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Night Riders #1
Texas Homecoming
Night Riders …
They were a crack team of Confederate raiders, striking behind enemy lines under cover of darkness, operating with one mind, one heart. Until one of their number betrayed them all. In the aftermath of tragedy, they swore they would live to hunt down the traitor. But to each, life would bring first a woman and then a revelation: Far sweeter then revenge is love.
Cade … Captain of the Night Riders, he led the survivors home to Texas to make a fresh start. His grandfather still lived, his ranch still stood, and waiting there was a dark-eyed temptress who made him all too glad to be alive. When he took Pilar in his arms, his blood surged hotly and he felt like the wild young man who’d once abducted her for a lark. But the war had changed them all and now he would allow nothing to come between them – not her family, not his heritage, not even her turncoat of a brother.
This is the first in the Night Riders Series
They were a crack team of Confederate raiders, striking behind enemy lines under cover of darkness, operating with one mind, one heart. Until one of their number betrayed them all. In the aftermath of tragedy, they swore they would live to hunt down the traitor. But to each, life would bring first a woman and then a revelation: Far sweeter then revenge is love.
Cade … Captain of the Night Riders, he led the survivors home to Texas to make a fresh start. His grandfather still lived, his ranch still stood, and waiting there was a dark-eyed temptress who made him all too glad to be alive. When he took Pilar in his arms, his blood surged hotly and he felt like the wild young man who’d once abducted her for a lark. But the war had changed them all and now he would allow nothing to come between them – not her family, not his heritage, not even her turncoat of a brother.
This is the first in the Night Riders Series
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 8, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
First Impressions
Texas Homecoming is the first book in the Night Riders series by this fantastic male romance author. I have a goal of reading more of Leigh Greenwood this year. I just love his work and adore the books that he has crafted here. This is a story that surprised me in such a delightful way. From the first few minutes of listening I was so drawn into this audiobook. I really was drawn into the sense of the plot that had a theme of revenge. This book takes place right after the civil war, so it enters the reconstruction era and I really enjoyed seeing this author implement this so well into her story here. There were so many factors that seemed to blend so well together in this one. And it was a interracial romance with a White hero and a Latina heroine and what a beautiful blend of a romance that this one turned out to be. It had a sassy mix of tropes and undertones that worked just right for this couple. I was very curious to see how Leigh Greenwood would handle this romance and see how they would find their way past this BIG hurdle but it was done quite well actually, and I am once again impressed with the talent of this author to pen such a romance as this and just make it work so well.
Summary
Cade is the captain of the Night Riders and it’s his responsibility to protect his man. But he never thought in a million years that one of his men, and a man he grew next door to, would be the one to betray their unit and 26 men lost their lives due to one man’s greed, and those soldiers left to forge a bond tighter than any foiled rope ever could….its as strong as steel and they made a pact to get justice for what happened and find the peace they fought so hard for in the war. Their trail leaves them back to Cade’s home where they lie in wait for the man who betrayed them because everyone eventually comes home. But circumstances become a bit more complicated when he sees that their next-door neighbors and the girl he once admired is servants to his grandfather having been run out of their own home. Pilar diViere, grew up in an aristocratic Latino family, she had always known wealth and prestige until the war happened, her brother left, and vagrants overtook their Hacienda and ranch and were left with no one to turn to except Cade’s grandfather whom they are servants to where they once had riches and wealth. Pilar has always had a determination to never let anything get her down and to make the best of a bad situation. But then the man she once was charmed by as a girl returns home, a man who despises her brother for a reason she doesn’t know, and her grandmother have forbidden any interaction with him. But there is a spark that has never died between Cade and Pilar. But can Cade forget that it was Pilar’s brother that betrayed them? Or can love be the moving force towards forgiveness and a new way of being?
What I Liked
There were quite a few things that I found that this book worked out so well for me here. The first is the setting and time era of the story. I just ADORE the reconstruction era, because it’s seeing the power of rebuilding after the destructive force of a war of a country fighting against each other. It also takes place in Texas and I love Texas as a setting, there is something so raw and rich about having a Texas setting, and most particularly in a historical romance. I also quite adored seeing this revenge plot being so unraveled here. I will say that I had a blast seeing the various complexities that it drew out in such a wonderful way. The romance was such a solid focus and I loved the connection that Cade and Pilar had together. They definitely have some sparks and such fire. Even though this author is tamer in the number of sex scenes that he does, as there is like some foreplay and like one sex scene BUT he does write some moderate heat that balances out the story so well. I found there was this amount of humor that really lightened the mood in unexpected ways. There is such a great bond between these men who have experienced so much together. The angst between the grandfather and grandmother was so ON POINT, they were so hilarious, they fought like cats and dogs and it was quite entertaining to see how it unfolds between them. But their characters were awful. Like there is nothing good about them, to be honest. Both are stubborn, prideful, and are so set in their ways that scream toxicity, and it’s a wonder that Cade and Pilar became such wonderful human beings.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t too much that I struggled with, I mean it definitely didn’t make it to a five-star read. I think that is mostly because there was so much ANGST in this book and it did get drawn out much longer than I would have liked. Also, I didn’t like how Cade kept his secret of killing Pilar’s brother for so long, there is a moment in the story where she comes completely clean with him, and he didn’t with her and I didn’t feel like he was sincere in the grovel at all later. And while I really liked Pilar’s spirit, I felt like she could be too hard-hearted. You see her trying to throw off convention but she pretty much lets her grandmother control her and I just didn’t connect with the heroine like I wanted to. Especially in what she was willing to do to Cade just because her grandmother was so bitter and couldn’t see the truth of life. She took a bit too long-standing up to her grandmother and took a stand on what she wanted in life.
Overall Outlook
I found Texas Homecoming to be such an enjoyable read that had its own style of country charm that delves into some difficult topics of morality and honor, the romance was the perfect blend of chemistry and feels which is guaranteed to curl your toes in such a delightful way. If you have a fondness for historical westerns, what are you waiting for? Grab this one up and you won’t be disappointed.
First Impressions
Texas Homecoming is the first book in the Night Riders series by this fantastic male romance author. I have a goal of reading more of Leigh Greenwood this year. I just love his work and adore the books that he has crafted here. This is a story that surprised me in such a delightful way. From the first few minutes of listening I was so drawn into this audiobook. I really was drawn into the sense of the plot that had a theme of revenge. This book takes place right after the civil war, so it enters the reconstruction era and I really enjoyed seeing this author implement this so well into her story here. There were so many factors that seemed to blend so well together in this one. And it was a interracial romance with a White hero and a Latina heroine and what a beautiful blend of a romance that this one turned out to be. It had a sassy mix of tropes and undertones that worked just right for this couple. I was very curious to see how Leigh Greenwood would handle this romance and see how they would find their way past this BIG hurdle but it was done quite well actually, and I am once again impressed with the talent of this author to pen such a romance as this and just make it work so well.
Summary
Cade is the captain of the Night Riders and it’s his responsibility to protect his man. But he never thought in a million years that one of his men, and a man he grew next door to, would be the one to betray their unit and 26 men lost their lives due to one man’s greed, and those soldiers left to forge a bond tighter than any foiled rope ever could….its as strong as steel and they made a pact to get justice for what happened and find the peace they fought so hard for in the war. Their trail leaves them back to Cade’s home where they lie in wait for the man who betrayed them because everyone eventually comes home. But circumstances become a bit more complicated when he sees that their next-door neighbors and the girl he once admired is servants to his grandfather having been run out of their own home. Pilar diViere, grew up in an aristocratic Latino family, she had always known wealth and prestige until the war happened, her brother left, and vagrants overtook their Hacienda and ranch and were left with no one to turn to except Cade’s grandfather whom they are servants to where they once had riches and wealth. Pilar has always had a determination to never let anything get her down and to make the best of a bad situation. But then the man she once was charmed by as a girl returns home, a man who despises her brother for a reason she doesn’t know, and her grandmother have forbidden any interaction with him. But there is a spark that has never died between Cade and Pilar. But can Cade forget that it was Pilar’s brother that betrayed them? Or can love be the moving force towards forgiveness and a new way of being?
What I Liked
There were quite a few things that I found that this book worked out so well for me here. The first is the setting and time era of the story. I just ADORE the reconstruction era, because it’s seeing the power of rebuilding after the destructive force of a war of a country fighting against each other. It also takes place in Texas and I love Texas as a setting, there is something so raw and rich about having a Texas setting, and most particularly in a historical romance. I also quite adored seeing this revenge plot being so unraveled here. I will say that I had a blast seeing the various complexities that it drew out in such a wonderful way. The romance was such a solid focus and I loved the connection that Cade and Pilar had together. They definitely have some sparks and such fire. Even though this author is tamer in the number of sex scenes that he does, as there is like some foreplay and like one sex scene BUT he does write some moderate heat that balances out the story so well. I found there was this amount of humor that really lightened the mood in unexpected ways. There is such a great bond between these men who have experienced so much together. The angst between the grandfather and grandmother was so ON POINT, they were so hilarious, they fought like cats and dogs and it was quite entertaining to see how it unfolds between them. But their characters were awful. Like there is nothing good about them, to be honest. Both are stubborn, prideful, and are so set in their ways that scream toxicity, and it’s a wonder that Cade and Pilar became such wonderful human beings.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t too much that I struggled with, I mean it definitely didn’t make it to a five-star read. I think that is mostly because there was so much ANGST in this book and it did get drawn out much longer than I would have liked. Also, I didn’t like how Cade kept his secret of killing Pilar’s brother for so long, there is a moment in the story where she comes completely clean with him, and he didn’t with her and I didn’t feel like he was sincere in the grovel at all later. And while I really liked Pilar’s spirit, I felt like she could be too hard-hearted. You see her trying to throw off convention but she pretty much lets her grandmother control her and I just didn’t connect with the heroine like I wanted to. Especially in what she was willing to do to Cade just because her grandmother was so bitter and couldn’t see the truth of life. She took a bit too long-standing up to her grandmother and took a stand on what she wanted in life.
Overall Outlook
I found Texas Homecoming to be such an enjoyable read that had its own style of country charm that delves into some difficult topics of morality and honor, the romance was the perfect blend of chemistry and feels which is guaranteed to curl your toes in such a delightful way. If you have a fondness for historical westerns, what are you waiting for? Grab this one up and you won’t be disappointed.
April 1, 2017
An oath of vengeance, betrayal, lies, family feuding, thieves, and a tempestuous romance on the Texas frontier made this one easy book to choose for my latest reading pleasure. The author wrote a compelling post-war story of what is like for everyone trying to rebuild after a civil war that ripped a nation apart.
Texas Homecoming is the first of the Night Riders series about seven men sworn to exactly a vengeance on one of their own who betrayed them, stole, and was responsible for the deaths of many.
The story was not hurting for sources of conflict, that's for sure. It was a bit touch and go whether it was just too much and the pair of lovers should just call it a day. But no, I jest. Cade and Pilar had more steel down their spines than others would have under their circumstances. Both are the grandchildren of feuding elders. And while neither Cade nor Pilar buy into all the feud stuff, theirs is not an easy relationship and it takes much of the book before Pilar, in particular, goes from bristles and mistrust to respect and liking for the other. There is a class difference because Pilar's family come of Spanish aristocracy and Cade's are considered poor white trash and just happened to have sliced off a section of Pilar's family land.
But the biggie? That would be the fact that it was Pilar's beloved brother who betrayed Cade and the others in a cowardly act so that when he traded sides he caused his former unit to be ambushed and decimated. Much of the story, Cade's vow of vengeance to hang Pilar's brother is the Sword of Damocles hanging over them because it's only a matter of time before she discovers the truth and her brother attempts to come home.
The author wrote a strong, hardworking, savvy and stalwart hero, but I loved that he paired Cade with a woman of Pilar's quiet strength and fortitude. She lost nearly everything and must swallow her pride so many times, but she works hard, encourages respect, and she can see beyond the hate and bitterness of her grandmother and Cade's grandfather. Whew! Those grandparents. And I thought mine was a Tartar.
All in all this was a fantastic start to a series that has a good dose of authentic western backdrop, deep conflict, compelling characters, and an ongoing series plot that promises more of the same as each Night Rider gets his story. Historical Romance fans will be delighted by this one.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Texas Homecoming is the first of the Night Riders series about seven men sworn to exactly a vengeance on one of their own who betrayed them, stole, and was responsible for the deaths of many.
The story was not hurting for sources of conflict, that's for sure. It was a bit touch and go whether it was just too much and the pair of lovers should just call it a day. But no, I jest. Cade and Pilar had more steel down their spines than others would have under their circumstances. Both are the grandchildren of feuding elders. And while neither Cade nor Pilar buy into all the feud stuff, theirs is not an easy relationship and it takes much of the book before Pilar, in particular, goes from bristles and mistrust to respect and liking for the other. There is a class difference because Pilar's family come of Spanish aristocracy and Cade's are considered poor white trash and just happened to have sliced off a section of Pilar's family land.
But the biggie? That would be the fact that it was Pilar's beloved brother who betrayed Cade and the others in a cowardly act so that when he traded sides he caused his former unit to be ambushed and decimated. Much of the story, Cade's vow of vengeance to hang Pilar's brother is the Sword of Damocles hanging over them because it's only a matter of time before she discovers the truth and her brother attempts to come home.
The author wrote a strong, hardworking, savvy and stalwart hero, but I loved that he paired Cade with a woman of Pilar's quiet strength and fortitude. She lost nearly everything and must swallow her pride so many times, but she works hard, encourages respect, and she can see beyond the hate and bitterness of her grandmother and Cade's grandfather. Whew! Those grandparents. And I thought mine was a Tartar.
All in all this was a fantastic start to a series that has a good dose of authentic western backdrop, deep conflict, compelling characters, and an ongoing series plot that promises more of the same as each Night Rider gets his story. Historical Romance fans will be delighted by this one.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2017
Loved this book!
Cade Wheeler came home after the war with what was left of the Night Riders with vengeance in mind. He'd promised his men a job and money to start new and a chance to hang the traitor who killed 24 of their men, Laveau diViere. His grandfather was alive what he didn't expect to find was the beautiful Pilar diViere. The woman of his dreams and the sister of his sworn enemy. Being run off her ranch Pilar and her grandmother have lived and worked for the Wheeler ranch. Having no one to turn to Pilar did what she had to and and asked for mercy from the ones they hated the most and wait for Labeau to come home. Now with Cade home it's getting harder and harder to keep their animosity for each other from turning into something they never thought would be possible friendship and trust and love. But lies may be the one thing that will destroy everything.
This story started out a bit slow but when it took off I could hardly put it down. Pilar and Cade had such chemistry and heat that it broke my heart that there were so many things keeping them apart. Cade's grandfather was such a old cranky man you just had to like him. The other Night Riders are great secondary characters that I can't wait for them to find thei HEA.
Cade Wheeler came home after the war with what was left of the Night Riders with vengeance in mind. He'd promised his men a job and money to start new and a chance to hang the traitor who killed 24 of their men, Laveau diViere. His grandfather was alive what he didn't expect to find was the beautiful Pilar diViere. The woman of his dreams and the sister of his sworn enemy. Being run off her ranch Pilar and her grandmother have lived and worked for the Wheeler ranch. Having no one to turn to Pilar did what she had to and and asked for mercy from the ones they hated the most and wait for Labeau to come home. Now with Cade home it's getting harder and harder to keep their animosity for each other from turning into something they never thought would be possible friendship and trust and love. But lies may be the one thing that will destroy everything.
This story started out a bit slow but when it took off I could hardly put it down. Pilar and Cade had such chemistry and heat that it broke my heart that there were so many things keeping them apart. Cade's grandfather was such a old cranky man you just had to like him. The other Night Riders are great secondary characters that I can't wait for them to find thei HEA.
February 12, 2017
Texas Homecoming 'Texas Homecoming' by Leigh Greenwood is book One in the "Night Riders" series. This is the story of Pilar and Cade. Please note that this book was first released a few years ago but is not being re-released with a new cover. In addition, this has mild sex scene. Ms. Greenwood is a long outstanding writer who just by her name you know that you will be getting a really good book. Cade and his fellow riders have come home to find Pilar brother who they want to get revenge from what they feel was a betrayal. Cade thinks to befriend Pilar in hopes of locating her brother. But will this lead to stronger feelings? Of course! *A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
February 11, 2024
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
2.75
Audio (Rebecca Mitchell)
Summary: After returning from fighting in the American Civil War, Cade finds tPilar and her grandmother who both belonging to a rival family have taken up residence with his grandfather. Despite their connexion to his enemy - a traitor who caused the deaths of his friends - he finds himself drawn to Pilar.
Stats: HR Western, M/F, open door, part of a series but could stand alone (with a slightly unresolved non-romance plot)
Notes: Well… this has aged and not very well. The characters are a bit odd, the plot slow and rather repetitive, and there’s a bit of a struggle for me to get over the dissonance of a Confederate hero at this point in my reading journey - especially with how much the “Lost South” narrative plays into the plot. I’m not rating it low for that necessarily - I could have and perhaps should have DNF’ed when I realised it wasn’t working for me - but overall, it certainly didn’t help matters. I had some interest in books later in the series but decided to start from the beginning, and now I’m not sure I’ll care to continue. The narration was not my favourite either - and really didn’t hold up to the increased speed that I prefer.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
2.75
Audio (Rebecca Mitchell)
Summary: After returning from fighting in the American Civil War, Cade finds tPilar and her grandmother who both belonging to a rival family have taken up residence with his grandfather. Despite their connexion to his enemy - a traitor who caused the deaths of his friends - he finds himself drawn to Pilar.
Stats: HR Western, M/F, open door, part of a series but could stand alone (with a slightly unresolved non-romance plot)
Notes: Well… this has aged and not very well. The characters are a bit odd, the plot slow and rather repetitive, and there’s a bit of a struggle for me to get over the dissonance of a Confederate hero at this point in my reading journey - especially with how much the “Lost South” narrative plays into the plot. I’m not rating it low for that necessarily - I could have and perhaps should have DNF’ed when I realised it wasn’t working for me - but overall, it certainly didn’t help matters. I had some interest in books later in the series but decided to start from the beginning, and now I’m not sure I’ll care to continue. The narration was not my favourite either - and really didn’t hold up to the increased speed that I prefer.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
June 6, 2025
New-to-me author. First in what looks to be a fairly lengthy series with an overarching story relating to a long hunt for the traitor who betrayed the group (who also happens to be this heroine's brother). The primary plot of this book fit within that overarching story but held its own well enough that the book would work just fine as a standalone. Thankfully, the presence of grumpy grandparents to keep the family feud going gave the author the freedom to have the hero be a decent guy caught in a difficult situation so we weren't left wondering why the heck a heroine would ever forgive his horrible treatment of her as can so often happen in these sorts of stories. Instead, we get him sticking up for her to his grandfather from fairly early on.
August 4, 2025
Are compromises possible?
Or is the obsession all consuming?
Cade and Pilar find themselves thrown together in unexpected circumstances and with family honour butting up against the revenge that consumes all the remaining Night Riders. Unfortunately for the two of them love does not solve everything, it only adds to the frustrations, pressure and expectations of others.
It's a battle that they cannot both win, and there is no middle ground, which leads them on a wild and emotional journey as they fight to find a future they can both live with.
A great start to the series, this has a wide and varied cast for future books. I listened to this on Audible.
Or is the obsession all consuming?
Cade and Pilar find themselves thrown together in unexpected circumstances and with family honour butting up against the revenge that consumes all the remaining Night Riders. Unfortunately for the two of them love does not solve everything, it only adds to the frustrations, pressure and expectations of others.
It's a battle that they cannot both win, and there is no middle ground, which leads them on a wild and emotional journey as they fight to find a future they can both live with.
A great start to the series, this has a wide and varied cast for future books. I listened to this on Audible.
November 9, 2023
This book is as well written as the other books in the series but I found it difficult to finish because I had already ready read some of the later books.
I strongly recommend reading the books in order! The later books have plot spoilers that make it difficult to enjoy the earlier volumes. Like hearing the punchline when someone's in the middle of a joke.
I strongly recommend reading the books in order! The later books have plot spoilers that make it difficult to enjoy the earlier volumes. Like hearing the punchline when someone's in the middle of a joke.
November 18, 2023
I listened to this one on audio. Leigh Greenwood does not disappoint with this first book in the Night Rider series. Complex characters along with a well-thought-out and well-researched plot, makes this an excellent read.
June 1, 2017
Really good book!!
May 26, 2024
I loved the story line. But what kept it being a 5 star for me was the whinning throughout the book about being rich and poor . Other than that it was a good book
August 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book up until the sexual content I had to skip through. The bedroom door did NOT get closed.
February 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this one, not normally a book I would choose I am glad I did. The storyline was compelling and I loved the characters. I would definitely read more by this author
March 11, 2017
Leigh Greenwood does such a fascinating way of writing. This nook is one of the good ones. A sour, old, live in the past life grandmother in one family and in the other a grumpy, say what you think with no concern on other peoples feelings, old grandpa from the other family. what a combination. I really enjoyed the comments that went on between all characters. This is a book you should read.
April 11, 2017
“Texas Homecoming” is Leigh Greenwood’s latest novel set near San Antonio, Texas after the Civil War. Cade Wheeler and the remaining members of his regiment, The Night Riders, have made their way to the Wheeler 36 Ranch in order to rebuild the herd to give his men money to have their own lives, and to seek revenge against the man who betrayed them. Pilar diVere grew up on the neighboring ranch, but after her brother left to join the war she was forced to take over the business of running her families ranch until squatters forced her and her grandmother to seek refuge with Cade’s curmudgeon of a grandfather as a maid and a cook. Cade is shocked to find Pilar living in his home for two reasons: he is still attracted to the dark haired beauty, and the man he seeks revenge against is Pilar’s brother, Laveau. Can these two people find a way to obtain happiness, while putting the ghosts of the past to rest? Only Leigh Greenwood can write a story filled with passion and suspense that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. This is a must read for anyone who believes that love has the power to heal wounds. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 16, 2017
Enjoyed this western historical romance. A little slow moving and a lot of rehashing of the same issues but all in all, a good read. Review to come...
December 11, 2018
They were a crack team of Confederate raiders, striking behind enemy lines under cover of darkness, operating with one mind, one heart. Until one of their number betrayed them all. In the aftermath of tragedy, they swore they would live to hunt down the traitor. But to each, life would bring first a woman and then a revelation: Far sweeter than revenge is love. Cade is the captain of the Night Riders. Now back home at his family ranch, the dark-eyed temptress Pilar is there waiting. After the ravages of war, Cade refuses to let anything come between his and Pilar’s love.
This was a pretty good book. There aren’t many books that I can find that take place in this time period. I really liked Cade and Pilar as we follow through their journey of post-war to having a happy ending. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was a pretty good book. There aren’t many books that I can find that take place in this time period. I really liked Cade and Pilar as we follow through their journey of post-war to having a happy ending. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews