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Rebel Blue Ranch #2
Swift and Saddled
ŷ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2024)She’s the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He’s the cowboy who wants her anyway.
The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.
When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again... except it turns out he’s her new boss.
Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s 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?
The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.
When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again... except it turns out he’s her new boss.
Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s 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?
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2024
4943 people are currently reading
114706 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Sage
7books11.5kfollowersLyla Sage lives in the Wild West with her loyal companion, a sweet, old, blind rescue pitbull. She writes romance that feels like her favorite things: sunshine and big blue skies. She is also the author of Done and Dusted. When she’s not writing, she’s reading.
Instagram: @authorlylasage
TikTok: @authorlylasage
Threads: @authorlylasage
Instagram: @authorlylasage
TikTok: @authorlylasage
Threads: @authorlylasage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 20,991 reviews
November 14, 2024
3 Stars
This was cute and fluffy with some spice. Nothing to write home about as far as substance is concerned. I think it's probably pretty good if you're looking for a palate cleanser or a low stakes quick romance.
The FMC got on my nerves a little bit but nothing majorly over the top. The MMC was great- albeit this was a very insta insta lust turned love. Like steam roll right over the beginnings and middle of a relationship.
Nothing over complicated here folks lol. I think 'Swift and Saddled' sums it up real well lol.
There is a depression rep with the MMC that I did enjoy.
“God, he was so gentle � so comforting. He talked to me the way people talk to plants when they want them to grow.�
“As far as friends went, I didn’t really have any–not because I didn’t want them, but because making friends as an adult is hard. Honestly, I enjoyed solitute, but there’s a difference between that and being lonely.�
“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.�
This was cute and fluffy with some spice. Nothing to write home about as far as substance is concerned. I think it's probably pretty good if you're looking for a palate cleanser or a low stakes quick romance.
The FMC got on my nerves a little bit but nothing majorly over the top. The MMC was great- albeit this was a very insta insta lust turned love. Like steam roll right over the beginnings and middle of a relationship.
Nothing over complicated here folks lol. I think 'Swift and Saddled' sums it up real well lol.
There is a depression rep with the MMC that I did enjoy.
“God, he was so gentle � so comforting. He talked to me the way people talk to plants when they want them to grow.�
“As far as friends went, I didn’t really have any–not because I didn’t want them, but because making friends as an adult is hard. Honestly, I enjoyed solitute, but there’s a difference between that and being lonely.�
“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.�
April 4, 2024
3.5-🤠- stars
this book was no exception to Lyla Sage's rule that woman can write. her plume is addictive in a fast-paced tone that features endearing characters and a beautifully drawn family arc that is blooming with each book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series.
the romance was charming. I always love the contrast between the Black Cat and Golden Retriever trope. the opposit attract plot line combined with the mean girl act and enrergy is refreshing to read, once in a while. Ada, the female main character, served so deliciously on that department. during the previous book in the series, I fell somewhat in love with Wes, the male lead character. I always have a soft spot for male characters who are absolutely cinnamon-rolls because they have such a tender heart and a soft soul.
however, It was apparent that the plot was muddled with numerous subplots and subjects that the author failed to explore further. the synopsis and main plot line orbit around the renovation of the house, for instance. but we were not provided with any information about the renovation agenda, the project's progress, or a comprehensive summary of what was expected. (as someone who enjoys renovation shows, I was a bit excited about this aspect of the book, but it was somewhat disappointing.)
secondly, the portrayal of mental health illness, such as chronic depression, enhanced Wes' character's realism. nonetheless, it was not substantial. It was mentioned once or twice and not fully developed, which contributed to the lack of character’s depth.
the surface level depiction of the characters was also translated with, Ada, and how her ex-toxic and suffocating relationship was dismissed without any explanation of the ins and outs. the storyline didn’t even evoke or voice how that period of her life marked her and i felt like some percale of her personality was missing to have a perfect understanding of who she really was.
i was already excited for the third book when the characters were introduced in the first book in the series but now i just hope that Cam and Dusty are going to be the 4th book’s couple. because Lyla Sage ? writing a single mom AND second chance romance? YES PLEASE.
—�-
here we gooo🤠
❛❛ I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won’t look at me.❜❜
this book was no exception to Lyla Sage's rule that woman can write. her plume is addictive in a fast-paced tone that features endearing characters and a beautifully drawn family arc that is blooming with each book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series.
”I liked her.
which was an all-consuming, daydreaming, slightly annoying way.�
the romance was charming. I always love the contrast between the Black Cat and Golden Retriever trope. the opposit attract plot line combined with the mean girl act and enrergy is refreshing to read, once in a while. Ada, the female main character, served so deliciously on that department. during the previous book in the series, I fell somewhat in love with Wes, the male lead character. I always have a soft spot for male characters who are absolutely cinnamon-rolls because they have such a tender heart and a soft soul.
however, It was apparent that the plot was muddled with numerous subplots and subjects that the author failed to explore further. the synopsis and main plot line orbit around the renovation of the house, for instance. but we were not provided with any information about the renovation agenda, the project's progress, or a comprehensive summary of what was expected. (as someone who enjoys renovation shows, I was a bit excited about this aspect of the book, but it was somewhat disappointing.)
”Wes looked so happy. But I guess depression wasn’t really about what you looked like or how you appeared but more about what you felt like.�
secondly, the portrayal of mental health illness, such as chronic depression, enhanced Wes' character's realism. nonetheless, it was not substantial. It was mentioned once or twice and not fully developed, which contributed to the lack of character’s depth.
”I made myself so small that I didn’t know who I was anymore.�
the surface level depiction of the characters was also translated with, Ada, and how her ex-toxic and suffocating relationship was dismissed without any explanation of the ins and outs. the storyline didn’t even evoke or voice how that period of her life marked her and i felt like some percale of her personality was missing to have a perfect understanding of who she really was.
”I would never insult you by calling you something as generic as nice.�
i was already excited for the third book when the characters were introduced in the first book in the series but now i just hope that Cam and Dusty are going to be the 4th book’s couple. because Lyla Sage ? writing a single mom AND second chance romance? YES PLEASE.
—�-
here we gooo🤠
December 2, 2024
3.75!
“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.�
I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. I had fun and it was cute with one hot scene but this didn't hit. To be very honest I didn't really have a lot of expectations with this before starting the series but with how well the first one turned out I was excited for it and this was enjoyable but it felt like there was something missing about this book. The writing was fast paced and enjoyable, I had a good time but still it didn't really make me feel satisfied.
Ada, She was alright 🙃 I didn't really connect to her character like it was jus me reading about her and not really feeling that much she gave me more side character energy than main character one and it was just alright. Wes, I enjoyed his point of view more because I feel like we were offered more connection with him and his was just more easy to read. I liked his character and more when it was with Ada. That's all I'll say about them cuz I honestly don't have much to say 😛
The romance was the part that I enjoyed the most and a win for this book considering it's a romance 😃 so yeah it was cute and that mirror scene was veryyyyy hot but their relation felt too fast, it felt like it was zooming past and they fell in love way too quick but I still enjoyed it regardless of that issue so that was fun. The one problem tho is that I felt like the plot and sexual situations at times felt repetitive, I saw some cases in book 1 as well but it wasn't enough to affect my reading experience.
Overall, it was enjoyable but not as good as the first one 🥲 hoping the next one is amazing because it is my most anticipated read!
__
So excited to read this considering how much I loved the first one 🤭 I just know Lyla sage went disappoint with Wes's story 🙂↕�
“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.�
I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. I had fun and it was cute with one hot scene but this didn't hit. To be very honest I didn't really have a lot of expectations with this before starting the series but with how well the first one turned out I was excited for it and this was enjoyable but it felt like there was something missing about this book. The writing was fast paced and enjoyable, I had a good time but still it didn't really make me feel satisfied.
Ada, She was alright 🙃 I didn't really connect to her character like it was jus me reading about her and not really feeling that much she gave me more side character energy than main character one and it was just alright. Wes, I enjoyed his point of view more because I feel like we were offered more connection with him and his was just more easy to read. I liked his character and more when it was with Ada. That's all I'll say about them cuz I honestly don't have much to say 😛
The romance was the part that I enjoyed the most and a win for this book considering it's a romance 😃 so yeah it was cute and that mirror scene was veryyyyy hot but their relation felt too fast, it felt like it was zooming past and they fell in love way too quick but I still enjoyed it regardless of that issue so that was fun. The one problem tho is that I felt like the plot and sexual situations at times felt repetitive, I saw some cases in book 1 as well but it wasn't enough to affect my reading experience.
Overall, it was enjoyable but not as good as the first one 🥲 hoping the next one is amazing because it is my most anticipated read!
__
So excited to read this considering how much I loved the first one 🤭 I just know Lyla sage went disappoint with Wes's story 🙂↕�
March 29, 2024
This was so good😩 Also I needed Gus and Teddy’s book like yesterday so miss lyla pls hurry up😭
Rtc
_______
Pre-read: I’m in my cowboy era so I'm immediately jumping into the second one of this series after just finishing the first one🤠 This one also won the pol I made🙈
Rtc
_______
Pre-read: I’m in my cowboy era so I'm immediately jumping into the second one of this series after just finishing the first one🤠 This one also won the pol I made🙈
March 2, 2025
He quoted Magic Mike. There’s getting the ick� then there’s whatever the fuck this was. This actually made getting run over by a stampede of cows sound enjoyable.
March 6, 2025
“I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won’t look at me.�
Cowboys written by Lyla Sage just hits different 😮💨🤌�
Lyla Sage did it again! It's no surprise that she wrote another amazing small town cowboy romance� one that I finished in just a few days because this woman had me hooked from the very first page of this book.
It was refreshing to be in Rebel Blue again and to meet all these old and some new characters. Everything was perfect. The family dynamics, the comforting atmosphere and environment of Rebel Blue Ranch, the newly formed friendships between the women, the found family trope.
“I think I might have been homesick for Rebel Blue before I knew it existed.�
This book is comforting, relatable, sweet and sexy. The romance is swoony and charming. I liked it more than Done and Dusted because Lyla's writing has improved a lot. I also like how Lyla always try to approach the topic of mental health in her books and she discussed depression in this one. It was good not great because I felt like Wes's depression and how its affected his life needed to be talked about more in this book.
Also, moving to the best part of this series. Amos Ryder! He will always be the hottest cowboy daddy in Wyoming and he is the highlight of this entire series. I love him for his comforting, lovely, and matchmaking personality.
� Ada Hart
Ada is nothing if a prepared and smart and crafty person. She's on a journey of finding a place where she felt like she belonged to and Rebel Blue proves to be that place for her. She's independent and reserved and thinks she's not capable of forming friendships with people. She needed someone who could see for who she is and be proud of her and after being in a toxic and controlled relationship she felt like she didn't deserve all the good things. It took her time to come out of it and I liked how Wes and others helped her with her confidence and that she just needed to let herself be who is she and not hide behind the “I don't care because I am not like girls� facade.
“He said I was a part of Rebel Blue, but I felt like Rebel Blue was a part of me.�
� Weston Rhodes Ryder
Blushing Wes is my favorite Wes 💘 Wes being a man with golden retriever energy is just a cherry on top. He's soft, gentle, caring and genuine and I always have a soft spot for men like him. Wes is the typical middle child in his family who always felt the need to prove his worth to someone and he did that in the end but he is perfect as he is. He is unashamed of his feelings for Ada and he always assured her with his actions and words that how much she meant to him and how much he is ready to be with her. He prides in himself for the way he is and he doesn't treat his chronic depression —like it's something that makes him less of a normal person and that's the most admirable thing about him.
“Ada wasn’t just “on my mind,� she was in it—in every nook and cranny.�
╰� Ada & Wes
Everything about them is soft, sweet and swoony. The connection they had was so pure and genuine. Their story did started off with insta-love/lust but don't let it deter you because the slow-burn and how they got to know each other was worth it. The way Wes reassured her and tried Ada to overcome her insecurities and the way she reassured him that he is so much more than what he let himself to be. They both were perfect for each other. Also, the Black Cat and Golden Retriever dynamics worked so well for them.
“What song is this?� I asked Wes, who was lighting his marshmallow on fire.
“Let Me Call You Sweetheart,�
Ada was insecured and would do anything to hide her real personality to try to “Not like other girls� and Wes was “Typical middle child� who only wanted someone to believe in his potential. The way they communicated about their issues like� Wes's depression and Ada's insecurities and why Ada didn't wanted to complicate their boss and employee relationship with Wes, and the open communication during sex was amazing. No misscommunication trope just two adults who knows how to deal with their complicated situations lik adults!
“I liked her. Which was an all-consuming, daydreaming, slightly annoying way.�
There was no third-act breakup or misscommunication trope in the end which is why I liked it even more. But I think the situation regarding Ada's ex-husband was not not clear and precise. I mean the matter was substantial to the story and maybe Lyla didn't wanted the other man drama in Wes and Ada's newly formed dynamics, but I needed more than that. That's the only reason that bothered me the most in this book because what was Ada's situation in her previous marriage was dismissed in this book by just talking about her insecurities and her trapped feelings. Anyway, the epilogue was the cutest and I can't wait to read more about them in the next books.
Also, Lyla can you please release Dusty and Cam's book like tomorrow? Single mom with a second chance romance? I already know I'm gonna love this book!
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔĔ�
Mom i need a cowboy preferably Weston Rhodes Ryder 💘 (rtc)
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔĔ�
It's finally here 🥹 Wes and Ada are home 🫶🏼
July 31, 2024
Review to come (finally now that the gr glitch I had is fixed) tonight!
August 2023: This was pushed back to March! 😭 I am so happy Lyla Sage got a pub deal because I need more books from her but how are we supposed to wait until March? I miss these characters 💔
June 2023: Omg okay this is about Wes and Ada! 🤠💘 I need this right now, how am I supposed to wait until October? Book #3 better be about Teddy and Gus.
Check out my reviews for Lyla Sage’s books here:
Done and Dusted - 5 stars
Swift and Saddled - 4 stars
Lost and Lassoed - Release date: November 5th, 2024
Wild and Wrangled - Release date: 2025, TBD
August 2023: This was pushed back to March! 😭 I am so happy Lyla Sage got a pub deal because I need more books from her but how are we supposed to wait until March? I miss these characters 💔
June 2023: Omg okay this is about Wes and Ada! 🤠💘 I need this right now, how am I supposed to wait until October? Book #3 better be about Teddy and Gus.
Check out my reviews for Lyla Sage’s books here:
Done and Dusted - 5 stars
Swift and Saddled - 4 stars
Lost and Lassoed - Release date: November 5th, 2024
Wild and Wrangled - Release date: 2025, TBD
April 22, 2025
4.25 ⭐️ I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
"I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won't look at me."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
� cowboy romance
� Wyoming ranch setting
� city girl x country boy
� black cat x golden retriever
� Wes is renovating one of the homes on his family ranch
� Ada is a tattooed interior designer from San Francisco
� forced proximity
� insta-lust
� slow burn
� "sweetheart"
� 2.5/5 spice
� Wes is a consent king
� found family
� Ryder family/friends shenanigans
� driving lessons
� dual pov
� mild angst
� HEA
� tw: divorce (past), dealing with trauma from an unhealthy relationship, depression
My Thoughts:
"I lifted my foot off the brake, took a deep breath, and crossed the threshold into Rebel Blue. Here we go.�
Ah. It feels so good to be back at Rebel Blue Ranch! 🫶
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.
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 x 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.
PS: Ada and West are vastly different from Luke and Emmy but just as lovable. I'm honestly, glad the dynamic was so different because I am not a fan of reading sequels that are basically a copy and paste of the first.
Ada is a complicated character and someone I really relate to (or at least my past self does). She's a bit of a cynic, control freak, lonely, she doesn't trust easily, she's not close with her family, and she has low self esteem. But she's smart, funny, and hardworking. Over the course of the book, Ada discovers who she is and is able to shed a lot of her insecurities and tear down the walls surrounding her heart. I loved her transformation.
There's also a lot of hesitation on Ada's part when it comes to the romance because of her divorce. But Wes, being a good guy and absolute saint, is so patient and gentle that Ada can't help but fall. Their love story was so vulnerable, raw, and real; and if anyone has trauma from a past relationship that's made you feel unsure of yourself and insecure, I think you'll also find Ada to be incredibly relatable. The way Ada feels and the things that come up for her throughout the story really reminded me of my own response to my husband (now) when we first met. So I'm pretty attached to her.
Weston Ryder. This man is better than any Prince Charming. He's truly the most kind, sweet, and understanding person. Dammit I know he's a fictional character but I love him with my whole heart.
I also really appreciate that Wes' depression isn't a plot device or an obstacle for him to overcome in order for it to be valid, it's just part of who he is. Most people expect people with depression to act a certain way - usually, well, depressed. But there are many people with depression who manage it and emerge on the other side. They'll continue to battle depression but for the time being, it's relatively okay. This is where Wes is at. He is very jovial and lighthearted. He's happy, but that also doesn't mean his depression isn't real or shouldn't be taken seriously. I love that this is something Wes is open about with Ada, and I really appreciate how Lyla decided to write about it.
The spice ranged from wholesome to sexy. Wes is softie, but in bed, he's anything but soft. 😉 Their first time is just so normal and sweet where Wes is the absolute king of consent:
Wes is also a BIG communicator and says a few things that made me feel things. 🥵
Ada and Wes get up to a lot of fun, and these scenes will definitely have you reaching for your bedside table.
Lyla Sage had made me fall even more in love with every single side character. Brooks, Emmy, Teddy, Gus, Amos, Riley, Hank, Cam, and Dusty. I seriously can't get enough of them. Each scene with one of these characters brought a huge freaking smile to my face. I especially loved the girls/boys night, when the Ryder siblings bake together, and whenever Amos played matchmaker (such a sneaky lovely man). Whether they were giving each other shit or having a heart to heart, every single scene with these characters was a treat. I liked seeing Lyla explore these different relationships more, and now I'm just dying for Gus and Teddy's story (Lost and Lassoed), and hopeful for one with Cam and Dusty! 👀
Rebel Blue Ranch is home. Honestly, the way Lyla writes makes you feel as if you've been transported to Meadowlark, Wyoming. After Done and Dusted, I wanted to visit, but now after Swift and Saddled, I never want to leave.
Swift and Saddled is an amazing sequel and I am just so damn proud of Lyla Sage for giving us another heartwarming romance. Cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you so much Lyla Sage and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
-
Rebel Blue Ranch Series:
1. Done and Dusted: 4⭐️
2. Swift and Saddled: 4.25⭐️
3. Lost and Lassoed: 5⭐️
4. Wild and Wrangled: 4⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes: *Possible Spoilers* - read at your own risk
I wanted him - the man that looked at me like I was worth looking at.
_______
Wes caught me.
_______
For the first time in a long time, I wondered what it might be like to be not just liked, but loved.
_______
He was like the sun. No matter what, he would keep coming up.
_______
"I would never insult you by calling you something as generic as nice."
_______
Kissing Wes was the closest thing I'd ever had to a religious experience.
_______
At his core, Weston Ryder was gentle, and I thought that was the best thing that a man could be.
_______
"Luke Brooks is without a doubt the love of my life, but my soulmate has always been Teddy Andersen."
_______
"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."
_______
"I'm not going to say what I want to say because I know you're not here yet, but I want you to know that I'm here. And that I'm waiting."
_______
The sky could fall right now - the titan that held it up could collapse, and I wouldn't care. Because who needed the sky when I had Ada Hart?
_______
I was the moon, and the moon couldn't glow without the sun. And my sun was in Meadowlark, Wyoming.
_______
"I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won't look at me."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
� cowboy romance
� Wyoming ranch setting
� city girl x country boy
� black cat x golden retriever
� Wes is renovating one of the homes on his family ranch
� Ada is a tattooed interior designer from San Francisco
� forced proximity
� insta-lust
� slow burn
� "sweetheart"
� 2.5/5 spice
� Wes is a consent king
� found family
� Ryder family/friends shenanigans
� driving lessons
� dual pov
� mild angst
� HEA
� tw: divorce (past), dealing with trauma from an unhealthy relationship, depression
My Thoughts:
"I lifted my foot off the brake, took a deep breath, and crossed the threshold into Rebel Blue. Here we go.�
Ah. It feels so good to be back at Rebel Blue Ranch! 🫶
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.
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 x 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.
PS: Ada and West are vastly different from Luke and Emmy but just as lovable. I'm honestly, glad the dynamic was so different because I am not a fan of reading sequels that are basically a copy and paste of the first.
Ada is a complicated character and someone I really relate to (or at least my past self does). She's a bit of a cynic, control freak, lonely, she doesn't trust easily, she's not close with her family, and she has low self esteem. But she's smart, funny, and hardworking. Over the course of the book, Ada discovers who she is and is able to shed a lot of her insecurities and tear down the walls surrounding her heart. I loved her transformation.
There's also a lot of hesitation on Ada's part when it comes to the romance because of her divorce. But Wes, being a good guy and absolute saint, is so patient and gentle that Ada can't help but fall. Their love story was so vulnerable, raw, and real; and if anyone has trauma from a past relationship that's made you feel unsure of yourself and insecure, I think you'll also find Ada to be incredibly relatable. The way Ada feels and the things that come up for her throughout the story really reminded me of my own response to my husband (now) when we first met. So I'm pretty attached to her.
Weston Ryder. This man is better than any Prince Charming. He's truly the most kind, sweet, and understanding person. Dammit I know he's a fictional character but I love him with my whole heart.
I also really appreciate that Wes' depression isn't a plot device or an obstacle for him to overcome in order for it to be valid, it's just part of who he is. Most people expect people with depression to act a certain way - usually, well, depressed. But there are many people with depression who manage it and emerge on the other side. They'll continue to battle depression but for the time being, it's relatively okay. This is where Wes is at. He is very jovial and lighthearted. He's happy, but that also doesn't mean his depression isn't real or shouldn't be taken seriously. I love that this is something Wes is open about with Ada, and I really appreciate how Lyla decided to write about it.
The spice ranged from wholesome to sexy. Wes is softie, but in bed, he's anything but soft. 😉 Their first time is just so normal and sweet where Wes is the absolute king of consent:
"Can I touch you now? Please, god, let me touch you." Underneath him, I spread my legs more, inviting him to do exactly what he wanted. "Tell me I can," he breathed.
"You can touch me," I said.
Wes is also a BIG communicator and says a few things that made me feel things. 🥵
"Eyes on me, Ada." Her brown eyes snapped forward. "I want your eyes on me when I fill you up."
Ada and Wes get up to a lot of fun, and these scenes will definitely have you reaching for your bedside table.
Lyla Sage had made me fall even more in love with every single side character. Brooks, Emmy, Teddy, Gus, Amos, Riley, Hank, Cam, and Dusty. I seriously can't get enough of them. Each scene with one of these characters brought a huge freaking smile to my face. I especially loved the girls/boys night, when the Ryder siblings bake together, and whenever Amos played matchmaker (such a sneaky lovely man). Whether they were giving each other shit or having a heart to heart, every single scene with these characters was a treat. I liked seeing Lyla explore these different relationships more, and now I'm just dying for Gus and Teddy's story (Lost and Lassoed), and hopeful for one with Cam and Dusty! 👀
Rebel Blue Ranch is home. Honestly, the way Lyla writes makes you feel as if you've been transported to Meadowlark, Wyoming. After Done and Dusted, I wanted to visit, but now after Swift and Saddled, I never want to leave.
Swift and Saddled is an amazing sequel and I am just so damn proud of Lyla Sage for giving us another heartwarming romance. Cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you so much Lyla Sage and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
-
Rebel Blue Ranch Series:
1. Done and Dusted: 4⭐️
2. Swift and Saddled: 4.25⭐️
3. Lost and Lassoed: 5⭐️
4. Wild and Wrangled: 4⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes: *Possible Spoilers* - read at your own risk
I wanted him - the man that looked at me like I was worth looking at.
_______
Wes caught me.
_______
For the first time in a long time, I wondered what it might be like to be not just liked, but loved.
_______
He was like the sun. No matter what, he would keep coming up.
_______
"I would never insult you by calling you something as generic as nice."
_______
Kissing Wes was the closest thing I'd ever had to a religious experience.
_______
At his core, Weston Ryder was gentle, and I thought that was the best thing that a man could be.
_______
"Luke Brooks is without a doubt the love of my life, but my soulmate has always been Teddy Andersen."
_______
"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."
_______
"I'm not going to say what I want to say because I know you're not here yet, but I want you to know that I'm here. And that I'm waiting."
_______
The sky could fall right now - the titan that held it up could collapse, and I wouldn't care. Because who needed the sky when I had Ada Hart?
_______
I was the moon, and the moon couldn't glow without the sun. And my sun was in Meadowlark, Wyoming.
_______
September 13, 2024
3.5 Stars �
“I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won’t look at me.�
Lyla had me not wanting to leave Rebel Blue Ranch. While I had some minor issues, I enjoyed this more than Done and Dusted.
Swift and Sadled is the second book in the Rebel Blue series. It was quick to grab my attention with the city girl meets country boy dynamic. Not only will you find opposites attract but also workplace and cowboy romance with cute, fluffy moments paired with some angst, tension, forced proximity, and banter. The way that I was flying through the pages with its fast pace, having fun and not wanting to put it down.
Ada arrived in Meadowlark Wyoming to work on the largest project of her career at Rebel Blue Ranch. She has one thing on her mind, and that is to work on her career. What she didn't anticipate was to meet a handsome cowboy at the local bar and have a steamy impulsive moment with him. The next day, when she arrives at the ranch, she is met by Weston, her new boss who had hired her for his dream project, who happens to be the man she met the night before. Will he get his dream project and the girl?
Ada Hart is an interior designer who is trying to grow her business as well as find a place that feels like home. Leaving behind her old life and a toxic marriage where she was controlled. She is a black cat who is stubborn, shy, and has insecurities. She sees herself as being unlikeable until the girls at the ranch and Wes show her that is far from the truth. It takes her a while, but she slowly let's them in and has friends for the first time. I did enjoy her growth, but for me, some things were missing. I would have liked to see more of a backstory for her after she left her ex where she works on herself and begins overcoming some of the things she endured. I can't say that I didn't enjoy her character because I did but would have more with the extra little pieces.
"The woman I saw in the mirror was comfortable. She still enjoyed solitude, but she didn’t feel lonely anymore, and for someone who’d felt lonely her entire life, that was worth everything."
Weston "Wes" Ryder is the perfect golden retriever, gentle, kind, and caring. He does feel left out at times in his family being the middle child so when his dream of opening a guest ranch is approved and in the works he feels like he is finally being seen and has something that is his. He does suffer from depression which I wish would have been divulged deeper. It was mentioned only a couple of times.
"Some days I wasn’t very proud to be me, but I was always proud to be my dad’s son."
Ada and Wes started out as insta-lust, though I didn't mind it much with the circumstances. I do, however, wish there was more depth surrounding the circumstances. It did slow down, giving a sweet burn of them getting to know one another. Ah, the tension that led up to the kitchen scene was so good. This and the mirror scene will be ingrained in my mind always. I found myself rooting for them by the end as they knew how to work through their issues and communicate with one another.
“You told me you would never stand in the way of following my dreams. You’re my dream, Wes."
I enjoyed this, though there was a quick third act that was wrapped up quickly, and it actually made sense. Ones like this, I don't mind much. I love the found family. Oh, and Amos reminds me a bit like Harvey in the Chestnut Spring series. Can he please get his own book? I overall enjoyed this and was pleased with how it ended. I can't wait for Teddy and Gus's book as I just know it's going to be so good.
Favorite quotes and moments
"As far as friends went, I didn’t really have any—not because I didn’t want them, but because making friends as an adult is hard. Honestly, I enjoyed solitude, but there’s a difference between that and being lonely."
“You are earnest and talented, tenacious and funny. I would never insult you by calling you something as generic as nice.�
“I’m not going to leave her, sweetheart. I would never leave her�
"I think I might have been homesick for Rebel Blue before I knew it existed."
“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.�
"I followed my dreams, and they led me back to you.�
~~~~~~
˚ʚˡɞ�Pre-read:
Staying in my cowboy era with the next book. City girl meets the cowboy Weston 🤠❤️
“I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won’t look at me.�
Lyla had me not wanting to leave Rebel Blue Ranch. While I had some minor issues, I enjoyed this more than Done and Dusted.
Swift and Sadled is the second book in the Rebel Blue series. It was quick to grab my attention with the city girl meets country boy dynamic. Not only will you find opposites attract but also workplace and cowboy romance with cute, fluffy moments paired with some angst, tension, forced proximity, and banter. The way that I was flying through the pages with its fast pace, having fun and not wanting to put it down.
Ada arrived in Meadowlark Wyoming to work on the largest project of her career at Rebel Blue Ranch. She has one thing on her mind, and that is to work on her career. What she didn't anticipate was to meet a handsome cowboy at the local bar and have a steamy impulsive moment with him. The next day, when she arrives at the ranch, she is met by Weston, her new boss who had hired her for his dream project, who happens to be the man she met the night before. Will he get his dream project and the girl?
Ada Hart is an interior designer who is trying to grow her business as well as find a place that feels like home. Leaving behind her old life and a toxic marriage where she was controlled. She is a black cat who is stubborn, shy, and has insecurities. She sees herself as being unlikeable until the girls at the ranch and Wes show her that is far from the truth. It takes her a while, but she slowly let's them in and has friends for the first time. I did enjoy her growth, but for me, some things were missing. I would have liked to see more of a backstory for her after she left her ex where she works on herself and begins overcoming some of the things she endured. I can't say that I didn't enjoy her character because I did but would have more with the extra little pieces.
"The woman I saw in the mirror was comfortable. She still enjoyed solitude, but she didn’t feel lonely anymore, and for someone who’d felt lonely her entire life, that was worth everything."
Weston "Wes" Ryder is the perfect golden retriever, gentle, kind, and caring. He does feel left out at times in his family being the middle child so when his dream of opening a guest ranch is approved and in the works he feels like he is finally being seen and has something that is his. He does suffer from depression which I wish would have been divulged deeper. It was mentioned only a couple of times.
"Some days I wasn’t very proud to be me, but I was always proud to be my dad’s son."
Ada and Wes started out as insta-lust, though I didn't mind it much with the circumstances. I do, however, wish there was more depth surrounding the circumstances. It did slow down, giving a sweet burn of them getting to know one another. Ah, the tension that led up to the kitchen scene was so good. This and the mirror scene will be ingrained in my mind always. I found myself rooting for them by the end as they knew how to work through their issues and communicate with one another.
“You told me you would never stand in the way of following my dreams. You’re my dream, Wes."
I enjoyed this, though there was a quick third act that was wrapped up quickly, and it actually made sense. Ones like this, I don't mind much. I love the found family. Oh, and Amos reminds me a bit like Harvey in the Chestnut Spring series. Can he please get his own book? I overall enjoyed this and was pleased with how it ended. I can't wait for Teddy and Gus's book as I just know it's going to be so good.
Favorite quotes and moments
"As far as friends went, I didn’t really have any—not because I didn’t want them, but because making friends as an adult is hard. Honestly, I enjoyed solitude, but there’s a difference between that and being lonely."
“You are earnest and talented, tenacious and funny. I would never insult you by calling you something as generic as nice.�
“I’m not going to leave her, sweetheart. I would never leave her�
"I think I might have been homesick for Rebel Blue before I knew it existed."
“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.�
"I followed my dreams, and they led me back to you.�
~~~~~~
˚ʚˡɞ�Pre-read:
Staying in my cowboy era with the next book. City girl meets the cowboy Weston 🤠❤️
March 6, 2024
finishing at 3 am with tears in my eyes bc i love them so dang much 😭
September 30, 2024
I liked this one more than the first, it’s such a fun giggly time. Super bingeable 🤠
November 10, 2023
Ms. Lyla really did give me a soft boy who wears chaps.
Another yeehaw good time from my cowboy cutie.
Another yeehaw good time from my cowboy cutie.
March 12, 2024
This was so sweet. Wes was such a precious sweet boy and Ada was the perfect black cat to balance his charm. I enjoyed this one, their communication, and the family dynamic. I just wanted more I guess. More background, more development. Just more. Things were kinda rushed. They opened up to each other so fast and kinda fell so fast.
Also, I wanted to learn more about her ex in a more detailed way? Like why didn’t it work out? What was he like? What were they like? I mean he called her once and we didn’t even get the reason for his call. I know we don’t always get answers, but I felt like it was just thrown for the sake of it. I feel like this is a huge part of her that we should know about in more than a few sentences.
I also wanted more show of what’s his depression is like? Idk I just felt like her ex and his depression were a “character trait� added to their personality, but needed to be fleshed out and shown more. Those were minor issues I had, it might not lessen your enjoyment. I mean, this was a little bit of an okay book, but still enjoyable to read. I’m really excited for Gus and Teddy’s book tho.
Also, I wanted to learn more about her ex in a more detailed way? Like why didn’t it work out? What was he like? What were they like? I mean he called her once and we didn’t even get the reason for his call. I know we don’t always get answers, but I felt like it was just thrown for the sake of it. I feel like this is a huge part of her that we should know about in more than a few sentences.
I also wanted more show of what’s his depression is like? Idk I just felt like her ex and his depression were a “character trait� added to their personality, but needed to be fleshed out and shown more. Those were minor issues I had, it might not lessen your enjoyment. I mean, this was a little bit of an okay book, but still enjoyable to read. I’m really excited for Gus and Teddy’s book tho.
December 17, 2024
3.75 stars ⭐️
� spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ �
ˏˋ°�*⁶� my thoughts
there wasn’t anything particularly special about this book, but it did the job for me ~
ˏˋ°�*⁶� characters
ᡣ�.� ada 🐈⬛
ada is for the girlies who love running away from their problems(me) 😋� also, where do some men get the audacity?! i hated how her ex-husband made her feel unlovable. fuck that and fuck him.
ᡣ�.� weston 🦮
this man has zero flaws. he’s literally just a chill guy.
wes:
(i hate how the image isn’t showing up on the mobile app 😭)
ᡣ�.� ada and weston
aaaahh i love the black cat x golden retriever trope 🥴 their relationship was definitely insta-lovey, but i genuinely didn’t mind it. and the sexual tension between them? you could literally cut it with a knife 😫🤌🏻
i also loved how weston constantly reassured ada that she’s beautiful and loveable just the way she is 🥹
“I don’t know why you keep doing this, Wes. I don’t know why you want me. I’m not…nice.�
“Ada, you are earnest and talented, tenacious and funny. I would never insult you by calling you something as generic as nice.�
”He saw me for exactly who I was, and he loved me because of it, not in spite of it.� may love like this find me 😭🙏🏻
“You say you’re not nice, or warm, or bright, or any of these other stupid fucking words that people use to describe the sun, but 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.�
ˏˋ°�*⁶� overall
i really enjoyed this book! it was quick, light, and fluffy, which was just what i needed.
pre-read 🤠
this is my first cowboy romance, and i’m not sure what to expect, but i’m in the mood for a quick, cute, and fluffy read! i haven't read the first book in the series, but this one seemed more appealing to me sooo ~
P.S. i ditched the rest of my december/christmas tbr because #moodreaderthings 🫠
� spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ �
ˏˋ°�*⁶� my thoughts
there wasn’t anything particularly special about this book, but it did the job for me ~
ˏˋ°�*⁶� characters
ᡣ�.� ada 🐈⬛
ada is for the girlies who love running away from their problems
ᡣ�.� weston 🦮
this man has zero flaws. he’s literally just a chill guy.
wes:
(i hate how the image isn’t showing up on the mobile app 😭)ᡣ�.� ada and weston
aaaahh i love the black cat x golden retriever trope 🥴 their relationship was definitely insta-lovey, but i genuinely didn’t mind it. and the sexual tension between them? you could literally cut it with a knife 😫🤌🏻
i also loved how weston constantly reassured ada that she’s beautiful and loveable just the way she is 🥹
“I don’t know why you keep doing this, Wes. I don’t know why you want me. I’m not…nice.�
“Ada, you are earnest and talented, tenacious and funny. I would never insult you by calling you something as generic as nice.�
”He saw me for exactly who I was, and he loved me because of it, not in spite of it.� may love like this find me 😭🙏🏻
“You say you’re not nice, or warm, or bright, or any of these other stupid fucking words that people use to describe the sun, but 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.�
ˏˋ°�*⁶� overall
i really enjoyed this book! it was quick, light, and fluffy, which was just what i needed.
pre-read 🤠
this is my first cowboy romance, and i’m not sure what to expect, but i’m in the mood for a quick, cute, and fluffy read! i haven't read the first book in the series, but this one seemed more appealing to me sooo ~
P.S. i ditched the rest of my december/christmas tbr because #moodreaderthings 🫠
June 4, 2025
I’m lowkey sad at how these two disappointed me.
I was so stoked for the black cat fmc and golden retriever mmc in here but it was written so pathetically I can’t even!
wes is not a golden retriever he’s just too bland and wasn’t funny at all and ada wasn’t the black cat fmc I was promised. she just wanted to make it her personality trait since she doesn’t have any.
the way she kept pushing down my throat the “i’m so mean� - “i’m a bitch� - “you’re kind, why would you be with me?� emo bullshit just pissed me off 😭 it was so forced since throughout the entire book she never did anything mean or bad to anyone. she’s just quite and antisocial. and as a fellow quite and antisocial, embrace it girl WE ARE NOT BITCHES.
so it was very embarrassing to me when she kept repeating it to the last page� like what are you even saying?
nothing happens in this book at all. I didn’t like done and dusted but at least it had some things going on unlike here where the whole plot was ada and wes going on and off.
going “on� because they just can’t get enough of each other since page one then going “off� because ada go back to her insufferable “I’m not good enough for him� narrative. push him away, just to replay the same interactions.
I was a bit interested in the whole architecture thing that they’re going to do with the house but that was completely glossed over and never shown. so yeah nothing happen except for some few sex scenes.
the only thing I could praise about this book was that ada had a full sleeve and it looks so so pretty on the cover!
I was so stoked for the black cat fmc and golden retriever mmc in here but it was written so pathetically I can’t even!
wes is not a golden retriever he’s just too bland and wasn’t funny at all and ada wasn’t the black cat fmc I was promised. she just wanted to make it her personality trait since she doesn’t have any.
the way she kept pushing down my throat the “i’m so mean� - “i’m a bitch� - “you’re kind, why would you be with me?� emo bullshit just pissed me off 😭 it was so forced since throughout the entire book she never did anything mean or bad to anyone. she’s just quite and antisocial. and as a fellow quite and antisocial, embrace it girl WE ARE NOT BITCHES.
so it was very embarrassing to me when she kept repeating it to the last page� like what are you even saying?
nothing happens in this book at all. I didn’t like done and dusted but at least it had some things going on unlike here where the whole plot was ada and wes going on and off.
going “on� because they just can’t get enough of each other since page one then going “off� because ada go back to her insufferable “I’m not good enough for him� narrative. push him away, just to replay the same interactions.
I was a bit interested in the whole architecture thing that they’re going to do with the house but that was completely glossed over and never shown. so yeah nothing happen except for some few sex scenes.
the only thing I could praise about this book was that ada had a full sleeve and it looks so so pretty on the cover!
July 15, 2024
"When she saw me, she hit me with the quiet smile that had become my favorite. When she smiled at me that way, it was like sharing a secret that only the two of us knew."
I am floored because this was better for me in certain areas than the first book despite connecting to emmy. Even though my main gripe with this was it not being longer in length to explore certain things better. It had a similar yet distinct feel of insta lust compared to d&d yet it worked here given the circumstances. It all just boils down to personal interpretation as it didn’t bother me.
the mild angst and tension with wes & ada was fun and hot and the build up to that kitchen and even mirror scene? it was quite memorable to me lol. They both truly exuded black cat meets golden retriever energy so you could say he was sunshine and she was midnight rain. Aside from that, I genuinely enjoyed the vulnerable and honest conversations they had as it added a layer of depth to them
“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.�
wes ryder has me never wanting to leave my cowboy era. If I thought luke was gentle, wes showed & expressed that strikingly more and I adored him for it 🥹 soft men are so underrated and we love a man that respects our boundaries and is a total sweetheart—the irony is there as he calls ada that. He was so supportive and thoughtful which gave me some fluffy feels. The mental health rep could’ve been delved into deeper as it was pretty straight forward, but I appreciated seeing wes openly speak about how that’s been like for him as it looks so differently for everyone
”As far as friends went, I didn’t really have any–not because I didn’t want them, but because making friends as an adult is hard. Honestly, I enjoyed solitude, but there’s a difference between that and being lonely.�
ada felt like a character you equally understood yet could get a bit annoyed with if you’ve dealt with the same insecurities she has. It felt quite familiar that feeling of thinking incredibly low of yourself rather than showing yourself more grace. Therefore, I did like seeing her finally let Wes in and build herself up around others given her struggles as she wasn’t accustomed to the sense of friendship/family, love and warmth that rebel blue ranch had to offer. Also, ada is so me when it came to that baby calf 😭
Although chestnut springs and this are different but alike in someways--amos reminded me of Harvey except he’s more of a behind the scenes type of meddler lol. There was unfortunately a third act here but I’m thankful it didn’t drag on as one of the mc’s came to their senses.
This was overall quite enjoyable, sweet and easygoing for a short read. It’s clear I can’t say no to a cowboy romance with actual cowboys and that aspect was prominent here. I’m now looking forward to properly meeting the grump of them all & teddy in book 3
some quotes
“Even when I was happy, I was thinking about when I wouldn't be. Honestly, it was exhausting. It took up so much of my brain even though I recognized that there wasn't very much I could do about it.� relatable
“God, he was so gentle � so comforting. He talked to me the way people talk to plants when they want them to grow.�
“You say you're not nice, or warm, or bright, or any of these other stupid fucking words that people use to describe the sun, but I never asked you to be the sun. I would rather have the moon anyway.�
“And that's how it went for the next couple of hours. We traded stories and anecdotes, and I carefully added new pieces of Wes to my growing collection of things about him that I was holding close to my heart.�
“My truck smells like you," he said. "And now I take my life into my hands every time I drive because you are all I can think about. This"—he brought his arm around me and pulled me to him, leaving no space between us—“is all I can think about.� 🦋
November 11, 2024
3.25 stars
this review will contain no spoilers!!
tropes:
� cowboy romance
� found family
� forced proximity
� boss and employee
🏘️┊𓏲 ࣪₊♡� swift and saddled follows ada hart and wes ryders as boss and employee, respectively. wes hired ada to help him design his guest inn. they meet on the first day she arrives without knowing who each other are, and have a one night stand. when they finally realize who each other are, they start to fall in love with each other (very quickly). this was super cute!! i think i enjoyed it more than the first one, even though both are super insta love-y. i actually liked them together as a couple, even though both of them as individuals were just okay. the plot was super cute and didn't overpower the romance, which i enjoyed. overall, it was super entertaining.
🛻┊� ࣪₊♡� wes ryders kept being portrayed as a super kind, heartwarming, amazing, and perfect human being, but honestly he wasn't the golden retriever that the author kept trying to push onto us. sometimes he said some things that just threw off his whole character 😭😭. but he did super cute things for her and i loved his small actions of caring 🤭🤭. him and ada together>>
✒️┊� ࣪₊♡� ada hart MY LOVEEEEE 😭💕. i just want to give her a hug right now because why was she so relatable??? she struggled with knowing that she'll never be anyone's favorite friend or living up to her parents'expectations. when she said that i thought she was me because what!! i loved when she finally found out her worth at the end and found her people 🥹💗
🌄┊� ࣪₊♡� some quotes!
ˏˋ°�*⁶� "wheras i don't seem to know how to talk to people in a way that makes them like me or keep coming back for more. i seem to always turn out to be a disappointment, so why bother?"
� literally me 🥲🥲
ˏˋ°�*⁶� “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.�
� so so cute!! 🤧🤧
ˏˋ°�*⁶� “i followed my dreams, and they led me back to you.�
� EEEE 🤭🤭🤭
this review will contain no spoilers!!
tropes:
� cowboy romance
� found family
� forced proximity
� boss and employee
🏘️┊𓏲 ࣪₊♡� swift and saddled follows ada hart and wes ryders as boss and employee, respectively. wes hired ada to help him design his guest inn. they meet on the first day she arrives without knowing who each other are, and have a one night stand. when they finally realize who each other are, they start to fall in love with each other (very quickly). this was super cute!! i think i enjoyed it more than the first one, even though both are super insta love-y. i actually liked them together as a couple, even though both of them as individuals were just okay. the plot was super cute and didn't overpower the romance, which i enjoyed. overall, it was super entertaining.
🛻┊� ࣪₊♡� wes ryders kept being portrayed as a super kind, heartwarming, amazing, and perfect human being, but honestly he wasn't the golden retriever that the author kept trying to push onto us. sometimes he said some things that just threw off his whole character 😭😭. but he did super cute things for her and i loved his small actions of caring 🤭🤭. him and ada together>>
✒️┊� ࣪₊♡� ada hart MY LOVEEEEE 😭💕. i just want to give her a hug right now because why was she so relatable??? she struggled with knowing that she'll never be anyone's favorite friend or living up to her parents'expectations. when she said that i thought she was me because what!! i loved when she finally found out her worth at the end and found her people 🥹💗
🌄┊� ࣪₊♡� some quotes!
ˏˋ°�*⁶� "wheras i don't seem to know how to talk to people in a way that makes them like me or keep coming back for more. i seem to always turn out to be a disappointment, so why bother?"
� literally me 🥲🥲
ˏˋ°�*⁶� “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.�
� so so cute!! 🤧🤧
ˏˋ°�*⁶� “i followed my dreams, and they led me back to you.�
� EEEE 🤭🤭🤭
April 29, 2025
4.75 �
Ada, who thinks she's incapable of being loved, and Wes, who knows that loving her is as easy as breathing 🥹 my babies 🥹. When Ada arrives in Wyoming, she's only expecting to do her job and hopefully have her project with Rebel Blue Ranch be the jumping point in her career. What she doesn't know is she'll have a super hot encounter with a mystery man whom she won't stop thinking about, and who turns out to be Weston Ryder, the man who hired her to design his dream project. Now, forced to spend time together, he'll try to win her heart.
(disclaimer: if you're not a fan of insta-attraction �inta-lust feels a bit too intense for this� then maybe skip this one because it starts like that. it's not insta-love per se, but they're instantly attracted to each other.)
How do I even start this review? I expected to like this one because I adore the "city girl falls in love with small-town boy" trope. Still, I wasn't expecting to fall this madly in love with these characters and spend the whole time giggling and feeling giddy. They're my favorite couple in the series, and I don't care if they're your least favorite because I love them very much ✋�. They have a special place in my heart.
I love a MMC that others describe as a good and charming man, one with a good reputation and who people gravitate to when they need help, and that's who Weston is. He was so sweet, understanding, and gentle with Ada (but don't be fooled, that man gets down and dirty too 🤭). And Ada, my girl, needed all the love she got from him and everyone else at Rebel Blue. I could relate to so many of the things she thought and said, and it made me so sad because she deserved so much better than what she went through in the past. So much so that I adored her journey to gaining confidence and accepting the love she started to get.
I posted so many reading updates while reading this one, and in all of them you could tell how much I was enjoying this book. It had the potential to be a full 5 stars but the main conflict was developed weaker than it could've been —though the resolution was super sweet and there's a line in there that filled my eyes with tears�, so my rating got lowered a bit. Still, I loved this book and loved Wes and Ada; Ada, Emmy, Teddy, and Cam's friendship (my girls 🫶🏼); and the whole Ryder family. I'm so excited for the next books and will definitely keep my eye on anything Lyla Sage comes up with.
series ratings:
1. Done and Dusted � 4 stars
2. Swift and Saddled � 4.75 stars
3. Lost and Lassoed � 4.25 stars
4. Wild and Wrangled � 3.5 stars
---
pre-review thoughts:
oh this one did it for me, i'm feeling very 🦋🫂🫶🏼🥹 after finishing it. full rtc but just know it's a 4.5 (or maybe even a 4.75).
Ada, who thinks she's incapable of being loved, and Wes, who knows that loving her is as easy as breathing 🥹 my babies 🥹. When Ada arrives in Wyoming, she's only expecting to do her job and hopefully have her project with Rebel Blue Ranch be the jumping point in her career. What she doesn't know is she'll have a super hot encounter with a mystery man whom she won't stop thinking about, and who turns out to be Weston Ryder, the man who hired her to design his dream project. Now, forced to spend time together, he'll try to win her heart.
“I’d been awake since half past four, so I’d been waiting for her to wake up for almost an hour. At this point, I was pretty sure I’d been waiting for her my whole life, so an hour was easy.�
(disclaimer: if you're not a fan of insta-attraction �inta-lust feels a bit too intense for this� then maybe skip this one because it starts like that. it's not insta-love per se, but they're instantly attracted to each other.)
How do I even start this review? I expected to like this one because I adore the "city girl falls in love with small-town boy" trope. Still, I wasn't expecting to fall this madly in love with these characters and spend the whole time giggling and feeling giddy. They're my favorite couple in the series, and I don't care if they're your least favorite because I love them very much ✋�. They have a special place in my heart.
When he saw me, his dimples appeared with a big smile, and he made a show of bringing his fist up to his mouth and biting his index finger, as if looking at me frustrated him� not in a bad way, but in a way that showed me how much he wanted me. “God, you’re pretty,�
I love a MMC that others describe as a good and charming man, one with a good reputation and who people gravitate to when they need help, and that's who Weston is. He was so sweet, understanding, and gentle with Ada (but don't be fooled, that man gets down and dirty too 🤭). And Ada, my girl, needed all the love she got from him and everyone else at Rebel Blue. I could relate to so many of the things she thought and said, and it made me so sad because she deserved so much better than what she went through in the past. So much so that I adored her journey to gaining confidence and accepting the love she started to get.
“Every time we saw each other, it was like we had this moment of remembering that the other was real.�
I posted so many reading updates while reading this one, and in all of them you could tell how much I was enjoying this book. It had the potential to be a full 5 stars but the main conflict was developed weaker than it could've been —though the resolution was super sweet and there's a line in there that filled my eyes with tears�, so my rating got lowered a bit. Still, I loved this book and loved Wes and Ada; Ada, Emmy, Teddy, and Cam's friendship (my girls 🫶🏼); and the whole Ryder family. I'm so excited for the next books and will definitely keep my eye on anything Lyla Sage comes up with.
series ratings:
1. Done and Dusted � 4 stars
2. Swift and Saddled � 4.75 stars
3. Lost and Lassoed � 4.25 stars
4. Wild and Wrangled � 3.5 stars
---
pre-review thoughts:
oh this one did it for me, i'm feeling very 🦋🫂🫶🏼🥹 after finishing it. full rtc but just know it's a 4.5 (or maybe even a 4.75).
March 5, 2025
╰� 3.25 stars!
if there’s one thing lyla sage has made me want, it’s to pack my bags and move to rebel blue ranch. it feels as if i’d have a fresh start i didn’t know i needed if i go there. even if i say that i'd always be a city girlie, there's something so peaceful with little towns and books like this capture that exact feeling
౨ৎ ada. believe me when I say I completely understand her character—but at the same time, she frustrated me so much. seeing her think so little of herself when she was worth so much more was honestly painful to read, because i have my own moments as well. that’s why i was so relieved that one of her biggest areas of growth in this book was learning to see her own value. she finally became comfortable and started trusting herself around people she could be genuine with—without the fear of being left behind.
౨ৎ weston. yet another cowboy who completely stole my heart—and trust me, i’m not complaining. i will always be weak for soft-hearted men, and weston’s personality just radiated that energy. if i had to describe him, i’d say he’s the human version of golden retriever energy—his presence was just so warm and wholesome. i also really appreciated how his character portrayed depression. it was a powerful reminder that anyone can struggle with it, even those who seem the happiest on the outside.
overall, this book gave me major midnight rain vibes—except wes was fully supportive of ada chasing her dreams, even when it meant being apart. while there were moments that annoyed me, I still found the story incredibly enjoyable!
・ɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡ
pre-read:
first book was such a quick read, and i enjoyed that’s why we’re instantly jumping to the next book! i loved wes’s character sm and i hope this won’t disappoint
if there’s one thing lyla sage has made me want, it’s to pack my bags and move to rebel blue ranch. it feels as if i’d have a fresh start i didn’t know i needed if i go there. even if i say that i'd always be a city girlie, there's something so peaceful with little towns and books like this capture that exact feeling
౨ৎ ada. believe me when I say I completely understand her character—but at the same time, she frustrated me so much. seeing her think so little of herself when she was worth so much more was honestly painful to read, because i have my own moments as well. that’s why i was so relieved that one of her biggest areas of growth in this book was learning to see her own value. she finally became comfortable and started trusting herself around people she could be genuine with—without the fear of being left behind.
౨ৎ weston. yet another cowboy who completely stole my heart—and trust me, i’m not complaining. i will always be weak for soft-hearted men, and weston’s personality just radiated that energy. if i had to describe him, i’d say he’s the human version of golden retriever energy—his presence was just so warm and wholesome. i also really appreciated how his character portrayed depression. it was a powerful reminder that anyone can struggle with it, even those who seem the happiest on the outside.
overall, this book gave me major midnight rain vibes—except wes was fully supportive of ada chasing her dreams, even when it meant being apart. while there were moments that annoyed me, I still found the story incredibly enjoyable!
・ɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡɡ
pre-read:
first book was such a quick read, and i enjoyed that’s why we’re instantly jumping to the next book! i loved wes’s character sm and i hope this won’t disappoint
August 1, 2024
City girl meets country boy, black cat meets golden retriever as Lyla Sage continues her lovely swift and easy read Rebel Blue Ranch. Covering middle-child Wes� story with a boss and employee forced proximity relationship. And this was adorable, in a lot of ways better than the first book!
PLOT SUMMARY
26-year-old Ada Hart from San Francisco has been divorced for two years after a terrible, controlling marriage and is an interior designer with a large social media following. She is about to take on her largest project after accepting a job renovating Rebel Blue Ranch in Meadowlark, Wyoming starting in April. She has been corresponding with Weston “Wes� Ryder since October and is eager to meet him and start the job.
As she stops at the bar (The Devil’s Boot), she meets a handsome cowboy and suddenly feels bold enough to make out with him. Unfortunately, they are caught by Luke Brooks, so Ada flees the scene in embarrassment, leaving behind her bag with all her plans for the renovation she was going to show Wes the next morning. Little does she know her handsome cowboy and Wes are the same person and he has her bag until she shows up at the ranch the next morning!
So yes, she made out with her boss. And yes, discovering this made him off-limits. And yes absolutely, they will be spending time together to work on this project. So, there will be tension � a heck of a lot of it! Wes can hardly believe his luck when he finds that Ada is the woman from the bar that he has fallen �hat over cowboy boots� for and is helping him follow his dreams by renovating the small guest ranch.
Wes is willing to wait for her to initiate things. Ada thinks her feelings for him will fade in time. The more they spend time together and the closer they get to completing the project, things change. But when Ada gets a job offer from Arizona, she wonders if leaving Meadowlark and Wes behind is worth it.
This is told from the first-person past-tense dual POV of Ada and Wes.
OVERALL OPINIONS
Returning to Rebel Blue Ranch is like embracing a friend: it feels amazing, safe, and warm. This will forever be a comfort place and a comfort family � the Ryders are so accepting and supportive it is so heartwarming. I am from Scotland and Wyoming sounds a little like us in the sense that we also �experience many seasons within such a short period of time—sometimes they hit all four seasons in a day�. One minute it’s raining the next sunshine then snow.
Anyway, onto the story itself. This one really touched my heart! I think this is because I can see more of myself in Ada than Emmy. Lyla Sage’s continuation from Book 1 has been excellent, and she has been providing us with so much more of our next couples in the series (both of which I am very much looking forward to, I know they will be amazing):
�Teddy and Gus (Book 3 Lost and Lassoed) � enemies to lovers
Teddy and Gus have been with us since Book 1, constantly bickering and generally disliking one another. They are my favourites and I have been so greedy for every scene between them! We get many more of them here, with a very funny incident with the Ryder family group chat where Teddy corrects Gus� grammar and he is like �why are you here� as a highlight. An interesting dynamic occurs when Gus is worried about Camille and Teddy puts aside her usual attitude to support him briefly:
💞 Cam and Dusty (Book 4 Wild and Wrangled) � second-chance
Camille “Cam� Ashwood has already been introduced in Book 1. She is a lawyer, and has decided to help Wes with her project. She is yet to become an attorney, but has sat the bar test and is eagerly awaiting her results. She has a fiancé who is never given a name, highlighting his general insignificance � according to the blurb of Book 4, he eventually abandons Cam at the wedding aisle.
Dusty Tucker is introduced in this book, as the son of carpenter Aggie. These two meet when Dusty shows up at girls� night, both surprised to see the other. We then find out they know each other as they used to date in high school which did not end well � but interestingly �Cam was the last woman Dusty had actually dated.� And even more interestingly, Ada noticed Dusty has a tattoo �an A tattooed in an Old English font at the base of his throat on the right side�:
<< Positives >>
🠚The heading images/chapter openers. They are cute and make sense: Ada has a rose due to her tattoo of roses, Wes has a spur because he is a cowboy.
🠚The relationship is theee sweetest thing: Luke teaching Ada how to drive so she does not need to feel dependent on anyone, them working together in the storm to help the calf, Ada tending to Luke’s cuts.
🠚The spice was really good, I preferred this more than the last book’s. It was just more sensual, sexy and lovely! The mirror scene hehe, need I say any more? Actually, I will say �Hands on the mirror, sweetheart�.
🠚Lovely to see more of Emmy and Luke’s relationship develop and I like that they become engaged by the end of this book (and that we learn he has had the engagement ring pretty much since Emmy’s race at the end of Book 1). Again, this sets up the plot for the next book with Teddy and Gus.
🠚It is so sweet the four of them (Ada, Emmy, Teddy and Cam) have a girls� night, that was really cute! (If it was me, I would have loathed having them all show up with no warning haha)
🠚Wholesome character interactions as always. I especially liked Ada and Amos Ryder having some sweet moments. My favourite is the brother moment, when Wes is trying to surprise Ada by making her favourite spanakopita (spinach pie), and Gus helps him to do so. This is so lovely, considering Gus usually keeps to himself or has something snarky to say! Emmy helps them later on helping too. This is the first time all three of them have done anything together since Emmy came back. And when Amos Ryder tells Wes he is proud of him, I think he really needed to hear that.
🠚The depression Wes has and the trauma from a toxic relationship Ada has was covered very well.
🠚It is nice that Lyla Sage includes the ingredients to make the spanakopita!
<< Negatives >>
🠚Sage really put the �Swift� in Swift and Saddled. I am not 7 pages in and already we have the FMC get sexual thoughts. We got as far as page 22 in Done and Dusted before this happened. I get this happened so we get the insta-love/insta-lust, then a tense slowburn for the rest of the book, but really Ada � really Lyla?
🠚The heading images/chapter openers of the rose and spur do not merge together in the Epilogue like it does in Done and Dusted. I wonder if it is because we only get Wes� perspective here, whereas in Book 1 both Emmy and Luke have a section in the Epilogue. I feel that is a little disappointing as I wanted to see how their designs merged.
🠚Emmy felt somewhat annoying in this book? Like, I couldn’t quite vibe with her the same. Especially when she just blurts out �You’re the girl who was making out with my brother� � in front of everyone? Not very subtle. I did like the moment when she finds Ada having a mental breakdown and offers to take her riding, without prompting Ada to tell her why she was upset.
🠚I feel like more could have been done with Chance, Emmy’s ex-husband, because he tries to phone her yet nothing comes of that plot. Either do something with it or don’t include that attempted call. I thought when she was in the car driving away from Meadowlark she would call him back or something (but I do like that she has formed her own closure and does not need him). But Ada honey just block the man!
🠚I’m upset that Wes never got to do his idea with Ada, which is to ride through Rebel Blue with Ada with him on his horse. It sounded so romantic, I was waiting for it!
🠚I was also hoping that Wes would help her social media blow up even more through him being in pictures!
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ � Ada� ˎˊ-
� She has done so well recovering from a toxic relationship like that! It is a shame but understandable that she has trust issues. I like that she realises she cannot run away from everything, otherwise she’s acting just like her own ex-husband.
🠚I relate in a lot of ways to her. I too like to be organised, for one. I have also been on my own a bit and can feel lonely, and I don’t have an extremely close friend because they always have other closer friends. I had a trio of friends, and I was the third-wheeler and the other two were closer which just like Ada: she is friends with Teddy but she is closer to Emmy than her.
🠚That moment when she pushed Wes away though, my jaw DROPPED. I was like honey no! Not her trying to pass off was they had as being something casual! Also, she was an idiot for thinking Wes was walking away from the calf � of course, he is going to get help!
-ˋˏ � Wes� ˎˊ-
� I have not learned to drive yet but honestly if I ever do I will probably be doing stick so I will also remember Wes saying �Gas, sweetheart�! The thing is I once actually did try driving and I did the exact same thing as Ada: I pushed on the gas so hard we lurched forward. I thought that was more impressive than stalling it haha!
🠚I knew I would enjoy his story the moment we are introduced to him in Book 1 when he was described as a “golden retriever�! This is interesting because you tend to associate this imagery with a very cheerful person when he has been struggling with depression, a perfect way to remind people that you never know what anyone is going through.
🠚I hate that he feels nobody notices him and that he does not have a purpose the same as Gus and Emmy do. I relate to the fact he is scared he will let people down, especially his family. Aww this man needs a hug, and maybe some tealight candles hehe. He looks after everyone else, someone needs to look after him. I’m looking at you Ada!
🠚Wes is the epitome of �love is patient, love is kind�. I love that he will wait however long it takes for her to want him. Also the consenttt, and the �yes ma’am”s ahh very sexy cowboy. Green flag!
🠚Oh my goodness and his sketchbook full of his drawings of Ada’s tattoos. This was the cutest!
FAV QUOTES
� I didn’t know how to process the fact that I wanted her to look at me. I wanted to hold her gaze again, like I did at the bar, until we ended up in the same place we were last night—caught up in each other.
� “We’re happy to have you,� I said sincerely. Not because I felt pulled to her, not because she was beautiful, and not because I’d kissed her. I was happy she was here because her being here meant that I was on my way to having something at Rebel Blue that was mine. And that was priceless to me.
� She was looking at the old Big House the way I looked at it—like it was a dream.
� “You don’t have to feel trapped like it again.�
� I didn’t know what it was about him, but when I was near him, I felt like I was floating. I felt okay. Those were two feelings I rarely felt anymore.
� He was like the sun. No matter what, he would keep coming up.
� The woman I saw in the mirror was comfortable. She still enjoyed solitude, but she didn’t feel lonely anymore, and for someone who’d felt lonely her entire life, that was worth everything.
� At his core, Weston Ryder was gentle, and I thought that was the best thing that a man could be.
� We traded stories and anecdotes, and I carefully added new pieces of Wes to my growing collection of things about him that I was holding close to my heart.
� “You don’t even know me,� I said. | Wes took a deep breath. “I know that your feet and hands are always cold no matter the weather. I know that you prefer to wake up early on the weekends because you would rather take a nap in the afternoon than sleep in. I know you love sour candy and hate repeating yourself. I know you’re always on time, and I know you’re lying about hating country music.� He paused for a minute before saying, “I know you.�
“You’re the moon,� he said. “And I’m the tides. You pull me in without even trying, and I come to you willingly. I always will.�
PLOT SUMMARY
26-year-old Ada Hart from San Francisco has been divorced for two years after a terrible, controlling marriage and is an interior designer with a large social media following. She is about to take on her largest project after accepting a job renovating Rebel Blue Ranch in Meadowlark, Wyoming starting in April. She has been corresponding with Weston “Wes� Ryder since October and is eager to meet him and start the job.
As she stops at the bar (The Devil’s Boot), she meets a handsome cowboy and suddenly feels bold enough to make out with him. Unfortunately, they are caught by Luke Brooks, so Ada flees the scene in embarrassment, leaving behind her bag with all her plans for the renovation she was going to show Wes the next morning. Little does she know her handsome cowboy and Wes are the same person and he has her bag until she shows up at the ranch the next morning!
So yes, she made out with her boss. And yes, discovering this made him off-limits. And yes absolutely, they will be spending time together to work on this project. So, there will be tension � a heck of a lot of it! Wes can hardly believe his luck when he finds that Ada is the woman from the bar that he has fallen �hat over cowboy boots� for and is helping him follow his dreams by renovating the small guest ranch.
Wes is willing to wait for her to initiate things. Ada thinks her feelings for him will fade in time. The more they spend time together and the closer they get to completing the project, things change. But when Ada gets a job offer from Arizona, she wonders if leaving Meadowlark and Wes behind is worth it.
This is told from the first-person past-tense dual POV of Ada and Wes.
OVERALL OPINIONS
Returning to Rebel Blue Ranch is like embracing a friend: it feels amazing, safe, and warm. This will forever be a comfort place and a comfort family � the Ryders are so accepting and supportive it is so heartwarming. I am from Scotland and Wyoming sounds a little like us in the sense that we also �experience many seasons within such a short period of time—sometimes they hit all four seasons in a day�. One minute it’s raining the next sunshine then snow.
Anyway, onto the story itself. This one really touched my heart! I think this is because I can see more of myself in Ada than Emmy. Lyla Sage’s continuation from Book 1 has been excellent, and she has been providing us with so much more of our next couples in the series (both of which I am very much looking forward to, I know they will be amazing):
�Teddy and Gus (Book 3 Lost and Lassoed) � enemies to lovers
Teddy and Gus have been with us since Book 1, constantly bickering and generally disliking one another. They are my favourites and I have been so greedy for every scene between them! We get many more of them here, with a very funny incident with the Ryder family group chat where Teddy corrects Gus� grammar and he is like �why are you here� as a highlight. An interesting dynamic occurs when Gus is worried about Camille and Teddy puts aside her usual attitude to support him briefly:
Gus shook his head. “Honestly, I’m worried about [Cam].�I like that both Ada and Teddy’s father Hank feel there is something going on between the two of them. Ada is the most observant of everyone and I am glad somebody has noticed. Ada is going to be so happy when she wins her wager on them! I loved this moment, and after reading the excerpt at the end of this book for Lost and Lassoed I am very excited to see how their love story plays out. It’s going to be cute that they will be the best man and maid of honour for Emmy and Luke’s wedding in Book 3!
“Did she get her bar results back?� Teddy asked him. The sarcastic and condescending tone she normally employed when speaking to Gus was gone—concern for Cam took over.
“She hasn’t mentioned it,� Gus said� Teddy reached her hand out and squeezed Gus’s arm. Gus looked at her, but by the time I’d blinked, Teddy’s hand was back at her side and Gus was looking away.
💞 Cam and Dusty (Book 4 Wild and Wrangled) � second-chance
Camille “Cam� Ashwood has already been introduced in Book 1. She is a lawyer, and has decided to help Wes with her project. She is yet to become an attorney, but has sat the bar test and is eagerly awaiting her results. She has a fiancé who is never given a name, highlighting his general insignificance � according to the blurb of Book 4, he eventually abandons Cam at the wedding aisle.
Dusty Tucker is introduced in this book, as the son of carpenter Aggie. These two meet when Dusty shows up at girls� night, both surprised to see the other. We then find out they know each other as they used to date in high school which did not end well � but interestingly �Cam was the last woman Dusty had actually dated.� And even more interestingly, Ada noticed Dusty has a tattoo �an A tattooed in an Old English font at the base of his throat on the right side�:
before [Dusty] went out the door, he turned back to Cam and said, “You look good, Ash.� Then he was gone.Here, we can see the A tattoo on his neck stands for “Ash� aka “Ashwood� aka Camille! And I am loving it! I am really looking forward to their story too.
I looked at Cam. “Ash?�
She swallowed and shrugged. “Old nickname. My last name is Ashwood.�
<< Positives >>
🠚The heading images/chapter openers. They are cute and make sense: Ada has a rose due to her tattoo of roses, Wes has a spur because he is a cowboy.
🠚The relationship is theee sweetest thing: Luke teaching Ada how to drive so she does not need to feel dependent on anyone, them working together in the storm to help the calf, Ada tending to Luke’s cuts.
🠚The spice was really good, I preferred this more than the last book’s. It was just more sensual, sexy and lovely! The mirror scene hehe, need I say any more? Actually, I will say �Hands on the mirror, sweetheart�.
🠚Lovely to see more of Emmy and Luke’s relationship develop and I like that they become engaged by the end of this book (and that we learn he has had the engagement ring pretty much since Emmy’s race at the end of Book 1). Again, this sets up the plot for the next book with Teddy and Gus.
🠚It is so sweet the four of them (Ada, Emmy, Teddy and Cam) have a girls� night, that was really cute! (If it was me, I would have loathed having them all show up with no warning haha)
🠚Wholesome character interactions as always. I especially liked Ada and Amos Ryder having some sweet moments. My favourite is the brother moment, when Wes is trying to surprise Ada by making her favourite spanakopita (spinach pie), and Gus helps him to do so. This is so lovely, considering Gus usually keeps to himself or has something snarky to say! Emmy helps them later on helping too. This is the first time all three of them have done anything together since Emmy came back. And when Amos Ryder tells Wes he is proud of him, I think he really needed to hear that.
🠚The depression Wes has and the trauma from a toxic relationship Ada has was covered very well.
🠚It is nice that Lyla Sage includes the ingredients to make the spanakopita!
<< Negatives >>
🠚Sage really put the �Swift� in Swift and Saddled. I am not 7 pages in and already we have the FMC get sexual thoughts. We got as far as page 22 in Done and Dusted before this happened. I get this happened so we get the insta-love/insta-lust, then a tense slowburn for the rest of the book, but really Ada � really Lyla?
🠚The heading images/chapter openers of the rose and spur do not merge together in the Epilogue like it does in Done and Dusted. I wonder if it is because we only get Wes� perspective here, whereas in Book 1 both Emmy and Luke have a section in the Epilogue. I feel that is a little disappointing as I wanted to see how their designs merged.
🠚Emmy felt somewhat annoying in this book? Like, I couldn’t quite vibe with her the same. Especially when she just blurts out �You’re the girl who was making out with my brother� � in front of everyone? Not very subtle. I did like the moment when she finds Ada having a mental breakdown and offers to take her riding, without prompting Ada to tell her why she was upset.
🠚I feel like more could have been done with Chance, Emmy’s ex-husband, because he tries to phone her yet nothing comes of that plot. Either do something with it or don’t include that attempted call. I thought when she was in the car driving away from Meadowlark she would call him back or something (but I do like that she has formed her own closure and does not need him). But Ada honey just block the man!
🠚I’m upset that Wes never got to do his idea with Ada, which is to ride through Rebel Blue with Ada with him on his horse. It sounded so romantic, I was waiting for it!
🠚I was also hoping that Wes would help her social media blow up even more through him being in pictures!
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ � Ada� ˎˊ-
� She has done so well recovering from a toxic relationship like that! It is a shame but understandable that she has trust issues. I like that she realises she cannot run away from everything, otherwise she’s acting just like her own ex-husband.
🠚I relate in a lot of ways to her. I too like to be organised, for one. I have also been on my own a bit and can feel lonely, and I don’t have an extremely close friend because they always have other closer friends. I had a trio of friends, and I was the third-wheeler and the other two were closer which just like Ada: she is friends with Teddy but she is closer to Emmy than her.
🠚That moment when she pushed Wes away though, my jaw DROPPED. I was like honey no! Not her trying to pass off was they had as being something casual! Also, she was an idiot for thinking Wes was walking away from the calf � of course, he is going to get help!
“You told me you would never stand in the way of following my dreams. You’re my dream, Wes... I followed my dreams, and they led me back to you.�
-ˋˏ � Wes� ˎˊ-
� I have not learned to drive yet but honestly if I ever do I will probably be doing stick so I will also remember Wes saying �Gas, sweetheart�! The thing is I once actually did try driving and I did the exact same thing as Ada: I pushed on the gas so hard we lurched forward. I thought that was more impressive than stalling it haha!
🠚I knew I would enjoy his story the moment we are introduced to him in Book 1 when he was described as a “golden retriever�! This is interesting because you tend to associate this imagery with a very cheerful person when he has been struggling with depression, a perfect way to remind people that you never know what anyone is going through.
🠚I hate that he feels nobody notices him and that he does not have a purpose the same as Gus and Emmy do. I relate to the fact he is scared he will let people down, especially his family. Aww this man needs a hug, and maybe some tealight candles hehe. He looks after everyone else, someone needs to look after him. I’m looking at you Ada!
🠚Wes is the epitome of �love is patient, love is kind�. I love that he will wait however long it takes for her to want him. Also the consenttt, and the �yes ma’am”s ahh very sexy cowboy. Green flag!
🠚Oh my goodness and his sketchbook full of his drawings of Ada’s tattoos. This was the cutest!
“I see you, Ada. I always see you, even when you won’t look at me.�
FAV QUOTES
� I didn’t know how to process the fact that I wanted her to look at me. I wanted to hold her gaze again, like I did at the bar, until we ended up in the same place we were last night—caught up in each other.
� “We’re happy to have you,� I said sincerely. Not because I felt pulled to her, not because she was beautiful, and not because I’d kissed her. I was happy she was here because her being here meant that I was on my way to having something at Rebel Blue that was mine. And that was priceless to me.
� She was looking at the old Big House the way I looked at it—like it was a dream.
� “You don’t have to feel trapped like it again.�
� I didn’t know what it was about him, but when I was near him, I felt like I was floating. I felt okay. Those were two feelings I rarely felt anymore.
� He was like the sun. No matter what, he would keep coming up.
� The woman I saw in the mirror was comfortable. She still enjoyed solitude, but she didn’t feel lonely anymore, and for someone who’d felt lonely her entire life, that was worth everything.
� At his core, Weston Ryder was gentle, and I thought that was the best thing that a man could be.
� We traded stories and anecdotes, and I carefully added new pieces of Wes to my growing collection of things about him that I was holding close to my heart.
� “You don’t even know me,� I said. | Wes took a deep breath. “I know that your feet and hands are always cold no matter the weather. I know that you prefer to wake up early on the weekends because you would rather take a nap in the afternoon than sleep in. I know you love sour candy and hate repeating yourself. I know you’re always on time, and I know you’re lying about hating country music.� He paused for a minute before saying, “I know you.�
January 2, 2025
my first 2025 read!!!
this was a cute and fun romance. glad i started the new year with something facile and light. i’ve got to prepare myself for the dumb shit i’m going to unnecessarily read.
this was a cute and fun romance. glad i started the new year with something facile and light. i’ve got to prepare myself for the dumb shit i’m going to unnecessarily read.
May 21, 2025
I can’t get enough of Rebel Blue and the Ryder family! This felt like a warm hug. 🫶🏻 Swift & Saddled had everything I’m looking for in a small town romance and then some. The combo of “city girl� meets “country boy� was a lot more relatable to me than the plot of book one and the build up of relational tension between our two MC’s was perfection. I loved how patient and supportive he was of her and that he never pressured her to give up what she loved. He let her know unequivocally that he wanted her with him without forcing her to stay. Such a beautiful and healthy depiction of love. We love to see it. Five well deserved stars. 👏🏻👏🏻
“The little things are the big things, Ada. They're the things all the big things are made of I might not know you all the way, but I want to, and I'm just asking you to give me a chance to do that.�
� � � � �
Connect with me on
“The little things are the big things, Ada. They're the things all the big things are made of I might not know you all the way, but I want to, and I'm just asking you to give me a chance to do that.�
� � � � �
Connect with me on
August 6, 2024
2.5 �'s
This was sweet, but nothing super special.
Perfect for a light read to break off with in-between heavier ones.
I did enjoy the main characters, their quirks and found myself relating to both of them.
We love a mental health rep.🤘 However, I must say I did not fully feel their connection and I don't really understand why. I can tell that they are so genuinely good for each other, (especially Wes, man he has some patience😮�) but I personally lean more towards the bad boys with good banter, so that might have something to do with it.
�“Weston started humming along to the music, and I kept driving, trying not to get distracted by the suns - the one in the sky and the one sitting next to me - bathing everything I could see in light.��
I like the setting of Rebel Blue Ranch, the family and the passion they have in common for the Baby Blue project. Although, with romance as the main plot and me not really feeling that - even though Wes and Ada had some lovely moments - it made it difficult for me to appreciate this book all the way.
I am already so damn excited for Gus & Teddy's book though.
Their banter is already out of this world.🤭
_____________
⌞p-:�
Continuing my contemporary romance streak(if you can call two books a streak, idk).
I need more feel-good, easy romance in my life right now. 😌
This was sweet, but nothing super special.
Perfect for a light read to break off with in-between heavier ones.
I did enjoy the main characters, their quirks and found myself relating to both of them.
We love a mental health rep.🤘 However, I must say I did not fully feel their connection and I don't really understand why. I can tell that they are so genuinely good for each other, (especially Wes, man he has some patience😮�) but I personally lean more towards the bad boys with good banter, so that might have something to do with it.
�“Weston started humming along to the music, and I kept driving, trying not to get distracted by the suns - the one in the sky and the one sitting next to me - bathing everything I could see in light.��
I like the setting of Rebel Blue Ranch, the family and the passion they have in common for the Baby Blue project. Although, with romance as the main plot and me not really feeling that - even though Wes and Ada had some lovely moments - it made it difficult for me to appreciate this book all the way.
I am already so damn excited for Gus & Teddy's book though.
Their banter is already out of this world.🤭
_____________
⌞p-:�
Continuing my contemporary romance streak(if you can call two books a streak, idk).
I need more feel-good, easy romance in my life right now. 😌
October 22, 2024
4⭐️
I thought the first one was good, but this? I giggled, screamed, kicked my feet, and lit up within the span of a couple days. 🤭
Even though I rated the first book the same as this one, I actually ended up liking this one more! The chemistry between Wes and Ada was absolutely impeccable. The banter, the flirting, EVERYTHING! Wes is one of my new book boyfriends now because that man is THE standard. I wish I could order one off Amazon and have him delivered to my doorstep. I liked Ada, but I wasn't in love with her character. I could relate to her anxiety and worries, but that was about as close as I could get to her.
I liked the overall plot of the book, but that's not saying much because the plot was pretty much the romance with a side of a fixer-upper. I didn't mind though! I went into this with not the highest expectations because of what everyone's been saying but I thought it was so cute. This book would have been rated higher HAD IT NOT BEEN for the damn third-act conflict. It was so. SO. Stupid. There was no point and all it did was aggravate me. Totally unnecessary.
One thing about this series, I will warn you, is the insta-love. It is HEAVY. I knew it was going to be insta-lovey but when we start this book, we jump straight into it. However, if you keep sticking it out, I think you'll like the chemistry between them and just how amazing Wes is. 😊
Overall, this book had all the small town, country vibes and I ate up every last bit. Insta-love or no insta-love, I had a very good time. I loved the first book; I loved this one. I will absolutely keep reading this series.
SIDE NOT: This book marks my 100th book read in 2024!!! WOOHOO 🤩
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The way I am eating this series up 🤭
I thought the first one was good, but this? I giggled, screamed, kicked my feet, and lit up within the span of a couple days. 🤭
Even though I rated the first book the same as this one, I actually ended up liking this one more! The chemistry between Wes and Ada was absolutely impeccable. The banter, the flirting, EVERYTHING! Wes is one of my new book boyfriends now because that man is THE standard. I wish I could order one off Amazon and have him delivered to my doorstep. I liked Ada, but I wasn't in love with her character. I could relate to her anxiety and worries, but that was about as close as I could get to her.
I liked the overall plot of the book, but that's not saying much because the plot was pretty much the romance with a side of a fixer-upper. I didn't mind though! I went into this with not the highest expectations because of what everyone's been saying but I thought it was so cute. This book would have been rated higher HAD IT NOT BEEN for the damn third-act conflict. It was so. SO. Stupid. There was no point and all it did was aggravate me. Totally unnecessary.
One thing about this series, I will warn you, is the insta-love. It is HEAVY. I knew it was going to be insta-lovey but when we start this book, we jump straight into it. However, if you keep sticking it out, I think you'll like the chemistry between them and just how amazing Wes is. 😊
Overall, this book had all the small town, country vibes and I ate up every last bit. Insta-love or no insta-love, I had a very good time. I loved the first book; I loved this one. I will absolutely keep reading this series.
SIDE NOT: This book marks my 100th book read in 2024!!! WOOHOO 🤩
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The way I am eating this series up 🤭
March 9, 2024
WES AND ADA FOREVER😭😭😭😭😭😭
Ugh i loved this so much🥲 I will be thinking of that mirror scene till the day I die thnx🫠🫠
Ugh i loved this so much🥲 I will be thinking of that mirror scene till the day I die thnx🫠🫠
March 16, 2024
I'll say it.... Cowboys Do It Better. Swift and Saddled is a charming romance full of humor and heat! The story is fast-paced and left me completely satisfied yet wishing there was more for me to binge read. The connection between Wes and Ada was palpable, I loved how they were obviously enamored with each other from the very beginning but there was still so much tension and pining. The two were so soft and healthy for each other, Wes was so patient and understanding of Ada's troubles; the man was an absolute gentleman. I cannot wait for the next installment of this heartwarming series, I need Gus and Teddy like I need my next breath!
Read If You Like:
🌄ǷɲDz🌄
🌄He Falls First 🌄
🌄Black Cat x Golden Retriever🌄
🌄Found Family🌄
🌄Forced Proximity🌄
🌄Healthy Communication🌄
🌄Dual POV🌄
🌄Small Town🌄
Read If You Like:
🌄ǷɲDz🌄
🌄He Falls First 🌄
🌄Black Cat x Golden Retriever🌄
🌄Found Family🌄
🌄Forced Proximity🌄
🌄Healthy Communication🌄
🌄Dual POV🌄
🌄Small Town🌄
May 20, 2025
ੈ♡˳ rating: five of five stars
ੈ♡˳ summary: swift and saddled by lyla sage is the second book in the rebel blue ranch series, and it brings us back to meadowlark, wyoming, with another swoon-worthy cowboy romance. ada hart, a city girl with big dreams, takes on a design project to renovate the rebel blue ranch, but things take an unexpected turn when she shares a steamy, impulsive kiss with a handsome stranger in a dive bar—only to find out he’s her new boss, weston ryder. what starts as a simple work relationship quickly turns into something much more complicated as ada and weston fight their growing feelings while working together at the ranch.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: i loved this book just as much as the first one. lyla sage is seriously doing an amazing job bringing these characters to life, and she has a way of making small-town romance feel so real and warm. ada and weston’s chemistry was off the charts, but what really made this book stand out was the depth of both characters. ada is strong and independent, but you can also feel her vulnerabilities and fears, and weston?? perfect book boyfriend material. he’s patient, he’s steady, he’s all in for her, and i couldn’t get enough of him.
the romance was the perfect mix of tension, longing, and those little heart-stopping moments that just get you. and the way they built on their pasts to create something real for their future?? obsessed. the pacing was perfect, the side characters added so much to the story, and honestly, i didn’t want to put this book down.
i’m so invested in this series now, and i cannot wait for the next one!
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
� “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.�
� “i followed my dreams, and they led me back to you.�
� “as far as friends went, i didn’t really have any—not because i didn’t want them, but because making friends as an adult is hard. honestly, i enjoyed solitude, but there’s a difference between that and being lonely.�
overall: lyla sage has done it again. she knows how to write book boyfriends that are top tier, and her storytelling just pulls you right in. this series is shaping up to be one of my favorites, and i already know i’ll be rereading this one. 5/5 stars.
-----
post-read: i loved this book!! i thought it was so much better than the first one. such an easier read as well. wes has my heart right now, sorry ada.
—Ĕ�
pre-read: excited to get through this series!! 💌
ੈ♡˳ summary: swift and saddled by lyla sage is the second book in the rebel blue ranch series, and it brings us back to meadowlark, wyoming, with another swoon-worthy cowboy romance. ada hart, a city girl with big dreams, takes on a design project to renovate the rebel blue ranch, but things take an unexpected turn when she shares a steamy, impulsive kiss with a handsome stranger in a dive bar—only to find out he’s her new boss, weston ryder. what starts as a simple work relationship quickly turns into something much more complicated as ada and weston fight their growing feelings while working together at the ranch.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: i loved this book just as much as the first one. lyla sage is seriously doing an amazing job bringing these characters to life, and she has a way of making small-town romance feel so real and warm. ada and weston’s chemistry was off the charts, but what really made this book stand out was the depth of both characters. ada is strong and independent, but you can also feel her vulnerabilities and fears, and weston?? perfect book boyfriend material. he’s patient, he’s steady, he’s all in for her, and i couldn’t get enough of him.
the romance was the perfect mix of tension, longing, and those little heart-stopping moments that just get you. and the way they built on their pasts to create something real for their future?? obsessed. the pacing was perfect, the side characters added so much to the story, and honestly, i didn’t want to put this book down.
i’m so invested in this series now, and i cannot wait for the next one!
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
� “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.�
� “i followed my dreams, and they led me back to you.�
� “as far as friends went, i didn’t really have any—not because i didn’t want them, but because making friends as an adult is hard. honestly, i enjoyed solitude, but there’s a difference between that and being lonely.�
overall: lyla sage has done it again. she knows how to write book boyfriends that are top tier, and her storytelling just pulls you right in. this series is shaping up to be one of my favorites, and i already know i’ll be rereading this one. 5/5 stars.
-----
post-read: i loved this book!! i thought it was so much better than the first one. such an easier read as well. wes has my heart right now, sorry ada.
—Ĕ�
pre-read: excited to get through this series!! 💌
March 16, 2025
[3.7⭐] 𝙎𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙩 & 𝙎𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙙 es una novela de romance cowboy escrita por Lyla Sage y publicada en 2024. La historia sigue a Ada Hart, una diseñadora de interiores que ha aprendido a depender de sí misma tras una serie de fracasos personales, y a Weston Ryder, un cowboy encantador que está decidido a demostrarle que el amor no siempre significa renunciar a los sueños propios.
Me sentí muy identificada con Ada. Su incomodidad social, su tendencia a levantar muros y su dificultad para hacer amigos (especialmente mujeres) resonaron profundamente conmigo. Hay algo en su forma de alejarse de todo y de preferir la soledad que me resultó demasiado familiar. Por ejemplo, cuando rechaza el desayuno con la familia de Wes y prefiere comer sola en su habitación, yo habría hecho exactamente lo mismo. Además, su torpeza con los abrazos y la forma en que se queda un poco "taimada" después de recibir uno me hicieron reír y pensar: "Ay, soy yo".
Pero si bien Ada es una protagonista con la que conecté, el verdadero corazón de la historia para mí fue Wes. Me encantó su personalidad: caballeroso, amable, atento y, sobre todo, respetuoso. Nunca presiona a Ada, nunca la obliga a nada, solo le deja claro que está allí para ella si lo necesita. Me gusta que sea complaciente (aunque Cam, la madre de su sobrina, lo vea como un defecto), porque es un rasgo que valoro mucho en las personas. Además, los momentos en los que está con sus hermanos son de lo mejor del libro: se siente el cariño que hay entre ellos y sus interacciones son divertidas y entrañables.
Eso sí, hubo detalles que me molestaron un poco. Por ejemplo, el apodo "cariño" que Wes le pone a Ada se vuelve tedioso rápido; aparece tanto que casi se vuelve un tic verbal. También me quedé con ganas de saber qué quería el exmarido de Ada cuando la llamó, pero espero que se aclare en algún libro futuro de la serie.
Lo que más me gustó de la historia fue el mensaje final: Wes nunca le pide a Ada que renuncie a su carrera ni a sus sueños por él. Al contrario, la incentiva a seguir adelante, a viajar y a trabajar en lo que ama. Su amor por ella no está condicionado a que se quede en un solo lugar y eso me pareció hermoso. Estoy harta de novelas gringas donde el gran gesto romántico implica que uno de los dos abandone su vida por el otro. Aquí, en cambio, Wes entiende que el amor también es dar libertad.
Por último, un pequeño detalle que me encantó: la receta de pastel de espinacas al final del libro. Me gusta imaginar que Wes la siguió al pie de la letra. Es un toque dulce y cierra la historia de una forma encantadora.
Finalmente, puedo decir que disfruté mucho este libro y lo encontré mejor que el primero de la serie. La dinámica de "chica de ciudad - chico de campo" está bien lograda y el romance se siente cálido y real. La novela no es perfecta, pero te deja con el corazón calentito y con una gran sonrisa. Ahora solo me queda esperar a que traduzcan las próximas entregas y seguir disfrutando de estos cowboys que, sinceramente, son mi debilidad.
Me sentí muy identificada con Ada. Su incomodidad social, su tendencia a levantar muros y su dificultad para hacer amigos (especialmente mujeres) resonaron profundamente conmigo. Hay algo en su forma de alejarse de todo y de preferir la soledad que me resultó demasiado familiar. Por ejemplo, cuando rechaza el desayuno con la familia de Wes y prefiere comer sola en su habitación, yo habría hecho exactamente lo mismo. Además, su torpeza con los abrazos y la forma en que se queda un poco "taimada" después de recibir uno me hicieron reír y pensar: "Ay, soy yo".
Pero si bien Ada es una protagonista con la que conecté, el verdadero corazón de la historia para mí fue Wes. Me encantó su personalidad: caballeroso, amable, atento y, sobre todo, respetuoso. Nunca presiona a Ada, nunca la obliga a nada, solo le deja claro que está allí para ella si lo necesita. Me gusta que sea complaciente (aunque Cam, la madre de su sobrina, lo vea como un defecto), porque es un rasgo que valoro mucho en las personas. Además, los momentos en los que está con sus hermanos son de lo mejor del libro: se siente el cariño que hay entre ellos y sus interacciones son divertidas y entrañables.
Eso sí, hubo detalles que me molestaron un poco. Por ejemplo, el apodo "cariño" que Wes le pone a Ada se vuelve tedioso rápido; aparece tanto que casi se vuelve un tic verbal. También me quedé con ganas de saber qué quería el exmarido de Ada cuando la llamó, pero espero que se aclare en algún libro futuro de la serie.
Lo que más me gustó de la historia fue el mensaje final: Wes nunca le pide a Ada que renuncie a su carrera ni a sus sueños por él. Al contrario, la incentiva a seguir adelante, a viajar y a trabajar en lo que ama. Su amor por ella no está condicionado a que se quede en un solo lugar y eso me pareció hermoso. Estoy harta de novelas gringas donde el gran gesto romántico implica que uno de los dos abandone su vida por el otro. Aquí, en cambio, Wes entiende que el amor también es dar libertad.
Por último, un pequeño detalle que me encantó: la receta de pastel de espinacas al final del libro. Me gusta imaginar que Wes la siguió al pie de la letra. Es un toque dulce y cierra la historia de una forma encantadora.
Finalmente, puedo decir que disfruté mucho este libro y lo encontré mejor que el primero de la serie. La dinámica de "chica de ciudad - chico de campo" está bien lograda y el romance se siente cálido y real. La novela no es perfecta, pero te deja con el corazón calentito y con una gran sonrisa. Ahora solo me queda esperar a que traduzcan las próximas entregas y seguir disfrutando de estos cowboys que, sinceramente, son mi debilidad.
March 31, 2025
A generous 3 stars for the mental health rep and some cute moments but overall, this was too insta love for me.
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