3.75

cute!! i love a cute romance and the cover design is just impeccable but i just felt a little disconnect from the characters. the romance moved really fast. im excited for the next one though

Lost and Lassoed - Lyla Sage
9/10 ⭐

The scream I scrumpted when I received this e -arc was a loud one heheh

I loooove Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled soooo much!

I adore the characters and the family and the setting and the tropes and when I found out this book was about Teddy and Gus I was itching to read it.

Teddy very quickly became a fave character of mine throughout the books and I was so keen to see her story. I loved her strength and compassion and knew she'd be perfect for Gus. I'm so glad we learned more about their backstory and understood their conflict better.

Gus was the biggest grump and I adored him. I loved his relationship with his daughter and his friendship with her mum.

The close proximity and nanny trope worked beautifully in this book and I ate it fk up 🤭🤭

I flew through this book and I'm so sad it's over and I have to wait so long for the next one now 😭😭

Huge huge thank you to @hachetteaus @thebookishtype_hau for my arc of this beauty!

#romance #romancelover #romancebook #lylasage #lostandlassoed #cowboyromance #bookblogger #booksta #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookreview

Teddy has the biggest heart under a tough-gal exterior and Gus just has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Together though, they just work. This love story was easy to read and the cast of supporting family and friends really brought it home for me.

I don’t have much to offer”, he went on softly. “Just a quiet life with a grumpy man from a small town, but I can promise to love you everyday.”

Miss Lyla Sage knows exactly what buttons to push to turn me into a sobbing, snotty mess at 2am.. 🤧

We meet Teddy, typically carefree and wild, when she is at her lowest. Out of a job, and feeling both alone and left behind by those around her, I felt myself relating to her and her struggle with finding her purpose and place in this world. With beautiful prose, Lyla expertly weaves the complexity of growing up, with feeling lost, especially when you find yourself far behind your peers and your own personal goals.

Gus, follows routine and is someone who is striving (and struggling) to do it all. Taking care of the ranch and being everything to everyone, including his young daughter, Riley has proven to be a far greater challenge than he anticipated.

Though having hated each other for the better part of their lives, Gus has no other option than to employ Teddy as a fulltime-stay in his home-nanny to his daughter. Thus, the fun begins.
Delightful banter, simmering tension, and late night conversations cause a once fractured relationship to bud into something more, especially when they see that there is more to each other than meets the eye.

Both Gus and Teddy are SO real, flawed and beautiful. Both are caretakers, both yearn for love, both yearn for rest.
It broke my heart each time Teddy fought back her emotions by saying “Teddy, don’t cry”, and whenever Gus felt like he had to be everything to everybody.

It was beautiful to see these two characters build the best versions of themselves through each other and accept the things that cannot change with unconditional joy.

Gus and Teddy’s story has been such a wholesome, comforting and relatable journey, and I have thoroughly enjoyed falling in love with them and with Rebel Blue Ranch.
It’s enemies to lovers, it’s forced proximity, its single dad, its small town, its cowboy. WHAT MORE COULD YOU POSSIBLY WANT?

Spice: 3/5
Plot, story and writing: 5/5

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lyla Sage for proving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤎

This was such a cute small town cowboy romance and I yeehaw'd my way through loving the entire thing. I love Lyla's writing and story building and every book in this series so far has been a must read for me!

An absolutely captivating enemies to lovers story filled with so much emotion.

I adored Gus and Teddy. Their dynamic was so perfect, transitioning from enemies to lovers so perfectly. I related to Teddy so much with a lot of the different struggles and feelings she was facing. This book gave so many found family vibes and did such a good job of representing real family struggles.

Absolutely cannot wait for book 4!

Since the first book in the rebel blue ranch series, I had been eagerly awaiting to see Gus and Teddy's story. Their dynamic had been teased as being fiery, testy and unpredictable. It is safe to say that this book delivered on every single expectation I had of it and more.

Both as individuals and as a couple, these two were so relatable, well rounded and loveable. I adored Teddy, with her strong will and opinions, her vulnerabilities and the way she softened and grew from the start to the end of the book.

Gus was the perfect balance of grumpy, but not frustratingly so. I felt my heart melt and break for him in so many respects, and seeing him in the direct POV of a father? URGH he was everything.

Their relationship's pacing was perfect, their feelings and actions always felt so understandable which is a real feat to pull off in such a short book! The spice? The nicknames? Seeing their own insecurities slowly heal? PERFECTION.

I also am always nervous when a child is a main presence in a book as they can often be written really unrealistically, but she has my entire heart. I'd nanny her any day.

I honestly can't wait for the next book in the series as this perfectly lined Cam's story up. Its safe to say I am in love with Rebel Blue Ranch

♡ ⁣   
⋆ I absolutely loved diving back into the Rebel Blue Ranch world! Lost and Lassoed - Teddy & Gus’s story was probably my most anticipated installment in the series, and I can honestly say it did not disappoint! 
 
⋆ I really admired Teddy as a side character, but she truly came to life in her own story which only made me love her even more. Teddy’s relatability is striking - despite her struggles, she embodies strength, fierceness, and independence. At first glance, August appears to be the archetypal overprotective older brother with major moody dad vibes. However, as we get to know him, it quickly becomes clear that he is a true gentleman with a kind soul, someone who is fiercely protective of his loved ones, especially his daughter Riley and that someone special...  
 
⋆ I loved the dynamic between Teddy and Gus. Their sharp banter and electric tension made their relationship compelling and exciting. Most importantly, I loved how they showcased the depth of their characters and the mutual respect they have for one another, through the support they provide during the challenging times.  
 
⋆ One thing I admire about Lyla’s writing is the relatability of her characters. Their relationships feel authentic, genuine and I feel like reflects the true depth of friendships! I also have to mention, Cam and Gus’s co-parenting relationship is beautifully portrayed, I really enjoyed how this book highlights how they navigate that dynamic. 
 
⋆ I know Lyla faced a little bit of pressure while writing l&l, but if you see this, Lyla—like the two books you wrote before this, you’ve outdone yourself once again! You should be incredibly proud. 
 
⋆ I know it may be a little soon… I just can’t help but be so excited for w&w! I already know that Dusty and Cam’s story is going to be amazing!  
 
thank you to netgalley and hachette anz for an arc of lost & lassoed!!

This was my favourite of the series so far, I knew it would be! Grumpy-sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, single dad trope, small-town romance, literally everything I love in a book. I absolutely loved Teddy and Gus. It's always beautiful to see two characters who spend so much time caring for others finally allow themselves to be cared for by each other as their feelings develop.
The only thing stopping me from giving this five stars is that these books can feel a bit short at times, I just want them to be longer and for the relationships and storylines to be explored slightly more. Still, it’s perfect for a quick read, and you know exactly what you're getting from it. Can’t wait for Cam and Dusty’s story next!

Quite possibly the best written enemies to lovers novel and without a doubt my favourite book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series!

I’ve been so eagerly anticipating their book and it didn’t disappoint! The writing was fabulous as usual, storyline was great and I loved seeing a softer side to both of these outwardly fiery characters.

Everything about Teddy and Gus’ relationship felt so natural and the slow burn was top tier!

Being back in Meadowlark brought such a sweet joy, I cannot BEGIN to describe it. These characters & this setting truly have my entire heart. In the third book in the Rebel Blue series, we got to follow along with Gus & Teddy, and watch as their story unfolded. What started out as an unwanted babysitting gig began to turn around into something more and trust me when I say this, I've never felt so honoured to walk alongside their journey.

There were so many elements of this that made the book soar, but one particular highlight is how Lyla frames female friendships. These friendships make up the majority of our lives as girls & to see it so beautifully talked about and represented healed a part of me. Watching Teddy unpack things she was struggling with, and watching how her and Emmy interacted, put such a special spin on this cowboy romance. "Luke is my fiance, my partner, my everything. But you're my soulmate Teddy Andersen, and I'm the luckiest girl in the world because of it." - yeah, I cried over this line.

Another element that I fell head over heels for is the IMAGERY - Lyla has this majestic way of creating vivid landscapes in my imagination, and this book was no different. Am I in Australia? Yes. Do I want to jump on a plane and head to the Rockies asap? Also yes, both of these can be true. I could see it so clearly in my head and I adored it.

We also have to talk about the romance - Lyla writes romance so beautifully, and Gus Ryder, the man that you are. The way he cares for those around him, the way he struggles to ask for help, the way he loves his daughter, the way he cares for Teddy?? "I've got you Teddy baby" actually had me ready to sob. I love him with my whole heart.

As a bonus note, the end section from Lyla herself made me sob. To hear about what she went through when writing this book, and to see how intricately woven the themes of fatherhood, and daughters, were throughout this book was truly one of the most special experiences I've had with a story.

I love this series, these characters, and Lyla Sage.

Lost And Lassoed
Lyla Sage

‘Life had begun to feel bittersweet, and I was getting all of the bitter and everyone else was getting the sweet.’

The ecosystem at Rebel Blue Ranch is wonderful, so many interconnected lives and I want to explore them all. It’s a wonderful place to spend some time.

I don’t think the plotline is a surprise to anyone, but we all know that it’s the journey and not the destination that truely matters. And I loved my time spent here with these characters.

“That looks good, Ted, beautiful.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’m not quite sure what it is yet,”
“Really? You can’t see it?”
“What do you mean?” I asked confused.
“Never mind.”

It’s a fine line between love and hate. I love the nuisances of life and how set backs can always be turned around into positives.

“Roll with the punches, Teddy Andersen. And punch back if you need to,”

Ok the ending was great, I’m ready and rearing to go for book four. This is feel good romance reading, just what my heart needed.

(Review posted 3rd November 2024)

TEDDY AND GUS I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU ❤️

this was 100% worth the wait. the banter to them realising they have feelings for each other was done so beautifully. teddy was just so head strong and one if my favourite female main characters.

we got to see another side of grumpy gus and he was everything. ‘teddy baby’ swooning but them calling them by their government names had me kicking and screaming.

also that ending?! hellooo?! need the next one right now.

*ARC review* Thank you to Hachette for providing this ARC.

This book exceeded all my expectations.

If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance featuring a grumpy cowboy and his little sister’s sassy best friend, this is it.

After reading the first two books, I had a feeling Teddy and Gus’ story would be my favorite—and it truly didn’t disappoint.

It’s a tale of two people who love deeply yet clash in the most entertaining ways and when they finally get into the bedroom…. THE SPICE! My panties flew out the door.

I found it both hilarious and heartwarming, making it incredibly hard to put down. Teddy and Gus’ journey has definitely earned a special spot on my list of top reads for 2024. 🖤

The third book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series with oldest brother Gus Ryder, and family friend Teddy. It’s a standalone though I'd recommend the first two in the series so you know the family and the set up of the ranch.

Gus is the grumpy son who feels an almost crippling responsibility for the ranch. He loves his family, especially his daughter Riley but his overdeveloped sense of responsibility holds him back from choosing himself and his own happiness. He co-parents Riley with his ex but he’s struggling with doing everything. Local girl Teddy, who is his sister’s best friend, has just lost her job. Even though they really don’t get along, her helping is the obvious solution, so Teddy goes to stay with Gus and Riley at Rebel Blue for a few days every week over the summer.

Enemies to lovers with a bit of forced proximity to let the chemistry build makes this so delicious. It’s first person dual POV, so we really get to know what they are thinking. The slow burn gives them time to get over themselves and start to see each other, flaws and all. To keep it fresh, there’s cowboys, a mechanical bull, a bar renovation, wildflower searches and a lovely subplot around Cam, Riley’s mom.

The biggest surprise for me was Teddy. She’s probably one of my most favorite heroines, certainly in 2024. She’s brave and funny and flirty and extroverted and gorgeous but she’s also a little bit lost. There’s no sharp edges but she has a backbone, I adore her 💕

This is so nicely done, it’s steamy 🌶🌶 and fun, without a third act break up, no miscommunication or only what you get with the gruff and the grumbly (turns out Gus is a bit of a sulk 🫢) and Riley is adorable!

I knew this would be fun as I’ve loved Lyla’s other books but I didn’t expect it to be so delightful. Recommended.

Thank you Lyla Sage, Hachette Australia and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

This book was highly anticipated!!! Finally Gus and Teddy!
After losing her job Teddy is at a loose end until she is asked to help out at the Rebel Blue ranch with the man who jilted her and hates her. Gus is struggling and needs help but the last person he expected it from is the woman who riled him up.
I really like Teddy as a character and love the way she has her flaws and positive traits. She is flirty but not ashamed of it and has her own vulnerability. The relationship between her and Emmy is also fascinating and adds depth to the story.
I’m not the biggest fan of Gus as I feel he is unnecessarily mean to Teddy for little reason but I think that makes his character more rounded and realistic.
I would have liked things to progress a little slower between the two leads but still enjoyed the journey.
I think this book would be better enjoyed by those who have read the rest of the series so that you have the extra moments between the two characters. The tension has been building from the first book.

I voluntarily read an arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

OKAY SO, I don't often read just romance alone (let alone a cowboy romance!?) so this was me dipping my toes into something new; but omg I REALLY enjoyed this. Have I found a new favourite genre?!
I've felt a bit slumpy and just busy in life, and this was a really nice, relaxing and enjoyable read that I could chill out with. Just very cute and comforting.
I definitely recommend this, even for those who don't read romance (this is coming for a romantasy fan) and I'm reallyyy curious and gonna check out Lyla Sage's other works!

5 DAMN STARS !!

I did not think it could get better than Done and Dusted but Lyla has delivered yet again !!

I could not put this book down. I was hooked from the beginning.

This book is a SERIOUS enemies to lovers done so right. The banter Gus and Teddy had with each other had me literally feeling as if I was there. I actually could feel the hate they had for each other and began hoping for them to find a way. Which they did and omg!!

The relationship Teddy had with Riley is so special. I love how they both develop a bond as the story goes on.

Teddy’s character is so real and feels so important for women to read. I love that she represented uncertainty and the challenges that poses in life. She represents so many feelings people go through in life and to see that in a written representation made me feel seen. I love how Teddy navigates life’s challenges in the story and ultimately grows as a person.

Gus is so broody and grumpy. It took a bit to get use to how grumpy we was but once i started to read his POV I understood and fell in love with him. Once grumpy facade fell he was giving golden retriever energy for Teddy and I adored it.

5 stars. Cannot wait for the next one x

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy.

Review posted on GoodReads - bookswithabbey
TikTok review coming soon

𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓸𝓮𝓭
lyla sage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

boy oh boy did lyla deliver with geddy 😮‍💨😮‍💨
i knew this was gonna be a fun read, especially since i’ve been waiting for it since i first read done and dusted!
but i wasn’t expecting lost and lassoed to slap this hard 🤠

i love the back story that lyla gave us for these two, the reasoning behind their hatred to toying the line of temptation, to fully falling in love! teddy and gus think they couldn’t be more different from each other, but in actual fact they have one incredible trait in common, which is caring more for others than for themselves.

what really made me love this though was teddy and hank’s relationship, there’s something about a strong father-daughter relationship that just tugs at my heart strings ✨

what to expect from lost & lassoed (aka all the best tropes)
♡ cowboy romance
♡ enemies to lovers
♡ forced proximity
♡ grumpy x sunshine
♡ best friends brother

also i’m here for gus’ mustache 😮‍💨

this is my fave yet in the rebel blue series!! can’t wait for you all to have this beauty in your hands 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

3.5/5 thank you NetGalley for an eARC of one of my most anticipated reads of the year
This book had some of my ultimate favourite tropes, single dad and his nanny, enemies to lovers, best friends brother, and tattooed mmc. I'm just a bit bummed that it lacked a lot of the depth that the first two books had.
This book could have easily been 100 or 200 pages longer and would have absolutely bumped it up to a 5 star read. I adore this town and I adore all of these characters, I just hate that rushed feeling and sadly that's how this book landed for me.
That being said, I did still adore so much from it! I loved the renovation of the bar, I loved the addition of a mechanical bull, I thought that was excellent ahha. The way Emmy and Teddy fully understand each other's needs and communication styles was perfect (though I was VERY annoyed by Emmy this book). The adorable adventures Teddy and Riley went on and the way Teddy encourages her to be creative. The way Gus and Teddy GOT each other and were each other's person.
The impeccable banter between the two that continued on even as the relationship started.
It was a GREAT read! I just really want an extended version to bump it up those last few stars! 😂🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️