Sometimes you just need a cute, small-town cowboy romance. And this delivers.

The covers continue to be the best of the genre.

Excellent communication - am sick of authors still using miscommunication as a means to an end and this doesn’t have any of that!

The characters were great, I love the world where it takes place but the pacing was really off and the insta just is something I struggled with


I received an ARC by netgalley but opinions are my own

Thanks so much to Lyla Sage, Quercus Books and NetGalley for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this read, a super short and cute read, I loved the small town element and the relationship between Wes and Ada was super sweet. The couple complimented each other perfectly, and I love how Wes worked hard to fight the negative thoughts Ada developed from her previous marriage.

The real standout elements for me is the interior design moments as well as the cooking moment, and I absolutely adored the side characters, and can't wait to dive into their stories once they eventually come out.

I really enjoyed the writing style and found it was easy to follow and will hopefully will be reading Lyla Sage's future works,

Would definitely recommend.

— 4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"When you're treated a certain way for so long, you start to believe that's how you should be treated. It left me feeling like there wasn't anything about me that someone could love."

📖 | 320 pages
👤 | author Lyla Sage
🏢 | publisher Quercus Books
📅 | release date 5 March 2024

What you can expect:
— Adult Contemporary Romance
— Book Two In A Series (can be read as a standalone)
— First-Person POV
— Dual POV
— Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
— Small-Town, Cowboy Romance
— Boss X Employee
— Black Cat/Golden Retriever
— Mental Health Representation
— Found Family
— Healthy Communication

Trigger warnings include: depression, alcohol consumption, explicit sexual content, references to controlling behaviour within a relationship, death of a parent (past, off-page).

Swift and Saddled is the second instalment in the Rebel Blue Ranch series by author Lyla Sage. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, the last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her as she claws her way up from her rock bottom. When an old college friend gets in contact with a job offer that is too good to pass up, Ada finds herself in Meadowlark, Wyoming as she desperately seeks to establish her own successful business and make her mark on the world. The last thing Ada expects on his first night in Meadowlark is for a hot-as-hell cowboy to give her the best kiss of her life without ever giving her his name, and she almost regrets that she'll never see him again... except it turns out he's her new boss. Weston Ryder is known to be a happy guy. When the mystery woman he can't seem to forget turns out to be the interior designer that he's hired to oversee his first independent project, Wes is thrilled. Too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can't stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada's walls are firmly in place. Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?

I really enjoyed the first instalment to the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Done and Dusted, and it's safe to say that its sequel has set out to impress. I absolutely adored Wes during his introduction in Done and Dusted. His calming and supportive nature was absolutely everything during Emmy's story, and I was truly thrilled to learn that we would next to reading Wes's story. Possibly my favourite aspect to Lyla Sage's writing is her ability to insert real life into her Fiction titles, evidently humanising fictional characters that readers can better engage and relate with. Wes's willingness to have open and honest discussions surrounding his depression was a breath of fresh air. How mental illness affects his day-to-day life and how he has better learned to manage his illness offered a raw clarity that I wish I saw more often in Fiction. Wes is such a sunny and cheery character, and the importance of these discussions highlight the honest truth that depression doesn't look the same on everybody and yet should still be regarded with the utmost respect and importance. Ada's willingness to learn about Wes's mental health battles and how she can learn to recognise the necessary signs to support him was everything. Wes is such a sweetheart who is nothing but a giver to the people that he loves, and he is nothing but deserving to see that love and devotion returned ten-fold.

Ada's character meant to much to me to the extent that it has taken me by complete surprise. In the aftermath of a controlling and emotionally neglectful marriage, Ada finds herself picking up the broken pieces of herself whilst being unsure of what comes next. It's a heart-breaking realisation to look in the mirror and hate the reflection that is gazing back at you. Ada's deep-rooted insecurities and fears largely plague her character throughout her development and journey in Swift and Saddled. I was thrilled to see the cast of women in this wonderful book rally around Ada with ease to show her what it's like to not be alone. That she doesn't need to be or feel alone ever again. Ada's walls are firmly sealed... however little-by-little we are graced with the knowledge that those walls are being chipped away. At her core, Ada is a fierce and loving woman that just longs to feel loved and adored. To finally stop running and call some place home. Ada's journey is a steadfast and stubborn one... but I was felt such genuine pride and awe for the woman we see her flourish into by the end.

Ada and Wes are so perfectly suited it makes my heart swell. Wes's patient and calming nature acted as a perfect balance to Ada's fierce and fiery demeanour. My favourite part about this couple is their ability to communicate their wants and needs clearly. Enthusiastic consent is always a joy to read on the page, and its within these moments that you see the tenderness and care shine through. Ada and Wes just understand one-another on an almost instinctive level, and I was truly rooting for their happily ever after from the very first page.

Author Lyla Sage has delivered another seamless, feel-good love story filled with raw truths and tough revelations. Swift and Saddled was an absolute joy to read and a breeze to get through with its steady pacing, loveable cast of characters and immersive small-town setting. The Rebel Blue Ranch series is quickly becoming one of my favourite Contemporary Romance series to read and rave about... and I'm particularly looking forward to a certain grumpy dad's story in the newly announced title for book three, Lost and Lassoed.

Thank you to Quercus Books and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for a review prior to release date.

Lyla Sage has outdone herself with ‘Swift and Saddled’, this book was cowboy perfection.

Following on from Luke and Emmy’s story, this next instalment of Rebel Blue ranch follows middle brother Wes and out of town designer Ada.

After a passionate kiss in the hallway of a bar, Wes and Ada meet again when they realise she is the contractor he’s hired to transform a run down lodge into a B&B.

There is so much love and passion in this book, both for their work and for each other. It also shows that the right person for you will understand you, know what you need and always be there for you.

I also have so much love for daddy Amos. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC.

‘I never asked you to be the sun. I would rather have the moon anyway.
I’m the moon?
You’re the moon, and I’m the tides. You pull me in without even trying, and I come to you willingly. I always will.’
.
Ladies and gentlemen, Wed and Ada are here to steal the show. I really liked ‘Done and Dusted’, but I lovedddddd ‘Swift and Saddled’. The storyline, the lack of drama and misunderstandings (honestly, how refreshing is it for a romance not to have those), the relationships (women supporting women forever). The characters in general are amazing, Amos is such a force that meddles in everyone’s lives in such a funny and good way! Ah and the cover, I love this style!
.
Can’t wait to see what more we get in this series, I’m guessing Gus and Teddy are next and maybe Dusty and Cam?
.
Thank you Quercus books for the copy!