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The Road and the Rodeo #1
The Pieces We've Lost
It’s been fifteen years since the tragedy that took not only the life of Ellison Wilson’s father but her entire world. Since then, she’s done everything she can to separate herself from the thing they both loved: rodeo. But each year, on the anniversary of his death, she makes an exception for her mother and goes back to the place her heart once belonged.
All Colter Carson wants in life is to rope steers, take home buckles, and make his family proud. After he lost his chance at love, he gave up on fairytales, focusing solely on being a cowboy. But Colter’s never been known to back down from a challenge. So when the girl who wants nothing to do with him or his career stumbles into his life, the only thing he wants to do is win her heart.
Nothing will change the fact that Ellison’s dad is gone. And she’s convinced nothing could change her view on the sport that cost him his life. Not her mother, not an act of God, and definitely not some cowboy from Montana who thinks he can sweep her off her feet and ride them into the sunset.
When the road and the rodeo are all Colter’s ever needed, what lengths will he go to get the girl and heal his own heart?
Please note that The Pieces We’ve Lost contains content that may be sensitive to some readers including the death of a parent, grief, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Reader discretion is advised. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author’s website.
All Colter Carson wants in life is to rope steers, take home buckles, and make his family proud. After he lost his chance at love, he gave up on fairytales, focusing solely on being a cowboy. But Colter’s never been known to back down from a challenge. So when the girl who wants nothing to do with him or his career stumbles into his life, the only thing he wants to do is win her heart.
Nothing will change the fact that Ellison’s dad is gone. And she’s convinced nothing could change her view on the sport that cost him his life. Not her mother, not an act of God, and definitely not some cowboy from Montana who thinks he can sweep her off her feet and ride them into the sunset.
When the road and the rodeo are all Colter’s ever needed, what lengths will he go to get the girl and heal his own heart?
Please note that The Pieces We’ve Lost contains content that may be sensitive to some readers including the death of a parent, grief, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Reader discretion is advised. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author’s website.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2024
369 people are currently reading
2999 people want to read
About the author
H.K. Green
4 books195 followersH.K. Green is a contemporary romance author based out of Montana writing raw, emotional stories that will break your heart then put it back together.
Inspired by real-life, relatable challenges, her books feature found families, a healthy dose of sarcastic banter and emotional angst, strong female leads, and the men who'll do anything to give them the world.
When she's not writing, she can be found curling up with all kinds of books, hanging out with her rescue animals, going to rodeos or her family's farm and ranch, and spending time with her real-life book boyfriend.
You can connect with H.K. Green on social media @authorhkgreen.
Inspired by real-life, relatable challenges, her books feature found families, a healthy dose of sarcastic banter and emotional angst, strong female leads, and the men who'll do anything to give them the world.
When she's not writing, she can be found curling up with all kinds of books, hanging out with her rescue animals, going to rodeos or her family's farm and ranch, and spending time with her real-life book boyfriend.
You can connect with H.K. Green on social media @authorhkgreen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
December 9, 2024
First off, this was a great debut from this author! This book dealt with topics such as grief, self doubt and healing, all of which I felt was spoken and portrayed really well. Both Ellison and Colter were dealing with their own problems but found comfort and reassurance within each other.
I found the found family aspect of this book really good! You could really tell how close knit Colter’s group was, and how much they all cared about each other. I loved the way that they accepted Ellison into their group too. Reid is definitely my favourite character. I love how he cares for everyone and always has Colter’s back. I’m excited for his book.
Ellison also had her best friend, Isabelle, who I’m hoping will have her own book. I loved the banter between the two of them and they gave the typical girly friendship that we all love.
There were parts of this book that were really emotional. Personally the epilogue made me cry. It was super sweet and a great end to the book.
This book focuses heavily on the rodeo community, and I honestly loved it!!! I haven’t read a book this rodeo heavy before but you could really tell the authors passion for the sports within, and how much knowledge she has on them. I loved the added Glossary too for rodeo terms.
While there were parts of this book that I loved, there were definitely parts that I’d change. I felt that the relationship between Ellison and Colter moved too quickly, and it was a very insta-attraction/love situation. I would’ve loved for it to be fleshed out a little more so we could really feel that connection between them. They felt more like good friends. I did really love both characters but I wanted something that made me feel a proper connection between them. There was a part in the book in the hospital where I feel like Colter could’ve said something that would’ve deepened their relationship considering everything Ellison had been through in the past with her father.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and absolutely flew through it! The author has done a great job in her debut and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I found the found family aspect of this book really good! You could really tell how close knit Colter’s group was, and how much they all cared about each other. I loved the way that they accepted Ellison into their group too. Reid is definitely my favourite character. I love how he cares for everyone and always has Colter’s back. I’m excited for his book.
Ellison also had her best friend, Isabelle, who I’m hoping will have her own book. I loved the banter between the two of them and they gave the typical girly friendship that we all love.
There were parts of this book that were really emotional. Personally the epilogue made me cry. It was super sweet and a great end to the book.
This book focuses heavily on the rodeo community, and I honestly loved it!!! I haven’t read a book this rodeo heavy before but you could really tell the authors passion for the sports within, and how much knowledge she has on them. I loved the added Glossary too for rodeo terms.
While there were parts of this book that I loved, there were definitely parts that I’d change. I felt that the relationship between Ellison and Colter moved too quickly, and it was a very insta-attraction/love situation. I would’ve loved for it to be fleshed out a little more so we could really feel that connection between them. They felt more like good friends. I did really love both characters but I wanted something that made me feel a proper connection between them. There was a part in the book in the hospital where I feel like Colter could’ve said something that would’ve deepened their relationship considering everything Ellison had been through in the past with her father.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and absolutely flew through it! The author has done a great job in her debut and I look forward to the rest of the series.
December 7, 2025
i loved getting the chance to be an ARC reader 🤠
Colter is such a swoony, golden retriever boyfriend. The instant attraction he feels to Ellison isn't cringey and I really enjoyed how he interacted with her. She has her guard up after some trauma as a child and she swore off cowboys. But this cowboy is not easily deterred. They really start to build a friendship first and he allows her the space and time to come to him. He never pushes Ellison too hard or too far. He goes at her pace. I loved seeing how Ellison really grew to be a comfort for Colter as much as he was for her. They open up to each other and heal their broken pieces together.
I finished this book in one sitting and absolutely adored the story. It is a true slow burn but when it gets to the spicy chapters, it is SPICCYYYYYYYY. Plus, there's CoJo on the playlist so that was an automatic win in my eyes.
I can't wait for everyone to meet these two 🤍
Colter is such a swoony, golden retriever boyfriend. The instant attraction he feels to Ellison isn't cringey and I really enjoyed how he interacted with her. She has her guard up after some trauma as a child and she swore off cowboys. But this cowboy is not easily deterred. They really start to build a friendship first and he allows her the space and time to come to him. He never pushes Ellison too hard or too far. He goes at her pace. I loved seeing how Ellison really grew to be a comfort for Colter as much as he was for her. They open up to each other and heal their broken pieces together.
I finished this book in one sitting and absolutely adored the story. It is a true slow burn but when it gets to the spicy chapters, it is SPICCYYYYYYYY. Plus, there's CoJo on the playlist so that was an automatic win in my eyes.
I can't wait for everyone to meet these two 🤍
August 2, 2024
Absolutely fucking adorable, i love a good cowboy romance and this book did not disappoint. I loved the slow burn in this and really read about their relationship development 🥹 both characters have so much growth throughout the book, i love them!!
I want to thank the author, H.K. Green for sending me this ARC!! The book comes out on august 16th so add it to your tbr 👀
I want to thank the author, H.K. Green for sending me this ARC!! The book comes out on august 16th so add it to your tbr 👀
May 9, 2025
Thank you to H.K Green for letting me alpha and beta read this book! <3
First off, so excited this is getting closer to being published!!! Second off, I absolutely adored this story. This was the first cowboy romance I ever read and all it did was make me want more!
Colter and Ellison are absolutely adorable. I love their banter and how down bad he is for right away. They are such relatable characters and I really loved that. Colter is sweet and romantic and reliable, and while Ellison is tough on the outside, especially at first, she’s got such a good heart and they truly bring the best out in each other.
I can’t wait not only for this book to come out so everyone can enjoy it as much as I did, but for the other characters to read get their stories as well!
So proud of you my friend and I can’t wait for everyone to read this beautiful story! <3
First off, so excited this is getting closer to being published!!! Second off, I absolutely adored this story. This was the first cowboy romance I ever read and all it did was make me want more!
Colter and Ellison are absolutely adorable. I love their banter and how down bad he is for right away. They are such relatable characters and I really loved that. Colter is sweet and romantic and reliable, and while Ellison is tough on the outside, especially at first, she’s got such a good heart and they truly bring the best out in each other.
I can’t wait not only for this book to come out so everyone can enjoy it as much as I did, but for the other characters to read get their stories as well!
So proud of you my friend and I can’t wait for everyone to read this beautiful story! <3
November 24, 2025
Just finished reading a book called, The Pieces We've Lost. This is about Ellison, her family lived and breathed the rodeo until the day her dad died. Ever since then she's wanted nothing to do with the rodeo because it took her dad from her. But then Colter comes into her life, they meet at a bar while he's in town competing in the rodeo. He's a cowboy through and through, which is exactly what she's not looking for. But something keeps drawing them together; there's a pull, there's chemistry, there's a sense of peace in each other's presence that they've both been searching for. They both have trauma from their past and they both don't trust easily. But if they can let their guard down and let each other in, they might just find what they've been looking for and heal the pieces they've lost.
I loved this story! It was such a fun ride! (Get it? 🤠) This story didn't shy away from grief, self doubt, and pain. This felt real and authentic, there was so much healing and growth for these characters and I loved it. Their story was so beautiful, and it was so well written! I can't believe this was the author's debut novel! I'm so excited for the next book! 🩵📚
I loved this story! It was such a fun ride! (Get it? 🤠) This story didn't shy away from grief, self doubt, and pain. This felt real and authentic, there was so much healing and growth for these characters and I loved it. Their story was so beautiful, and it was so well written! I can't believe this was the author's debut novel! I'm so excited for the next book! 🩵📚
July 29, 2024
ARC Review:
I loved this book! It touched on some deeper subjects such as loss and grief, but the way it was written was so good and made the story that much better.
The first encounter at the bar had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down after. The love displayed in this book between the characters gave me the feels. And their banter, chef’s kiss! Ellison and her hard outer exterior, and Colter with his instant eyes. 😍
This is a great read!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
4.5/5 ⭐️
1 🌶️
I loved this book! It touched on some deeper subjects such as loss and grief, but the way it was written was so good and made the story that much better.
The first encounter at the bar had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down after. The love displayed in this book between the characters gave me the feels. And their banter, chef’s kiss! Ellison and her hard outer exterior, and Colter with his instant eyes. 😍
This is a great read!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
4.5/5 ⭐️
1 🌶️
September 4, 2025
Happy release day!! 🤠 💌 thank u sm H.K. Green for the ARC 🫶🏻
My review: I thoroughly enjoyed it and savored every moment of this book. It truly had everything I was looking for. Ellison and Colter's story was so captivating! Their connection, the romance, their movements, and chemistry were all off-the-charts amazing.
I was especially impressed with the character development. Both main characters experienced major growth, and I loved watching their journeys unfold. The side characters were also incredibly fun and added so much to the overall vibe of the book. Speaking of vibe, the rodeo and cowboy elements were a blast. This is only my second cowboy romance, and I'm already hooked.
The writing was excellent, the pacing was just right, and everything came together perfectly. Overall, I really, really loved it!
My review: I thoroughly enjoyed it and savored every moment of this book. It truly had everything I was looking for. Ellison and Colter's story was so captivating! Their connection, the romance, their movements, and chemistry were all off-the-charts amazing.
I was especially impressed with the character development. Both main characters experienced major growth, and I loved watching their journeys unfold. The side characters were also incredibly fun and added so much to the overall vibe of the book. Speaking of vibe, the rodeo and cowboy elements were a blast. This is only my second cowboy romance, and I'm already hooked.
The writing was excellent, the pacing was just right, and everything came together perfectly. Overall, I really, really loved it!
August 22, 2024
Thank you H.K Green for the gifted arc.
⭐️⭐️
*these are just my honest opinions. Just because this wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for you! I intend no disrespect to the author.*
I was really looking forward to this book, but it fell flat for me. I just didn’t find myself invested in the outcome of this book or the characters.
This felt too focused on the rodeo scenes and explaining rodeos, rather than developing the characters and the romance. The actual dating/romantic scenes were so rushed so I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs. I started to get pulled out of the story because I truly didn’t understand why they fell in love.
⭐️⭐️
*these are just my honest opinions. Just because this wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for you! I intend no disrespect to the author.*
I was really looking forward to this book, but it fell flat for me. I just didn’t find myself invested in the outcome of this book or the characters.
This felt too focused on the rodeo scenes and explaining rodeos, rather than developing the characters and the romance. The actual dating/romantic scenes were so rushed so I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs. I started to get pulled out of the story because I truly didn’t understand why they fell in love.
August 15, 2024
“I pushed aside the thought of me falling in love with a cowboy. It was their lifestyle that cost my dad his life.”⭐⭐⭐.5 (rounded to 4!) 🌶️ 1.5
If you’re a fan of a cowboy who will go to any length for his girl, this one’s for you! H.K. Green’s debut novel is the sweet story of two people who have to overcome past traumas in order to let love in.
This book does a great job of immersing us in the rodeo/cowboy world right from the start; providing a lot of detail for those who aren’t as familiar with rodeo. H.K.'s main & side characters are really the heart of the story! Some heavy topics are explored in the book, but there was some really great light-hearted humour sprinkled in too.
Colter is the greenest flag you ever did see! A confident, handsome team-roper with a golden retriever heart 🩵 Who doesn’t love a man who isn’t easily deterred? He is so patient & sweet towards Ellison, allowing their relationship to go at her own pace as she works through the childhood trauma of losing her father. But on the inside, Colter is also harbours big vulnerabilities that will make you fall even harder for him.
Ellison’s healing journey with Colter by her side was very touching. She is also as strong as a cowgirl gets and has so much sass that you'll love her. All the memories of her father and her passion for rodeo really pulled at my heartstrings.
I do have to admit, the slow burn was a bit too slow for me, even knowing their trauma healing was the reason behind it. The chemistry between Ellison & Colton was there on paper but was missing the extra spark I was hoping because it took a long time for their physical connection to appear. Their first kiss & open door spice scenes happen late in the book and that made it harder for me to feel the passion. The emotional aspect and resilience of the characters was really the main focus of the book and it could have easily been written as a fantastic YA cowboy romance! (there is a guide available to skip the spicy scenes)
All in all, a super sweet, not-too-spicy but very touching debut cowboy romance! Thank you to H.K. for the ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review!
August 18, 2024
What an incredible debut by H.K. Green! 🤠
This book grabbed my attention right away and never let go. From loveable and memorable characters to a deep dive into the rodeo events and lifestyle, this book was ultimately entertaining through and through!
I adored both Ellison and Colter; Ellison with her firecracker attitude and Colter with his cheesy and loving heart. They fit so perfectly together, I couldn’t help but to root for them from the start. Their relationship was so carefree and loving and they had so many cute and cheesy moments that had me swooning! 🥰 The more sensitive topics in the book like grief and dealing will loss were done is such a relatable yet careful fashion. It added another layer to the book that had me falling further in love with the characters.
The rodeo aspect of the book was next level! It was not brushed over in any way, and I learned so much about it from this book. The author also included some definitions and key rodeo terms at the beginning of the book, which really helped me since I knew next to nothing about rodeo before reading this. The author also added some closed door modifications at the end for those who don’t like open door spice, which I thought was such a nice added touch.
Highly recommend giving this a read if you’re looking for another cowboy romance to add to your tbr! 🤠
Thank you to the author, H.K. Green for the eARC! 🩵
Read if you like/you can expect:
🩵 cowboy romance
🩵 dual pov
🩵 black cat x golden retriever
🩵 grief/dealing with loss
🩵 found family
🩵 some open door spice
My ratings:
4 ⭐️
🌶️.5
This book grabbed my attention right away and never let go. From loveable and memorable characters to a deep dive into the rodeo events and lifestyle, this book was ultimately entertaining through and through!
I adored both Ellison and Colter; Ellison with her firecracker attitude and Colter with his cheesy and loving heart. They fit so perfectly together, I couldn’t help but to root for them from the start. Their relationship was so carefree and loving and they had so many cute and cheesy moments that had me swooning! 🥰 The more sensitive topics in the book like grief and dealing will loss were done is such a relatable yet careful fashion. It added another layer to the book that had me falling further in love with the characters.
The rodeo aspect of the book was next level! It was not brushed over in any way, and I learned so much about it from this book. The author also included some definitions and key rodeo terms at the beginning of the book, which really helped me since I knew next to nothing about rodeo before reading this. The author also added some closed door modifications at the end for those who don’t like open door spice, which I thought was such a nice added touch.
Highly recommend giving this a read if you’re looking for another cowboy romance to add to your tbr! 🤠
Thank you to the author, H.K. Green for the eARC! 🩵
Read if you like/you can expect:
🩵 cowboy romance
🩵 dual pov
🩵 black cat x golden retriever
🩵 grief/dealing with loss
🩵 found family
🩵 some open door spice
My ratings:
4 ⭐️
🌶️.5
May 24, 2024
🩵🤠Beta Review!
Thanks HK for allowing me to be apart of this process and having me there from the semi beginning!! If I wouldn’t have left a comment that I was from Houston, who knows where we would be today! 🥹 HK did amazing as a debut author and I’m so very proud of her! Eeek can’t wait until everyone can read this amazing book!
The Pieces We’ve Lost is such a beautiful story! I sobbed, it’s real, it’s raw and has such beautiful emotions from both Colter and Ellison. Their story is truly a precious one, I absolutely love their back stories and who they are but mostly seeing how their love seeped through their guarded walls and tore it down brick by brick! Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one! *baby blues* 😭😭😭
Thanks HK for allowing me to be apart of this process and having me there from the semi beginning!! If I wouldn’t have left a comment that I was from Houston, who knows where we would be today! 🥹 HK did amazing as a debut author and I’m so very proud of her! Eeek can’t wait until everyone can read this amazing book!
The Pieces We’ve Lost is such a beautiful story! I sobbed, it’s real, it’s raw and has such beautiful emotions from both Colter and Ellison. Their story is truly a precious one, I absolutely love their back stories and who they are but mostly seeing how their love seeped through their guarded walls and tore it down brick by brick! Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one! *baby blues* 😭😭😭
July 31, 2024
This was such a great read covering some heavy topics that were beautifully written. I thought Colter was perfection in the way he handled his relationship with Ellison. They both have a past, a past they both have to overcome to be able to move forward. I thought their chemistry was perfect and them together was even better. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I do hope we get another book with one of Colter’s friends. Highly recommend! I received a complementary copy from the author.
August 15, 2024
ARC Review:
Such a sweet read that does touch on some heavy topics. I loved getting to know Ellison and Colter and the life of rodeo stars! This book had so much more insight into what goes on during rodeos and you truly get the feeling that you are right there in the arena watching. Ellison and Colter were characters who both have experienced loss in the past but they start to heal once they become friends and then lovers. These two helped the other heal while also both becoming better versions of themselves!
Thank you to H.K. Green for trusting me with her book and please go check it out!
Such a sweet read that does touch on some heavy topics. I loved getting to know Ellison and Colter and the life of rodeo stars! This book had so much more insight into what goes on during rodeos and you truly get the feeling that you are right there in the arena watching. Ellison and Colter were characters who both have experienced loss in the past but they start to heal once they become friends and then lovers. These two helped the other heal while also both becoming better versions of themselves!
Thank you to H.K. Green for trusting me with her book and please go check it out!
July 24, 2024
Arc Review
I had honestly forgotten about signing up for this book arc but when I tell you I am soooo glad I did.
Colter is an all around good guy who happened to be a cowboy who only has eyes for Ellie after running into her at a bar. Their first interaction has my heart so excited and I was so proud of Ellie for taking a chance. Both of their hearts had been broken and they found each other to fix what they didn’t break in the most beautiful way.
That last chapter had me kicking my feet like a school girl. I was soooo happy that these characters developed into a beautiful love story.
Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 1/2
Cutest romance story!
Cannot wait for Reid’s book.(please let it be with Isa🤞🏻🤞🏻)
I had honestly forgotten about signing up for this book arc but when I tell you I am soooo glad I did.
Colter is an all around good guy who happened to be a cowboy who only has eyes for Ellie after running into her at a bar. Their first interaction has my heart so excited and I was so proud of Ellie for taking a chance. Both of their hearts had been broken and they found each other to fix what they didn’t break in the most beautiful way.
That last chapter had me kicking my feet like a school girl. I was soooo happy that these characters developed into a beautiful love story.
Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 1/2
Cutest romance story!
Cannot wait for Reid’s book.(please let it be with Isa🤞🏻🤞🏻)
July 28, 2024
ARC Review🤠✨
“If I’m a spark, then you’re the blaze that keeps me feeling alive. You fuel my fire”
If you love a good Cowboy romance then this is the book for you! For her debut novel, this hit all the marks. I absolutely loved Colter and Ellison.
The story and character struggles were so relatable that you felt your heart breaking with them. You don’t see many books where the MMC is the one that struggles with Mental Health issues so this was a nice change. The both of them being about to relate to each other’s past traumas made the connection they shared that much more special. I loved that there was a rodeo 101 for us so if we weren’t familiar with something, it was easily explained in the front pages.
The Pieces We’ve Lost gave me all the feels 🥰 I was laughing, crying and just so hooked from the start. It’s a slow burn with all the angst, compassion, and protective hero you could need. The love they had for each other made me swoon so hard! Colter was a total GENTLEMAN and I couldn’t have loved him more. Did I mention no Third Act breakup?! You won’t regret this read, I promise you🩵🛻
“If I’m a spark, then you’re the blaze that keeps me feeling alive. You fuel my fire”
If you love a good Cowboy romance then this is the book for you! For her debut novel, this hit all the marks. I absolutely loved Colter and Ellison.
The story and character struggles were so relatable that you felt your heart breaking with them. You don’t see many books where the MMC is the one that struggles with Mental Health issues so this was a nice change. The both of them being about to relate to each other’s past traumas made the connection they shared that much more special. I loved that there was a rodeo 101 for us so if we weren’t familiar with something, it was easily explained in the front pages.
The Pieces We’ve Lost gave me all the feels 🥰 I was laughing, crying and just so hooked from the start. It’s a slow burn with all the angst, compassion, and protective hero you could need. The love they had for each other made me swoon so hard! Colter was a total GENTLEMAN and I couldn’t have loved him more. Did I mention no Third Act breakup?! You won’t regret this read, I promise you🩵🛻
October 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars! ✨
This is somewhere around 3-3.5 stars for me✨
THE PIECES WE’VE LOST is a cowboy romance that explores overcoming grief, healing, and staying strong for the people they love, even when it feels like the world is caving in. All centered around rodeo life. It was cutesy enough, but not my fav, unfortunately. 🤠🐴🐂🛻🌾🩵
I felt like the relationship between Ellison & Colter was rushed so I wasn’t able to really get invested in their relationship. Ellison is portrayed as so closed off that I was very surprised at how quickly their relationship moved. I just didn’t feel the chemistry and wanted even more of a slow burn between them.🫠
The ending though🥹🥹 so stinkin sweet and such a great way to end the book🫶🏻
Read if you like:
🤠 found family
🐴 rodeos & cowboy’s😉
🐂 black cat x golden retriever
🛻 no third act breakup 🙌🏻
🌾 he falls first
🩵 dual pov
Overall, this was a great debut from this author & I definitely want to read the 2nd book in this series.
This is somewhere around 3-3.5 stars for me✨
THE PIECES WE’VE LOST is a cowboy romance that explores overcoming grief, healing, and staying strong for the people they love, even when it feels like the world is caving in. All centered around rodeo life. It was cutesy enough, but not my fav, unfortunately. 🤠🐴🐂🛻🌾🩵
I felt like the relationship between Ellison & Colter was rushed so I wasn’t able to really get invested in their relationship. Ellison is portrayed as so closed off that I was very surprised at how quickly their relationship moved. I just didn’t feel the chemistry and wanted even more of a slow burn between them.🫠
The ending though🥹🥹 so stinkin sweet and such a great way to end the book🫶🏻
Read if you like:
🤠 found family
🐴 rodeos & cowboy’s😉
🐂 black cat x golden retriever
🛻 no third act breakup 🙌🏻
🌾 he falls first
🩵 dual pov
Overall, this was a great debut from this author & I definitely want to read the 2nd book in this series.
September 27, 2024
Read this book with our book club; overall, it was a cute romance. It’s the authors first novel and her writing seemed, more like a teenager talking out loud when giving details, rather than being in depth with her details. Little bit of spice towards the end. Female main character is kind of grouchy the whole time, which is kind of okay. Overall cute romance. It wasn’t really a “ cowboy” romance, it was more about rodeo and explaining how rodeo works with some romance in between.
August 12, 2024
Congrats H.K on your debut novel!
If you're a fan of small town cowboy romance, more specifically, rodeo, this book is for you!
Set (mostly) in the great state of Texas, our story follows Ellison Wilson and Colter Cutler. Ellison is still healing from witnessing her father's traumatic death after a freak accident at the rodeo, and Colter is recovering from his failed engagement. Both have a lot of trauma they need to process, but they find each other along the way.
While Ellison is our closed off, strong-willed, quiet type, Colter is the outgoing, loyal, selfless counterpart. Their story is certainly a slow burn, but they learn to gain each other's trust along the way.
H.K. did a beautiful job discussing some heavy topics between our two characters. Her depictions of anxiety, feelings of loss after a loved one passes, coping with grief, and feelings of inadequacy were all handled with care. While this story has some heavy themes, we still get our HEA!
I also really liked the side characters in this story - especially Colter's group of guy friends. Some of my favorite moments were when they were together.
H.K. also really knows what she's talking about when it comes to rodeo - it shows in all of her descriptions of the events and the details she dives into.
That being said, for me, it was personally a little too rodeo heavy. There were parts I skimmed because I didn't care to know about the wild horse races, or some of the other various events. I was more invested in Colter and Ellison's story, and sometimes the rodeo took away from that.
For this reason, I also felt the chemistry between Ellison and Colter was lacking. Colter had insta love for Ellison, and she was so closed off and rude to him. While she apologized, I still didn't feel the spark between them. I almost needed less descriptive settings and more dialogue, and more moments that showed me they were all in - especially from Ellison.
I'm excited to see where the rest of this series takes us, especially when it comes to Reid, Isa, and Mikey!
If you're a fan of small town cowboy romance, more specifically, rodeo, this book is for you!
Set (mostly) in the great state of Texas, our story follows Ellison Wilson and Colter Cutler. Ellison is still healing from witnessing her father's traumatic death after a freak accident at the rodeo, and Colter is recovering from his failed engagement. Both have a lot of trauma they need to process, but they find each other along the way.
While Ellison is our closed off, strong-willed, quiet type, Colter is the outgoing, loyal, selfless counterpart. Their story is certainly a slow burn, but they learn to gain each other's trust along the way.
H.K. did a beautiful job discussing some heavy topics between our two characters. Her depictions of anxiety, feelings of loss after a loved one passes, coping with grief, and feelings of inadequacy were all handled with care. While this story has some heavy themes, we still get our HEA!
I also really liked the side characters in this story - especially Colter's group of guy friends. Some of my favorite moments were when they were together.
H.K. also really knows what she's talking about when it comes to rodeo - it shows in all of her descriptions of the events and the details she dives into.
That being said, for me, it was personally a little too rodeo heavy. There were parts I skimmed because I didn't care to know about the wild horse races, or some of the other various events. I was more invested in Colter and Ellison's story, and sometimes the rodeo took away from that.
For this reason, I also felt the chemistry between Ellison and Colter was lacking. Colter had insta love for Ellison, and she was so closed off and rude to him. While she apologized, I still didn't feel the spark between them. I almost needed less descriptive settings and more dialogue, and more moments that showed me they were all in - especially from Ellison.
I'm excited to see where the rest of this series takes us, especially when it comes to Reid, Isa, and Mikey!
November 23, 2025
Baby Blue.....
5🌟 2🌶
Ellie & Colter....... they balance each other and so cute together! Typical rodeo stereotypes, some fights, some yearning, growth. Really great read with a few good spicy scenes.
Ellison doesn't hate rodeo, but has avoided it as much as possible since her father died in a horrific accident during Steer Wrestling.
Colder is a Cowboy, specifically a Roper. He's in Houston competing.
One night they meet each other in a bar, ace in the Hole. Ellison literally runs into Colter, Colder takes a look at her and utters "Baby blue just like George Strait". This stuns Ellie and she walks off, they dont exchange any info. Next day, he spots her while at the rodeo, and tries tries to get her number but she doesn't give it, but takes his.
Fast forward a bit, a few semi-awkward dates later and the two are friends with undertones of more. Colter and his roping partner, Reid, win their competition. This also means he is leaving. He and Ellison continue their communication as he travels to other states for more rodeos. He convinces Ellie to come visit Montana.
This i where it gets good and the relationship really begin to take shape. Montana trip is extended due to injuries, which are recovered.
Ending is great for the lead-up into Book 2!
5🌟 2🌶
Ellie & Colter....... they balance each other and so cute together! Typical rodeo stereotypes, some fights, some yearning, growth. Really great read with a few good spicy scenes.
Ellison doesn't hate rodeo, but has avoided it as much as possible since her father died in a horrific accident during Steer Wrestling.
Colder is a Cowboy, specifically a Roper. He's in Houston competing.
One night they meet each other in a bar, ace in the Hole. Ellison literally runs into Colter, Colder takes a look at her and utters "Baby blue just like George Strait". This stuns Ellie and she walks off, they dont exchange any info. Next day, he spots her while at the rodeo, and tries tries to get her number but she doesn't give it, but takes his.
Fast forward a bit, a few semi-awkward dates later and the two are friends with undertones of more. Colter and his roping partner, Reid, win their competition. This also means he is leaving. He and Ellison continue their communication as he travels to other states for more rodeos. He convinces Ellie to come visit Montana.
This i where it gets good and the relationship really begin to take shape. Montana trip is extended due to injuries, which are recovered.
Ending is great for the lead-up into Book 2!
September 1, 2024
Such a cutie story. I loved the attention to detail and the emphasis on the sport. I really loved that it wasn’t just glossing over rodeo or saying that an event happened, but that HK actually went into it and described it.
The authenticity with which HK wrote this is incredible. She wrote from her own life and experiences with the western lifestyle and it is so apparent! It felt like I was actually stepping into the world of rodeo and I’m so grateful to HK for giving us that opportunity.
Ellison being guarded and a bit jaded on love due to loss made me reanalyse my own thoughts and experiences and I related to her more than I ever thought I would.
Colter is just such a sweetie. I can’t get enough of him. His experience with love is far different from Ellison’s, but seeing him challenge himself to open up—and in turn challenging Ellison—was so sweet.
Overall, I really, really liked this! I am so excited for the future of The Road & The Rodeo series!!
Finally, HK- I freaking love you. Thanks for being such a sweet and dear friend these last months 🥹 sorry it took me so long to finally read this lol
The authenticity with which HK wrote this is incredible. She wrote from her own life and experiences with the western lifestyle and it is so apparent! It felt like I was actually stepping into the world of rodeo and I’m so grateful to HK for giving us that opportunity.
Ellison being guarded and a bit jaded on love due to loss made me reanalyse my own thoughts and experiences and I related to her more than I ever thought I would.
Colter is just such a sweetie. I can’t get enough of him. His experience with love is far different from Ellison’s, but seeing him challenge himself to open up—and in turn challenging Ellison—was so sweet.
Overall, I really, really liked this! I am so excited for the future of The Road & The Rodeo series!!
Finally, HK- I freaking love you. Thanks for being such a sweet and dear friend these last months 🥹 sorry it took me so long to finally read this lol
August 15, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
First, this was a fantastic debut and I cannot wait for book 2! Second, I’ve read a lot of cowboy romances but this one is the first one to really focus on the rodeo side and I absolutely loved it! Ellison is a black cat. She’s cold, guarded, and feisty. Colter is just precious through this entire book. 🥹 He’s hard working, trustworthy, and loves hard. Everything you want in an MMC. They both have past trauma and are able to lean on each other to heal.
HK did a phenomenal job weaving rodeo explanations into the story to help the reader better understand what was happening in the setting. I also loved how she ended her chapters. I cannot tell you how many times I said “okay just one more chapter” only to finish this book in a day because I couldn’t put it down. 😂🩵
I can already tell this will be one of my favorite cowboy romance series! HK was not playing with these side characters and I need a book for everyone!
First, this was a fantastic debut and I cannot wait for book 2! Second, I’ve read a lot of cowboy romances but this one is the first one to really focus on the rodeo side and I absolutely loved it! Ellison is a black cat. She’s cold, guarded, and feisty. Colter is just precious through this entire book. 🥹 He’s hard working, trustworthy, and loves hard. Everything you want in an MMC. They both have past trauma and are able to lean on each other to heal.
HK did a phenomenal job weaving rodeo explanations into the story to help the reader better understand what was happening in the setting. I also loved how she ended her chapters. I cannot tell you how many times I said “okay just one more chapter” only to finish this book in a day because I couldn’t put it down. 😂🩵
I can already tell this will be one of my favorite cowboy romance series! HK was not playing with these side characters and I need a book for everyone!
August 17, 2024
ARC Review of The Pieces We've Lost
What a perfect debut novel. I am in love with every single character in this book. I cried, smiled, cried again, kicked my feet and just adored every sentence of this book! I picked it up this morning and couldn't put it down (may have forgotten to make dinner until late.. shhhh).
Imagine the perfect swoony golden retriever, Colter and the sassy black cat, Ellison get together.. it is instant love for Colter and to be honest, I'm never a fan of instalove but this was written great and not cringey at all. Plus, I always love a sassy FMC.
Please always check trigger warnings. As phenomenal as the heavy topics are written, it might be hard for some people to read ❤️
Thank you so much for allowing me to read this ARC and love the characters as much as I do!
Out TODAY! GO GRAB THIS! 🙌🙌
What a perfect debut novel. I am in love with every single character in this book. I cried, smiled, cried again, kicked my feet and just adored every sentence of this book! I picked it up this morning and couldn't put it down (may have forgotten to make dinner until late.. shhhh).
Imagine the perfect swoony golden retriever, Colter and the sassy black cat, Ellison get together.. it is instant love for Colter and to be honest, I'm never a fan of instalove but this was written great and not cringey at all. Plus, I always love a sassy FMC.
Please always check trigger warnings. As phenomenal as the heavy topics are written, it might be hard for some people to read ❤️
Thank you so much for allowing me to read this ARC and love the characters as much as I do!
Out TODAY! GO GRAB THIS! 🙌🙌
July 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4!)
I flew through this book! It was a quick, but good read.
I love Colter so much. He was a true gentleman to Ellison throughout the book. He was sweet and caring, and he fell hard and fast for Ellison.
Ellison was a very independent girl who needed Colter in her life (she just didn’t know how much). I loved that she was there for Colter when he needed her, just like he was for her.
They both went through tough times in their pasts, but they both needed each other to help them get through those tough times. They helped each other grow.
Thank you so much H.K. Green for this ARC! The Pieces We’ve Lost comes out August 16th!!
I flew through this book! It was a quick, but good read.
I love Colter so much. He was a true gentleman to Ellison throughout the book. He was sweet and caring, and he fell hard and fast for Ellison.
Ellison was a very independent girl who needed Colter in her life (she just didn’t know how much). I loved that she was there for Colter when he needed her, just like he was for her.
They both went through tough times in their pasts, but they both needed each other to help them get through those tough times. They helped each other grow.
Thank you so much H.K. Green for this ARC! The Pieces We’ve Lost comes out August 16th!!
December 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this rodeo romance! As a native Houstonian (and horse girl!) who grew up going to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, it was especially fun reliving some of my own memories of going to the rodeo. Colter and Ellison and adorable, and while this story had a dose of insta-love which isn’t always my favorite, it worked for them. He is down so bad for her and I’m here for it. If you enjoy Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage, you need to pick this one up as well! I’m excited to continue the series
August 14, 2024
First and foremost Colter Carson is now my new book boyfriend. I’m definitely entering my cowboy era and I’m not disappointed one bit. This story will pull on your heart strings, but in such a beautiful way. I appreciate the author giving us a run down on rodeo terminology because without it I’d be so lost. Ellison and Colter have both experienced a time where they lost someone who meant a great deal to them leaving them both unsure of who to trust with their heart. The author doesn’t rush anything between Colter and Ellison which allows them to grow and heal not only on their own, but together. I adore their relationship and truly feel they were meant for one another. The rodeo events give the book an exciting and edge of your seat feel. I was not prepared for that bit at the end leaving me almost in tears. Truly a beautiful story with an even more beautiful ending. 🤎
Thank you author author hkgreen for this ARC in return for an honest review
Thank you author author hkgreen for this ARC in return for an honest review
August 17, 2024
this is such an amazing debut novel ! fast paced, emotional and realistic. i’m usually not a fan of slow burns, but this was done so well and i loved seeing colter and ellison’s story unfold. the way they were both able to heal each other and work on past traumas was everything to me. i also loved all of the side characters so i can’t wait for the next book !
July 29, 2024
Such a heartfelt loving story. *Plus the playlist is AMAZING* I received this book as an ARC and am soooo *BLESSED*. I think this is a good depiction of the rodeo life style and how things could be. It so moving with facing loss and moving on. I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
July 29, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading H.K’s debut novel and it did not disappoint! A story of second chances, love, angst and cowboys who rope throw! Such a great read!
August 16, 2024
Okay so I’ve been going through such a rough book slump atm but I’m so happy that this was the book that I read after it!
I love love love the beginning even before you get into the book with the mini dictionary, trigger warnings and other explanations! It really helps someone who knows absolutely nothing about rodeos and anything cowboy to follow along. It’s the small details that really help you get in the mind of the author and show how passionate they are!
It makes me so happy seeing the MMC falling first, he is such a gentleman and a joy to read. Their story is so heartfelt and deep and was so nice that it wasn’t all about the sexual chemistry but the one that runs deeper than that. It was also nice to see that there was no third act breakup/fall out which was really refreshing and no miscommunication!
I am so glad to have been chosen to read this arc because it was amazing and didn’t feel like a usual romance book. I truly hope there will be another one cause I most definitely will be reading!
I love love love the beginning even before you get into the book with the mini dictionary, trigger warnings and other explanations! It really helps someone who knows absolutely nothing about rodeos and anything cowboy to follow along. It’s the small details that really help you get in the mind of the author and show how passionate they are!
It makes me so happy seeing the MMC falling first, he is such a gentleman and a joy to read. Their story is so heartfelt and deep and was so nice that it wasn’t all about the sexual chemistry but the one that runs deeper than that. It was also nice to see that there was no third act breakup/fall out which was really refreshing and no miscommunication!
I am so glad to have been chosen to read this arc because it was amazing and didn’t feel like a usual romance book. I truly hope there will be another one cause I most definitely will be reading!
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