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dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition
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
5.0
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: Injury/Injury detail and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Blood, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Abandonment, and Toxic relationship
triple_m's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book is fine. Average spice, average couple, average plot. It was definitely an easy and predictable read, so I would recommend it for those in a reading slump.
I just don’t think I can get behind the brother’s best friend trope because why at your big ass ages do you care that deeply that your friend is dating your little sister? So much of Brooks internal dialogue revolved around the fact that Gus would be mad at him. It’s so unreasonable and low key rooted in misogyny (to infantilize your sister even though she is a fully functioning and mature adult).
I just don’t think I can get behind the brother’s best friend trope because why at your big ass ages do you care that deeply that your friend is dating your little sister? So much of Brooks internal dialogue revolved around the fact that Gus would be mad at him. It’s so unreasonable and low key rooted in misogyny (to infantilize your sister even though she is a fully functioning and mature adult).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
lexi_air's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, and Violence
graohic sex scenestoofondofbooks_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
I've been bitten by the cowboy romance bug!! God, this was just so cute. It checked so many of my boxes and the relationship at the center felt really believable. Also the smutty scenes made my eyes bug out like a cartoon character. Also can we talk about this cover? obsessed. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Mental illness, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, and Alcohol
Minor: Abandonment
theespressoedition's review against another edition
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, Alcohol, and Violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief
aklovekorn's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, and Violence
smdamm's review
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Minor: Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Chronic illness, and Injury/Injury detail
lujisa's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Violence
juffnstuff's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Violence
vreyna20_2004's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I LOVE THIS STORY!! I haven’t had a book that made me giggle, kick my feet, squeal, and blush in such a long time. Luke is the best book boyfriend I’ve seen such a respectful man and Emmy I adored her (despite our different opinions on the name Clementine) and best of all, this book has no third breakup. The big issue is Gus being related to Emmy and Luke not wanting to lose his friendship with Gus and I enjoyed it when Emmy finally kissed Luke (on the lips) after she won her last barrel racing. To me it felt like those cute, fluffy Mexican soap operas I used to watch as a kid. The story was also intriguing in my opinion seeing as Emmy got injured during her last barrel racing and got traumatized by it. And thanks to Luke being a handsome gentleman, he helped her get back on the horse. And the tension between those two 😏 but I would’ve liked if there was more things happening in the middle but I’m fine with it as Luke and Emmy’s relationship blossomed more during the middle part.
The sex scenes did surprise me for my first cowboy romance. I thought it would be all cutesy and passionate but Luke has a dirty mouth. I kept screaming in my pillow during those scenes. And the whiskey part OH MY GOD. I’m not interested in liquor but if it came from Luke’s mouth I wouldn’t mind.
Overall one of my favorites of this year and can’t wait for the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series.
The sex scenes did surprise me for my first cowboy romance. I thought it would be all cutesy and passionate but Luke has a dirty mouth. I kept screaming in my pillow during those scenes. And the whiskey part OH MY GOD. I’m not interested in liquor but if it came from Luke’s mouth I wouldn’t mind.
Overall one of my favorites of this year and can’t wait for the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Violence and Death of parent