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??!!!!!!!

My first 5* of 2024! It took me until the second book, but this is where I fell in love with Rebel Blue. No toxic silliness or over the top plot lines... just a simple, beautiful, slow unfolding story. I adore every character we've met thus far and appreciate how genuine and GOOD Wes is (without the uber over-masculine persona one might assume from an MMC of a cowboy romance). I also love how Ada is quiet, simple, and not outgoing -- totally opposite of our typical FMC who "gets the guy". There were so many beautiful sentiments and epic quotes that I had to read more than once because I fell in love with the thoughtfulness and care given to each character and meaningful exchange. I am so so happy the series is going to continue and I can't wait for the third book to be released.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Swift & Saddled makes you want to pack your bags and move onto Rebel Blue Ranch. There is such a comfy and cozy feeling to Lyla’s books. The characters feel real and so relatable that it’s like you’re in it with them.

I loved Ada’s personality from the very beginning. She had me laughing out loud multiple times. As seen in the previous book, Lyla Sage has a gift for banter and humor that lifts off the page. The familial and friend relationships that she created felt so authentic and she did an awesome job of using more trendy/current references without being cringy or overdoing it. I was living for the Taylor Swift references - it made it so easy to connect with all the girls in the group.

Lyla also has been given the gift of writing dreamy to die for cowboys. Wes was such a perfect character. The adorable scene with the cow absolutely melted my heart. I also adored the mental health rep and how genuine and honest he was. Ada and Wes were the perfect pairing for each other and we love such a supportive beau who admires his partner’s dreams and career.

The spice was top tier. I LOVED the build up of not only the tension but also the emotional intimacy. The first full spice scene was so unique and I loved how Wes was so thoughtful and prioritized her emotional safety but without sacrificing the spiciness of it all.

I read this in one sitting and remain a huge fan of Lyla’s work and I cannot wait for the next book on the ranch! 🫶🏼💙

Thank you NetGalley & Dial Press for this eARC! This review will be posted on my Instagram on March 5th and will likely be included in my YouTube January/March reading review roundup.

Man oh man I just love me a cowboy romance. Rebel Blue Ranch is everything I’ve wanted and more. It sounds absolutely stunning, with so much family and history. It sounds like the most magical place.

Ada Hart - ugh girl I just want to hug you. I felt so much of myself in her character. So hard on the outside but just wanted to be loved and accepted as she is. If only we could see ourselves as others see us. Ada was smart, hilarious and hardworking. Seeing her work through her insecurities and open up was truly inspiring. I also loved that she had tattoos.

Weston freaking Ryder - my new favourite book boyfriend OOF yall he is IT! He was kind, caring, sexy, sweet, hardworking, saves baby cows, loves his family and is open about his mental health struggles. What more could you want!

This was a great second book in the Rebel Blue series. This story follows Weston aka Wes Ryder and interior designer, Ada Hart and their romance.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I am officially in my cowboy era! I fell in love with Done & Dusted as soon as I started it and once I was finished I simply could not wait any longer for the next one. I immediately requested an ARC and was so excited to be approved. Let me tell you, Lyla Sage does it again! I read this in one day, it was THAT good. Ada was the most relatable character I have ever read in a book, our personalities and insecurities are pretty much identical. I have never felt so close to a character and so seen, the amount of highlighting I did in this book was excessive. I loved how reassuring Wes was and how he loved her exactly how she needed to be loved. He was patient, kind, and didn't let her insecurities affect him. Everyone deserves a Wes in their life. Wes & Ada will hold a special place in my heart forever and I cannot wait for the next book in the series....Teddy and Gus 😍. I never knew I would be into a cowboy romance, but here I am begging for more. If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for??

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A golden retriever cowboy who is literally the sweetest man ever? Yes Lyla Sage give us more of Wes Ryder because he was the best, and perfect for Ada. Their story was a little bit of a slow burn, but it was soooooooo good. I love that we got more of the Ryder family in Wes and Ada’s story and I can’t wait to see them all in book three. It really felt like they were all such a supportive group for not only Wes but also Ada, and it was so sweet seeing them welcome her into their Rebel Blue family with open arms. The relationships in Swift and Saddled were a huge part of the book and it was very swoon worthy experiencing their budding romance, and the sweet found family aspect of the story. The entire book was so easy to get into, and the characters were all amazing. Shout out to Lyla Sage for her steamy romance scenes because they were equally hot and heartwarming to read. This series is one of my favs!

Omg Lyla Sage has done it again. Done & Dusted was one of my favorite romances of the year and I’m so happy to say Swift & Saddled is just as good! I ADORED these two. Ada was such a relatable FMC. The black cat to Wes’ golden retriever was just a chef’s kiss. I REALLY enjoyed that we got more scenes with ALL our favorite characters in it. This was absolutely sunshine and wonderful and a yeehaw fabulous time.

"I think I might have been homesick for Rebel Blue before I knew it existed."

There's just something so special about Lyla's writing. It's warm, it's cozy, it's comforting, it's honest. It feels like coming home. She can suck you into the story immediately and not let you go until you finish. I had the biggest smile on my face while reading, while also shedding a few tears and being very deep in my feels.

I thought Ada was going to be the main character I connected with the most, but Wes took the first place. It was the best surprise. I loved the mental health representation and how Lyla tackled the subject of depression in Wes. It felt like I was reading about myself. Wes is sunshine personified. He is pure, he is joy, he is so wickedly smart, he is so thoughtful, a consent king, and his mouth!? Lord have mercy. The girlies are not ready for Wes. I cannot wait to see them go feral for him.

Ada is the sort of FMC I love because she's the kind of FMC I admire. I love that she's an interior designer, what a joy it is to read about a main character with the same profession as me! A prickly black cat woman who grew to accept a life she wasn't expecting but deserves nonetheless. I loved her journey of healing and acceptance, it was so beautiful to read.

I loved Wes and Ada's dynamic. A sweet slowburn with an epic reward. I loved how Wes remained a constant for Ada, how he showed her that no matter what he will be there, how she healed and grew and accepted love she didn't feel like she deserved.

This book was pure JOY all around, I cannot wait for it to be out in the world!

Thank you so much Lyla, The Dial Press, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.

“i think i might have been homesick for rebel blue before i even knew it existed”

going to start this the same way i started my review of done and dusted because it’s more true now than ever before: LYLA SAGE THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE!!!!!!! my heart quite literally feels like it’s doing cartwheels in my chest. i am truly amazed by lyla’s brain!! a true genius!!!!
i really do believe this is a perfect work of art and it has veryyyyy quickly become a comfort book to me!! like seriously, the way i feel about this book needs to be studied in a lab i just know it is not normal!! swift and saddled is the perfect level of light hearted that makes you swoon!! and fun that will have you grinning like an idiot at your kindle/book!! and romantic that will make your heart all perfectly warm and fuzzy! while still having depth and some discussions of heavier topics that make the story that much more meaningful and special. both the story and characters are so perfectly earnest and genuine and real!!!

now before i get to wes and ada; i adore the way lyla has included all of the rebel blue characters we met in done and dusted (and introducing some new ones!!!!!!!! ah!!!!) into this next story! i am so in awe of how intentional lyla is in her storytelling and how she has found the perfect balance between focusing on the current couple while still developing side characters and their relationships. lyla had me falling in love with emmy and luke even more than i already did in done and dusted and duh! gus and teddy and amos… and cam!!!!!!! i am soooo excited we are getting to know cam more, i love her to pieces already! the girlhood in this book is so powerful and fills my heart with the most love and warmth. female friendships are so so so powerful and meaningful to me and lyla really delivered with the girls here!! all this to say, i am just so in love with the way lyla has included everyone from this universe, and strengthened so many relationships, and made me fall in love with ALL of them even more, while still making wes and ada the center of the story.

ok so now for wes and ada. i’m in love with them. wes is the #1 baby boy, golden retriever, emotionally mature, levelheaded, secure mmc in the whole world. i think he might be in my top 3 book boyfriends in the whole world now. the way he cares so deeply for ada, even before truly knowing her, and is so observant of her and attentive, constantly making sure she feels safe and comfortable literally chokes me up!! he is just so tremendously thoughtful and i feel like i could write an entire page worth of how much i love wes and his actions, he is just that perfect! he is such a MAN! better than a man!!!! men could never even think about being on the level that wes ryder is on he is a whole different species i think.
and my sweet sweet ada baby. i love her to pieces. she is the most relatable and real!! she’s just a lonely girl who’s been scarred and is trying to fight her way back. my archer baby!!!! she is so terrified that people will see right through her (spoiler alert, they do) and that they won’t like what they see and leave (spoiler alert, they love her, and they stay). i’m also just obsessed with her whole “i tried so hard to not be like other girls but i actually wanted to be just like them” self-awareness and thank god for that!! i got a little scared there for a second she was going to be a taylor swift hater!! phew!
and of course, the wessda relationship: they are addicting!!! their chemistry right off the bat is insane!! and i really really enjoyed the secret mutual pining, they were both down bad pretty much immediately, even when they (more so ada) were trying to fight it. but i also love that they were more careful with each other and did get to know eachother a lot before ending up in a relationship, even if that was more so because ada’s reluctance to being in a relationship and especially one with her boss!!! their love is so pure and they just love and care for eachother so deeply and lyla did the most perfect job showing that. and i mean, the last 10% was so unimaginably breathtaking!! wes waiting at the welcome to meadowlark sign!!! like i truly could have never imagined that scene being any better. i think it’s one of my new favorite scene/chapters in a book ever. and of course, the circle back to “they were a forever sort of thing” had me bursting out in sobs.

i also want to add that lyla’s representation and discussions of mental illness in her books are so raw and real and have made me feel so understood time after time.

i’ve used “perfect” probably an absurd, boarderline excessive amount of times in this review and for that i’m sorry. but also, i truly cannot think of any better word to explain this book. absolute perfection. lyla sage amazes me and i feel so incredibly lucky that she decided to grace us with her beautiful brain and words and stories.

all the stars!!!!!

*thank you so much to Dial Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I was a big fan of DONE AND DUSTED when it was first published, so it's safe to say I had high hopes for SWIF T SADDLED. Well...it did not disappoint! It was just as cute, sweet, and sexy as the former. Lyla Sage's romances are the perfect feel-good, quick read!

I adored the first installment in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Done and Dusted, so when I saw the sequel post on NetGalley, I could not hit the ‘request’ button fast enough. Swift and Saddled opens with a trope I didn’t know I needed -- kiss a stranger. When it turns out the stranger Ada kissed in the dive bar is her new interior design client, Wes, complications ensue.

The romance and story were both well-developed and compelling. Most of all, I liked the very real problems Ada and Wes had to work through to make the relationship work. For Wes, his cinnamon roll personality covers up some anxiety and depression, which is not something we see a lot in MMCs in romance. The representation was great to see. Ada has attachment issues based on past relationship trauma, both familial and romantic.

As others have mentioned, this cover is GORGEOUS and I love that Lyla doesn’t rely on third-act breakups. I really liked the set-up for Gus and Teddy and what looks like a new set-up for Cam (Gus’ baby mama) and newcomer Dusty.

A little cutesy in places and some weakness in the writing, but overall, a stellar second showing by Layla Sage. I cannot wait for Lost and Lassoed with Gus and Teddy. My thanks to NetGalley and the author for access to an eARC in return for an honest review.

I loved Done and Dusted and was equally enchanted by Swift and Saddled!!

The writing is well-done, but also relatable and easy to read. I loved the character development and depth Sage always includes. I did wish there was a little more about the main male character and showcasing more of his struggles.

Overall, this is a great cowboy romance and I cannot wait to read the next books in the Rebel Blue Ranch series!

Title: Swift and Saddled
Author: Lyla Sage
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Recommended: Yes!
Read if you like: forced proximity, cowboy romance, small town romance, mental health representation

While I enjoyed the first book in this series, I loved this one! I think it had a lot to do with the tropes since I prefer the tropes in this one. Either way, highly recommend this fun read!

I wanted 2023 to go out with a bang, and this book made sure it did both figuratively and literally. Ada's dealing with the baggage from her divorce when she uproots her life for a job in Wyoming. Enter Wes Ryder, the cinnamon roll cowboy dreamboat of our fantasies. I love Ada and Wes together with the sparks flying immediately, even in the Devil's Boot. He calls her sweetheart, is the absolute MOST supportive guy, and has extremely long fingers. Need I say more?

As someone with depression, I really identified with Wes's struggles even when it's "under control" through medication. I wish there was a bit more of a focus on it in the book, but I understand that Ada's issues needed to be more prevalent. And watching her find real love is just precious.

Also Teddy and Gus next!!! EEEEEEEE!!!

*Thank you to Dial Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This book made me so happy ;') I enjoyed Done and Dusted but I especially related to Ada in this sequel — particularly her attachment issues and restoration approach to interior design.