Lost Rider

***4 ‘Always’ stars*** I always try to dive into any book, regardless of if the author is one on my auto-buy list or on my new to me list, as open minded and unbiased as possible and let the description of the book be the my only guide as to what to expect, but this one surprised me, pleasantly so, but still surprised me. It was all kinds of emotional and angsty, but balanced out with sweetness and humor and filled with interesting characters that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. They say that first impressions last forever and my first impression of Maverick was not an all around good one. I understood that he was dealing with a lot of upheaval in his life, but his actions had me wanting to take a 2x4 to his head. But as things progressed I started to like and even admire him more and more to the point where I kinda fell for the man, and this was before the full unveiling of what his childhood had been like. What changed my perspective was how he dealt with his forced career change. He mourned the loss of it, and there was a bit of self pity going on in the beginning, but I liked how he eventually picked himself up without needing a big come to Jesus kick in the arse. I also like how he took responsibility for the sins of his past and through that process became the man he was always meant to be. I absolutely admired Leighton. Life hasn’t been all that kind to her and her heart has taken quite a beating in the short time she’s been on this Earth and yet she has persevered. She’s had her moments where her actions have been questionable, but she’s picked herself up by her bootstraps and moved forward with her life. I loved how she stood up for herself, even if it at times meant she reverted to her sixteen year old self and included a bit of verbal vomiting, and was brutally honest when she did. Her heart, despite being bruised, was still golden and it showed through in everything she did. While I wouldn’t call this a true second chance romance, it is about setting things right with the person your heart has always belong to and does Maverick have a lot to atone for. Through flashbacks we find out what went down between him and Leighton and it’s absolutely heartbreaking, and even more so when Maverick’s logic behind his actions come to light. And though the beginning of their reunion is explosive, in both a good and bad way, I liked how everything played out, which is partly where the ‘surprise’ comes from. In some ways it was how I imagined things going, in others not so much but overall it worked for me and in some ways was quite refreshing and was quite happy with how everything turned out for them. This is my first read by Harper Sloan and I really enjoyed it. I loved that things didn’t go as I expected and that the main charries leaned more towards the adult side of New Adult. My one issue has to do with the inner monologuing. There is a lot and I can say that most of it is necessary, but I could have done with a little more actual conversation that didn’t take place in their heads. But I really enjoyed the secondary characters, I want to be Miz Perkins when I grow up, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the other two Davis siblings deal with the knowledge dropped on them in this book and how it will affect their own journey’s to their HEA’s. ~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

with Lost Rider you better be ready for the angst! This book is full of all sorts of emotions - both Maverick and Leigh go through a lot to find happiness, plus there are secrets in the Davis family that cause a little tension to go with all the love between these siblings. It doesn't make for a simple read but it definitely helps make a worthwhile one. I've heard of Sloan before but this is the first of her stories that I've read. And I can guarantee it won't be my last :) She's got a real writing style, delivering earthy country people with a down home realism to them. They are honest and natural in their reactions, living life as big as the Texas sky ... even when it means running from their troubles. But they grow them tough in the South and when push comes to shove they figure things out. As long as you are OK being a little worn out when you finally get done, Sloan's new series will definitely give you a ride to remember. And have you looking forward to what comes next! *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Lost Rider by Harper Sloan is book number one in the The Coming Home series. This is Maverick "Mav" Austin Davis and Leighton "Leigh" Elizabeth James' story. Wow! Loved it! This book covers so many emotions from anger, sadness, humor, and twists to intense chemistry. The author did a great job of where the reader could feel the characters emotions. It pulls you in and everything around you just disappears. I absolutely fell in love in Mav and Leigh and loved their story. Love stories in Texas and with cowboys. I also love hearing a cowboy say darlin'. I look forward to reading the next books in this series. This is a must read! FYI, contains mature content.  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.