This book was brilliant! I've followed this author a few years now after reading her Corps Security series and fell in love with her writing. I fell in love with her writing all over again when I read this book. It's brilliant, vibrant, and refreshing. This book was full of heart touching moments that made me tear up and then humorous moments that made me laugh out loud. It was the perfect balance. I loved every second I spent reading it. I can't wait for the next one!

I really liked this book! He's a brooding ex rodeo bull rider who is suddenly facing the end of his career. He left his brother and sister behind ten years ago and hasn't been back. He has a volatile relationship with his father, and he couldn't stay. He also left the one girl behind that could have made him stay. She was 16, he was older and he knew if he let himself fall for her he would never leave. 

Now he's back for his father's funeral. And guess who is all grown up? Leighton owns a shop in town called the Pie Hole ( I love that name!) and she has made quite a name for herself. Using her mother's secret recipes she has established herself as quite the businesswoman. Now Maverick is back in town and her life is topsy turvy.

These two create sparks when they are in each other's company. She wants to resist him, he wants her and the two of them can't keep their hands off each other. But there are scars from the past and obstacles that may prove to be too much for this couple.

3 Second Chances and Cowboy Stars

Lost Rider is a standalone and is part of the Coming Home Series. I haven’t read a Harper Sloan book in a while. In fact I haven’t read a book by her since her debut book. She has a mega fan base and I was curious to see how much her writing has changed. 

I love a Southern cowboy book. I’m from Texas and my husband owns acers of land with a family that has a Southern accent and all. Suffice it to the say, the accent, the jeans and cowboy hat does it for me. 

Leighton and Maverick had feelings for each other, but Maverick needed to pursue his dreams and go ride the bulls. The book starts with a few flashbacks and the chapters go from present to past. Normally I don’t like flashbacks, but in this case, I really wanted it. I wanted to see the love Leighton and Maverick had for each other (if they had it at all). I kind of wish the entire book alternated between present and past (crazy I know!).

Its ten years later and Maverick is back and you know how it goes. Lots of pain, anger and drama from Maverick’s siblings and of course Leighton. 

Lost Rider has mild angst. A lot of people are angry with Maverick and he kind of has to make amends with everyone. He isn’t your sweet hero though. If you want the strong alpha lead, holds-no-hands kind of man, then he is it.

There is some nice dialogue in the book, but the inner monologues / narratives were long. I’ve never been fond of these, but I know a lot of readers like it because it really tells you how the characters feel.

Leighton and Maverick work on the issue of Maverick leaving throughout the book. I’m not sure if I cared too much to why he left or how he felt in the situation. I guess I wouldn’t have mind if there was another obstacle to overcome.

I did like the side characters. Maverick’s siblings are adorable and they have a strong relationship with Leighton which kept the angst level mild in the book (like I mentioned before). The next book will be about Quinn, Maverick’s sister. 

Overall, Lost Rider was a pleasant read. There are some things I didn’t care for due to my particular reading style, but I can see why a lot of people love Harper Sloan so much.