Member Reviews

Surprisingly short and refreshingly easy to binge, I can absolutely see why this small town series has been such a hit. The friend group and community feel tie the series together in a meaningful way, and the softness of the romance made it a light and sexy read. Actually, all of my (minor) complaints about this could be solved with a longer length; it's not often that I think a romance should be longer, but this love story only skimmed the surface of what it could be. I loved the black cat/golden retriever vibes and the puppy dog of a hero, who was smitten from the moment he met his girl. I loved the undercurrent of complexity to the characters, though that definitely could've been delved into deeper. And I could totally see myself getting wrapped up in the series if it had pushed just a little bit more. In the end, this ended up being a quick, easy read for me, but probably won't be a super memorable one.

The story follows Wes and Ada, two strangers who feel an instant zap of connection. Wes has been living in his small town forever and he rarely feels attraction, but just one look at Ada has his tongue wagging. The two share one steamy kiss that leaves them both wanting more... until Ada discovers that Wes is the interior design client she'll be working with for the next few months. She never would've kissed her new boss if she realized that's who he was, and it changes the dynamic of their relationship immediately. Though Wes seems to be a sweetheart of a man, Ada is still finding herself after a rough divorce - and she has no plans to stay in town long-term. But as the two dance around their feelings and get to know each other for the first time, it's impossible to ignore the attraction between them.

I've been meaning to check out Done and Dusted, but the tropes in this one are a better fit for me, so I decided to start here. And I'm glad that I did! It's easy to see that the series is very interconnected, with messy backstories between a bunch of the characters. But Ada is new in town and she's getting to know everyone, so it was actually a great introduction to the characters. I liked Ada just fine, but Wes steals the show here. He is such a big teddy bear and so totally smitten for his girl. I'm not always the biggest fan of instalove, but I don't mind a boy obsessed or he falls first trope, and that's what we've got here. The series is very tropey, actually. That's also partially why I can't rate it higher - at times, it felt like the plot was simply checking the expected boxes. There was so much potential for the characters to dig deeper (Ada's divorce, Wes' depression). Plenty of topics could've been explored further, and the book would've been better for it. There's also a lot of time spent with the friend group, so it almost felt like the romance was shortchanged at times. At a slim 320 pages, this is significantly shorter than a lot of the romance out there these days. Another 50-100 pages would've done wonders. But when my biggest complaint about a book is that there isn't enough of it, things are going pretty well. I enjoyed the soft and easygoing romance, and it made for a solid binge.

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Emmy and Brooks have nothing on Ada and Wes— sorry, not sorry.

🐎A must read for fans of cowboys, big sky landscape, green-eyed sweet men, and a found family that will wrap you like a cozy blanket on a cold day. 🐎

Come on back to the Rebel Blue Ranch where Ada and Wes are restoring the guest inn to its former glory. The whole crew is here to witness Wes’s fall for interior designer Ada, who has come to Rebel Blue for a chance at freedom.

Redesigning the guest inn is an uplifting journey and while we always will love Brooks, Wes is most definitely the new cowboy heartthrob in town.

This is one of the coziest books I’ve read. Ada is relatable and kind and Wes will strike you silent with his supportive, kind nature.

The Ryder family is the best supporting cast anyone could ask for and the sneak-peek into book three will have everyone howling for more. I just can't with the next book-- dying already for it.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy to review.

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Thank you to Lyla Sage, the punisher, and NetGalley for the free advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was the perfect, cozy cowboy romance. As someone who adored done & dusted, this one has just as much charm and love put into the writing, plot and characters, you can’t help fall in love! People will go absolutely feral for this sequel ❤️

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Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced readers copy! This is my honest review.

If I have any complaints about this book, it would be that it was too short! I love Wes and Ada's story. I went into this book expecting a simple quick romance, but I feel like I got more than that. The way that Wes' depression is mentioned and accepted is a breath of fresh air. Ada doesn't try and fix him she simply accepts him and it made the book feel real. I loved the way Wes communicates and isn't quick to fluster, he balances Ada out well. The slow build up was worth it. The spice was just right, and we get some examples of Wes' wonderful communication skills. Such a wholesome, fun and sexy read!!

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I was super excited for the next book.

Lyla wrote a great story. Wes and Ada both make great main characters. They each have their flaws, my biggest let down was there was no 3rd quarter incident.

Overall it was a decent read but I'm on the edge of my seat for Teddy's story.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC!
A good follow up to the first book in the series. I definitely would not suggest this book as a standalone; without prior knowledge of the family dynamic I feel the characters fall a bit flat. I did like the complexity of Ada as a character but wish we got to know her better. Her issues felt very surface level and without getting first hand experience of her past relationship, I struggled to connect with her and her issues. That being said it was a cute romance and a good set up for future couples in the series!

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5/freaking 5 stars! ⭐️

I would just like to thank whatever beautiful human being decided that I would be the best fit to review this book early 😍

Done and Dusted had me melting chapter by chapter but this book? Mark my words this will be the book of the spring. It was funny, it was sweet, the characters had chemistry.

This is one of those books that will stick with you for a while and that is a beautiful thing.

Big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC I promise to hype it up appropriately 🫡

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I don't usually read Western romance, but this book is one of the best books I've read in a long time so I feel very lucky that I found this series by accident. I devoured this book and I am ready to go back for the first one and I cannot wait for the third book.

This is one of those books that it would be easier to talk about if I didn't love it so so much. I feel almost protective of this book and these characters. It really wiggled right into my heart and I am not mad about it.

Wes and Ada are both written so well and their relationship grows so naturally while also giving them both personal growth. The mental health representation was so well done and adds even more to what I felt was already a well layered and relatable book. The location and other characters make this book feel so complete in a way I can't describe except to say that it felt like dropping in on real people - there are all those little interactions, backstories, and nuance that really made it feel like the reader was just dropping in (which is honestly so difficult for an author to get just right - there has to be a balance: too much and the main plot is smothered, not enough and it doesn't feel real).

I need more of these books asap PLEASE.

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I absolutely loved this book! I devoured it. Wes & Ada relationship was amazing. Ada comes to Rebel Blue Ranch as an interior designer. Wes is the perfect cowboy and definitely what Ada needed. Waylon is a big white fluffy dog that helps Wes with his depression. They both bonded in so many ways. The way he was with her when he was teaching her how use a manual, and listening to James Taylor while doing it, and when they saved the calf in the storm. This was perfection.

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UGHHHHH. Wes. I love you. You’re perfection.

Lyla did it again. I’m convinced she puts something addicting in these books. This book was different from Done and Dusted, but in the best way possible. Wes was a sweet man who just showed up over and over.

And the lack of third act break up??? Yes please.

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Lyla Sage should continue writing cowboy books forever. This series makes me want to go to Montana immediately and ride horses and live on a ranch. The romance was perfect and the spice was perfect. Loved this one.

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I want to move to Rebel Blue Ranch.

That is all.

I stumbled upon Done and Dusted unintentionally one day and was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. All that to say, when I saw Swift and Saddled up for request - I VERY intentionally ran myself right over to NetGalley and immediately scooped it up. It is safe to say that Lyla Sage did not disappoint. Wes and Ada's story is one of my favorites! I love that he is so tender and sweet, but has a tough side too. And Ada is putty for him. It's adorable really. I can't wait to see what else Sage comes out with... if it's anything as entertaining and addicting as the first two Rebel Blue books - count me in!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Ada and Wes were amazing. Rebel Blue Ranch is amazing.

We find these two lusting after each other which results in kissing in the hallway of a bar. Next thing you know Ada shows up at Wes's family home to help on a project. Ada tells Wes to stay away, she is trying to be professional, but they keep drawing towards one another. Ada finds family/friends in this book and we see Wes so patient and kind.

The spicy scenes were perfect and not unrealistic. I cannot wait to read more because you definitely get to see breadcrumbs for future novels!! I am excited for a possible Cam story (swoon)

Representation of mental health in Lyla's books is honestly the best.

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Full Stop. Amazing. Just like Done and Dusted. I couldn't put it down and I immediately wanted more! Sage is an instant read author for me!

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5⭐️
ARC review (12/5/2023)
This book was seriously like the warmest most comforting hug ever.
Wes Ryder, you now have a piece of my heart. The most gentle, caring, attentive, loving man I have ever read about. Seriously the epitome of men written by women, Layla Sage outdid herself with this one.
Ada Hart, you made me feel seen and you also made me feel strong and capable of good things.
Their love story was SO BEAUTIFUL and it just filled my heart with warmth and happiness.
They’re so many things I loved about this book, the side characters, the atmosphere, the tension, Loretta, Waylon and just everything.
I think this is one of my new favorite comfort books because it was just so heartwarming, hopeful and raw

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A quick and easy read. It took me a bit longer than I’d like to get into this book. I also had a difficult time connecting with the characters :( also I do wish we would have gotten a follow up about why the ex husband called?

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I was so excited to be immersed back in the cozy town of Meadowlark. Swift & Saddled was a “swift” read but delightful every step of the way. This feel-good cozy cowboy romance includes a perfect small town setting, found family elements, and most importantly two complex and relatable characters. Wes, the middle child of the Ryder family, showcases a realistic struggle with depression and how it can affect your relationships. Ava brings her own set of baggage from her past relationship. One of my favorite parts was how they honestly communicated and sought to validate each other and their needs throughout their story arch. Their relationship and connection seemed so genuine as we saw them get to know each other, work together, laugh together, and overcome their personal challenges. I honestly just wish I had more time with them and more scenes of them working on Baby Blue (also the name 🥹) together!! I hope we get little glimpses of them in future books as we did with Brooks and Emmy. And I can’t wait to watch more of the Ryders fall in love (Gus and Teddy, I’m looking at you!!). I also am desperate to know what’s happening with Cam and Dusty (the A tattoo!!!!). Overall, Swift & Saddled was a fun romance that just left me so excited to see more of Meadowlark and ALL these characters.

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Just…wow. Lyla Sage somehow writes characters in a way that allows you to see a piece of yourself in every single one of them.

Ada comes to Rebel Blue for a renovation, but finds love for herself and a true “home”. This book if perfect for anyone who’s never felt like they had a place to belong.

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This was cute! It’s hard to compare when Done and Dusted was so perfect to me, but I think this stacked up well.

Wes is such a good human being that it was a little hard for me to think Ada was good enough for him to be honest. I think part of my issue with her was how vague her story was. This book was short and I think her background could have been expanded upon more. The Ryders honestly carried this book, so I guess it’s fine that I didn’t care for the love interest.

But the overall plot was good and it was fun to read. I also loved the crumbs of all the characters from the first book. I’m definitely ready for book 3.

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What a charming follow up to done and dusted. Revisiting this world with relatable yet beautiful characters was so enjoyable.

Check out swift and saddled if you like…
* all things cowboy
* cinnamon mmc
* positive mental health representation

Perfect for fans of…
* Devney Perry
* Elsie Silver

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