and sweet, these characters are made for each other. Caroline not only finds the type of man in Clay who believes in her and helps her to rebuild her self confidence, but a man who she can trust and rely on who will truly love her back. Clayton never thought he wanted the type of life he envisions having with Caroline, but they have an instant connection and she is sincerely sweet and supportive without a scheming bone in her body. She quickly becomes the person he lives and breathes for, and couldn't imagine living his life without her.
This book was the final story in the Coming Home series, and ended this series in a beautiful and well rounded note. With characters we have grown to know and love, we are treated to all of their HEA's now and in their future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
I admit I was not feeling Clayton Davis in the first two books, but a changed in Cowboy Up. His strength and love for his siblings and for giving Caroline the support she needed to break away from staying to the shadows and shying away from life shines through.
Cowboy Up is book 3 in the coming home series and centers around the final Davis sibling, Clayton. He is the oldest and has always been focused on his family. He took over the farm and family businesses, made the tough decisions, and stayed away from long term commitment because he had no interest in a wife or kids. But, he is lonely. His sister and brother found their happily ever after and when he meets Caroline, he starts to think that perhaps his ideology on family could change.
Caroline grew up in Pine Hollow and ran as soon as she could. Running from a verbally abusive mother was tough, but running away with a verbally and physically abusive boyfriend turned out to be even tougher. Finally free and running her dream book store, she has been in a town outside Pine Hollow for 5 years. She never wanted to step foot in her old home town for fear of seeing her mother. Rekindling her friendship with Quinn and Leighton is the only thing that gets her to do what she said she'd never do.
Both Clayton and Caroline had shit childhoods. Abusive parents, crazy exes, etc. Clayton had his siblings at least; Caroline had no one until she met Luke and Lucy in college. There is instant attraction between Clayton and Caroline, but they decide a 1 night stand is all that they will be. A chance meeting pushes Clayton to totally change his mind an pursue Caroline hard. I liked that this wasn't a 2nd chance romance like books 1 and 2 in the series. Not that I don't enjoy that trope, but it was nice to get something different for this story. There is a lot of OW/OM drama. Clayton's ex is super aggressive and Caroline's ex is straight up crazy. So, most of the tension in the story comes from outside the couple (another thing I appreciate! I like my couple to be a team-them against the world!).
I devoured Cowboy Up in 2 sittings, staying up way past my bedtime one night and falling asleep with the book still open on my nightstand. For those who have read the previous 2 stories, you will enjoy the larger roles that Quinn/Tate and Leighton/Maverick play in the story. While this is a stand alone, I think its more enjoyable to read it in order so you understand the long road the Davis family has traveled.
This is the third and final installment in Harper Sloan's "Coming Home" series and it is by far my favorite in the series. The series is about 3 siblings who grew up with an absent mother and an abusive father and their overcoming their past to find their happily ever-afters. This book focuses on Clayton Davis, the eldest of the Davis siblings, who appeared to have an aversion to relationships in the previous two novels. Clay overcomes his past to find his happily ever-after, but of course there are obstacles in his path that he and Caroline have to overcome before they get there.
Harper Sloan's books are kind of like hallmark movies for me. You know how the story is going to end, but you still can't help wanting to find out how the characters get their happily ever after. This last book in this series was my favorite of the three. I think I connected to Clay and Caroline more than the others. This book had a little more action to it and it made the pacing of the book fly by.
4 solid stars!
Clay and Caroline are different in many ways, but they share a bond that is destined to bring them together. Both have been burned by love and scarred by life. Clay is the ever responsible older brother determined to lead by example. His role hasn't been easy and his choices not always wise, but his heart has always been in the right place. When it comes to love of family he's on solid ground, matters of the heart are a personal minefield. Caroline is the first woman who slips under his radar and finds her way into his heart. She has a few suitcases full of her own emotional baggage to carry. Trust issues, painful memories and a fresh start, land her right in the path of the biggest recluse in town. What unfolds is a relationship that is passionate, flawed and will make a heart ache, but it will also inspire. Before reading this series, I had never heard of Harper Sloan and now I can't imagined my bookshelf without her.
Whilst this is still a well written and entertaining read, I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did Books #1 and #2. I didn't feel the emotional connection to the main characters that I had with the previous stories, and I had so looked forward to Clayton's book.
The book has a very sugary sweet feel to it - huge declarations and schmaltzy lines galore. It also has one dirty talking, hot and very alpha cowboy hero, so if that sounds your thing you will love this book.
I certainly liked both the main characters. Caroline had been in an abusive relationship, personally I would have liked this to have made a bigger impact in the book, but then I like darker reads. Clayton's relationship history was very surprising, having unexpected twists AND consequences. These crazy-ex's provided a good sub-plot with a bit of a who-dunnit thrown in for extra depth. I find the author's writing style really easy to read, and she imbues her characters with a real Texas feel, I'm British but to me even their speech **sounds** texan.
I'm not a fan of insta-love, which was one of the reasons this didn't totally work for me. The other main reason is that sex and lust seemed to have replaced the emotion, romance and feeling that I've got used to in the Coming Home books. I read erotica, so sex in books isn't an issue for me. Unfortunately, at times, it seemed that sex frequently replaced where story, conversation and relationship building should have been. I would have liked to have seen Clayton and Caroline spend time together without sex being involved.
Overall I still enjoyed the book and I will continue to read more work by Harper Sloan.