Lost Rider is the first standalone book in the new Coming Home Series by Harper Sloan.

It’s a second chance for Maverick Austin Davis and Leighton Elizabeth James at a happily ever after. Leighton has known Maverick since she was a child, and probably been in love with him just as long. But Maverick has been out of the picture for 10 long years. And things have changed.

Second Chance Romances are my favourite. I love the tension and the suspense of the will they/won’t they moments. The angst and extra love/hate feelings that come with a history full of love and hurt. It’s an extra layer to normal romance stories that I adore.

Lost Rider had those extra feelings in spades. I really liked the dynamic between the 4 main characters and the little family that they had built themselves. Considering the reasons why Maverick had left and what brought him home it was a testament to the characters that Harper had created.

While I did really like Lost Rider I also felt like it moved a little fast for me. I like a slow burn second chance romance with a bit more angst and time where the wronged party doesn’t quite forgive so easily. I felt like Leighton forgave Maverick for the hurt he caused her a little too quickly. However some people are far more forgiving then others and while I would have liked it to take a bit longer it still fitted in with the plot and character development well.

The relationship development for Maverick and Leighton had an easy flow to it making Lost Rider a heartwarming and easy read.

The character development for Maverick was complex and maybe a little fast. Considering the angry boy he was when he left and the angry man he was when he returned he seemed to forgive himself for everything quite quickly. But again this did work in well with the story line.

Lost Rider was a quick and easy read for me that I enjoyed from beginning to end and I can’t wait for the second book in the series, Kiss My Boots, to get some more of Quinn and her brash yet endearing personality!

This is my first Harper Sloan book and I know yeah its hard to believe because I hve been hearing about her for years. It was wonderful, fantastic and I cannot wait to read more.

This is the story of of two teens who love each other and have know each other from almost birth. Maverick and Leighton fell in love as kids. He was the hot cowboy and she was the quiet girl. The real issue is that Maverick hated the town he grew up in. His father HATED him and abused him and he always knew he had to leave. So while he loved L he knew he had to never share that with her and instead make her hate him.

The story starts as Mav has heard his father has died, his rodeo career is over and it is time he heads home. This is the story of picking up the pieces he left behind 10 years before. We get some scenes from the past and we learn how the years have changed both M and L. This book definitely has a lot of angyst on both sides but it also has a lot of love and I really enjoyed it.

Absolute Beautiful!

Lost Rider is a beautiful, amazing and heartfelt second chance read. I found myself getting lost in Harper's words. They are riveting, powerful and downright divine.

The death of Maverick's father being him home after being away for ten years. His career pretty much over he is ready to start over. When he left years ago the only thing he left beside his brother and sister was her..... the one he always loved. Hurtful words left their relationship strained but now he is hoping to put that behind them.

Leighton has only loved one man. He broke her and now ten years later he's back. She has a successful business and wonderful friends the last thing she needs is him. But, when she comes face to face with him again she knows he will always have her heart.

This is a great start to what is going to be an amazing series. Lost Rider is really an exceptional book with outstanding writing, wonderful characters and a story that will take your breath away. It's definitely one of my favorites so far this year and can't wait to see where we go next with this series.

Lost Rider by Harper Sloan.

Lost Rider, with Maverick and Leighton was defiantly a roller coaster, one that I’m still un sure I enjoyed!
I found this story to be very slow building, and at times I was not fully invested in the story. It took me a wee while to get it together and actually enjoy the story and by the time I done that it was almost over.
Lost Rider is about second chances in all aspects of life.
The characters have sensational chemistry and when they do get it on HELLLLO HOTNESS!
So there is A LOT of drama in this story, there were times I didn’t like Mav at all, and I was like how are you going to redeem yourself now A*hole!
With all the heartache and emotions happening I am 100% sure every Harper fan will enjoy.
The writing is fantastic and the flow of the story is slow, I found myself in the end liking but not loving like I have other story by this author!
3.5 Stars
Arc received by publisher from netgalley.

Hang on to your Stetsons this spring, because you’re in for one wild ride! Lost Rider is the first Western romance in New York Times and USA TODAY indie bestselling author Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series, where an injured rodeo star encounters an old flame…but will she be just what he needs to get back in the saddle?

Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over?

Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?

Lost Rider is the first go-round in this Texas-set series filled with sizzle, heart, and plenty of cowboys!

I love Harper Sloan...In fact, I stalk her on Facebook so when she says she's coming out with a new book, and it's offered - I request it and I'm persistent. That's what makes this review so hard for me to write right now. In fact, I've been putting it off for days. I read this book as soon as it showed up on my shelf. I devoured it in one day, and I threw all other books to the side because she's HARPER SLOAN!!! This is where my review takes a turn for the worse. Her writing is excellent. I can't argue with that. I aspire to be a writer like her. If I went on writing alone, this book would be five stars easily, however, and this is where the, however, comes into play...it was like the hero and heroine switched roles. Maverick and Leighton were some different characters...I'm used to Harper's Alpha males, and Maverick had some Movaries (male ovaries!) He talked about his feelings so much that I literally had to go back and make sure that the chapter was his. Leighton had bigger balls than him. She was more Alpha, and he had so much internal dialogue that I found myself skimming through this book. It broke my heart.

That doesn't mean that I won't read the next one because I loved his brother and sister!! I loved the townspeople, and I loved the writing, but I just felt like Harper was telling the story of two people from the same point of view?! I went back to the previous chapter almost five times, and I never do that. I just didn't get it. I would have almost thought she had a ghostwriter on this one if I didn't know better. It's hard doing dual points of view - I know because I've written them and believe me, it gets confusing, but I just thought that if Maverick started talking about Bluebonnets one more time, I was going to revoke his Mancard!! NO LIE Y'ALL!! I told a writer friend of mine that I am always honest in my reviews, no matter how much I love the author and I love Harper as much as Kristen Ashley, but this book was not my cup of tea. I know some will love it but for ME...I like my men....well, like men and not talking about their feeling on 75 percent of the book. If you love Harper - you'll stick by her and read it, and I think you should because it's the first in the series and I'll definitely be picking up the second one, but I'll be looking for my Alpha.

I will say that there were a couple of things that didn't add up for me in this book that I thought were a little weird...I won't give it away because I want to see if y'all get it. I had some issues with the hero having this giant secret and thinking his family would "disown" him over it. It just didn't seem believable to me. So, that just struck a cord I found odd. I'll let you guys make your own opinions, though. If you're true fans, don't let my review sway you...buy the book and read it yourself and then let me know what you thought of it!!

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.

Lost Rider is the start to Harper Sloan's brand new series, Coming Home, and her first release in Western Romance. This book follows Maverick Davis as he returns home after too many concussions have taken him off the Rodeo circuit. When he left town ten years ago it was with plans to never come back, but now that his father has passed and he no longer has his career, he knows it's time. He never expected to return to Leighton James looking as gorgeous as a model and hating his guts though. She was once the only person he could confide in, and now she doesn't even want to speak to him. Now he just has to change her mind and make up for the past.

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and I especially adored Maverick. This may be a new adventure for Ms. Sloan but this Hero kept true to what I've come to expect from her writing - true Alpha-ness. Even when he was working his hardest to get back into his family's life, his possessiveness over Leighton was clear as day and I loved seeing that. There were many scenes that had me swooning all over the place, and I will be re-reading this many times because of that.

There were a few scenes in the past, which usually I'm not a big fan of, but with this story it worked well being mixed in. It gave us more of a clear picture of how close Maverick and Leighton were at times in the past, and why him leaving hurt her so much. I really liked that we got that insight into their relationship and it made me connect with Leighton on a stronger level. She was a good heroine that kept things interesting since she didn't give into Maverick right away, which was fun to see.

This is one cowboy that everyone needs to meet. Even if you're not into the Western genre I would still highly recommend this book. It was sweet and sexy, with a hot Alpha Hero, and a romance that will have you swooning.

Lost Rider Playlist:
Austin - Blake Shelton
Boys From The South - Pistol Annies
What Ifs - Kane Brown
This Is How We Roll - Florida Georgia Line
Strip It Down - Luke Bryan
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) - Big & Rich
Rodeo - Garth Brooks

DNF @ 20%

I'm going to preface this mini-review of my incomplete read by saying two things : I have never read a book by Sloan and I still don't think I have. The start of this book indicates the author is writing in a different style than her usual and while that clearly didn't work for me, I'd still be willing to try out a more typical read by her in the future. And secondly, maybe cowboys just aren't for me. This felt like a softcore, gentler, version of my MC petpeeve. But the fact that I couldn't push myself to finish makes me think that, gentler or not, it's still too grating to live through.

Between a frustrating male-lead who was closed down, a total asshole, and fond of alienating those he loved because "reasons", and a female protag who, at least in the present-day scenes, behaved more ridiculously than she did in her sixteen year old self flashbacks, I had to throw in the towel. I can usually push on when the writing isn't my favourite (which it wasn't) but add to that the fact that <b>neither</b> main character's POV was enjoyable to read from, sorry, no. Normally I like small town reads because of the fun mix of personalities and quirks within the community, and I was looking forward to losing myself in the warmth of a down south western theme, but I started questioning this book as early as the 6% mark and it just got worse.

These characters might have redeemed themselves somewhere along the way but I'm sorry to say that I won't ever know.

This is a romance that took a while to suck me in but there was something pulling me into this book.

Maverick’s career was cut short so he is on his way back to his hometown, a town where he really doesn’t want to be. There is a lot of resentment and anger/hurt on his part but honestly when it all comes to a head you can’t help but hurt for him and his family. You can’t help but feel his pain and want to hug him in order to make it all better again. The magic of a book is the winning formula to winning a reader’s heart but this book surprisingly sucked me in and I think Harper has a winner in this book for sure.

Leighton is the perfect match for Maverick and I am happy about her character growth, she’s special and she’s a pleasure to read. I think these two have one of those rare relationships. There was a lot of ups and downs. There were moments where I wanted to scream in frustration because hello it was just yeah a frustrating time.

I’ve read books by this author before but this book is different and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It felt right and it’s a magical book.

4 stars

Reviewed on behalf of Amo and Sarah’s Book Corner

5 Stars

Such a heart-warming story!!

Maverick moved away from his home town 10 years ago, he had to get away from his father and the way he was being treated. He became a hugely successful bull rider, but one too many hits to the head have ended his career.

He has been drinking away his sorrows until he gets a call from his brother and sister to tell him their father has died. He knows it is time to return to the one place he swore he never would and the people he loves who he left behind.

Leighton has loved Maverick since they were kids, she grew up as best friends with his sister and they spent a lot of time together until he broke her heart before leaving town. She has barely made it through the last 10 years always thinking of him and the other people she has lost in that time.

When Leighton and Maverick come face to face after all this time it is clear neither of their feelings have changed, but can Maverick convince Leighton that he is here to stay this time and can she finally let go of the past and give him all of her?

3.5 Stars Lost Rider is a promising start to the Coming Home series by Harper Sloan. I liked Maverick and Leighton’s characters and although I found it slow moving in parts as a whole I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more

~ 3.5 Healing Stars ~

Lost Rider is a story about hope, healing and finding love again.

This is my first Harper Sloan book and I enjoyed this book. It didn't WOW me but I thought it was an enjoyable story and the characters were likable. I’m a sucker for a cowboy love story ;)

I will say that I thought this story had a lot of promise at being a 5 star read when I first started the book. It is a well written book and the author did a great job letting the readers feel all the emotions the characters were feeling. I loved the angst and turmoil she gave in the first half of the book but once I got past the 50% mark the book lost its spark and it just turned into an OK book for me. I would've liked to see some more drama or angst added to the story to make me want to keep turning the pages. The second half of the book was a really sweet love story between two people who were lost and found their way back to each other.

In this book we follow the journey of Maverick Davis and Leighton James. Maverick and Leighton have known each other all their lives and have been friends just as long. Over time Leighton's feelings of friendship turn to something more and so do Maverick's. But Maverick doesn't have an easy upbringing and all he wants to do is leave town and not look back. To follow his dream of being the best bull rider on the circuit. But to do that he has to cut all ties....even the ones he has with Leighton. But when tragedy strikes and calls Maverick home 10 years later, will Leighton be able to forgive him?? Will Maverick be able to overcome all of his anger and resentment?? Can these two find the HEA they deserve?? You'll need to read Lost Rider to get all those answers.

Lost Rider is a standalone novel told in Dual POV's. I think this could be the start of a series, because Harper could be giving us books about Maverick's siblings. But this is a complete story with NO cliffhanger. As I said before I thought this book was well written and flowed really well between past and present tense. One of my only complaints was I thought there was a little too much inner monologue going on with Leighton and Maverick that it slowed the pace of the story down. I would've liked more interaction between all the characters.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a second chance love story with a swoony Cowboy Hero!! Also if you are a fan of Harper Sloan’s then you don’t want to miss this new book of hers.

Did not finish. The book wasn't something that kept my attention and the heroine was getting on my nerves a bit.

I tried to continue reading this book but stopped at 54 % percent. I kept waiting for this story to be different than many others out there. And I hadn't found it before I just became too bored to continue. I am a huge fan of Harper's but the characters discussions of the past just continued to drag on. I wanted some excitement or a pull that would want me to keep reading. It never came.

I never normally read westerns so I went into this one a bit blind and not really knowing what to expect. Having read Harper's work before though, I knew I would be getting alpha males and a swoony story and this one didn't disappoint.

I really got the characters and I enjoyed the beginning of the book a lot. The side characters were interesting and added to the story. I really enjoy a second chance romance so for me this was a winner and it felt quite fresh and different but maybe that's because of the western theme to the book.

I usually love hearing the inner monologue as it really lets you into the characters head and it kind of feels like you are really in the story with them, but for me, in this book, it seemed to slow the pace of the story down.

Above all this was a really enjoyable read and I am already looking forward to the next in the series.

3.5 Cocktails

I'm not generally one to read a cowboy romance, but something in the blurb had me deciding I was going to read this.

Maverick and Leighton had a ton of issues. They like to talk about them...a lot. Given the issues, I applaud the characters for wanting to talk things out and making sure their relationship is on solid ground (after all Maverick was the one that broke Leighton as a teenager). But these two liked to talk their troubles to death. These two, pretty quickly, figure out what they want and what their future would look like, but it felt like we kept going backward rehashing everything. I get it. Get it all out. But at some point, you have to move forward.

This being said, I did like Maverick and Leighton, separately and together. They had a chemistry that was clearly off the charts and wasn't going to be ignored. They were able to work through their issues and became an anchor for each other.

I'll definitely be looking for Quinn and Clay's stories. This family has a lot of healing to do and I can't wait to see who Quinn and Clay find to help them find their HEA.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.

Maverick was Leighton's best friends older brother and she only had eyes for him. Maverick was aware of Leighton crush but knew he needed to ignore it. Second chance love is where this book takes us.

The book starts with flashbacks of when Maverick and Leighton are young and lays the foundation of their history. Maverick has a tragic and sad family life with some major father issues added on. He was determined to purse his dream of the rodeo and that was what kept him going plus his siblings . Leighton deals with her crush and unrequited love. At eighteen years of age Maverick leaves town to join the rodeo.He leaves behind a broken hearted Leighton's, as well as leaving hurt/bad feelings with his siblings and towns people. During these flashbacks I have to say I could not stand Maverick, the monologue and history these two share just didn't gel for me.

Fast forward ten years later, Maverick's left the rodeo after suffering some serious injuries, his father is now dead and he's back in town. He's still has a chip on his should and has to now navigate some hurt/damaged relationships.

Leighton was heartbroken but moved on and made a life for herself. When Maverick walks back into town she's determined to protect her heart after all the hurt he and life has thrown at her.

Both had a lot of healing to do in their relationship. And I found at times that Leighton character was irritating and somewhat over the top with her feelings. And Maverick, as I stated earlier, was a real jerk in the beginning and somewhat redeemed himself later in the story. In my opinion it was almost too late as his jerky character overshadowed the story too much for most of the book. Another issue I have was the monologue seemed to drag on too much as well as the narrative. And in the end I found I just didn't really connect or care about these characters to be totally invested into their HEA.

In addition to my comments above concerning the writing, this story felt a bit juvenile. If not for the sex scenes I would have linked this book to a Harlequin romance of years ago. It was not a sophisticated story.

LOST RIDER (COMING HOME 1) by HARPER SLOAN

I haven't been writing reviews for a looong time now but this book deserves one because it is freakin awesome! Definitely a MUST-READ.

I received an ARC for this book and I was surprised because I am not a full-time blogger nor professional one but I got approved and I was so excited!!! I immediately dived into it the moment I got the ebook and finished it in one sitting.

I have to be honest & tell you that LOST RIDER is Harper Sloan's BEST work yet. I have read most of her books and this is totally mind-blowing. This is so different from books she released before. IDK maybe it's just me but I really think that this is by far the most emotional, deep & heart-warming story she has released. Well-written, well thought of and definitely one that you will love til the very end and still want more.

The characters have big hearts but also flawed and the story is a mixture of love, forgiveness, healing & second chances. She did an incredible job in writing such meaningful story in a realistic manner that will totally surprise her fan base and look forward to this series.

-- Posted on my personal TUMBLR & GOODREADS account & soon after release on AMAZON

In one week, Maverick Davis will be leaving town to become a rodeo star. In Leighton James' mind, this is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress, demand some attention, and declare her undying love for him. It's now or never. Who knows? Maybe he'll reciprocate her feelings. Except the night of the bonfire (the night Leighton gets dolled up to confess her feelings) she overhears Maverick say that she is a pubescent boy trying to play dress up in her cutoff shorts and her slutty plaid shirt. She looks like a trinket.

Well. So much for that.

"As we make our way out of the clearing I promised myself never to let another man hold this kind of power over me."

Now our story begins...

10 years later, we meet the bull riding master Maverick Davis. He is throwing a pity party for himself and arguing with the voices in his head. Mav's not in the best of moods returning to the home he was so eager to leave 10 years before. Back then, he had a vision and inspiration. Now, his pride has been stripped away from him and there's no one in this godforsaken town he can turn to other than his brother and sister.

Now, why has he thrown a pity party for himself?... 11 days prior, the doctor had told him his riding career is over. (How generous, doc 😒) Thanks to Lucifer the Bull and Maverick's stubborn attempts to conquer the beast, he is left with countless head injuries that threaten to take his life if he continues to ride.

"I was meant to ride just as I was meant to draw air in my lungs to live..."

So what does a lost rider do when he can't ride?... Well, he pursues Leighton James, that's what he does!

Ayeee the delicious drama. 💑 Leighton dissolves when she sees Maverick for the first time since the night of the bonfire. (Where is your resolve, girlfriend?!) If only he could recognize her... An apology would be nice, too. If Maverick thinks he can stroll back into town acting like some sort of prince, his series of concussions has really made him cray.

"My eyes are up here, cowboy... You, Maverick Austin Davis, haven't changed one bit. You would think that in the years that you've been gone from Pine Oak you would remember what happens when you treat a girl like the shit stuck under your boot... now get your head out of your own ass long enough to stop being a massive prick and have some respect for your brother, sister, and your father."

#AttaGIRL!

Little by little, Maverick fills the empty shell of happiness Leighton surrounds herself with. But until Maverick is able to let go of all the pain he's holding on to, she's not fully convinced that he should have her heart... Even then, Leighton will still doubt. She made a promise to herself 10 years ago, and she intends to keep it. Ohhh but her heart and her head are telling her two very different things...

"I hope I've been branded, because there'll never be another man for me, not now… not ever."

And Maverick? WhoooEEE he is one heck of an irresistible alpha male!

"Tell me now, Leighton. Tell me it's always been me..."
"Try again... 'it's always been you, Maverick.'"

Woah now, cowboy. Did you just demand she say your name? Maverick channeling his inner Destiny's Child is hot hot hot! 🔥 A man who knows what he wants, AND bends over backwards for a woman? Maverick is giddy-upping all over my little heart!

But how is Maverick going to let go of his riding career and prove to Leighton that he can start a new life? Is he going to be tempted by Lucifer one last time? How on this sweet earth is Leighton going to forgive Maverick for abandoning his family (and her) only to charge in 10 years later like nothing's changed?

A lost cowboy. A girl who's heart has been trampled on. My friends, these are ingredients for the best western romance I have ever read. Lost Rider is western romance perfection. Our cowboy, Maverick, learns to let go of the past and, with Leighton's help, he sees that he can have more than one dream. He wholeheartedly embraces the challenge of reinventing his goals and sees that bull riding was a stepping stone in a much grandeur adventure waiting for him.

"I may have been king of the rodeo... but I did it with a dead heart that no one came close to touching..."

Oh yea? 😏 Now you're starting to see the light within yourself, Mav. This is a very different statement than, "I was meant to ride just as I was meant to draw air in my lungs to live..."

Maverick finally sets sail to the pain he's been harboring and gives his heart unconditionally to Leighton. But is it enough?

Harper Sloan. HARPER. SLOAN. I said it once and I will say it again: Lost Rider is western romance perfection. My feelings were uncontrollable as I lived vicariously through Leighton's doubts and Maverick's love. The characters are insatiable, and the romance is fervent, saucy, and the words eloquent. Lost Rider is the quintessential story of a hibernating love waiting to wake.

I love this book. I don't know how not to.

"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."

"He's stronger. I'm stronger. Together I just know we'll be unbreakable."

Lost Rider is the first book in the Coming Home Series by Harper Sloan. I have to say, I was pretty excited when I heard about this new series. I don't read a ton of Cowboy stories, but as a fan of Harper Sloan's, I just knew that I had to give it a try.

Lost Rider is told from dual points of view and follows the story of Leighton and Maverick. Leighton has been in love with Maverick for as long as she can remember. She always hoped that one day, Maverick would feel the same. But, as time went by, Maverick never saw what was standing in front of him. In the end, his actions hurt Leighton in ways he never expected...Maverick doesn't mean to be a jerk. It's just easier for him that way. He pushes away those who are close to him and would do anything to escape the pain of his home life. Now, many years later, fate will force Maverick to return home. Not only will Maverick have to confront the pains of his past, but he also must face the woman who he's always wanted, but pushed away....

Overall, I thought this was a great start to this series. I thought that Maverick and Leighton's story was really enjoyable. My heart went out to the both of them for all that they had been through and all the missed opportunities. I thought that Maverick and Leighton were easy to connect with and I loved the chemistry that they shared. I loved the push and pull between the two of them and I couldn't wait for Maverick to get his head out of his ass and own up to his feelings in regards to Leighton. I really liked Leighton and Maverick as a couple. I felt that despite the bumps in the road from the past, they really got each other. Not only did they steam up the pages with their passion, but they also challenged each other and were a great support to each other when needed.

For the most part, I think this story was pretty light on the drama. This is an honest to goodness sweet second chance romance. I loved the family element and am hopeful that Maverick's siblings will get a chance to tell their stories.

Lost Rider is a great friends to lovers/second chance romance. I think this series is off to a really good start and I look forward to checking out more from this series in the future.