*3.5 stars*

Quiet romance with an emotional punch…

I haven’t read a book by this author in ages and I find myself wondering why after reading Tara and Dalton’s story. As ex-military they had served in very different ways but found themselves fighting the same lingering enemy. Offered shelter, a place to work and recover, these new roommates received friendship and a supportive hand that held love as well. Their story was simple but held a powerful message – you didn’t have to go it alone…

If the term ‘PTSD’ was hammered home a bit too much it in no way stopped the message from hitting hard… Surviving trauma was not easy and it took empathy and love to make it through…

I started mid-series but this stand-alone has me intrigued…

As a combat photographer in Afghanistan, Tara Dalton saw things she won’t ever forget, as much as she would like to. And after returning Stateside, she can’t fight her way past the PTSD that’s haunted her ever since. Desperate to make a change, she joins her old friend Shay at the Bar C Ranch, where a group of ex-military vets are putting their lives back together one step at a time—including one strong, gentle bear of a man who makes her feel safer than she has in years.
This was a pretty good book. I really liked both main characters. I liked how their story was about them healing each other. I really enjoy this author’s books and this one fit in right along with the others. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

The fifth book in the series takes you back the Bar C and once again you are introduced to a vet that has come has come home. Tara Dalton grew up in the valley and left at the age of eighteen, now after ten years as a combat photographer her PTSD has caused her to look for a place to live other than her parents after causing them pain. Finding a place at the Bar C She becomes roommate with Harper Sutton who was a medic and still dealing with his own PTSD issues and a divorce. The beginning of this book starts off good like the other books but then for some reason there is just a lot of words and repeating of conversation that I felt took away from the story. I got that part of the book was about PTSD, but it felt like that was brought up in every conversation. Also most people in black ops don’t talk about being in black ops or saying because we were in black ops we know what we are doing, the two of them would have an understanding and very little would be spoken and only about what they were going to do, not the consent phase black ops. These and endless words or excessive in this book made for a very slow read and for a much different experience that the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I also purchased a copy.

This was a wonderful story with great characters. I did enjoy the dual POVs that the book is written in to help understand the characters better (at least for me.) Tara and Harper were perfectly matched. I enjoyed the drama and suspense of the plot. The only thing that I did not care for was the continued "PTSD vets like us". A lot of people suffer from PTSD. It also made it sound like not all vets suffer from PTSD. It was a little annoying to me.

The plot flowed smoothly and just at the right pace. I did enjoy the story hence why I purchased. I do recommend this book if you enjoy military/cowboy romance.

Lone Rider is the fifth novel in the Wind River Valley series, and the fourth novel in the series that I've read. Sadly, it was also the most disappointing read of the four, and I can only give it a 2-star rating.

What I've liked about this series is its focus on the rehabilitation of veterans with PTSD issues, something in which I am deeply interested and something that has touched my own life, but, unfortunately, this novel read more like a textbook on PTSD--practically every other sentence had "PTSD" in it, and those sentences where it wasn't used, contained "veteran", and "black ops" instead, ad nauseum. I kept wondering why every person on the ranch was black ops. Couldn't even one of them been just a regular, average, military private? They have just as many issues with PTSD as any other solider, black ops or not. Are we to think that only former special forces personnel come home with serious psychological issues, because it's just not true--all you need to do is sit in a VA hospital waiting room and start to chat with whomever is sitting next to you.

This novel features two likable lead characters, Harper Sutton and Tara Dalton, both suffering with nightmares and flashbacks from their own battle experiences. The hands at the Bar C Ranch share housing, and no sooner do these two characters become housemates when they begin to become attracted to one another. While I liked how shy of commitment these two characters were, both knowing they were emotionally damaged, it was nice that they were taking their mutual attraction very slowly. However, what they did do for more than three-quarters of the novel was talk, talk some more, mend some barbed wire fences together, talk, attempt to go on a picnic, talk, survive a bear attack, and talk some more--and every conversation was about their PTSD experiences but not where and why they took hold of their psyches. For all my interest in the subject, the lack of action and forward momentum in this novel was flat out boring. Even when Harper and Tara make it into becoming physical in their relationship, the scene lacked any real heat or emotion.

We also learn that Tara, at age 16, was kidnapped and terrorized by local resident, Cree Elson, a brain damaged and extremely violent man whose entire family is dysfunctional, drug dealing, and just plain dangerous. After serving 10 years in prison for his crime, Tara is quickly made aware of the fact that he's out now and back in town, which ramps up her stress level. Will he abduct her again? Everyone on the ranch is aware of the possibility, but as the novel plodded on, nothing actually happened until the final quarter of the novel. When it did, the novel finally became exciting, and we finally understood why it fell under the romantic suspense category. Yet even the HEA ending had no spark, and the end of the novel just plain petered out in lackluster fashion.

While I've been a fan of Ms. McKenna's books for decades, in my opinion, this novel is one of her weakest, and I can't help but wonder if Ms. McKenna herself has grown tired of this series, and is ready for a change of subject and venue, because it sure seemed that way to this reader.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

This book did a good job telling the story about PTSD and the triggers behind it. I can be really critical when an author doesn't get it right but I have got to say that the author hit the nail on the head on this one. The all-around story that was told was a A++ and I didn't have anything nitpicky to say about it. When that happens, you know you have a good - if not great book on your hands!!

Back in Wind River Wyoming where in LONE RIDER Lindsay McKenna once again faces down issues of veterans and their hidden and not so obvious problems. It seems no one comes out unscathed in war and no one covers those maladies better than Lindsay McKenna which is why this series is so popular. This series touches your heart, mind and soul. The Wind River series peels back the layers of possibilities when dealing with some very serious issues. It does it with optimism and love.
For Tara Dalton she has much to face returning home. First is her PTSD which she quickly realizes is too much of a burden to place on her parents although they would never turn her away. Second is her search for a new path since leaving the military – a job, home, life and purpose. And unexpectedly the third hurdle is the probability of coming to terms with an event from her teen years which we realize has also left some scars. The kind that just don’t heal and go away. The kind that are now closer by making Tara question her decision to come home.
Now at the Bar C – a working ranch with a rather unique business model Tara is fortunate to be amongst vets who like herself have a multitude of problems. Safety in numbers. The Bar C offers comradeship, caring, friendship, work and a home. These are vets that watch each other’s back – I’ve got your six – as Tara will learn. They are ex-military who live with the edict of no man left behind. The best of the best.
Tara knows she is lucky that the Bar C has a slot open. Working as a wrangler on the ranch is no problem for someone who grew up on a ranch. Living and working with other vets should also not be an issue. And so when Tara’s childhood friend Shay along with Reese, Shay’s husband, offer her a position she took it.
Sharing a bunkhouse is usual fare on a ranch and Tara would be bunk mates with Harper an ex-Navy combat medic. They certainly had a lot in common since Tara had been a combat camera woman. Both had definitely seen the worst of combat injuries and deaths. Harper and Tara would definitely work well together – that was a given. But Harper worried that his attraction to Tara might not be a welcome distraction. He was determined to rein it in realizing that it was far more important that Tara feel welcome and safe. He was pretty sure she didn’t need someone coming on to her. But that attraction was pretty powerful.
Coming back to Wind River was supposed to give Tara time to catch her breath and learn to live within her new limitations. But there was trouble awaiting Tara – trouble from when she was a teenager. Tara had moved on with her life, learned valuable lifesaving skills but someone from her past could present a danger. Not everyone learns their lesson. Once a bully – always a bully mentality.
But those that live and work at the Bar C were made aware of this possible menace and just as in the military they were prepared to face down any dangers to any one of their people.
Safety in numbers is great but that doesn’t mean you should ever let down your guard.
LONE RIDER is another study in goodness and strength. Great addition to an already amazing series. Quick and rewarding read. Lindsay McKenna reminds us that there are some awesome people out there and despite injuries and problems these folk are the salt of the earth.

This is book 5 in the Wind River Valley series and it features Tara and Harper. We are back at the Bar C ranch where veterans work and live. Tara and Harper are working through their PTSD issues. The only problem was I felt the ENTIRE story was listening to these two talk about PTSD or about his ex-wife. It was very difficult to get into the story because even the romance took a back seat to the PTSD.

I’m NOT knocking anyone with PTSD! I understand that it is a huge problem with our veterans more and more but this is supposed to be a romance novel. The suspense was great but I needed more sexy cowboys and way more romance. I love this author’s writing but this book didn’t work for me at all.

I received an ARC of this e-book and am leaving an honest opinion.

Tara has returned home after serving overseas. She of course has witnessed events she never thought she would and suffers from PTSD. She has a wonderful family but they can't understand what she has been through and the nightmares and anxiety that plague her.

She finds out that her old friend from school is looking for help on her ranch and after visiting and talking, she decides to give the job a try.

She will be sharing a house with Harper, who has his own PTSD demons. There definitely is an attraction between the two but neither is in a position to begin a relationship. As they together and begin to spend time together, they slowly develop a trust and start to really talk. The demons will take time though and probably will never go away totally.

This book is part of a series, all standalone books. I have read them all and am so impressed with the research the author did on PTSD. It's also sad because these Vet's were serving their country which I am sure they don't regret. It is something that may never leave them and an innocent trigger can start an episode.

Tara and Harper take it slow, they talk and both worry about the other suffering from their PTSD actions. Good book!

I was intrigued by the description of the book, I know veterans that have PTSD and know some of their struggles. PTSD was mentioned repeatedly through the book. Harper and Tara each have their own personal hell and histories that they have to learn to deal with, along the way they fall in love. Harper is a sweet gentle man and the love developed between Tara and him is just as sweet and tender. This book has action, adventure, some tense moments with the antagonist and some tender love scenes between Harper and Tara.
I received this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Wind River Valley Series is a great series if you enjoy a love story that pulls you all the way in and plays on every one of your emotions. The characters are well rounded and real. I felt like I could actually live in this place and get to know thes people. I’m thankful to the author Lindsay McKenna and her publisher for giving me the opportunity to read Lone Rider.

Lone Rider by Lindsay McKenna is the fifth book in the Wind River series. I have read all the books in the series so far, but this was not my favorite. I liked the story and the characters, as well as the plot. The story moved too slowly, and the word and the descriptions of PTSD were so over used that I had to skim through it until it got back to the story again. Ugh. I really like Lindsay McKenna's books but this one could have been cut down in pages just by removing 75% of the PTSD descriptions. Sorry but I liked the story but not all the excess PTSD discussion. It was so repetitive.

Lone Rider is another great book from Lindsay McKenna! I loved the story and the characters. Very well written.

This was the second book in this series I've read. This book had a good story which the author did a great job telling. But it didn't keep my interest. I felt it moved a little too slow and wasn't overly exciting.
I received a complementary copy from Netgalley and Kensington Books.

This is the fifth book in the Wind River series. I really like this series because you get to catch up with characters from the previous books. This series is about Vets struggling with PTSD. This book is Tara and Harper's story. They have been thru alot and are working to put their lives back together along with other Vets at the Bar C Ranch. I would recommend this book.

Tara and Harper have both been through a lot and are working to put their lives back together at the Bar C Ranch, both are ex-military and suffer from PTSD. The story has lots of emotion and the chemistry between the characters is amazing. I really liked it.

Heart pounding, emotional, action packed romantic adventure filled with humor, dramatic twists, passion and danger.

Tara Dalton and Harper Sutton are part of a group of ex-military vets is putting their lives back together one step at a time on the Bar C Ranch and are struggling with PTSD. They are so sweet and right for each other perfect paring to work at healing together. While this is the fifth book in the series I did not feel lost at all starting here... however it was so entertaining I now must go search out the first four and hope they are just as thrilling to read.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I have been following this series and was excited that there was another out and that Harper was finally getting his chance for love.

The characters in these books are great and you can feel for them as they come back from the military and have a rough time adapting to their nre situations.

Tara was put in Harper's cabin so it was not surprising that they developed feelings for each other. I loved that Tara was bold enough to call Harper on some of his views and feelings. Harper and Tara just see so perfect for each other, like Tara commented - two puzzle pieces that fit together.

The only negative thing that I can say is that the situation between Shay and her father over the ownership of the ranch is still not resolved and I feel like it really needs resolution soon! Plus, there is now another lawsuit from Tara's kidnapping.

I see there is another book in the series due in Sept. so I am keeping my fingers crossed that Shay's situation will be resolved and look forward to Sarah getting her own book!

Lone Rider is Lindsay McKenna is the fifth book in the Wind River Series. It has supporting characters from the previous books but I found it to read well as a stand-alone. Each book focuses on two characters, their past, their present and their romance. This time it is Harper Sutton, a supporting character from the past books, and Tara Dalton, a new comer to the ranch. I thought it was unusual that whoever has been paired up in living conditions, also end up paired romantically. Would it be that easy in real life?

If this is the first book you have read in the series, you would be unaware from Lone Rider how much of the conflict in the series has been between ranch owner Shay and her dad. I was happy to see that not a big part of this story. However, it is still unclear where that conflict is going or how it will be resolved.

The focus of the entire series has been on returning veterans battling PTSD. Lindsay McKenna highlights different jobs within the military as she shares the difficulties involved. Tara Dalton was a combat photographer, not a job I would have thought about, but one that saw plenty of the horrors of war. Added in an event from her teen years, Tara has a double dose.

Ms. McKenna uses a dialogue to spotlight PTSD, and give the back story of Harper and Tara. These are two characters I really liked. I did find it discerning that almost every page had a reference to PSTD. If it was nonfiction, it would read almost like a case study. It seemed the defining characteristic of their lives now. Lone Rider will make you appreciate our military veteran's sacrifices while hoping all find the love and peace that they need.

This was a nice romantic suspense to read. Both Harper & Tara are vets with PTSD & trust issues. They are working at a ranch with other vets. Their similarities draw them together & there is an attraction there. They need to gain control of their PTSD before they can move further. In the meantime, an enemy from Tara's past surfaces. Can Harper protect her?

I enjoyed this book. The characters were likable & realistic. The interactions with the other vets gave an added dimension to the story. The plot moved a little slowly at the beginning but speed up as you got into it. While it wasn't a riveting tale, it was a nice sweet read.