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fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
this was a fun, easy read for over the weekend and while the writing definitely could use some improvement, the overall vibes were a good time. i’ll also say, as a former rodeo girl, this scratched an itch i didn’t know i still had, and finishing this book made me want to get back in the saddle — but i’ll just read the next book instead!
some side notes that are sprinkled with spoilers (you’ve been warned):
- i didn’t think the way Emmy & Luke were together in bed made sense - the spitting in the mouth and choking gave me a bit of whiplash when compared to the rest of the story which is pretty mild.
- if a man ever punched another man out of the blue like that in my presence or on my behalf? goodbye. you’re a psychopath, i have no desire to continue things with you.
- i wished more was fleshed out in the family dynamics with Luke. throwing in the thing with his mom felt like it didn’t really go anywhere? but i also appreciated that the conflicts in this book were not centered around a 3rd act breakup! so big props to Sage for that.
some side notes that are sprinkled with spoilers (you’ve been warned):
- i didn’t think the way Emmy & Luke were together in bed made sense - the spitting in the mouth and choking gave me a bit of whiplash when compared to the rest of the story which is pretty mild.
- if a man ever punched another man out of the blue like that in my presence or on my behalf? goodbye. you’re a psychopath, i have no desire to continue things with you.
- i wished more was fleshed out in the family dynamics with Luke. throwing in the thing with his mom felt like it didn’t really go anywhere? but i also appreciated that the conflicts in this book were not centered around a 3rd act breakup! so big props to Sage for that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Toxic relationship, Death of parent
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
emotional
funny
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
Closed Door Mods: Chapter 13 (some parts), Chapters 16-17 (some parts), Chapter 19 (some parts), Epilogue (some parts)
I think I found a new book series to be obsessed with, and you can find it right here in Rebel Blue Ranch…
Lyla Sage’s Done and Dusted is the definition of a chef’s kiss, comfort romance book. With mostly short chapters, I devoured this book and could not put this book down (albeit, I did so reluctantly). Sage’s world-building for life in Meadowlark is very well-executed and it feels as though you are instantly transported to this rural small town in Wyoming.
However, the real stars of the show are the cast of characters in Sage’s debut novel. Not only do you get an amazing relationship filled with great banter and even better chemistry, you also get such a charming ensemble of supporting characters. Besides liking our two main characters, Emmy and Brooks, I also loved seeing interactions from supporting characters such as Teddy, Amos, and Wes. Each of them were given their own moments to shine and have their own personalities, but so much so that it overshadows Emmy or Brooks.
Now, like any debut novel, there’s some critiques on how to improve (for example, there’s definitely room for improvement on her prose), but they are very little. If you’re looking for a romance you feel like you could read in like a day or two with a cast of great characters, you’re going to have a great time with this book. But if you’re not a fan of fast-paced books or books that are a tad bit more spicy, this might not be the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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:
N/A
4.5/4.75 🥰🤩
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Medical trauma, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
funny
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
Cowboy take me away! I truly can’t believe this is Lyla’s debut novel, it was absolutely fantastic! I could not put this book down it was so compelling. I love Emmy and Luke- together and separately. Emmy really brought out this soft side of Luke that had me swooning. He was so thoughtful and sweet and kind. Emmy was one of those FMCs that you just want to be friends with. Now don’t get it twisted while this book offers up the sweet small town/ranch romance we all love it also delivers on the spice. This book really was very well balanced. Honorable mention to Teddy who was my favorite of the other characters, I am dying to read a book with her as the FMC. I need everyone to go download this book immediately.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment