Lyla Sage has kicked off my 2024 reading with a solid cowboy romance! I like this setting quite a lot, and thought she did a good job handling mental health issues in this book. Some good character development in this one as well - and the spice was enjoyable too (sometimes I can find it corny but not here). My only note would be that I’m left with some questions about Ada’s past; I would have loved for that to be dived into a bit more. But overall an enjoyable read! Popping this one onto my cowboy romance recommendation list.

Swift and Saddled was absolute perfection Lyla is a master of the cowboy romance and I was swooning from page 1. I can’t wait to see what else Lyla has in store!

I loved this book! It’s so rare for me to finish a book in under 24 hours, but this book definitely made that happen for me. I loved returning to Rebel Blue and the Ryder family in this story. I love the cozy, small town setting; it really works with Sage’s writing style. The dynamic between the two main characters is very insta-love, but I actually really liked it. That trope is usually not one that works for me, but it did here.

Wes and Ada were so cute. Both of them fall for the other pretty quickly on, but the payoff of them finally recognizing it and coming together was precious. Although they do have quite the interaction in the first chapter, they dance around their connection through their time on ranch. The two work to bring Wes’ vision for ‘Baby Blue’ to life and I felt like I was transported to this small town, sitting on the porch and watching it all come together.

On top of all the other things I enjoyed about this book, sitting very close to the top of the list is the Ryder family. They are close-knit and loyal, selflessly caring for each other. It’s heartwarming and causes the reader to also feel like part of the family.

I overall so enjoyed this book! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it releases in March!

Swift and Saddled was not what I expected but in the best way.
The emotions you feel while reading will pull on your heartstrings.

Ada I feel is so relatable being an introvert myself and keeping my feelings close to my heart as well. She is guarded and wants to be able to let her walls down but doesn’t know how.

Wes wants nothing more than to find his own place in the Ryder family. As he navigates how to do that he falls hard for Ada. He sees everything she tries to burry deep inside. They ways he showed her he cared and would continue to be a constant for her was swoon worthy.

“I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won’t look at me.”

Their slow burn romance is everything, I loved every second.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lyla Sage for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so fun y'all, had me smiling and giggling out loud. It wasn't five because I felt like there could've been more detail and relationship building between the MCs and the group of girlfriends the FMC develops. Overall great fun read - loved the depression rep. Loved Wes as a whole, what a dream boat.

Lets just pause and admire this cover. It is so nostalgic yet modern and fun and makes me smile! The story is wonderful. I LOVE Ada--I see so much of myself in her. Not her hotness or design talents but her introverted and self-doubting traits. And Wes is such a sweetheart. The ranch is a beautiful setting and the family is fun and loving. Really looking forward to Gus and Teddy's story-which will be when?!?!?!? I started with this book but will definitely go back to read book 1. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

I saw this on NetGalley, thought the cover was ridiculously beautiful, requested the first one in the series from my library, read that, and then requested this one. And I have no regrets! I usually agree with the whole "don't judge a book by its cover" thing but with this series, the covers are just everything. I didn't like this one quite as much as Done and Dusted but I did still enjoy it a lot. Weston, the middle Ryder child, is kind of a go along to get along type of guy, willing to do whatever he needs to in order to help his siblings, his father, and their ranch. His big passion project (which was revealed in the first book) is converting the original family home on the ranch (which has been abandoned for decades) into a guest ranch. Through his sister's friend Teddy's designer connections, he hires an out of town interior designer to come to Meadowlark and completely overhaul the place. That designer is Ada Hart, who is struggling to recover from a pretty dismal marriage that ended in a surprise divorce. She sees the project in Meadowlark as a way to get out of San Francisco and get on track professionally. She comes to town completely focused on work, but surprises herself the very first night in town by kissing a hot stranger in the local dive bar without even asking his name. Of course that stranger is Wes, the rancher she's been emailing with for months and who has hired her for the job at Blue Rebel ranch. There wasn't quite as much tension as there was in the first book, but it made sense to me here that things would be a little softer between Wes and Ada, both of whom have vulnerabilities that they don't often show. I did enjoy this, and it was nice to be back in this world, but I *must* have Teddy and Gus's book ASAP.

Thank you to NetGalley for the privilege of reading an arc of Swift and Saddled

This is the best black-cat-golden-retriever romance I’ve read. Black-cat FMC often means they’re just a jerk. Not Ada. She is quiet and introverted but she’s still got a kind heart and is pushing herself out of her comfort zone. Wes is patient and understanding with Ada and she learns and grows in this new phase of life.

I absolutely loved this. I loved the black cat depiction, I loved the mental health representation, and I love the welcoming Ryder family. This was even better than the first book in the series in my opinion. Thank you Lyla Sage, you are absolutely killing the cowboy romance era!!

THIS IS HOW YOU DO A SMALL-TOWN COWBOY ROMANCE!!! I am SAT for Wes and Ada. I enjoyed Done & Dusted, but I absolutely adored Swift & Saddled. Wes and Ada were written in a very real way that made them so easy to relate to and feel for. I thought the he falls first trope was done very well... like my man Wes was whipped . I will 100% be recommending this to anyone and everyone.

Small town workplace romance between newcomer with a dark past (we know this because of her sleeve tattoo) and her absurdly perfect cowboy boss. I mean, he rescues baby cows and never does anything wrong ever.
The chemistry was great and I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I just found the second half to be boring and the 3rd act conflict to be rushed.

Thanks to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

So great!!

Maybe a little too insta-lovey for my taste and I had some other issues but I did love their story.

4 Stars I was so excited to get an advanced copy of Swift and Saddled after quickly finishing the first book in the series, Done and Dusted, on audiobook and loving it. For those who love small town, cowboy romances from authors like Elsie Silver and Ava Hunter, you will love the Ryder family and Blue Rebel Ranch!

A year after her divorce, city-girl Ada Hart is hired as the interior designer for the renovation of a forthcoming inn at Blue Rebel Ranch in small town Wyoming. Just after arriving in Meadowlark, Ada shares a kiss in a dive bar with a cowboy whose name she didn’t catch before running off. But low and behold, that cowboy turns out to be Weston “Wes” Ryder, the man who hired her for the job and her boss for the next few months. Wes is thrilled to see Ada again after their kiss, but less thrilled that she seems to want nothing more to do with him, even though they both feel the pull between them.

I really enjoyed that both Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled were fast paced, easy, low-angst reads. They are the perfect palate cleanser after reading a “heavier” novel. A delightful read that I definitely recommend!

Another hit from Lyla Sage! Wes and Ada were such a sweet couple. They were absolutely giving black cat x golden retriever vibes and I ate it up.

Wes Ryder is such a soft boy and it was honestly refreshing to read. Of course, we all love a rugged cowboy but there's something about Wes's softness and vulnerability that won me over. I absolutely loved how candid and open Wes was about his mental health and I appreciate the way Lyla Sage wrote about depression. Ada on the other hand was such a complex character. Where Wes is open, Ada is closed. Due to past trauma she's built a wall to protect herself and that results in a push and pull between her and Wes. Seeing her embrace her emotions and be vulnerable with Wes had me smiling through my tears.

As always, the Ryder family has my heart and I love them. My favourite thing about reading small town romances is the side characters and god I love each and everyone in this series. You can feel the love between all the characters and Lyla Sage does a fantastic job at setting up future books. I can see this series getting better with each release and I'm so excited to read Teddy & Gus book later on this year!

This was a very enjoyable read! Done & Dusted set my expectations and Swift & Saddled met those tenfold. The character of Ada was heartfelt and is likely someone many readers will be able to relate to. She's very well developed. Wes is a dreamboat! There were more multiple times in which the readers will swoon. I do wish we got to see a bit more of his battle with depression. It felt like it was talked about more than it was shown - and every mention of it felt as though there was an implication that something big in that regard was coming. Overall a fun and earnest read that perfectly fits a popular sector of the romance genre. Thank you for the ARC!

Lyla Sage is writing the small town cowboy romances that everyone needs. Her writing style is very reminiscent of Elsie Silver and the characters are just as lovable.

Ada and Wes have a brief moment of passion in a bar one night before realizing that they will be working together. Their chemistry is clear, but that sweet cowboy is patient and kind with her.

The romance is perfect and not rushed, the family bonds are deep, and the interest in the other characters has me eager to read the next book.

There are definitely questions to be answered (hello, Cam!), but I’m eager to see what happens next.

This story feels like a warm hug. From the very beginning you feel like you’ve come home. This book feels like home.

Tell me how the most romantic fantasy I’ve ever read couldn’t hold a candle to how this small town western romance made me blush and kick my feet and swoon and sob like a baby.

You thought Done and Dusted was great?

I’d like to introduce you to Swift and Saddled.

Swift and Saddled follows Ada Hart and Wes Ryder.

Ada left San Francisco to come to Meadowlark Wyoming for a career opportunity as a designer of a large project on the Rebel Blue Ranch and Wes is the one who hired Ada as the designer.

What they don’t know is the little trysts they had as strangers in the Devil’s Boot bar the night before…. Happened with each other 😳

Ada is running from so many things in her life. It’s what she does best. And Wes has grown up as the middle child and has so much to prove.

The energy of these two characters fit so well. Ada gives off black cat energy and Wes gives off golden retriever for sure.

Wes is so respectful and kind and sweet I just want to cry because he’s so precious.

Wes is taking on his first big project with the family and he feels like he’s got a lot to prove. There’s a quote that makes my eyes water. Wes says “some days I wasn’t very proud to be me, but I was always proud to be my dad’s son” 😫

I love a book where the family dynamics are good and everyone loves each other. Amos Ryder is the dad and head of Rebel Blue Ranch and he’s so kind and he loves his kids and supports them and he even meddles a little bit in a cute way to prop up his kids or push them in a positive direction and it’s so refreshing. We need more of that! Happy loving supporting family and parents.

Ada has been through a lot, she’s been through a divorce, she’s felt like she’s not good enough, trapped, she’s been through so much and coming to rebel Blue Ranch was the first time in years Ada was able to take a deep breath. And when she did that. So did I.

There’s a scene in the book where Ada is talking about cows and she says “I am a firm believer that if you pass them while you're driving, you're legally obligated to point at them and say "Cows!" That had me laughing out loud! Ada’s inner monologue is hilarious!

Wes has mannerisms that make me blush. And the best part is, it’s natural. It’s just who he is. Every smile, every smirk, his dimples, tipping his hat, offering his jacket, being close by but not smothering. Every part of this man is perfection.

This story deals with depression and mental health in such a respectful and caring way.

I really feel like this book was therapeutic for me and I think a lot of people will agree when they read this. It’s so much more than just a small town romance.

There’s so many scenes in this book that were laugh out loud funny! Lyla has a way of writing that is just so entertaining.

Wes is so golden retriever sweet but when he puts that German shepherd face on. Oh snap. When he gets bold and tells Ada what to do I just drop to the floor I can’t even handle it. When he says “get in the truck, ada” I’m a goner help.

There’s a scene where he’s teaching her how to drive stick shift…. It made me sweaaaat help 911 and he had to adjust her seat and you guys I’m unwell.

There’s a scene where Wes winks at Ada and when I tell you I had to put this book down and say a prayer. I mean it.

The end of chapter 12. It was so charged I can’t even handle it. I think about that scene daily. Multiple times a day. It made my heart stop. The tension and slow burn in this book literally was painful.

There’s a part where they’re laughing in the car and it’s so funny and so contagious I absolutely started laughing with them I was howling like an idiot and smiling till my cheeks hurt.

There’s a quote Ada says “He was so gentle - so comforting. He talked to me the way people talked to plants when they want them to grow”

Wes is the sun to Ada and that is truly the heart of this story he is her sun and light and he helps her shine as bright as possible.

The way Ada feels about friendships and connecting with other people is so relatable. It’s difficult to fit in and that type of feeling like an outcast was so relatable and makes you feel less alone.

Even though this book is about the romantic relationship first and foremost the friendship that Ada builds with the other girls is what truly made my heart swell.

We meet some new players on the Rebel Blue chessboard and I am absolutely squealing for these books to continue.

Wes is insecure he’s the middle child and he’s got something to prove to his family with this project and he needs to learn to be a little more confident and go after what he wants even if it means he takes charge and leaves us in a puddle on the floor when he learns how to be a little more assertive.

There’s a moment when they’re caught in a storm and Ada is crying and concerned about something that has a double meaning to her own life and insecurities and Wes comforts her and his nickname for her is sweetheart and I was a goner.

There’s a massive storm and the power goes out in the house.🤭

There’s a text message group chat in the book that’s freaking hilarious I was cackling.

This book teaches you that softness is a strength too.

Riley, Gus’s daughter has my whole heart I’m obsessed with her she’s so sweet.

This book makes me want to buy a carhart jacket and a pair of boots and move to Wyoming to be one with the cows and the big blue sky I swear to you guys I don’t know how Lyla does it but she makes this the most beautiful world you truly want to live in it. I want the lives of these characters I want to be these characters. I want to be their friend. If there was ever a better book to give you an escape and make you smile like an idiot it’s this book. It’s this series.

Ada and Wes are repairing and creating this beautiful guest ranch together and the building itself is truly a metaphor for their relationship and them as individuals. It’s beautiful it’s got flaws it’s got so much potential and it just needs nurturing and attention and someone to believe in it.

Swift and Saddled has my heart. This book was beautiful, therapeutic, open, honest, gentle. This book is a friend. And I think everyone needs to read this story and heal at Rebel Blue Ranch.

Swift and Saddled is part of a new series by debut author Lyla Sage. I had high expectations going into this book and was not left disappointed! You can see the progress in Sage's writing and I know she's going to go far with this series. Swift and Saddled has all the tropes you could want. You have black cat x golden retriever, found family, small town, and spice! The Rebel Blue Ranch Series is for sure going to be an auto buy!

The amount of love I have for Lyla is limitless!!

This book has become my whole personality and I’m okay with that. Ada and Wes captured my heart like no other. After reading Done and Dusted, I knew I’d love Wes. However, I didn’t realize how much I’d love him. He’s such a golden retriever I think he can be used as a prime example for one. There are so many good moments in this book I’m pretty sure I smiled throughout. Lyla has done it again, and this may be her best one yet! I cannot recommend this book enough, Wes and Ada are everything you could ask for!

This is my first review of 2024 eeeeep.

This book is the second in Rebel Blue Ranch, I absolutely loved the first and I was so happy to get an arc of Swift and Saddled.

"I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won't look at me."

Within this book Ada comes over to the Rebel Blue Ranch as a designer/project manager to help Wes with the 'old house'. There is an insta attraction, it is a city girl and a country boy and you get dual pov.

This book was very different to the first in the series, which was a nice surprise as you get a really heartwarming story with a beautifully happy ending. I loved reading about this pair falling in love because to be honest, I am just rooting for all of the Ryder family. This book took some deeper themes about divorce and mental health which had you swooning over the found family aspect of this book. Lyla Sage knows how to make you fall in love with this family and this home

'Kissing Wes was the closest thing I'd ever had to a religious experience'

Wes is the most lovable Ryder there is, and Ada is more of a black cat. Ada learns so much about what it is to accept love and trust someone again within this book- and I am sure many will be able to relate to her character development. Wes suffers from depression in this book, but this is never interpreted as restricting only part of him as a person.


We also get treated to a snippet of the next book 'Lost and Lassoed' which is out in the fall of 2024. I cannot explain my excitement for Teddy and Gus, these two are going to be explosive in the best way and I am here for it.

“You say you’re not nice, or warm, or bright, or any of these other stupid f*king words that people use to describe the sun, but I never asked you to be the sun”

“I would rather have the moon anyway”

Not only is he a hot cowboy, has a cute dog, is RESPECTFUL, but he says stuff like this to you….

I was bawling, I was sweating 🥵, I was a complete disaster, and I was absolutely hooked from page one. I have never read a “Cowboy Romance” and I’m glad I started with this!

Also… can someone invite me to the next Ryder Day??!!!!!!!