I really had higher hopes for this one based off the first few chapters but it fell into the same lull like the first book and I found myself just losing interest. It took me a while to figure out what exactly it was that I wasn’t vibing with in these books and I think it comes down to the lack of character connection. Right from the get go we were supposed to feel the chemistry between Ada and Wes but I just didn’t feel it. It felt more like we were being told they had this crazy connection without it actually being there.

Overall it’s not a bad read, I’ll still give it 3 stars. But it’s missing that sparkle that would take it into that 4-5 star range for me.

DNF at 40%. I am interested in these characters but the story is incredibly boring. The book initially sucked me in but failed to keep my attention moving forward. Done and Dusted had the same issue (even though I do think that one was better). One thing that this book has going for it is the cover. So much better than other cowboy romances! Thank you to The Dial Press for and NetGalley for the E-ARC.

Picking up a Rebel Blue Ranch book is like being whisked away to charming Wyoming ranch and cuddled in the biggest group hug ever. This cast of characters is entirely charming, the romance sizzles, and the friendships will steal your heart. It’s no wonder Lyla has become an instant sensation!

Things I liked:
- The family and friendship dynamics between the Ryders and the other side characters
- The set up for potential couples in future books
- Mental health/ depression representation
- Ada’s relationship with other female character and her struggle feeling like she doesn’t fit in with female groups

Things I struggled with:
- Lack of a backstory with Ada’s ex husband. I felt like her trauma from that relationship was discussed a lot but what actually happened to cause that trauma wasn’t
- While I really appreciated the scene where Wes discussed his depression it felt like that was the only time it was acknowledged and then after that it was never mentioned again. It just didn’t feel realistic
- The romance felt very instalove
- The pacing was very strange. I think scenes that could have really added more to the story were over far too quickly and once we hit the 70% mark it started to feel a bit repetitive

Overall, while I did enjoy myself I was left wanting more from the characters and the development of the relationship.


Thank you to NetGalley, Lyla Sage, Dial Press, and Random House for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Lyla Sage, the publisher, and NetGalley for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Swift and Saddled follows FMC, Ada Hart, an interior designer who recently was divorced and feeling like she failed at life. Ada heads to Meadowlark, Wyoming to take on a big project. Ada runs into MMC, Weston Ryder, at a bar and has a steamy connection with him right off the bat. Ada and Wes hit it off, but when Ada starts her first day at her new project, the two cross paths once more- Wes hired Ada. The two have an undeniable connection, how long until they fold for one another?

Lyla Sage does not disappoint!! I adored this book. I love Ada and Wes so much. I liked this more than Done and Dusted, which is bonkers to me because I loved the first book so much! Weston is a golden retriever boyfriend and deserves so much love since he is always giving love to others no matter what!! Ada deserves so much love and I think Wes is the perfect person for her in that regard. The two love deeply and have so much chemistry, it is just chef’s kiss. The spice in this was really good. I didn’t feel like it was too much or too little. My cheeks hurt from smiling at their flirting, it was so good.

The topic of depression was touched on slightly and I do think it was well done. Lyla Sage did a good job at showing the impact depression has had on Weston’s character and showed that yes he has been depressed, BUT he is pushing through, seeking treatment, and working on his mental health. I thought the dialogue between Weston and Ada about depression was subtle but important, compassionate, and sweet. I think Ada showed Wes that he’s more than his depression and can and deserves to be loved.

I loved reading about Emmy and Luke’s relationship and seeing how they’ve grown together. I am so excited to have a book about Teddy and Gus!!! I can’t wait to read about those two!!

I love love love this series so far and Lyla Sage is now an auto buy author!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC! This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and getting an ARC was so exciting. I love me a good cowboy romance and this certainly delivered. I fell in love with Weston and Ada right away. The struggles that Ada was dealing with were so real. I wish that what Wes was doing through was touched on a little bit more. I loved seeing a male main character being opened and honest about mental health struggles and wish it was touched on more. Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend giving it a read when it comes out. If I had to pick my favorite between the two in the series so far I would say this one is my favorite!!

3.5 ⭐️

This was super fast paced and enjoyable- the beginning was kind of slow and cringy though, so it did take a while to get into. However, I really liked the calming western vibes of the whole book overall. (The smut was really good too 👀)

Is Western romance my new thing? After this one I think yes. It’s fun. It’s spicy. Evidently cowboys are the best. For a quick little read pick this one up.

I was surprised by this book! I had never read anything by Lyla Sage before and I promptly picked up the first book in this series, Done and Dusted, after finishing this one. I love when the man falls first and Wes was a great romantic lead. He respects Ada and her talents and gives her space when he thinks she needs it. Their love was healing!

I devoured this book. The mental health representation was simply perfect. Wes's struggles with depression felt very real, and Ada's empathy was everything. The romance had the best progression from strangers to lovers. I adored the first book in the series and I'm so happy that Lyla continues to write great cowboy romances. I am pumped for the next book in the series, and I hope for a fourth one.

Is there anything about Rebel Blue not to love!? Ada and Wes, goodness I just loved their story.

Ada's life had been rocky with a failed marriage and failed out of interior school. She had nobody but herself to dig her out of the hole she had fallen in. She trusted only herself and had walls built up keeping people from getting to close.
When she arrives to Meadowlark to start on the largest project of her career, she's found herself at a local dive bar exchanging glances with a sexy cowboy. Feeling bold, she leads him to the back of the bar where they exchange some heavy kissing she's only dreamed about. She thought she would never see him again, until the next morning when she realized he was her new boss.
Wes was happy to be starting his dream project at Rebel Blue Ranch. When the mysterious woman from the bar shows up as his new interior designer, he's ecstatic. When Ada lays it down she's only in town to complete her job and not be distracted, Wes doesn't go away.
Can Ada continue to push her feelings away or will Wes tear down her walls along with Rebel Blues?
Rebel Blue and the Ryder family has stolen my heart all over again. Loved everything about this novel!

4.5🌟
Wes and Ada🥹the absolute sweetest couple. I love the black cat x gold retriever trope and this was perfect!!! Once again I could not put this down—it was beautiful, entertaining, steamy but also full of emotion. I’m also so obsessed with the Ryder family and Rebel Blue Ranch—Lyla has me wanting to pack my bags and move to Meadowlark!
The little pieces of Emmy and Brooks too were amazing🫶🏻

Also…Teddy and Gus are next!!!! The way I’m so feral for their story I need it immediately!!! I have been eating up every little crumb she has given of them so far and the sneak peek chapter at the end!? I’m unwell. Counting down the days till Lost and Lassoed come out😍🩵

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage is book 2 in the Rebel Blue Ranch series. This spicy and sweet cowboy romance tells the story of Ada and Wes, seemingly polar opposites, but truly made for each other in all the ways that count. I loved Ada immediately. She’s fiery, funny, sarcastic, and creative. Her journey throughout this book added so much depth and relatability to her character. Watching her realize she is worthy of a good, kind, and healthy love made my heart melt.

And Wes. Sweet, sweet boy Wes. One of the most thoughtful, genuine, and gentle book boyfriends out there. He is THE standard. He will run into a raging storm to rescue and bottle feed a baby cow, and will also make you blush with the things that come out of his mouth. He felt like a safe place to land and I know he just gives the best hugs.

Ada and Wes crept up on me so beautifully and slowly. I absolutely adored their story and how Lyla depicted each of their individual struggles in a realistic way. I need more of them!

I was very excited to get an eARC for "Swift and Saddled" by Lyla Sage after devouring "Done and Dusted". The second book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series follows the middle child of the Ryder family, Wes as he embarks to make his own mark on the family ranch. As part of this new venture, Wes hires interior designer, Ada Hart, who is out to prove to herself that she can be successful and a fulfilled human on her own. Unbeknownst to them, Wes and Ana make out in the bar the night before meeting in-person to start work. Ada is insistent that this relationship remain professional and that she cannot jeopardize her new career, but how long can she resist kind, caring and sexy Wes Ryder. Can Ada and Wes be in a relationship while both holding on their individual dreams?

I enjoyed this fun and sweet story. I actually think I loved Wes and Ada more than Brooks and Emmy. They are both caring and communicative. However, I didn't feel any stakes in this story like I did in the first book. I love the Ryder family and their love for one another as well as all the supporting characters. I wish we got more from the Cam and Dustin story that was hinted at, maybe in the next book or maybe they get their own book eventually. I assumed this would be a trilogy, but why not make it a tetralogy. (I had to look that up. I had no idea what a 4 book series would be called).

"You are the moon. And I am the tides." <-- Insert me squealing. Swift and Saddled was the perfect follow-up book to Done and Dusted! Not everything was rainbow and sunshine, but I mean this in the best way. This couple felt REAL. They worked through their past demons together and complimented each other PERFECTLY. I binge-read this book in a day and was not ready for it to be over. I cannot wait to read more books from Lyla Sage! Thank you so much NetGalley for giving me this opportunity.

I wish I could give this book more than five stars. It is SUCH a beautiful love story, oh my god. Wes and Ada are everything. I am honestly speechless and have no idea where to even start.

Weston Ryder needs to be protected at all costs. A pure cinnamon roll, has a way with words, and will take care of you at any given opportunity. Seriously, Lyla wrote the most perfect man. Everyone will be salivating over him.
Ada Hart is afraid to make connections because she has always felt like a burden or not enough. She has been through a tough past relationship, so when Wes (also her boss) shows interest in her, she cannot seem to believe that someone so good and pure, could have any sort of interest in her. But Wes will not back down without a fight.


Seriously, holy mother of god. I am obsessed with this book. If you all thought done and dusted was amazing, just wait until you get your hands on Wes & Ada. The absolute chokehold they have on me is unbelievable.

Solid 3 star read but didn’t quite hook me like Done & Dusted did. Took me around a week to read this book, and it’s not a crazy long one. The story just fell flat at times. I like the characters. I liked the overall plot. Wasn’t a big fan of the insta love. And boy is it insta love. I think overall it just didn’t have the same pacing that kept me wanting to pick it up.

Still over fun to go back to Rebel Blue. Really looking forward to seeing what happens with Gus and Teddy. That tension needs to break!

I read Done & Dusted a few weeks ago and fell in love. This was my first cowboy romance and it did not disappoint.

When I got the arc for Swift & Saddled, I was so happy I cried.

I absolutely love this series.

I love all of the characters in this series. Each book is about a seperate couple, but the side characters are still very well placed and known. I love the authors writing period.

This follows Emmy's brother, Wes. He is wanting to remodel the old house on their ranch property and brings in Ada. She's a designer and was looking for a big project to set off her career. The chemistry between these two characters was on point, I love that Wes is the good guy. I was able to relate to Ada in many ways, I felt connected to her. I also can connect with Wes on the depression level.

I think mental health was an amazing addition to the book, as many people struggle with it. I also think adding the female problems that Ada has are very relatable.

I loved this book. I can't wait for book three and I'm really hoping to see a Dusty & Cam book as well!

Thank you so much for this arc.

It’s cowboys, it’s a huge family that keeps taking in anyone who needs to be taken in, it’s sweet, it’s sexy. This one was about wanting to be seen and following your heart (and I love that following your heart doesn’t mean having to sacrifice other important things). So far this series is nonstop perfect cozy romance, and I’m looking forward to the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC!

Can I just move to the Rebel Blue Ranch, cause I'd like to live there now and hang out with all these characters. I fell in love with all things Rebel Blue in Done & Dusted, and that love was solidified with Swift & Saddled. This time round readers have the pleasure of seeing Ada & Wes resist their magnetic attraction to one another, and ultimately fall in love. Swift & Saddled is sweet, sexy, slow burning, and completely addictive. Lyla Sage has once again delivered the cowboy romance of our dreams.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy to review.