| Title | : | Riding Hard (Bennett Boys Ranch, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 269 |
| Publication | : | Published March 26, 2019 |
As the eldest brother, the responsibility for the family ranch now rests on Mark Bennett’s broad shoulders. He wouldn’t have it any other way—he loves being in charge. Working hard on the land helps him stay focused and keeps him from noticing what’s missing in his life—what he’ll never allow himself to have for fear that one small taste will break his careful control.
But a sweet blue-eyed blonde has just arrived in town, and the attraction between them is undeniably hot. So Mark tightens the reins around his heart—how can he tell her what he really wants?
Events planner Katelyn Johnson’s new gig is the wedding of a rodeo superstar. Right now, it’s tough not to focus on the rider’s tempting older brother. So far, getting beneath Mark’s gorgeously gruff exterior has been a pleasure.
What she needs to do is go a little deeper. But the closer they get, the more Mark pulls away. Katelyn’s not afraid of a challenge, though. Whatever deep desires he’s hiding, she wants in on his secrets.
All she has to do is get past his legendary reserve. With all her body, heart, and soul, there’s nothing she can’t handle.
Riding Hard (Bennett Boys Ranch, #2) Reviews
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2 STARS
Don't you hate it when everyone loves the book but you? It's a terrible feeling made even more terrible because that cover was SO delicious. I had such high hopes for this book, but sadly it just wasn't my cuppa.
The characters felt very two dimensional. I felt no connection to either of the two MC's. They felt very contrived. The hero is a growly, grumpy, man of few words that has a penchant for the kinkier things in life. Meanwhile the heroine is as vanilla as it gets to offset this. She chases him for the majority of the book while he mainly growls and grunts his way through telling her that he's not good enough for her. Honestly, I lost count for the amount of times Mark growled rather than spoke. I almost began to feel like I'm reading a shifter book after a while there.
Katelyn was anything but memorable. She read like every other vanilla heroine out there that finally gets a taste of some rough and kinky loving and realizes what she's been missing. She lacked depth. Her character development felt lacking. Everything you learn about is what she tells of herself to others, so I couldn't help but feel like I'm being told everything rather than shown.
The story was formulaic and I struggled to connect from the very beginning. They meet, there's chemistry, there's the whole push and pull of 'I want her but I'm not good enough of her' on Mark's side, and the 'I want to finally live so I'm going after him no matter what' from Katelyn. Enter some conflict and resolution at the end, and the end.
I wanted so much to love this, but I just couldn't. This entirely my personal tastes at play here. If you like kinky cowboy sex with a sassy heroine and a growly and grumpy hero, then check it out and judge for yourself.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book.
Well, this is a book about one dirty-minded cowboy and one vanilla girl....
It was pretty good till the half of the book. But then I was tired of this woman chasing this strong-headed stupid man!!!
This man doesn't talk, he only grunts and growls.... Ok, it you like them like this I don't have any problems... But he was constantly pushing her away: I'm asshole, I'm not good for you,.... Blah blah blah...
And she was the pursuer of this story. I don't like it.
Safety: safe, no cheating, no OP scenes. Faithful both of them. -
ARC received for review
I thought Mark's book would be last, but I am so glad I didn't have to wait for it. He was all hard and just a little kinky, okay, maybe more than a little. Newcomer to town Katelyn is tired of beige, and wins Mark over. Her life will never be beige again. -
3 Different Strokes Are OK Stars
* * * Spoiler Free
As a loyal fan of Sly & the Family Stone, the phrase "different strokes for different folks" from the song Everyday People, was running through my mind while reading Lauren Landish's Riding Hard. Haven't read a lot of Landish but could tell she likes to get down and dirty with her characters.
The premise was a new woman in this small town is now working at the big resort as a wedding planner. Katelyn has left her ex-boyfriend who she had been with Forever...High school, college, and new adulting. At one time, it was a given they were going to get married...but as years went by and beige sex happened and then sort of became more roommates than lovers...When she had this opportunity to move and take this fantastic position, the non-interest of her boyfriend's in her chance for success and accepting her leaving with no fight...She left with a clear understanding of a fresh start possible.
All Mark Bennett ever wanted to do was be like his father and run the ranch. His father took him out as a young boy and continued to mentor him as he grew into a teen, man and even after now that he has passed. Mark's family is tight knit with a mother who ran the home and kept her boys in line. Now, men, they are all back working the ranch in expanding each of their expertise. One breeds highly prized horses, the other trains them. It has been a long time coming because Mark has felt all the pressure on him to keep the ranch solvent for a long time.
These two meet due to the wedding of his Rodeo Star brother. Katelyn has been put in charge of this huge wedding and she is nervous but excited to get started in her position. The family tradition dictates the Bennett family pay for the reception so Mark was asked to deliver the check to cover it as the soon to be groom was out of town. As Mark pushes open the door to the office, Katelyn was about to walk out. This causes both in the wrong place at the same time. Katelyn is about to fall on her ass when strong big hands grab and hold her, saving the day.
This is the first meet, sparkles sizzle and instead of paying the reception in full as scheduled, Mark leaves a deposit when means he will be forced to meet with Katelyn two more times. Now why he decided to do this, Mark has no idea. He knows he is not a man who would be right for a perfect, sweet woman like Katelyn. What runs through Mark's mind...the forbidden ways he wants her is something he refuses to even admit to thinking...He already experienced the rejection and humiliation from someone he let his guard down with.
Oh, Lust and Interest...These two are so drawn to each other it isn't even funny...Nope, not funny at all because there are many many mixed messages happening throughout this story. Mark is more than capable of showing Katelyn how Non-Beige Sex can be. She is open to all of it without any reservations??? and is wooed with all the dirty talk this cowboy whispers in her ear. The other thing which Katelyn is able to do is See Through Mark...His one word comments or grunts are much more than they seem...and she gets every grunt means.
So as these stories run, both of them fall hard and need to figure out how to accept the love they have for each other. There were lots of Sexy Times and Kink for those who are looking for this type of fun.
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.
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⭐️ [3/5 Stars] ⭐️
I forgot I read this and I can’t be bothered to write a review but it was cute lmao -
Book 2 in the Bennett Boys Ranch series and, WOW! These brothers are just adorable. Following on from the sweet story of James and Sophie in book 1, book 2 follows Mark Bennett, the eldest and most responsible brother who is in charge of the ranch. In fact he lives and breaths the ranch. He doesn’t have the time or the inclination to have a relationship, been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Then, BAM, along comes Katelyn Johnson. Katelyn is the new events planner at the resort where his brother is getting married. Mark and Katelyn’s romance is by no means insta love, but there’s definitely a spark. However, Mark is harbouring a deep dark secret and in order to keep it under wraps he distances himself from the feisty blonde who he can’t seem to get out of his head. Katelyn is the perfect match for Mark, she’s persistent without being too pushy, she knows what she wants, and she’s not going to settle for anything less. A wonderful story, I was hooked from the get-go, I love the characters in this series, the story kept me entertained throughout, oh, and let’s not forget how smokin’ hot some of the scenes were, blush-worthy to say the least. I am so looking forward to book 3. All these books can be read as standalones, but personally, I wouldn’t want to miss out on any of those Bennett boys. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
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One of my top reads!!! If I could give this book 10 stars- I would! What an beautiful book honesty and brokenness and finding love. We got to know Mark- he is the oldest Bennett brother from Buck Wild. He is a loyal, committed rancher to his family and the ranch. He takes care of hi Mama and brothers. And here comes Katelyn- new to town, getting her dream job, leaving a "beige" life behind her to follow her dreams! She is helping Sophie and James plan their wedding and day one of her new job, falls- literally into Mark's arms!
There is so much to say about these characters and Lauren Landish's writing that I love as a reader. From the connection she makes for Katelyn and Mark, to the details of Mark's brothers and mom, to the power of honesty in all relationships- I could not put this book down.
Mark is seen as the not nice guy, but he's got history he really doesn't want to expose Katelyn too, so he tries to protect her. Katelyn is taking her new life on and knows what she want and it is Mark. I love the relationship with Sophie and her friends with Katelyn and also Marla, her new assistant who becomes her friend and just gives Katelyn great life advice.
AS much as Mark is an amazing hero- which he definietely is- It's Katelyn strength and power and honesty that is so well written throughout the book- and she is an wonderul herione for her man.
There are sweet parts of riding horses and just sitting on a porch that makes you swoon for Katelyn and Mark to intense well written beautiful steamy chemistry! This book gives you all the feels and makes you want more! What a great book by Lauren Landish! Can't wait for Luke's book! -
First off...five measly stars do not do this book justice. Lauren pulled so many light tears from me and I loathe to cry when I read. But, no, I didn't cry, I just got misty eyed.
Mark Bennett, the broody older brother of James and Luke. Katelyn Johnson, new to town and a new job as the event coordinator at the resort where James and Sophie are getting married.
I don't think that I have ever read a book where the "H" is so withdrawn, moody and never smiles. What in the world has happened to this gorgeous hunk of a man to make him this way? Oh, you will get the whole sordid story right here folks.
I absolutely fell in love with Mark and Katelyn. The push and pull, the struggle, was so real. You will turn those virtual pages as fast as you can read because, trust me, you need to know what is going down. I love how strong of an "h" Katelyn was. She wasn't taking crap from anyone. Good luck Mark!
We have one brother left, Luke. Why do I have a feeling that Luke will find his nemesis on the road, as he travels a lot for work. But, let's hope that whomever steals Luke's heart, is not far from town. I would like to see all the brothers together with their HEA's.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this fantastic book. -
Riding Hard (Bennett Boys Ranch #2) by Lauren Landish
5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Some BDSM aspects
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is the second book in the series and it does help to know the brothers a little, but is not necessary to read book 1 in order to enjoy book 2.
Mark has the weight of the world on his shoulders. While he knows that he signed up for this, he also is lonely. Mark always knew that he was going to run the ranch. It was what his life was supposed to be. Now that his brothers have come home and are helping more around the ranch, Mark believes that maybe, just maybe he can breathe a little easier. With his brother's upcoming wedding, Mark knows that paying for the wedding is what his father would have wanted. When he meets the wedding event coordinator, he's instantly attracted to her. She's feminine and tough all wrapped in to a beautiful package.
Katelyn is starting over. She moved from a comfortable life and knows that this is her dream job. I really enjoyed her character. She was soft and feminine at times, but tough and had a backbone when it was required. She was able to see Mark for who he was, not for who he projected.
These two have amazing chemistry. They burn up the sheets, but also have such a great respect for each other. Despite Mark's history, he wants to be able to take a chance with Katelyn.
This story was sweet and steamy, but with such a feel good setting and ending. I really enjoyed these characters a lot. I did want to know more about the whole issue with the event and the potential sabotage. It seemed to be glossed over and I'm not sure why it was included.
I hope more books are to come! I love this family. -
The second book in the Bennett brothers series did not disappoint. Mark, the oldest of the brothers, is alone and quite a grumpy guy. Turns out he's into kink and kind of a dominant (without the chains and leather). He's decided he'll be alone forever because he won't find someone to share in his kink. Then he meets Katelyn, who had been in a very vanilla relationship for many years and is looking for me.
Katelyn spent most of the book pursuing Mark; he kept pushing her away, despite the fact that he wanted her so badly. There wasn't a lot of drama in this book, no moments of angst except at the end and it was quite frankly not really believable.
However, I devoured this book in one day and will for sure read Luke's book. 4 stars. -
OMG! Yes...
Ok so wow!! Yes lol this story was amazing. Mark the ice cold oldest brother who has no choice but to warm to Katelyn who is a strong amazing girl who not taking no for an answer. The chemistry between these two is amazing and all consuming and a must witness for sure. -
Riding Hard by Lauren Landish a five-star read that will break you. This is the second novel in the Bennett Boys Ranch series and they just get better and better, this time it’s the turn of big brother Mark and he really is the big brother. The characters are great and well written you really do care about them, they become like friends, Katelyn is new to town and soon becomes one of the locals and someone you adore, and you need to bring more colour into her life. To show her how great life can be, it helps that she has a bog strong cowboy to help. It may be a story that we have come across before but done in a great way that will bring a freshness to the story and writing that will blow you away, the transformation of Mark is so well done that you will see him blossom and grow as you read. I know I can’t wait for Luke’s story; these cowboys give you all the feels.
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Wowza! This book was phenomenal! One of the best I've read to date and certainly the best I've read so far this year. Words cannot even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this story. The chemistry between Mark and Katelyn was off the charts! This story was an intensely wild ride from start to finish. It's not often that I suffer from a book hangover but wow this one still has me reeling. I suspect there is a re-read in my not so distant future.
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You’ll fall in love with Mark and Katelyn from the very first pages. Katelyn is done with her “beige” life. When Mark, who is perceived as cold and serious, literally almost knocks her on her butt, she’s sure her life will never be the same.
But Mark has dark secrets he’s not sure he’ll ever be able to share. He might just take a chance with Katelyn.
I loved this story from the beginning. It gave me the feels I crave from a book! 5 stars! -
4.5 Stars
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Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
Riding Hard is the second volume in the Bennett Boys Ranch series by Lauren Landish. The first volume, Bulk Wild, was published in September 2018. I don’t know yet if other volumes are planned but there’s still a brother to marry off.
I didn’t know the author at all before this book and I confess (without any shame lol) that what attracted me was the cover then the synopsis. I read the book in one go and I can say without any problem that I’ll read the last volume if there’s one and I’ll also read the first when I’ll be able to.
Riding Hard is a modern contemporary romance, meaning that the heroes meet, they have a strong attraction for the other, their relationship evolves with highs and lows and here comes the HEA. That’s for the classic side. The modern side touches the characters and the language style some readers could qualify of a bit crude. LOL There’s also a BDSM side that could repel some readers. The scenes are not numerous however and stay light so it was okay with me. Even if I’m not fan of BDSM, this story didn’t discourage me because it was logical regarding the hero’s personality and I congratulate the author for this.
Katelyn Johnson, our heroine, is an event planner. She had a boyfriend and another job but she wanted to change which caused a total break in her life. So it’s alone that she moved in another town. It’s as a planner for the wedding of James and Sophie, the first volume’s heroes, that she meets our hero, Mark. The attraction is immediate.
However Mark refuses to yield because of his sexual tastes but especially because of a bad experience in his past. He’s deeply attracted by our heroine but fears to hurt her, which is why he blows hot and cold. As for our heroine, we can say she’s determined and that’s what I liked about her.
What I loved in this book is the hero’s behavior when they become a couple: in order not to make the heroine run away, he holds back. I think there’s no better proof of love. Of course the heroine isn’t idiot and she knows he’s hiding something. However there’s a scene I didn’t appreciate in the end when she goes and meets him at his place. But I won’t say more here and let the readers discover it.
Riding Hard is a very torrid romance with lots of sensuality and well written hot scenes. The author’s style is flowing and dynamic and even if the story isn’t very original in spite of the light BDSM, we want to turn the pages to discover the rest.
The novel is written in the first person from the hero and the heroine’s points of view. Riding Hard can easily be read as a standalone. The reader guesses there’s been a precedent story but she’s free not to read it.
To conclude I recommend this book with a little warning. -
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, and I would say that the story is richer for having read book 1, but this is a good story in its own right too.
Overall I did enjoy the story and the outcome, however I did have a bit of an issue with the amount of inner voice, especially from Mark. Whilst I could understand that Nicole had made him feel bad about himself, there is plenty of information to dispel that view, and he is an intelligent, modern man, as well as a rancher and businessman. So the tortured guilt seemed a little excessive.
Katelyn was a fun character, and I liked how she behaved with Marla, even though she was her boss. It was one of many hints at the kind of person she was and developed her as a person most definitely worthy of the attention Mark bestowed upon her. Her easy manner, friendship and the obvious chemistry gave Mark a distinctly interesting challenge when holding back his desires.
It was fun to see how her work and his differed, and yet they both acknowledged their duties and responsibilities - much like we saw with Luke and Sophie in the first book.
I am looking forward to the next installment and catching up with this couple as they steer a course that takes into account their careers, their families and their new romance.
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First of, not my first read by this amazing author & not my last!! GAH, what a book guys! The Bennett brothers sure are steamy, in their own ways!! I read Buck Wild before Riding Hard back to back and boy, did i NOT get enough of them! I can't wait for more!!
Mark is the eldest brother and also the roughest (pun intended). He takes care of the family ranch, hand in hand. He is quiet since he was a child broody, his answers are usually grunts, and he carries so much on his shoulders. He is loyal, hard working and sexy as sin! There is nothing better than a hard working cowboy that can also dance, drinks bear and is a gentleman!
Katelyn is a simple girl, kinda looks like a small princess in real life. She is proper, wears that skirts with sky high heels to work and is a even planer. The one and only planing one of the Bennett's brother weddings. She spend a decade with a man that was...well...beige. Just BLAH! After taking a risk and not only moving but also starting a new job, with more responsibilities, she runs into Mark..literally.
When a spark flies, and they both can no longer keep away...it is FREAKING SPARKS! I mean Mark is rough, rugged and big, Katelyn is small and delicate but LOVES what Mark gives. After Mark give's it a little too...hard...his fears surfaces and therefore he leaves Katelyn on the floor, literally.
This was a very steamy and vivid book! I loved every minutes and really wished there was more and hope there will be more of Mark and Katelyn in the next books! Each character is equally well but something about a quiet brooding cowboy that is older (with tattoo's) does it for me, so this far MARK is my absolute favorite of the brothers!
I am rating this a 5 PLUS & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Made it on my TOP 2019 MUST READ list!
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G -
If you like your hero's to be the strong, silent type with a dark side, this may be the book for you. I liked this book although the hero (Mark) is a little too stoic for my tastes but he'd be perfect for some. Despite him not being my ideal hero, I did really like this one. I enjoyed how the couple worked together to face some of the obstacles together. There was a bit of a kinky, dark vibe to his tastes in the bedroom which was an interesting thing to explore in the book. If that's not your thing, this may not be the book for you. This book essentially focuses on a heroine who has lived a very safe or "beige" life as she describes it but who wants more ... and finds it in the hero. I liked this one even if it wasn't my own personal romance catnip ... I'm eager to read more Lauren Landish!
NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book free for an honest review. -
Yeeehaw - Saddle up Bennetts Boys are back, This Mark and Katelyn story. Mark is the oldest brother of James and Luke and responsible for running the whole ranch, Katelyn is new in town plus she the event planner for Sophie and James wedding. They had an instant connection from the moment Mark knocked her over with her office door dont panic he caught her before she fell. Mark is broody, quiet one but he hides something that holds him back from going forward with a relationships after been hurt by previous girlfriend, Katelyn was living a black white life she just wants colour in her life. cant say any more with tell to much of there story, Its a must read, I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review. Cant wait for Luke story, Another awesome story Lauren
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Mark is the oldest Bennett brother and knows his responsibility is the ranch and looking out for his other siblings. He is into kink and doesn't do relationships. Katelyn is the wedding planner for Mark's brother and sister-in-law's wedding. The sparks fly between them but Mark is guarded and stubborn. Katelyn isn't afraid to tackle a new challenge. Will she be able to rope this stubborn cowboy?
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review. -
The 2nd book in the Bennett Boys Ranch Series, Riding Hard features the oldest brother, Mark. He meets Katelyn, an event planner new to town. Katelyn knows exactly what she wants and she isn’t afraid to put herself out there and go after what she wants. Mark on the other hand drove me crazy at times, to the point where I wanted to scream at him to get out of his head!!
Although the push and pull got to be a bit much for me at times I enjoyed this overall. 4 stars! -
Nobody writes alpha males as well as Ms. Landish does.
And BOY, is Mark an alpha male!!! Lickable in his brooding, edible in his growling roughness….
And Katelyn is his proper and worthy counterpart…. amiable and yet so sassy….
The PERFECT couple!
I loved this book so much, its characters and the plot as well.
The insta chemistry, Mark fighting this chemistry, the slowly building tension… until they give in… the secret fears …. every little thing!
This book made me feel all fuzzy and warm and I wish I could read on forever! -
Riding Hard was a fantastic read. That pulled me in from the very start. Thanks to a story that was enthralling, entertaining and extremely engaging. Not to mention heartfelt, full of emotion, sweetness and heat. Plus, really great characters, including the main two Mark and Katelyn. And I loved how their romance developed and particularly how the hard and stoic Mark blossomed as his relationship with Katelyn grew and deepened. Which is why I was so happy to see these two finally get the happy ending they deserve.
Would happily recommend.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review** -
Loved it! Mark Bennett has growling, grunts and dirty talk perfected. Along with being a stick in the mud just because he can. The man is wrapped oh so tight. Enter Katelynn who is present and totally accountable as the event planner for upcoming highly visible wedding and meets Mark. Well...this story takes off at a rip roaring pace and doesn't land until the very last page and guaranteed to make you lose all track of time because you just have to read that one more page. Mark and Katelynn were scorching together and likable characters. Well written and a great plot, Lauren yet another winner with this gem!
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Riding Hard is the second book in the Bennett Boys Ranch series and features Mark Bennett, the dirty-talking eldest brother of the Bennett boys and Katelyn Johnson, the feisty wedding planner who knows what she wants, and that's Mark. With a great storyline, wonderful characters, undeniable attraction, sexual tension, secrets, witty banter, steamy chemistry, HOT scenes, passion, love, and a HEA, Riding Hard is a definite must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. -
I am loving these cowboy brothers and the ladies they fall for! Mark is the oldest, with the weight of the whole family on his shoulders. And he holds himself back from fully embracing all he has to give someone. Luckily, Katelyn isn't easily deterred. She sees him. These two are fireworks together, fierce and possessive and sweet. I really like the country, small town feel and the whole Bennett family. These can be read as a stand alone. I know there' is still a brother who needs his story told, but he has big shoes to fill, because I'm in love with Riding Hard.
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I really enjoyed this book. I loved the struggle that Mark felt and how he didn't "just get over it" like some authors have their heroes do. I'm glad he struggled throughout the book, even after coming clean with Katelyn.
The only thing holding me back from giving this 5 stars is because I didn't feel like we knew enough about Katelyn. We met Mark's entire family and even knew about his brothers, but we didn't hear much about her family.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
