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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

I jumped at the chance to read this. I absolutely loved the first one and this one is just as amazing.

I was so nervous for this second book. I ADORED the first book so I was anxiously anticipating the second. I had nothing to worry about. This book was just as spicy, and heartfelt as the first one. Lyla has such a bright future this is a masterpiece.

This book was perfection! I devoured it in a day, within hours of picking it up.

Wes and Ada are absolutely perfect for each other, something the both secretly knew since their first meeting and passionate kiss at the Devil’s Boot bar. The next day Ada found out that Wes was her boss for his own personal renovation project out at Rebel Blue Ranch, straining their newfound boss/designer relationship. A few situations later and meddling on behalf of Amos Ryder (Weston’s father), Ada has to stay at “The big house” (family house) with Wes, which creates the slowest slow burn with truckloads of tension. The forced proximity created an unlikely friendship between the grumpy black cat Ada and sunshine golden retriever Weston which slowly blossomed into more.

Ada recently got out of a very toxic and controlling marriage which gave her a very low self esteem and the horrible self concept that she was unlovable. Reading through her lower moments connected the way she acts, to the way she thinks, creating a realistic and loveable character. She often experienced moments of loneliness as a result of gaining her own independence, and fearing dependency and giving control to others, which I was able to relate and empathize with.

“I would have rather been comfortable than happy.”

“When you get treated a certain way for so long, you start to believe that’s how you should be treated.” - my favourite quote of the entire book.

“She didn't feel lonely anymore, and for someone who’d felt lonely her entire life, that was worth everything.”

“I wondered what it might be like to not just be liked but loved.” - Crying, sobbing, throwing up (not really but you get the idea).

Weston Ryder is a beautiful man. He made me fall in love with him by being kind, sweet and so patient with Ada. Wes has depression which is mentioned beautifully in this book as a part of who he is yet not something that defines him. People often think depression can only be seen as someone being sad, but Wes is portrayed as being happy and upbeat and it's mentioned multiple times how he continues to battle with depression to find balance. My favourite line describing depression and recovering/battling the illness is:
“Even when I was happy, I was thinking about when I wouldn’t be.”

He is the king of consent, always checking if Ada is okay with whatever is going on, which makes him perfect for Ada whose first instinct is to run whenever something is different or out of her control. This trauma from her past controlling relationship is acknowledged and soothed by Wes giving her control through active consent. He truly is a beautiful man.

“Ada wasn’t just on my mind.” she was in it-every nook and cranny.

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

I love Weston Ryder and the little things he did for Ada just made me love him more (listed below (be aware it spoils some bits)):
- He bought her socks so her feet don’t get cold on the hardwood floors.
- He taught her how to drive stick shift so she didn’t feel trapped or controlled with no car (hers was broken).
- He didn't make her choose between him and an away/out of country job, and instead helped create a solution so she could have both him and her dream job.
- He always asks for her consent and makes sure she's comfortable.
- He ran her a bath after getting caught in the rain and made sure to check the water temperature before lifting her in.
- Before *doing it* He asked her what she likes to make sure she would enjoy what he was doing (he definitely knew what he was doing).
- He made her favourite food so she would realize how much he cares and listens to her even though he can't cook well at all.
- Him and Ada make each other so overwhelmingly happy.
- He quoted “How to lose a guy in 10 days” when she was upset.
- He validates her feelings “Why are you apologizing?” “It’s okay to be scared when you're doing something new.”

I am deeply in love with Weston Ryder, so I highly recommend you read this book when given the chance. Also the sneak peak of Teddy and Gus’ book!? I am silently salivating for it, I will literally give my firstborn child to read it (I am a single, 19 year old woman, with no prospects). Anyway Live, Laugh, Lyla Sage - my new life motto.

Thank you so much Corina from The Dial Press (Penguin Random House Publishing) and Lyla Sage for the arc copy.

Amazing book. Devoured every word. Fell in love with the characters. Can’t wait for the next book. All the stars!

Swift and Swaddled by Lyla Sage is an engaging contemporary romance novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, trust, and unexpected love. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Wyoming, the story follows Ada Hart, a strong-willed and independent woman who has learned to rely only on herself after facing numerous disappointments in life. As the book opens, Ada finds herself at a crossroads, having recently experienced a failed marriage and struggles in her career as an interior designer. Determined to prove her worth and rebuild her life, Ada seizes the opportunity to work on a significant project for one of Wyoming's largest ranches. Little does she know that her path will intertwine with that of a charming cowboy she had a chance encounter with at a local bar. Enter Weston Ryder, Ada's new boss and the man who left her longing for more with a single kiss. Weston is instantly captivated by Ada, considering himself lucky to have her as the interior designer for his dream project. However, Ada, intent on maintaining her independence, tries to keep her distance and focus solely on her work. Sage skillfully portrays the internal conflict that Ada faces as her guarded walls clash with the growing attraction she feels for Weston. Throughout the novel, Sage expertly weaves together a blend of sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and relatable characters. As Ada and Weston navigate their working relationship, their personal lives become intertwined, leading them on a path they never expected. The author delves into themes of trust, vulnerability, and the importance of taking chances, painting a realistic portrayal of the complexities of love and relationships. Lyla Sage's writing style is crisp and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the Wyoming landscape to life. The dialogue between characters is witty and entertaining, creating a delightful reading experience. Swift and Swaddled is a page-turner that keeps readers invested in the outcome of Ada and Weston's relationship, eagerly turning the pages to see if they can overcome their differences and find a way to pursue their dreams without sacrificing their chance at love. In conclusion, Swift and Swaddled is a heartfelt romance novel that strikes a perfect balance between steamy passion and emotional depth. Lyla Sage delivers a compelling story filled with engaging characters, an intriguing plot, and a satisfying, swoon-worthy romance. Readers will be captivated by Ada and Weston's journey as they discover that sometimes the greatest risks can lead to the most gratifying rewards.

Ah. It feels so good to be back at Rebel Blue Ranch! A
Reading Swift and Saddled felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I never wanted it to end. Once again, Lyla Sage created a heartwarming story that will make you laugh and swoon. Somehow, I fell even more in love with the characters and Meadowlark to the point where now that I've finished, I feel an ache in my chest. I just wish it was all real so that could go and visit, and perhaps become part of the Ryder family.
And while this is a romance, it's so much more than just a love story between two people. It's about falling in love with yourself, finding your family, and coming home.
Ada and Wes are everything. I absolutely adore them as individuals as well as a couple. They really compliment each other so well. Definitely black cat × golden retriever vibes. Their love story is also tangled with Ada's journey of starting fresh, so there was a lot of depth and vulnerability here. Wes is so unconditionally loving and patient, which really helps Ada open up and trust others as well as herself. I thought they were beautiful.

I loved this book so much. Perfection. 10 stars.

I did not think I could love a book more than Done & Dusted. I was scared that I was not going to love this one book as much. This book EXCEEDED my expectations and I somehow managed to love it more than the first book in the series. I related to Ada so much. She reminded me of myself on so many occasions, that it actually brought tears to my eyes. I did not expect this book to make me cry as much as it did. Wes is the epitome of a golden retriever, cinnamon roll hero. He is perfection.

Their relationship dynamic was so realistic and reminded me so much of my relationship. You could feel their chemistry immediately, and the tension and build up was masterful. Lyla Sage knows how to write spice. With alternating POVs, it was great to read both Ada and Wes's thoughts - it made for such a fast paced and fun read and who doesn't love to read about a man falling HARD?!

I love the mental health representation and how it was handled. The entire cast of characters is so well rounded and interesting. It genuinely feels like reading about a real family. The setting is warm and inviting and makes me want to move out west. Reading about Rebel Blue Ranch feels like coming home.

THE ENDING?!?!?!?! I am unwell. I spent about an hour sobbing. I loved this book. I love this series. An all time favorite.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC of this book!

4.5 🌟

I loved this so much! When I found out this one was going to be about Wes I will say I was a little skeptical but I ended up loving him SO much 🥹 I also loved the FMC and I feel like they complimented each other so well. Lyla’s writing is so fun and fast paced that it makes you forget you’re even reading. I was flying through this book and never wanting it to end. The other characters had lots of cameos in this which is something that I love in a series so much. All of the characters are so easy to love and their relationships are so strong that they’re just such a fun group to read about 🥹

Something that I loved about Done and Dusted was that it wasn’t like other books like this where the smut kind of takes over the plot/point of the story. There was still so much more to it than that and the same is true for Swift and Saddled. I think Lyla just does an incredible job with this!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

“The one with the stick shift.
That’s my girl.”

LOVE LOVE LOVE Wes.
Such a dang good story. Wes and Ada both learning so much about themselves in the whole story line was perfection. Wes is one of the good ones. The ideal written man.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This series just makes me happy, and Swift and Saddled is really sweet. Readers learn more about the people of Meadowlark and their interconnected histories. A strength of these books is Sage's ability to convey chemistry between characters by showing, not telling. Even non-romantic chemistry/love-- the reader feels the bonds between everyone involved at Rebel Blue. The narrative could have used a bit more external conflict rather than so much internal conflict from Ava, but maybe that is intentional? Ava's ex could have been more of an issue. This series is a mood-booster and a good pick-me-up when you're feeling down. Recommended for fans of [author:Elsie Silver|21312387] or anybody currently in their cowboy era.

While Wes and Ada are a good hold-over, I cannot wait for the masterpiece that will be Teddy and Gus in Lost and Lassoed!

I’m melting!! Lyla Sage has done it yet again… This book had me, a grown woman, giggling and kicking her feet.

The recurring theme for everyone that visits Rebel Blue Ranch is: going there feels like going home. For me, reading Swift and Saddled felt like going home. It felt so nice to be back in the company of all of these amazing characters and the wonderful Ryder family again.

Wes and Ada are EVERYTHING!

(Full review will be posted to Goodreads closer to publication! Thank you for the ARC!)

Absolutely lived up to the hype and was just as cute as the first. Delightful, quick and fun read. Now I will anxiously be awaiting Teddy/Gus’ story and what I’m HOPING is eventually a Cam and Dusty finale 😭😭

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.

I love that I could see into her mindset and read exactly what she was feeling when she thought out situations. Her thoughts flowed well and moved the book along very quickly. Cassandra's narrative voice is wonderful. She is serious at times, but also very witty, which makes for an engaging read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Swift and Saddled stole my heart. After Done and Dusted I had big expectations and this book did not disappoint. Well written, heartfelt, and fun, I loved every second of my second visit to Meadowlark, WY.

Wes has such sweet golden retriever energy, perfectly balancing Ada’s stand-off-ish black cat vibe. I always love mental health rep and if you loved Done and Dusted you’re in for a treat here.