Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Swift and Saddled

Lyla Sage hit it out of the park with her sophomore release! Wes and Ada have my heart. This book totally gives off the vibes of Loving You on My Mind by Chris Stapleton. Wes is the sweetest and most supportive. He deeply cares about the people in his life. It hurt my heart that he only saw his value as being of service to his loved ones (but relatable). Ada was equally as relatable with her concerns around people tolerating her rather than liking her. They brought out the best in each other and really found ways to ground one another. I love the Ryder family they just warm my heart. This book both feels like a warm hug and offers up some great spicy scenes. If you are all for a cowboy romance you absolutely need to read this book!

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funny inspiring 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

4.0

If I could live at Rebel Blue Ranch surrounded by cute calves and handsome cowboys I definitely would. Lyla Sage never disappoints. This forced proximity cowboy romance made me giggle, kick my little legs and definitely blush. Weston Rhodes Ryder you are a dreamboat, gentleman and all around sunshine legend. Plus, your bedroom talk is exquisite.

Coming from a previously controlling relationship and now with my lovely fiancé (who Wes reminds me of a lot) I can totally relate to Ada and how she feels like it’s all too good to be true. I’m a bit of a moon girl myself (IYKYK) and honestly just am so happy Ada found her happy place at the ranch with a cowboy, cutie doggy and a found family with the Ryders.

I loved the talk about interior design and DIY projects throughout this too. I think making a house feel like a home is a beautiful thing and I think the way the house was making progress related to Ada and Wes and even Ada within herself.

This book did touch on some topics such as depression and also abusive/controlling relationships but Lyla handled them really well. The honest discussions between Wes and Ada I think were very important not just within the story but on a wider level too. It’s important to know that bad days don’t last. That you shouldn’t make yourself small to make someone else feel big. Prioritise you.

Alsooo, this book set up some feelers for book 4 (Cam!!) and I honestly don’t think I’ll cope. I don’t think I’m even ready for book 3 (I’m sorry but enemies to lovers is my cryptonite).

Anyway, a wholesome cowboy romance as is expected from Sage. Easy to read and fast paced. No third act break up, Wes dealt with Ada and her panic at feeling happy really well and all issues were handled with adult delicacy. Would recommend. If nothing else the covers are GORGEOUS, and deserve to be on shelves. But the stories inside are just as beautiful.

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emotional

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is an absolutely addictive read, I finished it in under 24 hours which is extremely rare for me. Wes is a top tier book boyfriend and I love his story with Ada. Both of these characters were complex and felt so real reading.

Lyla Sage is an absolute god and at this point I would pay to read a nutrition label if she wrote it.

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