Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was not impressed by this cowboy romance. I like my cowboys sweet and adventurous. Mark was too brazen and rude for my taste. Kate is also a disappointment. She appears to have it together but allows the hero to correct her and boss her around. There also way too much mindless chatter between other characters that had me skipping pages. Disappointing.

This was a sweet yet kinky book! Mark was.....yummy! When the new girl comes to town and wants some fun...Mark gives her just that. These two were HAWT!!

*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher in exchange for my honest and voluntary review*

(I didn't read the first book in the series and, while I'm curious how Mark was portrayed there, I didn't really feel like I missed anything.)

Damaged by an early relationship, Mark's held himself back for a lot of years, considering himself to be unlovable.  And definitely too dark for someone as sweet as Katelyn.  As we begin to understand why Mark is the way he is, we fall a little more for the stand-offish cowboy who is so dedicated to his family but secretly dislikes himself just as much.  It'll take a special woman to get through to him and make him realize that he's worthy of love ... and he's just met his match.     

 I loved how everyone considered Mark to be cold and reserved but Katelyn was able to see below the surface to the real him.  She shows a lot of perseverance and grit pushing for what she wants, especially when what she wanted was Mark.  It's a very adult thing to not turn tail and run at every bump in the road, even when that bump is as big as this particular cowboy, and Landish does a great job of giving us a heroine (and a hero) that we can get behind.  

Riding Hard has just a little extra heat, a whole lot of understanding, and a hero who finally finds his perfect match.  I'm looking forward to seeing what she has in store for the next Bennett brother :)

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 **

The Bennett Boys are HOT! This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. This is Mark and Katelyn's story. Mark is the oldest Bennett and feels the weight of carrying his father's legacy on by running the family ranch. He has responsibilities and is very serious. He doesn't show emotion. Katelyn is new to town. She's starting her life over. Ready for the rainbow that is life, not her beige past.
The writing is great and will suck you into the story. Told in both Mark and Katelyn's POV.

Loved this book! Please see my review on Amazon below!

https://www.amazon.com/review/ROELDJFR62KGM/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This story was a surprise favorite, I loved how the characters in the story evolved. Poor Mark, he was so rigid when we first met him in the story so afraid of rejection, to watch Katelyn accept him and show him acceptance was beautiful.

Riding Hard is book 2 in the Bennett Boys Ranch series by Lauren Landish. This book is Mark and Katelyn’s story and I was hooked from the first page. This author never disappoints with her writing and she defiantly takes you on a hard ride with this one. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one.

Riding Hard by Lauren Landish is book 2 in the Bennett Boys Ranch Series. This is Mark Bennett and Katelyn Johnson's story.
Mark is the eldest brother and is the most responsible. He doesn't date and just takes care of the ranch. Suddenly that all changes when his brother's wedding planner Katelyn comes to town. Suddenly the sparks are flying between them and the chemistry is pretty intense and amazing. Can these two make a connection or will that spark flash out?
Sweet romance read that has great characters, good plot and great humor.


My Rating: 4.6 stars ******

An unusual take on the typical rancher/cowboy story. The author interlaces elements of depression, self-recrimination, and the long, slow ride to a healthy version of a loving relationship. They each had to be willing to let go of their past habits in order to grab onto a much more satisfying life - a new one they created entirely on their own.

Gotta love cowboys

Lauren certainly hit the mark again with Mark and Katelyn's love story. Falling in love with each of the Bennett brothers, can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

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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Mark Bennet keeps his feelings close to his chest and he has given up hope of ever finding the one woman who will see through all his walls to the man hiding deep inside. Katelyn Johnson is planning the wedding of Mark’s brother, a rodeo celebrity. She is tired of living her old boring life and wants to fill it with colour instead. Mark finds ways to see more of Katelyn, but tries very hard to keep her at arms length, because he doesn’t believe that he deserves love as much as the rest of us.

This is a story of discovery for both of them. Mark is finding out exactly how much he can show Katelyn and she is discovering just how far she is willing to go to get under his skin. This is also a story of sexual discovery between Mark and Katelyn.

I enjoyed the writing style and that the chapters were written from either Mark’s or Katelyn’s perspective. The author put a lot of effort into sharing these characters’ thoughts with us. We (the readers) know exactly what they are thinking and feeling, and it can get quite intense at times. Mark’s actions were very frustrating at times, and at some points I kept wondering why Katelyn is even trying anymore. How much is too much effort to convince someone that the relationship is worth it?

This was an interesting read with lots of focus on emotions.

I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ms Landish never fails to please.  Mark has things that happened in the past to make think he's better off alone.  Katelyn was looking for color in her life. Making life changing decisions put her on track.  The second book in this series is spot on and so hot. I couldn't put it down.  Journey with Mark and Katelyn on their ride to happiness.  I volunteered to read and review an advance reader copy.

I loved the first book in this series and this follow up did not disappoint. Landish creates a great world for us to disappear in and get lost. I thought there was a great balance of hard and soft, adventurous and cautious between the H/h. They are beautifully paired and I can’t get enough. I can’t wait for more. I’d definitely recommend. I requested and received an advance copy of this book. This is my voluntary, true, and honest opinion.

I tried to do bookbub as well but it's not listed yet.

These two were such an amazing romance. Mark was the extra broody, never thought he could love man but Katelyn drew him out and saw the real him. Their blow up towards the end was EMOTIONAL and such a good part of their love story. I couldn't get enough!

Loved this book! Could not put it down. A highly recommended book! A great way to spend the afternoon reading this fabulous book! I can not wait for more books by this author. I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance copy of the book from the author.

I read an Advanced copy for an Honest review.
I love those Bennett Boys!!!!
Mark is the Eldest. He runs the ranch, keeps everything repressed inside himself and has a strong need for control, even in the bedroom. This has kept him from dating because in the small town he is from, he's afraid everyone will think he's a monster.
Katelyn is the new events coordinator at the resort. She left eveything behind (including a boring, "beige" relationship) in Boise to start a new life that she hope she can "fill with color"
When Mark and Katelyn meet, things do not start out promesing. Mark thinks she's a "city Barbie" and not his type at all. However, when they touch the sparks are instant.
This story is interesting, because things do not go smoothly. They have their nights of passion, and then sudden retreats from Mark, due to his fears.
Katelyn is a modern girl and she decides to fight for their relationship. She also realizes that the things Marks desires, she finds turns her on too.
The passion in the book is hot and sexy and there is a HEA.

Another great book in this series! Beneath his icy exterior, Mark is smoldering and Katelyn is the only one with a chance to break through to him. These two! So perfectly matched.

RIDING HARD is one of those stories that some readers are going to love completely and others are going to walk away from completely or at least not enjoying themselves… and that’s the way books are, some you love others not so much so.

I enjoyed Mark and Katelyn’s romance, and to be perfectly frank, in spite of Mark’s non-verbal, growly, grouchy self. Mark has secrets and a past that he keeps deep under wraps. While he is definitely attracted to the event planner for his brother, James’ wedding he also knew that he should keep well away from this sweet woman who is looking to change her life. Trouble is told-fold, he doesn’t really want to stay away and Katelyn has made it clear that she’s not going anywhere but straight into Mark’s life.

There is definitely kink in this romance, that’s part of why Mark feels he’s not good enough for this sweet lady. But that’s not the only reason so there is a lot to discover about this silent cowboy and a lot to break your heart as well as you discover Mark’s history. As I mentioned, I enjoyed this story but I really believe each reader needs to make that decision for themselves. It’s not a simple love story… but it is a romance well worth reading.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*