Take a photo of a barcode or cover
shelfcarewithjess 's review for:
Done and Dusted
by Lyla Sage
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
đź“š Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
The first in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Done and Dusted follows a classic friends-to-lovers romance set against a small-town western backdrop. Clementine, our sunshine cowgirl, returns home to restart her life, only to find things a little more complicated when her best friend’s older brother Brooks is suddenly… very available. With rodeo roots, emotional baggage, and slow-burn chemistry, this is a heartfelt story with just enough grit to balance the sweetness.
The first in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Done and Dusted follows a classic friends-to-lovers romance set against a small-town western backdrop. Clementine, our sunshine cowgirl, returns home to restart her life, only to find things a little more complicated when her best friend’s older brother Brooks is suddenly… very available. With rodeo roots, emotional baggage, and slow-burn chemistry, this is a heartfelt story with just enough grit to balance the sweetness.
🧠My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. The spice isn’t constant, but when it hits, it’s perfectly done. What stood out the most for me was how well fleshed-out the characters are — both leads felt real and emotionally grounded. I really appreciated the nods to ADHD in the FMC without it becoming her whole storyline. It’s just a part of who she is, and that casual representation meant a lot.
I absolutely loved this book. The spice isn’t constant, but when it hits, it’s perfectly done. What stood out the most for me was how well fleshed-out the characters are — both leads felt real and emotionally grounded. I really appreciated the nods to ADHD in the FMC without it becoming her whole storyline. It’s just a part of who she is, and that casual representation meant a lot.
Brooks is a standout MMC — he knows what he wants, respects boundaries, and actually thinks about consequences without making a drama out of it. The only area where it lost a few points for me was the worldbuilding. Her career felt really niche and I didn’t have any frame of reference, so parts of that didn’t land. That said, I loved the way future books were set up through side characters, and I’ll 100% be reading on.
🗣️ Favourite Quotes:
“Some love stories burn hot and fast, but you two are more low and slow. It’s a strong and steady kind of love.”
“Some love stories burn hot and fast, but you two are more low and slow. It’s a strong and steady kind of love.”
“You know, if you don’t like the road you’re on, you can always pave a new one.”
“Who said that? Robert Frost?”
“Dolly Parton.”
“Ah, God herself.”
“Thank you,” he continued, “for taking care of my baby girl.”
“She can take care of herself,” I said.
“I know she can, but you made sure she didn’t have to do it alone.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief