Lost Rider (The Coming Home Series)

It was different than her other series that she has written, but still great. I loved the country theme and the love story. Kind of reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book in the beginning, but it was way different. Can't wait to read the next one!

A must read SERIES
Mav left town. hurt and angry. He hurt the ones he loved for ridin bulls. Only to have to come back. Will his love come back? Will he win her back and the trust of his famuly?

A perfectly good country romance. A hot heroe and a capable heroeine. It's a classic second chances story with the country feelin' to it. If you're looking for some sweet, some hot, good romance to read this is a good choise.

Harper Sloan grabbed me with Corps Security series so I wasn't sure she could top that one! I have a feeling this series will be just as good if not better. Love how all of the emotions were brought out in this book..looking forward to Quinns story!

Maverick Austin Davis aka "The Unstoppable" was a famous rodeo star who was forced to return to his hometown Pine Oak, Texas after a decade of chasing his dreams which cost him so many relationship including one he knew he would never get back again. After too many head injuries he was no longer able to do what he loved.

Leighton Elizabeth James, Maverick's youngest sister's best-friend who had a crush on him since their childhood. When she poured her heart out to him, Maverick crushed her heart into zillions of pieces. The ugly duckling was no more now she was a breathtakingly gorgeous woman and Maverick took notice.

Maverick found himself wanting to stick around in Pine Oak to make up for his past mistakes. He loved his brother Clay and sister Quinn but Mav couldn't stand to be on the Davis Ranch. He couldn't turn his back on his family so he decided to create a new era leaving all the heartcahe and pain of the past behind him.

Things between Mav and Leigh started off a wee complicated but the former never stopped fighting for the latter. He walked away once and there was no way he was about to commit the same mistake twice. They were creating a future together, Mav had great plans and he wanted no he meeded Leigh to be by his side as they came to life.

Loved the bond between the Davis siblings and Leigh. Looking forward to what's to come next for them all.

LOST RIDER is the first installment in Harper Sloan's newest series, COMING HOME. It was enchanting, an emotional rollercoaster ride, heartwarming, funny and steamy. Harper Sloan stepped into this new world and conquered it. 5++++

Okay book. Started out ok and then just seemed to fizzle for me. I am sure it is more of a personal preference than anything being wrong with the book itself. Sometimes you just are not interested in a story.

This story, a second chance romance, is so sweet! I fell in love with Maverick and Leighton and they amazing way they fight to get to the love they each need. Harper is such a talented writer and her characters draw you in and don't let go. Gonna have such a book hangover from this one! Can't recommend this one highly enough!

Maverick Davis, regardless of the treatment he received at the hands of man he called his father, nevertheless always hoped that one day, somehow, he'd make the old man proud. With the old man's death however, that day will never come. Instead Maverick is headed back home to the town he hasn't set foot in since graduating from high school, to bury the man he once feared would bury him.

His broken family isn't the only thing he left behind those ten long years ago. There was also a girl. One whose dreams he callously and deliberately shattered just prior to leaving. Now though, with his career as a championship rodeo rider having come to a crashing end, what's left of his family is pretty much all he has left that means anything to him.

In Harper Sloan's first foray into the realm of western romance, this wrangler and stetson wearing cowboy comes face to face with all of the problems he once ran away from. The people he left behind have long memories and it seems that only his little sister Quinn is keen on welcoming him back with open arms.

I veritably raced through the pages of Lost Rider. The characters leaped off the page vibrant and fully realized, and the angst and turmoil between Maverick and Leighton (that girl he once spurned) seemed all encompassing. Laced with dry humor and interspersed with moments both tragically bittersweet and scorchingly hot, I imagine this book has something for everyone, and I just loved it.

The first of three, with the two following standalones to focus on each of Maverick's two siblings, this first person dual POV romance is sure to bring a smile ... eventually

Such an awesome book with even better writing. I absolutely love everything that I have ever read by Harper and look forward to her upcoming releases. Being a teacher, I don't get much extra time for reading...so her books give me something else to look forward to on breaks.

Maverick Davis, regardless of the treatment he received at the hands of man he called his father, nevertheless always hoped that one day, somehow, he'd make the old man proud. With the old man's death however, that day will never come. Instead Maverick is headed back home to the town he hasn't set foot in since graduating from high school, to bury the man he once feared would bury him.

His broken family isn't the only thing he left behind those ten long years ago. There was also a girl. One whose dreams he callously and deliberately shattered just prior to leaving. Now though, with his career as a championship rodeo rider having come to a crashing end, what's left of his family is pretty much all he has left that means anything to him.

In Harper Sloan's first foray into the realm of western romance, this wrangler and stetson wearing cowboy comes face to face with all of the problems he once ran away from. The people he left behind have long memories and it seems that only his little sister Quinn is keen on welcoming him back with open arms.

I veritably raced through the pages of Lost Rider. The characters leaped off the page vibrant and fully realized, and the angst and turmoil between Maverick and Leighton (that girl he once spurned) seemed all encompassing. Laced with dry humor and interspersed with moments both tragically bittersweet and scorchingly hot, I imagine this book has something for everyone, and I just loved it.

The first of three, with the two following standalones to focus on each of Maverick's two siblings, this first person dual POV romance is sure to bring a smile ... eventually

Such an awesome book with even better writing. I absolutely love everything that I have ever read by Harper and look forward to her upcoming releases. Being a teacher, I don't get much extra time for reading...so her books give me something else to look forward to on breaks.

Harper Sloan is a relatively new to me author. This is the first book in her new Coming Home Series and after reading this one I can't wait to see what she has in store for the rest of the series. This is a wonderful, emotional journey about regrets, forgiveness, second chances, coming home, love and the power of family. I was engaged in this story from the very start and was fully invested in finding out how Maverick and Leighton's journey unfolded. I really liked Leighton's strength and how fiercely she loved. I also enjoyed watching Maverick's journey from anger to forgiveness to love. I think the author did a great job of setting up Maverick's siblings Clay and Quinn for their own journeys and I am looking forward to reading their stories.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley.

It had been eleven days since the doctor had told Maverick/Mav his career was over. Eleven days of drinking himself into a stupor. Mav had become the thing he had swore he would never be , become the man that raised him. Mav had everything he ever wanted in the palm of his hand. Riding was all Mav had ever needed and now it was gone. Ten years of living his dreams and then it was gone. Bull riding is one of the two things in Mav’s life that bring him peace. Mav still had a fearless streak. For almost ten years Maverick had been the biggest name in professional bull riding. He had always been able to conquer the bulls until Lucifer. Then the doctor said Mav had too many head injuries. One more and he would be taken out of the arena in a body bag. So Maverick was heading home and his older brother Clay was calling again to see when he would get there. Quinn was Mav’s sister. Their father had died and they wanted Mav at the church. Mav had a rough childhood. But their father hadn’t wanted Maverick around ten years ago. Just being home made Mav feel trapped all over again. There was one thing Mav had wanted more than riding but he had run away from it to chase his dreams and lived with the regret since. No matter what he had done or accomplished it still hadn’t made his father proud of Mav. Then Mav thought of Leighton/Leigh. Mav had known Leigh had a crush on him for years. But Leigh didn’t want to leave Pine Oak. Leigh and Quinn were best friends and she sat next to Quinn in church to comfort her. Leigh still loves Mav Leigh was now a baker and owned the Pie Hole.
I enjoyed this book. It was a good hot romance and I loved it. I liked the plot also. I loved Leigh and Mav together. I felt this was well written. His was a passionate sweet second chance romance story. At times this book dragged for me The chemistry between Leigh and Mav was sizzling. This caught my interest from the beginning and held it until the end. I love how it focused on the healing of Mav and Leigh. This was a little repetitive at times. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.

>>>>>> My Synopsis (Review Follows): <<<<<<
Sometimes people come and go from our lives like a wrecking ball, and leave havoc and chaos in their wake. For Leighton James, that wrecking ball was one Maverick Austin Davis, her first crush. At the tender age of sixteen, he'd broken not only her heart when he'd left, but destroyed her self-esteem as well. That was ten years ago and in those years she's been successful in every aspect of her life but love. The owner of a successful bakery--the PieHole--people come from miles, sometimes even states, away to buy her wares. She's dated, but a string of failed relationships have left her believing she somehow isn't enough. Truth be told, that sentiment probably stems back to Maverick and the hatefully cruel words he spoke all those years ago.

Maverick "The Unstoppable" Davis' rodeo career has come to an abrupt stop. Ten years of living the dream and it was gone. Just like that. For ten years he'd been the biggest name in professional bull riding--there wasn't a beast he couldn't conquer until Lucifer. One too many falls while riding had left him with head injuries so severe that the next could have him leaving the arena in a body bag. It was time to go home and try to mend the bridges he'd not only broken but in some cases pretty much annihilated. He'll try to put right what he once put wrong...

'I was lost once. A rider without the ability to do what he loved. I came home even though it was the last place I thought I wanted to be, and in the process not only did I find myself again, but I also found that my reason for livin' didn't have sh*t to do with ridin'.'

This is Maverick and Leighton's story.

>>>>>> My Review: <<<<<<
This was a story that tackled some heavy topics--abandonment and abuse--and the long term affects they have on people. Maverick Austin Davis (personal note: MAD--I love those initials and wonder if the author chose them on purpose because they're so fitting.) grew up in an abusive household and while it was obvious what was going on (although perhaps not the extent of it), no one ever stepped in to stop it. When he was old enough to live on his own he left home quicker than you can say 'ready, set, go' and never looked back, until now. His father having recently passed and his career in shambles, he realizes it's time.

Leighton James had given her heart to her best friend's older brother years ago and had it cruelly handed back. While the two hadn't actually dated, something had been stirring between them. Maverick, with the use of a few choice words that cut to the bone, had intentionally and effectively ended that. Unfortunately, he'd also ripped Leighton's self esteem to shreds in the process, something that at the age of sixteen was very fragile. The event had repercussions that Maverick could never have predicted and it made it hard for me to like him at the beginning. It wasn't until we get the whole story of what was going on behind the scenes at the Davis family ranch that I understood why he did what he did. While words are just words, they sometimes have a devastating effect, and in this case a long lasting one.

Maverick is a complex and complicated individual who went through a lot and has kept people emotionally at bay for years. My guess is this is in part due to the fact he had to come to terms with what had happened to him when he was growing up. The author didn't hold back with all the things she piled up on this character and his personal baggage was so immense I felt he probably would have done well to seek out the services of a psychologist.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses (On the store scale). A sweet story about love, understanding, forgiveness, and letting go of the past so you can move forward with your life. I loved the chemistry between these two, but would have liked Leighton to have put Maverick through the wringer and make him jump a couple of hoops before taking him back. I felt she should have put his feelings to the test before giving in to her own. It could have proven quite fun. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a SHOWER rating--a cold shower is necessary (need I say more?). Some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. lol

4.25 Stars

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

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LEIGH & MAV? WILL THERE BE A HAPPY END? READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
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COWBOY-ISH ADORABLE!

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

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

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

Now I can't wait for Quinn's book to be released in July!!!!!

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

*~*~ 4.5 Stars *~*~*

Second chance romance with a cowboy who is beautifully broken and moody, but beneath all the hurt lies a man with a heart of gold just waiting to escape.

Leighton James has been in love with Maverick Davis for as long as she can remember. He is her best friend’s brother and has never really looked in her direction or so she thinks. But when Maverick leaves Leighton is crushed and completely heartbroken and she is left to pick up the pieces of the destruction Maverick left behind. Now after 10 long years, he is back and all those feelings Leighton thought she buried has now returned. How can she protect her heart from being shattered once again?

Maverick has his reasons for leaving home all those years ago. He had to escape the hell he was living in and his only regret is Leighton James. He knows he messed up, but at the time he had to do what was right for him. Now his career has came to a halt and it’s time to head back to the once place he never wanted to return. When Maverick sees Leighton after all those years, he knows that she is the one for him. Can he prove himself and show Leighton that she has and always will be the love of his life?

I adored this sweet second chance romance. At times, this book was funny, sweet, sappy, sad and very emotional. I adored seeing the changes in Maverick and how he overcame things. Once he opened up, he was a totally sweetheart to Leighton, and of course the chemistry between these two is off the charts. I cannot wait for Quinn’s book!

3.5 Stars

One word: Cowboys! My ideas about cowboys are probably completely wrong, but I sure like the ones Harper Sloan writes about. A broken rodeo star, with a big heart, and a hopeful future, not to mention the hat, and mostly the nicely filled out jeans. Prepare to swoon with Maverick Davis.

He left town fast, and never looked back. ‘Cause he knew if he gave Leighton a chance, he would never leave. Now that he’s back for good, she is his number one priority. Fix what he broke ten years ago, and convince her to give this lost rider a chance.

Luckily Leighton never really got over her crush, and things heat up pretty fast. There is no lack of passion, inside and outside the barn. Two strong-willed characters, pent-up emotions, and hurt feelings, yes, it gets intense.

I mostly liked how the drama isn’t dragged out. Once all secrets are revealed, apologies are made, Leighton and Maverick don’t waste time. They already lost out on ten years, and they don’t want to waste any more.

Lost Rider was a solid start for a new series. A must read for anyone who likes cowboys, broken men who try to redeem themselves, and the strong women there to guide them. It was, at times, sticky sweet, passionate, and mostly good fun.

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

2 Stars

ARC generously provided via Netgalley

This book wasn't bad, but it just wasn't enough. there was no twists or turns, no angst, nothing really to keep me turning the pages other than my own stubbornness to finish the book.

Maverick had a rough childhood at the hands of an abusive father. He leaves town at the age of 18 to fulfill his dream of bull riding and also fulfilling the need to get away.

He makes sure to burn all the bridges he can when leaving, to prevent anything from holding him back. The biggest bridge is Leighton. The girl next door who has always been his peace and the only thing that could truly make him stay.

Maverick has been gone 10 years when it is time to return home. This time he knows it is for good and is going to get back everything he pushed away. He is going to put down steel roots in the place he thought he would never be able to call home.

Leighton was always in love with Maverick. It has only ever been Maverick. She has a huge fear he will pick and leave town again at the first sign of trouble, and she isn't sure she is willing to forgive him for all the pain he caused so many years ago.

Lost Rider was a sweet story. However, it just felt flat. The major issues were resolved within the first 20% of the book and I felt like the rest was fluff. I read a book of fluff. It felt like you got the ending right at the beginning and there wasn't really anything else to work/read toward, which made the rest of the book feel forced, flat, and lacking.

The characters were sweet, but without depth. The love story was o.k., but shallow.

This book has received lots of great reviews, so it may just have not been my cup of tea, but for me it was lacking.

Lost Rider is definitely very different than the previous books that I’ve read by Harper Sloan and this isn’t a bad thing, not at all. For me, it was a breath of fresh air. What roped me in was that it involved a long lost cowboy named Maverick.

Maverick is known as the proverbial long-lost son of Pine Oak. When his career ends and his father passes away he has nowhere else to be but back home. You would think that Maverick would have a stellar homecoming considering he was gone for ten long years but it is anything but.

Feelings were hurt during his departure – sorrow, pain, and heartbreak felt not only by his siblings Quinn and Clayton but the only woman that meant something to him, Leighton. It doesn’t take long for to figure out what caused him to leave.

In fact, everything seemed a bit rushed and way too easy. Maverick and Leighton’s reunion was terrific but I personally enjoy a little bit of angst in my romance which this story was lacking in. I did, however, appreciate witnessing how he was making things right for everyone.

Overall, I thought Lost Rider was a great introduction to this new series. I am hooked and am looking forward to seeing how Maverick and Leigh’s relationship continue to evolve, how his plans come to fruition and especially how the siblings too find their HEA.

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4

A more traditional-feeling second chance at romance title here, this was very much a character and relationship driven story, with plenty of time spent hearing interior voices of the characters, and finding the dual perspective gives a nice insight into each character that gave a solid basis to their choices and reasons. See, Maverick left town years ago with a dream – to be the best bull-rider the rodeo had ever seen. He was well on the way to it all: fame, fortune and notoriety when the next fall and head-first crash landing could be his last – and he needed to leave his rodeo dreams behind him to find something else. With the death of his father and the family ranch needing management, Mav comes back to town to try and adjust to a new career that he never wanted in a town he never intended to return to again.

Leighton was Maverick’s little sister Quinn’s best friend, and she’s always had a thing for Mav. But, before he left town intending to never return – he dismissed her and her feelings in the cruelest way possible – in public, intending to cause shame and humiliation thinking she’d move on. Well, all that shame behind her now, Leighton is all grown up, gorgeous, determined and never allowing another man in close again. And now, Maverick, the one she’s never quite forgotten is back in town……

This book carried a solid feel of ‘old school romance’ novels with a character driven plot where we see more of the characters thoughts and emotions than the more heated back and forth, chemistry off the charts steam that is prevalent today. Maverick was more than lucky with Leighton, she forgave him WAY too fast, and was more than willing to let him back into her life. He should have been far more open and forthcoming about the realizations he had regarding his bad behavior toward Leighton years back, and how that wore on him. But, even with that hiccup: the story was engaging and emotional, and the connection felt real, probable and right.

Narration for this story is provided by Elizabeth Louise and Jason Carpenter, and as a pair I truly enjoy these two together. Their voices and presentations play off nicely against one another, and each gave honor to each character’s emotions in dialogue and in the more introspective moments. Other secondary characters were clearly portrayed and presented, and the sweetness of a childhood crush growing into adulthood love was clear and present.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Simon and Schuster for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

4 "Coming Home" Stars for the story and narration.

Can you ever truly leave your first love behind? Lovers of small-town, cowboy romances will feel the draw of Lost Rider. With a classic backdrop this younger sister's best friend and her bull-riding hero who she pined for as young teenager has a coming home feel to it. Even with a ten-year absence, can this couple who once longed for each other but for who the timing wasn't right get there 2nd chance? Moreover, the adept narration by narrating duo of Elizabeth Louise and Jason Carpenter make this a smooth listen for audiobook lovers.

Maverick Austin Davis never felt the love of a father. Always treated harshly as compared to his older brother and younger sister, Maverick is determined to leave his small Texas hometown to chase his dreams of being bull-riding royalty. Even the sweet, and several years younger, Leighton Elizabeth James can't change his motivation--though she does tempt him. Knowing that she was capable of following him, Maverick leaves in a fashion that he knows will leave her no choice and determines to never look back.

10 years later and one concussion too many, Maverick heads back home after a successful bull-riding career. His father has passed on, leaving room for him to come home and mend fences with the others that featured prominently in his early years, including his siblings and most importantly Leighton.

But Maverick storms home in one hell of a misunderstanding as he mistakes Leighton for his older brother's girlfriend--and accuses her of only seeking his money (now that his father has left him their property). Can there possibly be a 2nd chance at romance with such a terrible beginning at a second try? Moreover, did Leighton wait for him all these years?

The narration is performed in the typical dual narration style, with Jason Carpenter performing the chapters from Maverick's perspective and Ms. Louise performing the ones from Leighton's POV. This style works well to differentiate the viewpoint shared and I had no trouble getting into the story.

My favorite part of the narration was Leighton's parts. I've always enjoyed Elizabeth Louise's narration style. She has a pleasant voice that naturally endears the heroine to the listener. She also does a good job of differentiating the female characters from the male ones and even produces natural sounding males (a feat which sometimes is difficult for female narrators).

I also was able to follow Mr. Carpenter's narration with no trouble--though I must admit that his female characters sounded less genuine. Additionally, I felt his narration was a bit flat and I would have liked to feel the same emotion that I got from Ms. Louise's rendition. All that said, it could just be that most of his parts were Maverick's--and as a cowboy, you would expect him to be a man of even keeled emotion. So perhaps Mr. Carpenter was just being true to his role.

All in all, if you're looking for a comfort listen, Lost Rider may just do the trick. However, I would be remiss if I didn't note that I definitely felt like I would have liked a little more intrigue. For example, it's hard to believe that after a decade with no contact, Leighton never truly moved on. In fact, we get a sense that there was a natural hook for where her attentions may have strayed because its alluded to, but the storyline never really explores this angle beyond just dropping a hint a two. Other than that, there is one minor, though not totally unexpected twist. Nonetheless if you're looking for a sweet second chance at love styled romance, then Lost Rider may just be the fix you're looking for.

Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.