Reviews tagging 'Blood'

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

27 reviews

lilhappyhermit's review

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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

5.0

This book had me kicking my feet like a school girl. Having Luke help Emmy through her mental block after her accident and, in turn, not only get closer with her but also helping her gain confidence behind the reins again was so precious and heartfelt. I loved how Emmy was able to see past her initial thoughts of Luke to see how loyal and soft-hearted he is. Having her step up to the plate and defend him, not out of any sense of obligation but simply because she cares for him, was so beautifully heartfelt. They balanced each other so well and are too cute.
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marisabenn's review

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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

4.75

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emilywemily6's review

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

This book was an easy, shallow read, but such a fun time. I loved how tender and sweet Emmy and Luke were to each other- I was literally melting when he held her in the barn the first time!! I absolutely hated Gus and his overprotective brother-ness. It made me very uncomfortable. And I didn’t enjoy the bedroom talk in this book, it was so different than their relationship dynamic outside the bedroom. All the conflicts wrapped up really easily and quickly at the very end of the book without a lot of internal conflict/tension, which made this a wholesome story (despite the spicy scenes lol). Considering the struggles that we saw hints of (Emmy’s ADHD and trauma from her accident, Luke’s generational trauma), I wish there was more depth, but it was still such a fun time where everything worked out in the end, if you want a happy ending cowboy romance!
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dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition

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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. 
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toofondofbooks_'s review against another edition

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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.
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samflowerv6's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Maybe my rating system is flawed but I adored this!!! Luke and Emmy made me feel so warm and fuzzy. Emmy was such a relatable character with her ADHD and internal struggles. I love a good cowboy romance and I never knew I wanted to be called sugar until today. I liked their banter and relationship. NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP!!!! I’ve never read a book where the vibes were good and then it’s over, what a trip. Smutty, lighthearted, with a deep meaningful relationship that made me smile so much my cheeks hurt. Thank you Layla Sage for this beautiful soft love story. I already miss Clementine and Luke 🍊 🐎

“I couldn’t believe the universe was so big, and I got placed on this random floating rock at the same time as Clementine Ryder.”

“Sugar, you deserve to go out on your own terms. Just because you got dusted doesn’t mean you’re done.”

“I leaned into Emmy, my hand on her throat still keeping her pinned to my office door, and spit the whiskey in her mouth.”
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kaitlynkenny's review

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3.0

Emmy returns to her small town she spent her life escaping and her brother's best friend, Luke, helps her get back to who she was. This small town is filled with amazing characters, the Ryder family is so full of love and give it out so freely. I adored the characters in this book and cannot wait to see their journeys. 

I enjoyed this book but by chapter two there's an immediate physical connection and I couldn't understand it. It's quite literally the first time they see each other, you are hit with how attracted they are to one another. I don't understand the concept of two people seeing each other and immediately falling for their looks, but I know I am outside the general population on that. Despite this, I loved watching Emmy and Luke fall in love. I loved seeing them getting to know each other as adults and I'm really glad there was nothing untoward during their childhoods.

I wish this book took more time with the relationship - I loved Luke and Emmy but they felt so rushed. The stakes also didn't feel too high because it was exhausting how often it was brought up that Luke was concerned what his best friends would think. The ending also wraps up very quickly and I felt like something was missing. But, there was not third act breakup! And this book delivers on the brother's best friend trope if that's your thing. There's also ADHD rep with Emmy and we see Luke help her through panic attacks because he's so soft and gone for her.
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3readingcircus's review

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  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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jamiejanae_6's review

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adventurous hopeful 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

3.5

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_marereads's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.75

 
 I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I opened this book...

I didn't expect to polish it off in one sitting!

I loved Emmy so much and could relate to her in a lot of ways, especially as an adult woman with ADHD. The line about being able to sleep through an apocalypse was SO real. And the way she always snoozed her alarms, to her own detriment? OOOOF. There was also the line, "It was just easier for me to retreat into my head than anything else." that hit me like a freight train - I've said this my whole life.

On the other hand, I could relate to Brooks as well. Never has a line in a book made me feel more seen than, "That, and being the kid from the trailer park, didn’t really impress my peers. Kids could be brutal." I immediately wanted to wrap him in the biggest hug and never let go.

When he was the only one that could help her through her anxiety and get her literally back in the saddle, I knew she was a goner. There was no way they were going to fight this at all.

There were only a few things that I felt fell flat.
1- I didn't feel like Emmy was as close to her brothers as you're supposed to believe. She seems to only really enjoy being around her father, her niece, and sometimes Wes. I didn't get the sense of a bond between Emmy and Gus at all, really.
2- There was a throwaway line about the ex boyfriend texting and how Emmy would need to confront that eventually, but it just never happened. I do, however, realize it probably wouldn't have added much to the plot. It was just something I noticed. 
3- I didn't like that Brooks and Gus still had a strained relationship by the end. If Gus loved Emmy so much, he should be happy that she found someone who loved and supported her the way Brooks did, and he should have been able to tell that she was happier with him. I don't understand why he continued to hold a grudge against Brooks.


Overall, this book was an easy five star read for me. I ate up every second of it and have already recommended it to the people I know will appreciate it as much as I do! 


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