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adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5⭐️
Take me to Meadowlark now pls because clearly the cowboys are different over there! Weston Rhodes Ryder was everything! That man can do no wrong in my eyes and I just loved everything about him, specially how patient he was with Ada! Something that really hit home is how vulnerable these characters are and how they really wanted somebody to not make it better but just be there with them. Had my heart breaking and healing at the same time.
Ada was also a phenomenal character and I really resonated with her and her fear of people not liking her. The friendships that are formed in this book just make my heart happy. Lyla Sage really knocked it out of the park with this one. The vulnerability of the characters, the mental health approach and their relationship and all the characters in general really makes this a great book that is definitely worth a read.
Tropes:
-found family
-cowboy romance
-reverse grumpy x sunshine
-mental health rep
-he falls first
-1🌶️
I don’t know where I am supposed to get the patience to wait for Gus and Teddy’s story but I NEED it yesterday. If you are looking for a cowboy romance that has that hint of spice but is like the most wholesome rom com ever then this book and the entire series is definitely for you!
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Sexual content
emotional
lighthearted
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was fun to be back at Rebel Blue Ranch! I liked that this book had more sibling and family moments. And, like all the best intertwined series do, we saw some more of Emmy and Brooks being cute and in love, but also their characters individually!!
Wes really is like sunshine! I appreciated the nod and acknowledgement of his mental health, but that it didn't take over the plot line or his personality. He is so thoughtful and sweet.
Ada isn't your typical sweetheart. She's grown and has trauma and is trying to work through it. I loved the girls night scene and the healing that starts stemming from that for her!!
I have mixed feelings about Ada's divorce. I feel like it was a big part of the story and the resolution at the end wasn't enough for me. I understand why the ending was the way it was, and it could be argued it was true to Ada's character, but I felt like I was left hanging a little.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Ada is a city girl with a cold exterior but sweet on the inside, and Wes is a lovable, sensitive, patient cowboy. It's fun to fall into their story.
Wes really is like sunshine! I appreciated the nod and acknowledgement of his mental health, but that it didn't take over the plot line or his personality. He is so thoughtful and sweet.
Ada isn't your typical sweetheart. She's grown and has trauma and is trying to work through it. I loved the girls night scene and the healing that starts stemming from that for her!!
I have mixed feelings about Ada's divorce. I feel like it was a big part of the story and the resolution at the end wasn't enough for me. I understand why the ending was the way it was, and it could be argued it was true to Ada's character, but I felt like I was left hanging a little.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Ada is a city girl with a cold exterior but sweet on the inside, and Wes is a lovable, sensitive, patient cowboy. It's fun to fall into their story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Gaslighting
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Taylor Swift Songs: “Mine (tv)”
Age rating: 17+ (4 spicy scenes, 1.5/5🌶️)
This is my favorite cowboy romance so far!! It was fairly lighthearted, but still had a lot of great substance! I absolutely love the golden retriever MMC X black cat FMC trope, and this one did it SO WELL OMG I LOVE WES. Wes is the sweetest angel who is constantly caring for her, checking in with her, reassuring her, and respecting her boundaries, making sure not to push her. He literally is so chivalrous and adorable. The thing this man says!!! He embodies the “he falls first and falls harder” trope, actually. And I loved the representation with him having MDD (major depressive disorder) and going to therapy, taking meds, and doing the work!
Ada was such a relatable character to me personally. There were so many points, specifically relating to lacking some social skills and feeling like she’s on the outside that hit so close to home.
I loved Ada and Wes together so much, they are literally the perfect match!! This was so healing!! Im so excited to read the next book in the series!! I’m also getting vibes that maybe Cam will get her own book? Hopefully!
Age rating: 17+ (4 spicy scenes, 1.5/5🌶️)
This is my favorite cowboy romance so far!! It was fairly lighthearted, but still had a lot of great substance! I absolutely love the golden retriever MMC X black cat FMC trope, and this one did it SO WELL OMG I LOVE WES. Wes is the sweetest angel who is constantly caring for her, checking in with her, reassuring her, and respecting her boundaries, making sure not to push her. He literally is so chivalrous and adorable. The thing this man says!!! He embodies the “he falls first and falls harder” trope, actually. And I loved the representation with him having MDD (major depressive disorder) and going to therapy, taking meds, and doing the work!
Ada was such a relatable character to me personally. There were so many points, specifically relating to lacking some social skills and feeling like she’s on the outside that hit so close to home.
I loved Ada and Wes together so much, they are literally the perfect match!! This was so healing!! Im so excited to read the next book in the series!! I’m also getting vibes that maybe Cam will get her own book? Hopefully!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Maybe it’s Beyoncé or maybe it’s all the rage. Either way, I finally caved and entered my cowboy romance era.
I recently read DONE AND DUSTED last month and really enjoyed it. Although the brother’s best friend trope is not my favorite, I liked how the two main characters, Emmy Ryder and Luke Brooks, had a lot of love for each other. What I liked the most though was how authentic the book felt in depicting ranch life, rodeos, and capturing the beauty of Wyoming. So, once I got a copy of the second book, SWIFT AND SADDLED, I immediately read it and ended up loving it even more. Right now it’s my favorite of Lyla Sage’s Rebel Blue Ranch series.
SWIFT AND SADDLED follows Wes Ryder and Ada Hart. Wes is the brother of Gus and Emmy Ryder and has hired Ada for a renovation project on his family’s ranch. Ada has just recently gotten out of a bad marriage that affected her self-esteem and is not at all interested in starting a new romance, especially not with the man who hired her despite how attracted she is to him.
The chemistry between Wes and Ada pulled me in and kept me hooked. Their first meeting was already sizzling. Apart from that, the best moments were how they got to know each other, from the little quirks they noticed to the personal details they shared. They’re both dealing with mental health and find themselves opening up and trusting one another more than any other person could have.
Ada is guarded and never really had any close friends. So, I loved how the Ryder family welcomed her in as if they had known her for years. She becomes an audience surrogate in a way as I got to know more about the Ryders and some of the other characters mentioned in DONE AND DUSTED. Wes meanwhile is so sweet and attentive. I felt how much he cared about Ada, but the ways he showed it had me completely swooning. I’ve got the quotes to prove it 😉
Also, I have to praise Lyla Sage’s writing. You can tell how much she’s grown as a writer in this one.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like reading cowboy romances (I prefer billionaires but that’s Capricorn side of me) I guess you can say I’ve been lassoed and wooed.
I recently read DONE AND DUSTED last month and really enjoyed it. Although the brother’s best friend trope is not my favorite, I liked how the two main characters, Emmy Ryder and Luke Brooks, had a lot of love for each other. What I liked the most though was how authentic the book felt in depicting ranch life, rodeos, and capturing the beauty of Wyoming. So, once I got a copy of the second book, SWIFT AND SADDLED, I immediately read it and ended up loving it even more. Right now it’s my favorite of Lyla Sage’s Rebel Blue Ranch series.
SWIFT AND SADDLED follows Wes Ryder and Ada Hart. Wes is the brother of Gus and Emmy Ryder and has hired Ada for a renovation project on his family’s ranch. Ada has just recently gotten out of a bad marriage that affected her self-esteem and is not at all interested in starting a new romance, especially not with the man who hired her despite how attracted she is to him.
The chemistry between Wes and Ada pulled me in and kept me hooked. Their first meeting was already sizzling. Apart from that, the best moments were how they got to know each other, from the little quirks they noticed to the personal details they shared. They’re both dealing with mental health and find themselves opening up and trusting one another more than any other person could have.
Ada is guarded and never really had any close friends. So, I loved how the Ryder family welcomed her in as if they had known her for years. She becomes an audience surrogate in a way as I got to know more about the Ryders and some of the other characters mentioned in DONE AND DUSTED. Wes meanwhile is so sweet and attentive. I felt how much he cared about Ada, but the ways he showed it had me completely swooning. I’ve got the quotes to prove it 😉
Also, I have to praise Lyla Sage’s writing. You can tell how much she’s grown as a writer in this one.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like reading cowboy romances (I prefer billionaires but that’s Capricorn side of me) I guess you can say I’ve been lassoed and wooed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship
fast-paced
Swift & Saddled reads like a classic rom-com movie which makes the story go by so quickly! The cast is fun and inviting (and the story also features some representation of major depressive disorder! We love that!). This is honestly an easy recommendation if you’re looking for a little cowboy romance fun 🤠🩷
I haven’t read Done & Dusted but I can only imagine that this is just as good (if not better)! I’m looking forward to checking out book three Lost and Lassoed which is going to focus on Teddy and Gus 👀
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book felt like a warm hug after a hard day. I’m booking my summer vacation to Baby Blue immediately so I can get more of Wes and Ada’s adorably soft relationship! My only complaint is that I wish it was longer…but I’ll just have to (impatiently) wait for the next book!
Thank you NetGalley & Random House for the ARC!!
Thank you NetGalley & Random House for the ARC!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Abandonment
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
While this is the second book in the series, it stands on its own well. I have not yet read Done and Dusted (but I'll be looking to read it now!), but it does feature the same characters and continues their story arcs, so if that is important to you, read Done and Dusted first.
It is so wonderful to see more accurate representations of mental health in romance books lately. As someone who struggles daily with anxiety and depression, I understand the toll it can have on your life. Including and discussing mental health issues as they relate to the characters really makes for a more authentic and honest narrative. I have never really felt more close to characters as I did in this book, and I honestly think the discussion and inclusion of anxiety, depression, and self-worth helped me to feel seen and respected.
In a way, I'm kind of mad that this book is fiction. I want to be at Rebel Blue Ranch. I want to spend the night in Baby Blue. I want to walk the trails and meet Waylon the dog and Loretta the calf. I want to feel the sunshine on my face.
Also, I will be purchasing physical copies of these books because that cover? Perfection. I need it on my shelves.
While this is the second book in the series, it stands on its own well. I have not yet read Done and Dusted (but I'll be looking to read it now!), but it does feature the same characters and continues their story arcs, so if that is important to you, read Done and Dusted first.
It is so wonderful to see more accurate representations of mental health in romance books lately. As someone who struggles daily with anxiety and depression, I understand the toll it can have on your life. Including and discussing mental health issues as they relate to the characters really makes for a more authentic and honest narrative. I have never really felt more close to characters as I did in this book, and I honestly think the discussion and inclusion of anxiety, depression, and self-worth helped me to feel seen and respected.
In a way, I'm kind of mad that this book is fiction. I want to be at Rebel Blue Ranch. I want to spend the night in Baby Blue. I want to walk the trails and meet Waylon the dog and Loretta the calf. I want to feel the sunshine on my face.
Also, I will be purchasing physical copies of these books because that cover? Perfection. I need it on my shelves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Small town workplace romance between newcomer with a dark past (we know this because of her sleeve tattoo) and her absurdly perfect cowboy boss. I mean, he rescues baby cows and never does anything wrong ever.
The chemistry was great and I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I just found the second half to be boring and the 3rd act conflict to be rushed.
Thanks to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
The chemistry was great and I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I just found the second half to be boring and the 3rd act conflict to be rushed.
Thanks to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent