Member Reviews
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.* |
Mark is the eldest of the Bennett brothers, and takes his role very seriously leaving him no time for relationships. Katelyn is an events planner, and from the moment these two meet the chemistry is explosive and undeniable. This is a beautifully written story which is flawless, and with witty banter, which all leads to an all round entertaining read. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this exceptionally talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all. |
Mmmhmmm love the cover. Riding Hard by Lauren Landish is a modern day cowboy romance. The Hero, Mark, is in charge of his family's ranch and the heroine, Katelyn, is an event planner at a local resort. Mark goes to the resort to pay for his brother's wedding dinner when he runs into Katelyn in her office.... I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely for the over 18 crowd, though. Can't wait for the one! |
Diana M, Reviewer
I literally melted while reading this book on Mark, the oldest brother of the Bennett boys, the quiet, cool, hard man that everyone thinks is not worth it but there is so so so so much more to him. The lucky woman who breaks through his walls, Katelyn, the new events coordinator at the resort and new to the small town. She “sees” Mark like no other woman has and wants more than a beige life and relationship...now she just has to convince him. Oh my my my my the slow burn between these two and the explosion that finally happens....melted me, put me on fire, douse me with a fire hose, I was so done. Mark..Mark..Mark...the quiet brooding man who thinks he is a monster and a beast, pulled at my heart strings, making me want to wrap him up and cuddle him and then his possessiveness, the alpha man comes out and I wanted him to unleash on me...sigh...swoon...sigh. Katelyn was a force to be reckoned with and she tames this beast of a man but also lets the beast come out a play...WOW. I LOVED this read with plenty of sparks and the sensual, steamy, oh my, scenes were heart stopping steamy. The story flowed beautifully and I LOVED how it all progressed and went between them, I LOVED their story and how it was between the two of them, their struggles, their fears, their acceptance....BEAUTIFUL !!!!!! Now I can’t wait for the last Bennett and see how this author tops this one !! *I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion* |
Riding Hard by Lauren Landish is the second book in her Bennett Boys Ranch Series. Every book is about another couple and can be read as standalone. The previous book is Buck Wild and tells James and Sophie's story. Katelyn is new at her job. Her dream job as event organizer at a resort and her first client is a man with the equivalent of resting b face, Mark Bennett. He's a 30 year old rancher who works at his family's ranch, a relationships guy with two brothers, James and Luke. He's tasked to deal with everything resort related and when he meets Katelyn he's smitten, simply smitten. Riding Hard is a entertaining rea, the story is beautifully thought out, beautifully written and beautifully told. I liked the story and the characters and give 4,5 rom/com stars. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2760674053 https://www.amazon.com/review/R23J2CF1PX7G3Y/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8 |
Staci H, Reviewer
Riding Hard a worthy read & worth 10-Stars I wish I could give this book more than 5-Stars because Lauren Landish has knocked it out of the park with both the books so far in this series. I didn't think Lauren Landish could bring it again with Riding Hard, Book 2, never thought the next book would be as good as or better than Buck Wild, Book 1 .... but call me shocked ..... because Book 2, Riding Hard was Amazing!! Mark Bennett was the quiet, stoic cowboy. Until he quite literally 'ran into' Katelyn, the city Barbie that really didn't fit in & he had nothing in common with, except for that spark & a connection that turned Mark's world upside down. Could these literally opposites actually work? Would the spark be enough for long term because Mark Bennett did not do causal. Mark had learned never to show emotion & although the Bennett's lived in a small town where everyone knew everyone, no one had ever seen Mark smile. But when Katelyn elicited a smile from him the first time, she was quite simply shocked, because his dimple made an appearance, and oh what a site Mark Bennett is smiling. Because Mark Bennett not smiling, not showing his dimple, robbing the world of this hot & swoon-worthy version of Mark Bennett, is a tragedy of magnificent proportions! This Bennett Boys Ranch Series is quite simply fabulous, tremendous, amazing, need I say more, except of course, Riding Hard, and Buck Wild, are definitely 100% recommended! I did receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my own opinion with my voluntary review. |
Jeanne M, Reviewer
I really enjoyed this story. Stoic rancher (Mark) that everyone but his family thinks is cold and emotionless meets an event planner (Katelyn) who has recently decided to live her life in full color. She calls her life history "beige". She is the only one who really sees the guy underneath and he sets her on fire. I love how aware she becomes of him and how he sees her and she understands he can’t do the same. I love them, her friend and his family. I am really liking this series so far. |
Kari G, Reviewer
Katelyn has recently moved to town and is the event planner for Mountain Spirit Hotel & Resort who happened to be hosting the high profile wedding of Sophie and James. Mark is James older brother and he manages the family ranch. He may come across as cold and gruff but underneath he has a heart of gold and when he loves he loves deeply. From their first meeting the chemistry is electric but believes that Katelyn deserves better than him. When fate conspires to throw them together the chemistry between them ignites but will she be able to show him that he is all she needs? Fun and flirty there is no denying the chemistry between them but it is the emotional connection that you will remember after you finish the story. Katelyn’s determination and feisty personality is a perfect match for Mark’s strong and protective side. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. |
Angela C, Reviewer
When you take your responsibilities seriously and don't allow time to decompress, the general opinion of everyone is that you are strict and closed off. And Mark does seem like that frequently. But its the hints of lightness and the tease of playfulness that shine through in his relationship with Katelyn. The attraction is undeniable, but his resistance to change is difficult to break and his taking a chance is hard to see if you are not looking. Book 2 about the Bennett brothers, and I think this is even better than the first. |
Sherrie G, Reviewer
Riding Hard is an amazing book. I enjoyed reading it so much. I can't wait to read it again.Lauren Landish has done an truly amazing job on this Book. She is absolutely an amazing author and is one of my most favorite authors. I received an advanced readers copy of this book and I love love love it so much that I will be buying it. I can't wait to read it again. |
Lynne A, Reviewer
Fantastic book as always.Wow book 2 in the series. Mark has built up a wall will Katelyn be able to get though ? Loved this book fantastic story can’t wait for the next book. |
I absolutely loved Riding Hard! Mark runs his family's ranch & has always been very serious. He has a wall up that no one can break down. Katelyn needs a new change in her life & takes a job as the event coordinator at a resort in the same town that Mark lives in. Mark's youngest brother is getting married & Katelyn just happens to be the person in charge of the wedding at the resort. Katelyn does something to Mark that no one else does. She sees another side of Mark that no one else gets to see. Mark just wants to be friends but the chemistry between them is unbelievable. Will Katelyn be the one to break through to Mark? I loved that the story had a little bit of sexual darkness to it too & it wasn't all vanilla or beige as Katelyn says. I love the connections between Mark's family too. I can't wait to read the next book in the series with the middle brother. Each book can be read as a standalone but they tie together nicely. Great job on another wonderful story Lauren Landish! |
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy. When I chose this book for review, I did not realize that it was part of a series or that Mark was going to have a dark side that involved rough sex - guess that is the reason for the title of the book. I did like both characters and the Bennett family! While I enjoyed their romance, there was a few times that I got annoyed that Mark would not discuss his dark side and how it affected his love life. It was just easier for him to walk away than to take a chance with Katelyn. I hope that we will see Luke find his love in the next book! |
Filipa M, Reviewer
I’ve received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary and honest review. I really enjoyed this book!!! What a ride! No pun intended!!! :P Mark thinks he’s a beast not worthy of love and someone to call his! In comes Katelyn, right out of a boring uneventful life, to prove him wrong! It was such a treat to get to know these characters and the development in their relationship! I loved it! It turns out he’s not much of a beast and she’s just the right person to tame and love him!!! Highly recommend!!! Loved the book, the characters and the surrounding! Can’t wait for more!!! Luke, I’m taking about u!!! ;) |
Kimberly G, Reviewer
Hard working, backbone of the family ranch, Mark wears a mask of indifference when in fact he hides a side of himself that he believes chases women away. Emotional definately, steamy absolutely, wonderful characters spot on, a book that's a definite read YES. The story from start to finish peaks the interest and just love the characters. A wonderfully written love story in Lauren Landish fashion. I voluntarily read a copy of this book and could not put it down. |
A thrilling, action packed and emotional adventure filled with witty banter, longing, denial and exciting passion...... was such an engaging read that was so impossible to put down. Loving the Bennett boys and looking forward to my next visit to this entertaining world. |
Laure E, Reviewer
Katelyn left everything and everyone behind, including an ex-boyfriend, to move to Great Falls and start a new job. Mark expected to make a quick trip to the resort to pay for his brother's wedding, but after saving Katelyn from a fall, he realizes that he wants to make more trips into town. Katelyn will have to convince Mark that she isn't like the other women he knew, and Mark will have to trust himself before they can have their happily ever after. Sizzling hot, complex, sexy characters in a plot that takes some unexpected twists. Fantastic book, I loved it! I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC. |
Jennifer H, Reviewer
This was a sweet and steamy reads. I really enjoyed Mark and Katelyn's story. The characters are developed and well written and have amazing chemistry. I like that Katelyn was strong and went after what she wanted. Great plot that draws you in and had you hooked. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone - but more enjoyable read in order. I can't wait for the next one. |
Diane C, Reviewer
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "RIDING HARD" THE BENNETT BROTHERS RANCH" This was such an enjoyable hot sexy read Mark Bennett was the oldest brother and had alot of responsiblitly being in charge of the ranch since his father past away but he loved it. James Bennett and Sophie Stone were getting married and Mark was paying for it so when he met Katelyn Johnson the wedding events planner that Mountain Spirits Resort and Hotel had hired he was immediately attracted to her but he had a bad past relationship so he was shying away. Katelyn and Mark's chemistry was off the charts smoking hot but he was worried he would scare her away with his control but she assured him that she liked it and he wouldn't hurt her and scare her away. This is absolutely a must read you don't want to miss so well written by Lauren Landish and the characters were interesting and thoroughly enjoyable I can't wait to read Luke's story. |
Riding Hard by Lauren Landish is book Two in the Bennett Boys Ranch Series. This is the story of Mark Bennett and Katelyn Johnson. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book. Mark has taken over the family ranch and as the older brother some other family task. Mark doesn't plan on going down the relationship road again with a women so he is focusing as always on the ranch which takes most of his time. But then Katelyn comes to town to help with his brother's wedding as the planner. Mark tries to stay firm on his cold hard attitude but the more Katelyn is around him the more he is loosing his grip on staying true to his goal. Katelyn is looking to start a new chapter in her life and finding some spice that she hasn't had...is Mark what she is looking for? Love their hot story...and the brooding hero. |




