3.5 - 4 ☆

i wasn’t really sure how i felt about this book for the first half, i kind of felt bored and the whole avoidance thing felt extra long. the second half howeverrr was much better in my opinion.

i could understand where ada came from but i couldn’t really connect with her character. BUT THE RYDERS??? amazing 10/10. i’m a sucker for small town families like them so it was so easy to fall for wes and the rest of thw family. wes is an absolute sweetheart and i lived for his super cute comments (the moon & tide one nearly did me in) 💕💕

overall it was a cute short read but it was just missing something for me 🫶🏼

thank you netgalley & lyla sage for the arc!

This was a solid second book in Sage’s story with a fun romance and found family trope to keep the story going. At times I felt that the story dragged and I was a little bored but if you read for the vibes this is a great one for you.

🐴 REVIEW: Swift and Saddled 🐴

The contemporary romcom for when you want HGTV to take a steamy Western turn.

SUMMARY: After failing out of her marriage and her interior design program, Ada Hart is determined that her business will be a success. And that means she can’t let anything – or anyone – distract her. But can she resist Weston Ryder, her handsome new client who has serious heart eyes for her?

This was a cute small town romance between two people who have been through some stuff. We learn a little about Ada’s emotionally abusive marriage and Weston’s ongoing struggles with depression. It’s nice to read about a couple who can find happiness and peace in one another, despite the challenges in their respective pasts.

Ada felt different from your typical romcom heroine. She’s a loner who seems to have difficulty making friends. Luckily, Weston has enough heart for both of them – and a big family and friend group to boot. When this black cat and golden retriever get together, it’s a match made in heaven. (Or, in this case, Montana.)

Check this out if you like:

🐴 Small-town romance
🐴 Depression rep
🐴 Grumpy (gal)/sunshine (guy)
🐴 Instalove
🐴 Forced proximity

This is a follow-up to Done and Dusted, and I would lean toward reading that one first. It’s good to have context of the town and all its players.

I want this book injected into my veins. I think it cured my depression while reading for a minute. God Ada and Wes are so good for each other. This is a reverse grumpy sunshine/ golden retriever & black cat romance 😂 Ada is an interior designer who has the biggest break in her career coming up and travels to Wyoming to start over after a bad marriage. When I tell you my man is OBSESSED WITH HER. I was screaming in my pillow, kicking my feet and giggling this whole book. ILY Lyla. I can’t wait for book 3. Thank you net galley for a copy of this early 🥺🫶🏼

Read if you Like:
🤠 Cowboy romance
🏡 Found family
🐕 golden retriever MMC
🏘️ Small Town Romance

GOD I LOVE COWBOYS!!!

These two were so open with another and their relationship felt so natural!! All the side characters in this are so lovable and had me feeling all cozy and at home with them.

This is a short read and honestly so perfect for anyone who needs a very cute romance palette cleanser! I loved done and dusted but I think I enjoyed this one a bit more!

I can’t wait to read more from Lyla! Thanks so much for my ARC in exchange for my review Berkley!

I don't like to write bad reviews so I'll keep this as short as possible. I was excited for this book because I really enjoyed the first one, however, this just didn't do it for me. The writing felt flat and how there was just too much tell and not enough show. It took me a long time to finish this book because of how slow-paced the writing felt. Also, the characters have potential to become these really deep characters, they just need a bit more seasoning. Like Wes's depression was only mentioned a few times and how Ada having no friends did not really make sense. In the end, will I be reading the third book? Absolutely.

I was fully invested and devoured this one just as much as book # 1!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 I could go and visit, and perhaps become part of the Ryder family.

swift and saddled had a hard act to follow up with the first book in the series, “done and dusted” but it gets five “wes the golden retriever” stars from me. this is an essential read for lovers of the black cat x golden retriever dynamic. lyla can have all my money because i will buy whatever she is selling!! long live rebel blue!

"Swift & Saddled" by Lyla Sage is an absolute triumph of a romance novel that will steal your heart and leave you utterly enchanted. From its captivating characters to its irresistible storyline, this book is a shining gem in the world of contemporary romance.

At the heart of the story is Ada Hart, a fiercely independent woman who has overcome adversity to build a successful career for herself. Sage crafts Ada with such depth and nuance that readers can't help but root for her from the very beginning. Her resilience, determination, and vulnerability make her a truly unforgettable heroine.

Opposite Ada is Weston Ryder, the charming cowboy with a heart of gold. With his easy smile and unwavering optimism, Weston is the perfect match for Ada, even if she doesn't realize it at first. Sage brings him to life with warmth and sincerity, making him a swoon-worthy hero that readers will fall head over heels for.

The chemistry between Ada and Weston is off-the-charts electric, crackling with tension and passion from their very first encounter. Sage masterfully builds their relationship, layering in moments of longing, desire, and vulnerability that will leave you breathless. As they navigate the complexities of their burgeoning romance against the backdrop of a high-stakes project, you can't help but be swept away by the intensity of their connection.

But "Swift & Saddled" is more than just a love story; it's a tale of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the power of second chances. Ada and Weston's journey is filled with heartwarming moments of growth and redemption as they learn to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of a future together.

Sage's writing is elegant, evocative, and utterly captivating. Her prose is infused with emotion, painting vivid scenes that leap off the page and into your heart. From the rugged beauty of the Wyoming landscape to the tender moments shared between Ada and Weston, every word is crafted with care and precision.

In conclusion, "Swift & Saddled" is a must-read for fans of romance. With its compelling characters, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt storytelling, it's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. So saddle up, dive in, and prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey of love, passion, and redemption. You won't regret it.

Another great novel in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, I will say after reading done and dusted I was more anticipating the next book to follow Gus and Teddy especially after how Done and Dusted ended. I think while the book was overall good there was many times I wanted more. It felt like a lot of the ideas and characteristics weren't fully formed which I found surprising after reading Done and Dusted which I thought did a great job at showing how and why the main characters acted a certain why.

I still swooned countless times and fell in love with Wes over and over I just wished we would've seen more of his personality come through.

I have sat on this review for awhile now. The only word that I could come up with to describe this book is "obsessed." I am absolutely obsessed with Swift and Saddled. I loved Done and Dusted, but it didn't make me feel the way that I feel about Swift and Saddled. Having the backstory from Done and Dusted is important to this story as you get introduced to the characters that you will see in Swift and Saddled. Every single piece of this story had me swooning. I absolutely loved it!

She’s the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He’s the cowboy who wants her anyway.
_
I need to read the first book in this series, this was so good! I just loved Weston, he was so sweet and respectful and patient. Loved the family and side characters and setting.

Ada is at the ranch to help renovate the big house as the interior decorator and her first meeting with Wes was pretty hot, considering she just thought he was a guy in a bar not her new boss. Loved their chemistry and his patience with her. She had some bad relationships so didn't want to try again. 

Love when romance is in dual pov.

Perhaps this book and I are just not matched for each other, but I had some major issues with this one.

Firstly, one of the things that drew me to this book was the setting. I wanted to get lost in the rolling mountains of Wyoming. But this book suffers from a severe case of white room syndrome. Actually, it’s more like white world syndrome because there are just zero setting descriptions. “Honestly, it was fucking majestic—like a painting come to life. I’d never seen anything like it.” I’d really like to get at least one sentence of description after that.

I enjoy multiple POVs, but you run the risk of repetition. Additionally, the voices between the two characters didn’t really differ except Wes dropped curse words on nearly every page.

The romance was… eh. Insta-lust isn’t my thing. The subplot wasn’t particularly interesting or original. Some of the humor was a bit cringy.

Not for me, but if you enjoy being thrusted (pun intended) into watching two people instantly lust for each other with not much else going on, you may enjoy it. Contemporary romance is admittedly not my thing, but sometimes I find books I like (e.g., Emily Henry). Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of them.

Holy cow y’all this book! 😍 If my schedule hadn’t been crazy busy I could’ve easily finished this book in a day. Lyla’s writing is so addicting and her characters are chefs kiss! 💋 The world definitely needs more Weston Ryders in it. His kindness and patience with Ada was so incredibly sweet. I loved the black cat x golden retriever vibes. Wes and Ada complimented each other so well! This book made me laugh and swoon the whole way through and I can’t put it into words how much I loved it. I’m so excited for the rest of this series!

Thank you so much to Lyla Sage and Dial Press for my gifted eARC! This book is out today! 🤠

Interior designer Ada Hart is hired to help Wes with his renovations at Rebel Blue ranch. I adored Wes so much and the whole opposites attract, city girl/country boy romance. ⁣ Absolutely loving this series - the ranch, the characters that feel like family and of course the spicy cowboy romance. Wes is a golden retriever type that instantly wins over your heart. He loved Ada fiercely and was committed to her, in spite of her walls. He was gentle, understanding and so supportive.

A fantastic sequel. Deeply emotional and nurturing, while also having a lot of worthy spice and humor. A perfect mix for romance fans.

If you’re a fan of Chestnut Springs - then you’ll love Rebel Blue too. I loved Done & Dusted so I was very excited for Wes’ story.

Wes is our happy go lucky middle sibling but also struggles with mental health stuff, but he’s aware and does what he needs to do to manage it. We love emotionally mature men who know how to take care of their minds as well as bodies. He’s also textbook golden retriever and we love him for it.

Ada - our black cat interior designer / home reno girl is a kindred spirit. I really empathized with her confidence issues, her determination, and just her overall personality. She scratches before she can’t get hurt, but our cowboy doesn’t mind.

The home renovation plot was fun - and we got more Teddy & Gus animosity, but we also meet a new cowboy and now I am so excited for that story line.

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for the EARC.

Such a sweet story! I am not usually one for a western cowboy romance but this one was so good! I love a grumpy sunshine troup and this one was so good! Ada and Weston are two great characters and I enjoyed reading their story.

Unfortunately this just wasn’t for me. I didn’t read the first book so perhaps that was why I didn’t feel as invested in this book? The writing style wasn’t my favorite and the mental health rep wasn’t great in my opinion. Insta love is a big no for me but again this is just a personal preference.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

Quick Breakdown

Small Town
Cowboy x City Girl
Divorced Heroine
Golden Retriever Hero
Forced Proximity
Workplace Vibes
Home Reno
Mental Health Rep
No Third Act Breakup
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate Detail

Whelp, I’ve officially swooned into a puddle of pure happiness.

Ada is in Wyoming for her biggest project yet as an interior designer. The night before her first day, she flirts with & shares a HOT AF kiss with a mystery cowboy at the local dive bar. Imagine her surprise when he’s none other than her new boss, Wes. He’s smitten, but Ada’s still finding herself after divorce & is hesitant to start something new.

Once again, I fell head over heels for Lyla’s writing. I was hooked from the very beginning. It’s paced perfectly, making this a quick & bingeable read. It was the perfect mix of light, heartwarming & realistic.

Wes is a total book boyfriend. Golden retriever, cinnamon roll.. he gets all the endearing titles. He stole my heart with how in tune he was to Ada’s needs / fears & the tender ways he showed her what forever could look like.

I loved Ada. I easily connected with her - especially how difficult she describes making friends as an adult. Also, loved that she was a young divorcée. Her character’s growth after her toxic ex felt relatable.

I 1000% recommend this on audio if that’s your jam. Teddy Hamilton can do no wrong & Vanessa Edwin was stunning in her portrayal of Ada. It felt like the perfect voice matches for the characters & it doesn’t get better than that.