Night Rider

Hunt Ranch #1

by Sloane Fletcher

'The perfect blend of suspense, heat, and heart – a beautiful portrayal of hard-won trust and healing. I couldn’t put this down!' BAILEY HANNAH⛰️⛰️⛰️

A hundred reasons to run. A cowboy to make her stay…

Hollywood starlet Nina Keller is searching for an escape. Arriving at Hunt Ranch after a terrifying assault, she only wants one to rediscover who she is.

Maverick Hunt was never a part of that plan. But with his kind heart and unwavering patience, Nina can’t help but feel safe around the strong – and undeniably handsome – cowboy. And that is worth more than he could ever know.

Enchanted by ranch life with Maverick and his young daughter, Poppy, Nina begins to imagine a future for herself in the country – in seeking an escape, she may have instead found a home.

But that dream is threatened when Nina’s past catches up with her. And when an unlikely predator strikes, she and Maverick must make a to let each other go or face the world together.

Featuring all your favourite 🤠 Big city actress x small town cowboy

💔 Complex characters healing together

💗 Slow burn romance

👨‍👧 Single dad

👪 Found family

🌶️ Spice

Early readers give 5 stars to Night Rider:‘This book is the perfect mix of high-stakes danger, heart-aching fear, and swoon-worthy cowboy romance’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘WOW. This book took my heart, shattered it, and then carefully put it back together in the most breathtaking way … stunning, emotional, and deeply heartfelt' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book simultaneously wrecked me and healed me all at the same time. I found Nina’s journey so raw and powerful – her story was so inspiring and written with such care’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Maverick is the ultimate green flag, he’s patient, thoughtful … all while being a rugged and tough cowboy. Oh, and did I mention he’s a single dad who owns a luxury ranch? Sign. Me. Up.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘With strong, relatable characters, a slow-burn romance that sizzles, and a beautifully atmospheric setting, this book delivers everything fans of the genre could want’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Small Town Romance, Cowboy Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

Sloane is a (self-proclaimed) novice film critic, a middling yogi, and a pro smut enthusiast. She loves writing damaged heroes and heroines and isn’t above exploring topics that make you uncomfortable—but always with a happy ever after. Sloane lives with her husband, two dogs, and sixty-three houseplants in California’s Central Valley. When she’s not writing, she can be found day drinking with her friends, crying to sad songs by no-name artists on YouTube, and Googling the disturbing factoids she hears on murder mystery shows.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy romance x Suspense book sign me up! I loved this so much and I can’t wait to read more of the authors books

[Dee Whetton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is so full after finishing Night Rider. What a beautiful story of overcoming trauma, heartbreak, grief, and PTSD. I’m fully in awe of Nina and her resilience, Mav with his patience and with Sloane for putting together the most beautiful story. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the opportunity to early read this book. It’s one that will stick with me for a while!

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me this falls into the Colleen Hoover category of books that deal with really heavy subjects in a very unsubtle way. I don’t have a problem with real topics being covered in romance but there’s a way to do it and this was not it.

[ari ⁠♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet but boring. The insta-love was not for me, and the romance felt rushed and cringey. Him calling her “my woman” so early on gave me the biggest ick, especially considering everything the FMC had gone through not long earlier. I just started skimming toward the end😬

[Lauren Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my heart 🥹

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for the perfect cowboy… I found him!!

Maverick is the ultimate green flag, he’s patient, thoughtful, and the kind of man who gives you butterflies with how sweet he is… all while being a rugged & tough cowboy. Oh, and did I mention he’s a single dad who owns a luxury ranch? Sign. Me. Up.

This story follows Nina and Maverick. Nina is an actress working through fresh trauma and heads to Maverick’s ranch to run/heal. Their love story is so heartfelt and genuine. It is full of soft tender moments that made me melt and some hard painful moments. Nina’s story is a powerful healing journey. I loved watching her grow!

There’s some suspense, but it’s mainly about the emotional aftermath of SA. Sloane handled it with such care and sensitivity but didn’t shy around how ugly it can be! Definitely check triggers.

Also, I need to shout out Markus because everyone deserves a best friend like him. Honestly, all the side characters were amazing!

“Run” by George Strait. IYKYK 🥹
I loved how this song was incorporated.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

[Lacey May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night rider is a moody, emotional cowboy romance that pulls you in with its calm setting and brooding lead. Sloane Fletcher captures the quiet intensity of ranch life beautifully, pairing it with strong chemistry and heartfelt character growth. I loved the balance between grit and vulnerability, and the romance felt both slow-burning and deeply satisfying. A great pick for readers who love western romance with emotional depth

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it’s part of Hunt Ranch series! It’s a slow burner.

Featuring all your favourite tropes:
🤠 Big city actress x small town cowboy

💔 Complex characters healing together

💗 Slow burn romance

👨‍👧 Single dad

👪 Found family

🌶️ Spice

Fans of Elsie Silver, Bailey Hannah… And just cowboys in general. This one is for you.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Çok beğendim duygular aşırı güzel yazılmış kadının travması da korkuları da tam hissettirmesi gerektiği gibi hissettirdi çok güzel açıklamış yazar duyguları. Yan karakterlerin hepsini ayrı ayrı çok sevdim özellikle marcus ve poppy favorilerim çok tatlılardı

[kelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i feel like my weakness for cowboy books are women that are running from something and find a home w their cowboy at a ranch/farm
also this cover is 🔥

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book would be perfect if it didn’t have a pointless 3rd act breakup 🥲 either way i love me a cowboy who will do anything for his girl 🤠

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloane crafts a captivating blend of emotional trauma, healing, spicy romance, and suspense in this passion-filled cowboy tale. Famous actress Nina is recovering from a devastating assault and seeks refuge at a luxury ranch where she meets Maverick—a rugged, heart-of-gold cowboy and the ideal single father. Scarred by his own trauma of love lost, Maverick’s trust in women is as rocky as a dry riverbed. Yet, despite his reservations, he’s drawn to Nina—her connection with the horses, and even more so, her way with his daughter. Soon, their chemistry sparks and crackles under the country night sky.

I loved the perfect mix of thrilling suspense and unexpected humor, thanks to Nina’s funny and fabulously witty best friend, who brings some much-needed levity to the emotional rollercoaster. The romance between Nina and Maverick is sizzling hot—Maverick is the kind of cowboy you dream about: strong enough to lift you with one hand, protective, and undeniably sexy (light eyes, dark hair, anyone?). I will say, for someone with trust issues, he sure fell hard and fast for our vulnerable lady ;) The sexual tension between them builds up beautifully, mixed with the emotional weight of their pasts and the challenges they face together, making this an unforgettable ride with a handsome night rider. The ranch setting, with its wide-open skies and rugged charm, provides the perfect backdrop to their heated connection, making it the kind of sexy, heartwarming story you can’t put down. Maverick’s deep passion for the horses and his way of life truly tugged at my heartstrings.

Thank you Sloane for the ARC. <333Cannot wait for the next installment!

[Ashleyschaptersbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane Fletcher took my heart on a wild, emotional ride with Night Rider. This book is the perfect mix of high-stakes danger, heart-aching fear, and swoon-worthy cowboy romance. From the first page, I was completely invested in Nina’s journey—her pain, her resilience, and her fight to survive had me on edge the entire time. And Maverick? Be still my heart. The way he instantly steps in to protect Nina, no hesitation, no second-guessing—just pure, instinctual devotion—had me swooning from the start.

But what truly made this book unforgettable was the Hunt family. Their love, loyalty, and unwavering support wrapped around Nina like the kind of warmth she never knew she needed. Watching her slowly let down her walls, learning to trust again after everything she’s been through, was absolutely beautiful. The emotional depth in this story hit hard in the best way, proving that love, whether romantic or found in family, has the power to heal even the deepest wounds — both emotional and physical.

Night Rider isn’t just a romance—it’s a story of survival, trust, and learning to love after life has broken you. With its rugged cowboy charm, heart-pounding suspense, and deeply emotional core, this book is one that lingers long after the last page. I adored every second of it!

Thank you so much for an early advanced reader copy!

[Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't you just love when you're reading a book and you know it's a five-star read. It did take me a good 100 pages to get into the story but once I was hooked, I could not put this book down.

Night Rider features some heavy topics - sexual assault, PTSD and grief - but Sloane Fletcher handles it with the sensitivity it requires. Nina's journey felt so realistic and authentic, I couldn't help but adore her.

There is a touch of mystery, although this is resolved fairly quickly, that I really liked. But it was the character development that really had me hooked. Maverick and Nina were so beautifully written, and I loved watching them develop and grow together. The sexual tension between them was perfect and I'm so intrigued by Benji & Sierra's (Mav's best friend and sister) story as well now. Sloane has set their story up brilliantly and I know it's going to hurt me just as much.

This is definitely a book that I won't forget about any time soon.

I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amber Dickmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, sweet story. I think we all want a Mav in our lives! 🥰 yes please!!!! Thanks for the opportunity to ARC this book!

[cad · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 | 🌶️ 3 out of 5



Nina is a Hollywood actress who shows up at a ranch completely broken after a terrifying assault. She's not looking for love. She's not looking for a cowboy. She just wants to figure out who she is. Then she meets Maverick and all those plans go right out the barn door.

This man is patient, steady, and so gentle with Nina without ever making her feel fragile. He just shows up, every single time. And his daughter Poppy? Absolute scene stealer. Every interaction between her and Nina had me melting. The slow burn works because Nina is healing from real trauma and Sloane Fletcher handles that with so much care. Nothing felt rushed. It builds through quiet ranch moments, time with the horses, and the kind of trust that only comes from someone who is consistently there.

The second half shifts into more of a suspense lane when Nina's past catches up, and honestly, I was locked in. The tension ramps up and it gives the story a whole different energy that kept me turning pages. If you love cowboy romance with real heart and a hero who would wait forever for you to be ready, this one's for you.

Vibes we are tracking:

🤠 Soft cowboy who makes you feel safe just existing
🐴 Healing through horses and ranch life
👧 Poppy the scene-stealing daughter
🌅 Quiet slow burn that sneaks up on you
💔 Trauma handled with real care
🎬 Hollywood meets small town
🏠 Found Family

Thank you to Sloan Fletcher for the arc.

[Carys Oldall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ There were so many things I loved about this book, but I went into this with the expectation it was a light cowboy romance, when actually it explores much darker themes of sexual assault, violence, loss of a child as well as some tricky parental relationships. With that in mind, and after discussing with other readers, I think this is more of a romantic suspense.

That being said, I think the subjects were navigated really well. This is a romance with a lot of depth, recovery and an ongoing journey of trust between our FMC and MMC. Both Nina and Maverick were really likeable, I really felt their butterflies throughout the first 40% of the book. That tapered off a bit in the last 25% as I just kept searching for justice and answers.

A real highlight for me in this book is the relationship between Markus and Sierra. They brought some much needed light to the story with some real laugh out loud moments, and who can forget the wonderful poppy.

A really solid romantic suspense story, which has set up book 2 of the interconnected series really nicely but please do check your trigger / content warnings before reading.

[ellafaereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such an enjoyable small town romance! i loved the trauma rep and the insta love aspect worked really well, in my opinion.

i'm super curious about sierra and benji's story, so i'm definitely gonna have to pick up the next book asap!!

4.5 stars
2 chilis

[Andrea]

I liked the premise of the book and a cowboy romance is always a good time. While I didn’t expect it to be in 3rd person POV, as I am used to contemporary romances being in first person, I quickly came to like how we got both POVs within each chapter/at the same time. I also became very intrigued by Sierra and Benji’s story and, while I read Night Rider until 33%, I imagine the next book will be about them. This book, however, is unfortunately a DNF for me. I didn’t feel very invested in the story and I thought that everything happened way too quickly. I think the prologue should have been extended slightly, perhaps so that we got to know more about Nina, before moving to the present day where she’s going to the ranch and meeting Maverick. I think they meet too quickly in the story and their “tension”/connection comes out of left field. They only knew each other for 3 days (or that’s what I gathered from what I read), and they ended up kissing without any preamble. It just felt too insta-lust/love without them knowing the other for a sufficient time. Mav tells Nina she is the strongest person he knows while only knowing her for 3 days. It didn’t feel realistic to me, so I had a hard time connecting to the story. If things moved more slowly, I think I would have liked Mav, Nina and Poppy’s characters.

[Ryana Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAVERICK. my god. WHAT. A. MAN. i stayed up all night to read this and my god was it worth it. honestly every character in this book, aside from he-who-shall-not-be-name, was fantastic and i loved them. i can't wait for benji, i just know it's gonna be good.

what i really enjoyed about this book is that nina stood on her own. she was supported, sure, but nobody did the hard work for her. i love a book with a fmc in peril but i don't necessarily want the fmc to play the white knight that takes over and does it all. and sloane really let nina grow and show her strength.

sloane, kudos to you. this was an ULTIMATE 5 star read. thank you for the ARC, i'll be thinking of this book for a while.

what's inside:
-romantic suspense/drama
-cowboy mmc x actress fmc
-single dad
-found family
-luxury dude ranch setting

cw/tw:
-depictions of a single sexual assault (min-mod detail in prologue, can be skipped without hindering the story)
-reference to sexual assault, rape and grievous bodily harm
-descriptive sexual content

[Madison_renee2415 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you check your triggers before reading!

Nina is at the top of her acting career when she is attacked and goes into hiding at Hunt Ranch to heal. Maverick is the co-owner of Hunt Ranch who tries to help Nina in any way he can, while trying to not fall for her. 
I loved Poppy! She is such a cutie and she made me laugh so much (Maverick's daughter).
I loved how Maverick was slowly helping Nina as she tried to find herself at the Ranch by taking her mind off of everything while she helped take care of the rescue horse. Maverick has such a big heart and loves to help people and horses.
I don't want to give too much away, I am no spoiler. I am a sucker for Single daddy's!!!!!
This was really a good book.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still not over this book 🤯 I buddy read this with some of my friends in the Discord bookclub in my bio on instagram and honestly… what an experience🥹💜🩷

First of all—THAT PROLOGUE?! I was hooked immediately. And a single dad ranch owner?? Say less. I wanted to pack my bags and move there instantly because the setting felt so vivid and comforting, even with all the heavier themes woven in🏞️🧳

Maverick Hunt… the man that you are 🤌🏼 Easily my number one book boyfriend right now. The way he respects Nina’s boundaries while also being her safe place without her even having to ask? That kind of quiet, steady love just hit different. And watching Nina slowly rebuild herself, finding her strength again after everything she’s been through, was so beautifully done. Her bond with that broken horse absolutely melted me, I knew I was going to cry and I was not wrong🤍

Also, can we talk about Markus?? He fully stole every scene he was in. Elite best friend energy. Him and Sierra together had me smiling so much, and I’m already so excited for what’s coming next for her 👀

What really stood out to me was how sensitively the book handled its darker themes especially around violence against women and being silenced. It felt powerful, thoughtful, and real. I loved seeing the support system around Nina, from the family to the lawyer to even the police chief, it all added so much depth.

AND that photoshoot scene??? Unreal. Immediately added “bareback horse photoshoot” to my future life plans 🫦

Only thing I wish? I would’ve loved to see the trial play out and maybe get a little epilogue of Nina thriving and her maybe meeting Amanda—but that’s just me being a sucker for closure (and maybe the law degree talking 🤣).

Overall, this was emotional, romantic, intense, and healing all at once. I’m so ready for book two, I need Sierra and Benji’s story NOW and more of Mav, Nina, and Markus please 🖤

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some 5 star moments and some truly 1 star moments. I detest a third-act breakup, miscommunication, and insta-love. Ding ding ding!

I found it very hard to believe they actually liked each other to start with and their first kiss was so lacklustre. I warmed to them as a couple and thought that they were written appropriately for their ages (34 and 40). I enjoyed the wider cast of characters but it felt quite forgettable to me.

Pros:
- The location. Very easy to imagine, great staff who all add to the story, good scenery descriptions.
- The backstory. Nina has a genuinely harrowing but also interesting/relatable backstory which I enjoyed reading and seeing pan out.
- The side characters. They really added to the story and they were all very distinct.

Cons:
- The sex scenes were so boring. Not even just because of the boring sex but they were just boringly written. They felt a little shoehorned in.
- The miscommunication. These people are 34 and 40 - they should be able to tell the other person how they're feeling. Prior trauma can and should obviously play a part in the delay in telling each other how they feel in this story, but I felt that part dragged on a bit too long.
- Pacing in general. In love instantly, miscommunication and avoidance for 2/3rds of the book, and then one of the worst proposal scenes I've ever read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hundred reasons to run.
A cowboy to make her stay.

That's actually the perfect description of this book.

Also if you know me I love a good cowboy, and let me tell you Mav was top notch!

In this dual POV we follow Nina - a famous actress - who tries to hide from her real life after being attacked in her own home. She decides that the Hunt ranch would be the best place to do that.

The Hunt ranch is a ranch and a resort in one. Maverick takes care of the ranch part, but also shows guests around and takes them one horse riding trips.

He is a single dad with the cutest sunshine daughter Poppy. Poppy's mom a famous model was not ready to be a mom and left them very short after giving birth.

Mav pretty much only watches Barbie with his daughter and has no clue about how famous Nina is. And he just treats her the way he sees her. A woman who is scared and hurt.

He is the master of saying the right things and Nina starts to trust him fast. When they figure out that Nina has been sleeping in the bath tub because that's the only room with a lock, he proposes the idea of her moving into his house that he shares with his sister and daughter.

Well we all know how this one house situation will end ;)

What I really loved about the story is that the character feel very real and 3 dimensional. They have real life problems and it's very easy to imagine their current situations. So yea it's not just all fluffy rainbows and sunshine feelgood. It's raw and emotional, and obviously every man should take an example of Mav!

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ really enjoyed that this was so much more than just a cowboy romance.

This book explores some incredibly heavy topics, and I would definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings before jumping in. That said, I thought these themes were handled beautifully, gently, but still with a real sense of rawness.

I really liked both Mav and Nina and felt they were well written and developed. The side characters were also a highlight for me, as they added depth to the story and supported the main characters in a really meaningful way.

The romance, for me, felt a little uneven at times. It seemed to move quite quickly in the beginning, I blinked and suddenly they were in love. However, as the story progressed, I really began to enjoy their chemistry and found their connection much more believable and really enjoyable.

One of my favourite aspects was how Nina became part of the wider ranch family. Even Shannon, as the ex-partner and Poppy’s mother, added a really beautiful and layered dynamic to both the family and Nina’s place within it.

Overall, I did enjoy this, particularly the latter two thirds of the book. I just would have liked a bit more foundation in the early stages of the romance to make that connection feel fully earned.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I honestly LOVED everything about this. The mystery plot line, the romance (though be warned that it's a bit insta lovey but trust that it works!), the main characters and their family and friends. And this is something to note here because I don't think I've seen this in a long time, if ever in any romance novel, that "side" characters get their own narrative perspective and moments with each other/independently from the main characters, and that is just chef's kiss. So so so well done!!!

Maverick and Nina are just such mature characters that are each dealing with their own shit but they communicate and match each other so well it's insane. I liked how each of them had some form of support system to fall back on when things got tough.

Overall, this book is so well written—I have no notes. Such a beautiful, important (love) story to tell, and it made me yearn for summers on a ranch, surrounded by horses and mountain peaks and pink painted skies, in a way that I never have before. Naturally, I cannot wait for the second book in this series.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not your typical light, fluffy, smut-filled cowboy romance. As someone who usually gravitates toward the steamier, more indulgent side of romance, this felt like a completely different ride and it was truly refreshing.

This story is darker. Heavier. It carries real emotional weight. The themes aren’t easy, and I’d definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in because it tackles some serious, painful issues. But that depth is exactly what made it so powerful. It doesn’t romanticize trauma or gloss over the hard parts — it sits with them. It makes you feel them.

I’m genuinely so impressed by how different this felt from my usual reads, and I already cannot wait to pick up the next book.

If you’re looking for a cowboy romance with grit, heart, and emotional depth — this one is absolutely worth the ride.

[Aubree · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my first ARC review, it was spectacular. I’ve never read anything of Sloane Fletchers, but she provided an amazing and considerate view on Sexual Assault and the reality of SA survivors trying to navigate life after.
Every character played such an important part of the story and the development of found family. She made us fall in love with Maverick as a brooding, sexy cowboy, singer and single father. I loved his understanding for the space that Nina needed to recover and for wanting to keep him and his daughter safe from the ramifications of seeking justice for her abuser. The other character that deserves mentioning is Marcus, the best friend that everyone wants and deserves in their life.
In the acknowledgements, Fletcher says how if you’re reading this book you’re probably a woman who has been trained to be weary and careful in this world. We understand and we sympathize with these victims and survivors. It’s not an easy topic to read about, but Sloane did a fantastic job of bringing us along Nina’s journey of recovery and discovering love both romantically and in friendship. I can’t wait to read about Sierra and Benji’s story next.

[Kelly Tollefson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the second book in this series as an ARC, so figured I better start from the beginning. The premise of a cowboy romance with a side of suspense had me hooked. I try not to compare books based on genres, but this read a bit more serious than the cowboy romances I am used to.

Nina is a Hollywood starlit and is escaping the limelight after an assault. She escapes to Hunt Ranch, home of the dashing Maverick Hunt. Maverick was a really likable MC (rancher, single dad, family guy), I just struggled with the timeline of how quickly two people can fall for one another. Insta-love for me is hard to buy, but it was an enjoyable listen, and I'll be checking out book 2 soon.

[Miranda Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I loved this book! You couldn’t help but fall in love with Nina and Maverick! I will think of this story every time I hear the song Run by George Strait! I am a sucker for a good cowboy romance and this certainly delivered! Maverick was such a gentleman! I loved how patient he was with Nina given all that she had been through! I also loved how Nina always put Poppy first!

Thank you Sloane Fletcher for the opportunity to read an ARC copy!