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Roughstock Riders #1
Ride Hard
When disgraced bull rider Ty Sloane agreed to take a job as foreman at Falcon Ridge Ranch, he didn’t count on having to share his job or his cabin with twenty-one-year-old rising star barrel racer Maybelle Johnson. She tests his patience by day and drives him to distraction by night, but she’s off limits—too young and innocent for the likes of an ex-con like him.
As far as Maybelle is concerned, Ty Sloane can go jump in a lake. The cocky bull rider is a thorn in her side, both at the ranch and on the road. But he makes her feel things no man has ever made her feel, and as she learns about his past, she can’t help but develop a soft spot for him.
When trouble finds Maybelle on the rodeo circuit, Ty puts it all on the line for the sweet young woman who’s captured his heart, even though it may cost him his freedom.
As far as Maybelle is concerned, Ty Sloane can go jump in a lake. The cocky bull rider is a thorn in her side, both at the ranch and on the road. But he makes her feel things no man has ever made her feel, and as she learns about his past, she can’t help but develop a soft spot for him.
When trouble finds Maybelle on the rodeo circuit, Ty puts it all on the line for the sweet young woman who’s captured his heart, even though it may cost him his freedom.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2019
463 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Layne
41 books393 followersTessa Layne is a five-time USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance across many genres. Known for her high heat "emotionally searing and uplifting" story lines, Tessa’s books take you on an adventure of the heart from the rugged and remote Kansas Flint Hills to the big-city boardroom. Additional pen names include TS Layne (billionaires) and coming in 2024, Tessa Snow (dark fantasy romance). Tessa lives in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, daughters, and two unruly cats. When she’s not writing, you can find her outside chatting up the bees in her garden, hunting for berries in the woods, or playing in the snow.
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November 16, 2020
4.5 Super Sweet Stars
OK, so this was a very easy and quick read. Loved the characters, super sweet and yet SUPER DUPER sexy......Low on angst, just a nice Sunday evening read:)
OK, so this was a very easy and quick read. Loved the characters, super sweet and yet SUPER DUPER sexy......Low on angst, just a nice Sunday evening read:)
January 23, 2020
I love a good redemption story and when you throw in an age-gap, you have my full attention! The fact that I’ve enjoyed Tessa Layne’s work in the past was a bonus.
This story did not disappoint in any way. I got a yummy sexy cowboy and a sassy heroine with sparking chemistry and insta-attraction. These two were on fire both in an out of the bedroom LOL That’s not all there is to this story, but it was a really fabulous aspect!
I read this (and a couple more) story last year (2019) when I first got hooked on this author and I can still say I am loving all her words and looking forward to catching up on even more of her work soon!
This story did not disappoint in any way. I got a yummy sexy cowboy and a sassy heroine with sparking chemistry and insta-attraction. These two were on fire both in an out of the bedroom LOL That’s not all there is to this story, but it was a really fabulous aspect!
I read this (and a couple more) story last year (2019) when I first got hooked on this author and I can still say I am loving all her words and looking forward to catching up on even more of her work soon!
October 29, 2020
Cowboy, take me away...
‘𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢?‘
Conflict and misunderstanding take the stage at their very first meeting, but the chemistry is instant.
I really love a protective hero, & Ty Sloane is just that in spades. Toss in a heroine with some naïveté, as well as a bit of a headstrong personality and we have a match made in heaven.
These characters danced off the pages and I loved how they gave it their all.
‘𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢?‘
Conflict and misunderstanding take the stage at their very first meeting, but the chemistry is instant.
I really love a protective hero, & Ty Sloane is just that in spades. Toss in a heroine with some naïveté, as well as a bit of a headstrong personality and we have a match made in heaven.
These characters danced off the pages and I loved how they gave it their all.
November 10, 2020
I have read other books by the same author and loved them — this one, not so much. It came across as an uncrafted first draft. The female protagonist was too naive and too full-on; too much time was wasted on inconsequential matters, such as her love of the colour pink; and not enough on things that matter, such as their relationship. While the writer specialises in Western settings, some of it appeared a bit tokenistic. For example, a mention was made of Lydia’s handmade boots. She appears in a different series and had only popped into this one without any real introduction. There were also so many grammatical errors, especially verb tenses.
I must admit that I found the age difference a little much also, but then I realised that it was only one more year than between me and my first serious boyfriend. Now I understand why my parents were not happy.
I must admit that I found the age difference a little much also, but then I realised that it was only one more year than between me and my first serious boyfriend. Now I understand why my parents were not happy.
November 18, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Ride Hard is book 1 in the new Roughstock Riders series by Tessa Layne and a great way to start this new series! Even catching up with old friends.
Ty Sloan, disgraced bull rider and Maybelle Johnson, a young up an coming barrel racer are a thrown together when he takes a job as foreman on the Falcon Ridge Ranch after being released from prison as part of his parole only to find Maybelle had been given the same job by her Uncle.
What happens next with this May/December couple is about pushing buttons, learning to trust, work as a team, keeping her safe, understanding feelings, staying on the right side of the law and maybe finding their HEA...
Ride Hard is book 1 in the new Roughstock Riders series by Tessa Layne and a great way to start this new series! Even catching up with old friends.
Ty Sloan, disgraced bull rider and Maybelle Johnson, a young up an coming barrel racer are a thrown together when he takes a job as foreman on the Falcon Ridge Ranch after being released from prison as part of his parole only to find Maybelle had been given the same job by her Uncle.
What happens next with this May/December couple is about pushing buttons, learning to trust, work as a team, keeping her safe, understanding feelings, staying on the right side of the law and maybe finding their HEA...
November 24, 2019
Another delicious Tessa Layne story. Although this is the first in the Roughstock Riders series, I’ve read a lot of her previous titles which incorporate some of those characters in to this book (not necessary to read the others first). This is also my first cowboy story from Tessa and cowboys always keep a girl interested. Ty is certainly a sexy (and older) guy and Maybelle (love that name) is super sassy and knows what she wants. Together they make a good team but would love to have read more about their joint foreman job which kicked off their feisty relationship. It does contain plenty of toe curling sex and great characters which makes Tessa’s stories always worth the read.
November 17, 2020
This was a fun, quick read. This is a spin off of her other series of books which I really enjoyed. This story was about Ty and Maybelle. We were introduced to Ty in the other series.
Ty Sloane was at the top of the bull riding circuit and seemed to have it all until one night changed everything and he landed himself in jail...for three years. Now he is out and has to find a way to start over.
Maybelle Johnson is the young cousin of the Grace sisters from a previous series. She is up and coming in the rodeo world, but a small set back brings her back to Prairie to save some money to fix her trailer.
These two meet in a funny way and their relationship takes off from there. There is humor, mystery and sexy time. That being said, I am not sure I really believed them as a couple though. I enjoyed most of the story and the characters, but it was hard to really hard for me to get behind them as a couple. I hate saying that because I wanted Ty to find his happiness, but he and Maybelle did not seem well matched. Also the story felt a bit rushed and I feel like it could have been a little longer to finish up some lose ends. Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ty Sloane was at the top of the bull riding circuit and seemed to have it all until one night changed everything and he landed himself in jail...for three years. Now he is out and has to find a way to start over.
Maybelle Johnson is the young cousin of the Grace sisters from a previous series. She is up and coming in the rodeo world, but a small set back brings her back to Prairie to save some money to fix her trailer.
These two meet in a funny way and their relationship takes off from there. There is humor, mystery and sexy time. That being said, I am not sure I really believed them as a couple though. I enjoyed most of the story and the characters, but it was hard to really hard for me to get behind them as a couple. I hate saying that because I wanted Ty to find his happiness, but he and Maybelle did not seem well matched. Also the story felt a bit rushed and I feel like it could have been a little longer to finish up some lose ends. Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 2, 2021
Ty was living of the dream as not only was he a successful bull rider, but he was always enjoying the perks that go along with until one tragic night changes everything and he spends the next three years in prison. After serving his sentence he is offered the job as foreman at Falcon Ridge Ranch not realizing that it had been offered to another and not only would he be sharing the paycheque but living spaces as well.
Maybelle has recently relocated to her uncle’s ranch where not only can she prove her worth as a foreman but complete as a barrel racer as well. After the way her last relationship ended the last thing she needs is the distraction of a sexy cowboy however they are about to find out they make perfect partners both personally and professionally.
The chemistry between them is intense however Maybelle’s independence conflicts with Ty’s need to protect her especially when the secrets she has been keeping places her in danger. I enjoyed the performance of the narrator as he brought the story to life.
Maybelle has recently relocated to her uncle’s ranch where not only can she prove her worth as a foreman but complete as a barrel racer as well. After the way her last relationship ended the last thing she needs is the distraction of a sexy cowboy however they are about to find out they make perfect partners both personally and professionally.
The chemistry between them is intense however Maybelle’s independence conflicts with Ty’s need to protect her especially when the secrets she has been keeping places her in danger. I enjoyed the performance of the narrator as he brought the story to life.
July 18, 2021
This audiobook gives us the first story of the author’s series titled Roughstock Riders. This one belongs to Ty Sloane and Maybelle Johnson.
Once at the top of his bull rider career, Ty ends up in jail after protecting a woman from an abuser.
The moment he leaves jail not knowing what his future would be, he never expected two of his friends to be outside of jail waiting for him and offering a job at Falcon Ridge Ranch. He was told he would be the foreman. That is, until he meets the recently appointed foreman/woman, Maybelle Johnson. A young 21 year old that gives him a run for his money. The option give to them, share the job and the house.
The plot is mostly about the relationship between the feisty Maybelle and Ty’s determination to keep her safe. But there is a ex in her past that is likely to create problems. It’s also a story about redemption and new beginnings.
All in all , it was an ok story to be enjoyed in an afternoon of leisure.
Once at the top of his bull rider career, Ty ends up in jail after protecting a woman from an abuser.
The moment he leaves jail not knowing what his future would be, he never expected two of his friends to be outside of jail waiting for him and offering a job at Falcon Ridge Ranch. He was told he would be the foreman. That is, until he meets the recently appointed foreman/woman, Maybelle Johnson. A young 21 year old that gives him a run for his money. The option give to them, share the job and the house.
The plot is mostly about the relationship between the feisty Maybelle and Ty’s determination to keep her safe. But there is a ex in her past that is likely to create problems. It’s also a story about redemption and new beginnings.
All in all , it was an ok story to be enjoyed in an afternoon of leisure.
July 17, 2021
I've read many of Tessa Layne's books and have really enjoyed her Flint Hills stories and all the characters. This new series brings us back to characters from these books and gives us Ty and Maybelle's story. They each have secrets from their past, dreams they're trying to achieve - for Ty it's re-writing himself after spending 3 years in prison - ultimately for doing the right thing to protect a woman. Maybelle is trying to prove to her family that she's no longer a child, and to achieve her dream of making it to the national circuit. An ex may ruin everything for her. I loved the immediate chemistry between Ty and Maybelle and how they made each other be their best, even if they did have a very rocky start. Looking forward to seeing what's next in this series. I enjoyed the audiobook as much as the ebook!
November 8, 2020
Maybelle Johnson
Ty Sloane
Ty, former Bull Riding Champion,has been in prison for the last three years, when his friends Colton and Cody get him out to be the foreman for their father-in law on his ranch. Having been mentored by Ty they knew he was a good person and wanted to help him. Maybelle, who is an up and coming Barrel Racer, has come to Uncle Teddy’s farm to stay and he offered her the foreman job, in addition to each having personal problems they’re trying to work through. So, immediately you have Maybelle and Ty going for the same job. This is a quick, fun read. I really liked both Ty and Maybelle, both are strong characters but each has a vulnerable side. I would definitely read more in the series.
Ty Sloane
Ty, former Bull Riding Champion,has been in prison for the last three years, when his friends Colton and Cody get him out to be the foreman for their father-in law on his ranch. Having been mentored by Ty they knew he was a good person and wanted to help him. Maybelle, who is an up and coming Barrel Racer, has come to Uncle Teddy’s farm to stay and he offered her the foreman job, in addition to each having personal problems they’re trying to work through. So, immediately you have Maybelle and Ty going for the same job. This is a quick, fun read. I really liked both Ty and Maybelle, both are strong characters but each has a vulnerable side. I would definitely read more in the series.
February 25, 2024
While I liked the overall plot, the MMC was just so immature it ruined this one for me. Most of the time she behaved like a spoiled brat, stomping her feet when she doesn't get her way. I couldn't take her seriously a the foreman of a ranch and I highly doubt that the ranch hands could respect her either. (Although we never saw them interact with any of the workers or do any real work).
The fact that she acted more like a teenager then an adult also really ruined the romance aspect for me. Why would a 35 year old man who survived an abusive childhood, been on his own since he was 14, and experienced the harsh realities of prison want someone so childish? Normally an age gap romance doesn't bother me, but this one felt borderline uncomfortable.
The fact that she acted more like a teenager then an adult also really ruined the romance aspect for me. Why would a 35 year old man who survived an abusive childhood, been on his own since he was 14, and experienced the harsh realities of prison want someone so childish? Normally an age gap romance doesn't bother me, but this one felt borderline uncomfortable.
October 30, 2020
As far as cowboys go, I’ve been spoiled by the Bishop world that Kennedy Fox built. Not saying that I didn’t like Ride Hard but I’m kind of used to a certain storyline as far as cowboy romances go and this wasn’t it.
The plot line developed way too quickly for one, making it feel whiplash-y at certain points in the story. At other points, the female lead seemed way too juvenile and childish, making it a bit uncomfortable at certain points even. The age difference which usually doesn’t bother me at all just seemed kind of off.
It was definitely a good try as far as cowboy romances go and had the plot line been a bit more developed I could have actually seen myself liking it.
The plot line developed way too quickly for one, making it feel whiplash-y at certain points in the story. At other points, the female lead seemed way too juvenile and childish, making it a bit uncomfortable at certain points even. The age difference which usually doesn’t bother me at all just seemed kind of off.
It was definitely a good try as far as cowboy romances go and had the plot line been a bit more developed I could have actually seen myself liking it.
November 9, 2020
This is the 1st on a new series from this author and this is a wonderful start for a new series. Ty is a disgraced bull rider who has just spent the last 3-years in prison, and his best friends organise him a job as foreman at the Falcon Ridge Ranch. Maybelle is an up and coming barrel racer, whose uncle has just given her the same job as foreman. Now these two need to navigate around sharing a cabin as well as working together as a team. This is a well written flawless story which has intense chemistry and is a sweet and entertaining read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author and I recommend this for all readers.
October 24, 2020
This was a quick western romance with a little bit of action. The chemistry between Ty & Maybelle was instant. It was a boom type love.
Maybelle was a strong, independent cowgirl who didn’t need a man to take care of her. Although she was a strong woman she was still naive about some things. Ty had been through a lot in his life from an early age. He was protective, strong & caring & some of those characteristics ended up causing him some trouble later in life.
I really liked how protective he was of Maybelle & how he risked everything to protect/save her. These two were so cute together.
Maybelle was a strong, independent cowgirl who didn’t need a man to take care of her. Although she was a strong woman she was still naive about some things. Ty had been through a lot in his life from an early age. He was protective, strong & caring & some of those characteristics ended up causing him some trouble later in life.
I really liked how protective he was of Maybelle & how he risked everything to protect/save her. These two were so cute together.
November 1, 2020
This is book 1 in the Roughstock Riders series. Ty was on the top of the Bull riding circuit when he had a brush with the law. Trying to get his life back together he takes a job. Maybelle want to be respected and not treated like a helpless woman. She take a job on her uncle ranch. Ty and Maybelle not only have to share a house but a job! There is instant chemistry but a lot of resistance especially from Her. I wanted To shake her a few times. I found her quick to snap at him and a little immature. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more.
November 15, 2020
This was a short, sweet read but I wanted a bit more. Ty was a complicated character and I would’ve loved to dive into him a bit more, but I feel like we barely knew Maybelle at all. I have zero idea who she was besides someone who though Ty was attractive.
Also, I wasn’t so much a fan of the large age difference. I don’t truly feel like Maybelle knew who she was yet to settle down with someone that much older than her.
I loved Ty, I didn’t love Maybelle. I wish the age difference was smaller and I wish we had far more backstory of the characters.
2.5 stars. As always, YMMV.
Also, I wasn’t so much a fan of the large age difference. I don’t truly feel like Maybelle knew who she was yet to settle down with someone that much older than her.
I loved Ty, I didn’t love Maybelle. I wish the age difference was smaller and I wish we had far more backstory of the characters.
2.5 stars. As always, YMMV.
November 23, 2020
Something about this
Overall quality of writing was ok. Good storyline, characters were ok, but...... Can't quite put my finger on it, it's just not a WOW story. I can normally finish a story in a few hours. This took days because it didn't hold my attention. There's a hot cowboy, pretty and feisty cowgirl, rodeos, a few intimacy scenes, and no cheating or cliffhanger. Happy Ending? Yep. Brief. Enjoy 🧐
Overall quality of writing was ok. Good storyline, characters were ok, but...... Can't quite put my finger on it, it's just not a WOW story. I can normally finish a story in a few hours. This took days because it didn't hold my attention. There's a hot cowboy, pretty and feisty cowgirl, rodeos, a few intimacy scenes, and no cheating or cliffhanger. Happy Ending? Yep. Brief. Enjoy 🧐
July 21, 2021
I loved the chemistry between Ty and Maybell, sweet age gap love story. Ty is totally set in his way, and Maybell is so innocent that she thinks she knows everything that there is to know about life. When terror comes knocking on Maybell's door Ty is right there to pick up the pieces and risking his life to do so. The writing was very well done, but the narration lacked and was hard to keep my interest.
November 24, 2020
Cowboy hotness at its finest!!
This is my first, but Not my last , Tess Lane book.
I am in love with her writing and her stories!
If you like handsome ultra Cowboys and smart sassy ladies who win their hearts, you will love this book! Hang onto to your seats, you're in for a wild ride!!
This is my first, but Not my last , Tess Lane book.
I am in love with her writing and her stories!
If you like handsome ultra Cowboys and smart sassy ladies who win their hearts, you will love this book! Hang onto to your seats, you're in for a wild ride!!
June 10, 2021
The paired couple have an appreciable age difference, not only in years but also life experiences as one would expect.
For me this really was a predictable, almost superficial romance tale that I do not want to keep exploring with more books.
Not horrible but not exactly a top contender in one of my favorite genres.
For me this really was a predictable, almost superficial romance tale that I do not want to keep exploring with more books.
Not horrible but not exactly a top contender in one of my favorite genres.
September 6, 2021
For me this started off a little dark and I almost didn't finish this one. My little voice told me to read another chapter or two before I gave up on this book. It is well written and has great characters. This isn't a quick easy read but I encourage you to give this one a chance. I think you will enjoy it.
May 8, 2020
Romantic
I love the characters in this story and all that is happening to them. Great love story.
I only wish it went a little longer.
What happened to Clayton?
What did Ty and she go on to do, more rodeos, horse ranch ?
I love the characters in this story and all that is happening to them. Great love story.
I only wish it went a little longer.
What happened to Clayton?
What did Ty and she go on to do, more rodeos, horse ranch ?
May 27, 2020
Maybelle and Ty
Good lord I loved this story. Ty sounds like every womans dream and Maybelle is sweet strong and sassy. I love every story in this series. I can’t put them down! Rodeos, cowboys, strong women and romance. Perfect!!
Good lord I loved this story. Ty sounds like every womans dream and Maybelle is sweet strong and sassy. I love every story in this series. I can’t put them down! Rodeos, cowboys, strong women and romance. Perfect!!
November 13, 2020
5 Stars u
So happy to be back in l the Flint Hills. Loved all the previous books and really enjoyed reading Ty and Maybelle's story. Looking forward to reading more books in this spin-off series.
So happy to be back in l the Flint Hills. Loved all the previous books and really enjoyed reading Ty and Maybelle's story. Looking forward to reading more books in this spin-off series.
November 30, 2020
Ty and Maybelle
This was an exceptional story that I just couldn't put down. The background of the workings of a ranch has always appealed. Giving a man a second chance after being alluded of happiness made a great character Ty, come alive. Well worth the read. Thanks, Tessa
This was an exceptional story that I just couldn't put down. The background of the workings of a ranch has always appealed. Giving a man a second chance after being alluded of happiness made a great character Ty, come alive. Well worth the read. Thanks, Tessa
July 22, 2021
Unintentional enemies to lovers….there are no surprises here, but it all leads to the obvious HEA. An easy quick listen.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
Tops on my list of spicy romance authors is Tessa Layne and this is no exception. This was my second read of Ride Tough and this time was the audio version which has a superb narrator. Great chemistry and banter, and just the right amount of emotions.
November 7, 2020
Book review
Interesting and entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well played and entertaining. I can’t wait to read the next by.
Interesting and entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well played and entertaining. I can’t wait to read the next by.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews