Done and Dusted: A Small Town Romance Paperback – June 1, 2023

4.75⭐️/ 3🌶️OH SNAPS! I JUST DISCOVERED ANOTHER COWBOY ROMANCE! YAY! This story had, brother’s best friend, absolutely it revolved around cowboys, written in dual point of view, small town, a strong female lead, a male lead that was very protective, and had a tendency to get jealous when seeing other guys around his best friend’s little sister, and the romance! And spice! For this book to be Lyla Sage’s debut novel, she gave us all what we wanted… a great romance book to fall in love with!Clementine “Emmy” Ryder was a champion barrel racer, she was well known in her career, but also back home in Meadowlark, she was the town’s sweetheart. The last thing Emmy expected or wanted was to go back home to Meadowlark, but after making the decision to leave her ex boyfriend, and pack up her apartment, she was looking for some time to regroup. Meadowlark was the place that Emmy grew up, where her family still lived, and of course, the one man who always managed to push her buttons to no end, Luke Brooks. Just like her older brother’s, Luke also took on the role of being protective over Emmy, and even as adults Luke was sticking to that role albeit to Emmy’s dismay. Luke was Emmy’s brother’s best friend, and a constant annoyance she grew up with. Sure, when Emmy was younger she had a major crush on Luke, but according to her she got over it quickly and only saw him as the person who would only see her as his best friend’s little sister. Being back home brought its own set of feelings that Emmy had to deal with, but also being around Luke, brought its own set of challenges and more.Luke Brooks was the man around town that was known to be a bit reckless, a bit of a troublemaker, but also very loyal to those closest to him such as, the Ryder family. Growing up, Luke didn’t really know what it was like to have a solid support system, but that all changed when he met Gus Ryder and the rest of his family. Gus and his family welcomed Luke with open arms and from the day onward Luke was part of the Ryder family (as much as Emmy was annoyed by him later on). Luke didn’t think much of Emmy other than being Gus’s littler sister and occasionally stepping up to defend her honor whenever someone tried to mess with her so, Luke was always protective when it came to Emmy. With Emmy back in Meadowlark, Luke suddenly saw her in a new light, one that had him not only recognizing how gorgeous she was, but also imagining some not so friendly thoughts as to how she would look laid out in his bed! Safe to say, Luke was starting to appreciate Emmy in a new way, but things were a bit complicated since she was Gus’s little sister.With so many great reviews I had heard about this book I was both excited and intrigued to read this debut novel. I’ve become an avid fan of cowboy romances and Layla Sage has joined the ranks of authors I want to read future books and the notable cowboy romances books I’ve read so far. The way Lyla wrote Emmy and Brooks was authentic, raw, vulnerable, and lovely. Emmy and Brooks had grown up never really thinking much of one another aside from the fact that they were tethered together by Gus, Emmy’s older brother. Slowly but surely with Emmy back in Meadowlark, both Emmy and Brooks’s perception of each other changed positively! I also found the way that Lyla wrote about Emmy’s ADHD interesting as it revealed a lot about what Emmy dealt with in such specific detail.You know that saying, save a horse, ride a Cowboy?… WELL EMMY DID EXACTLY THAT! WOOOOOO! Emmy had the ride of her life with Luke! Luke was already an attractive man with his ripped muscle shirts and backwards hats, but then add in his dirty talk, his protective nature, him saying, “don’t talk to her that way”, and manhandling (respectfully & consensual) Emmy and BOY DID THAT MAN BECOME EVEN HOTTER! Luke and Emmy’s tension was amazing and when they finally just went at it with each other ripping clothes off and going at it again and again, phew I was burning up! AND THEN… THE ICONIC SCENE WITH LUKE AND THE BOTTLE OF WHISKEY! My mind literally thought of that one TikTok audio where it goes, “omg I never let a man spit in my mouth…” well, with the way Luke Brooks was in this book my mind had been changed to YES! The spice in this book was excellent, got me dropping my jaw, squealing for joy, kicking my feet, and internally screaming (can’t be screaming out loud or the neighbors will think I’m tripping lol).OMG YOU GUYS THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC! Lyla, on the small chance you are reading this review, GIRL YOU DID A PHENOMENAL JOB! I ABSOLUTELY ADORED EMMY AND LUKE! For this being a debut novel, it had so many amazing qualities and tropes alongside the plot line! Makes me want to bust out my new cowgirl boots and ride off into the sunset with my own horse, and possibly a sexy cowboy *wink. Definitely a must read for anyone looking for a quick, easy yet enjoyable storyline with lovable characters, set against the backdrop of Meadowlark, and more! I really have nothing else to say other than words of praise *ahem Luke gave a lot of praise to our girl Emmy ;) we love to be praised and called “good girl” OMG! SO GOOD! I loved the close knit family of the Ryder’s and how Luke was welcomed into the family from a young age, the vulnerabilities that each Emmy and Luke had was explored and they had one another as another form of support that was lovely to see. If you see this book, get it, read it, and I hope you not only enjoy it, but also feel happy reading about Emmy and Luke.

Clementine “Emmy” Ryder is heading back to her hometown of Meadowlark after getting dusted . Turns out there are some fears that even the most famous barrel racers can’t overcome . Rebel Blue Ranch, hometown familiarity, family breathing down her neck + her best friend Teddy, is exactly what Emmy needed when she packed up her life, broke up with her boyfriend + hightailed it back to Meadowlark . What she didn’t account for was her fear being so deep rooted that she can’t seem to find a way around it . She also didn’t account for Luke Brooks . As in the towns notorious bad boy, most eligible bachelor + did I mention her brother’s best-friend . The most off limits man to ever exist in her world has just become her soul focus .Luke Brooks is still trying to prove to everyone at 32 that he has grown up + changed . He is not the same playboy, rebel running kid that could find trouble around any corner . He is the proud owner of The Devils Boot, the local dive bar in town, while also being a Rebel Blue ranch hand + horse riding instructor to the little tots . Nothing was going to steal Luke’s focus from his responsibilities, that is until Clementine Ryder shows up at his bar . Knowing Emmy for almost her whole life, Luke knows that something must be wrong because she would never go out of her way to be back in Meadowlark . Brooks will do anything to help Emmy get over this fear + for her spark to come back, but will he lose everything he’s ever know for the one girl he can’t have ?Lyla Sage, Lyla Sage, Lyla Sage .. I am absolutely + utterly obsessed with this book . From the very first page I was hooked + now I need every last detail there is about all things Meadowlark + its occupants . Emmy is the first character in a long time that has made me feel understood + fully seen . Luke is cowboy perfection and I will not tolerate anything less than that . There is something so magical about the two of them + how their slow burn love story came to be . I’m so excited to see where the Rebel Blue Ranch gang is going to take us next .. Teddy + Gus have to be endgame right ? RIGHT !?This is the first book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series and it can be read as complete standalone .

Okay so this is the author’s debut and what an incredible story to start with.. I seen a video where she said ‘I just wanted a book that felt like sunshine’, well girl grab a wine and throw your feet up because mission accomplished!!I read some of the darkest, dirtiest stuff but this book was hot in its own right. Luke’s inner monologue and how he talks about her, like she’s the only thing he can see, and would ever want to see again.Some of what to expect;- Small town- Brothers best friend- Cowboy MMC/ barrel racer MFC- Reformer bad boy- Found familyOur two leads are Luke and Emmy.. let me just say I adored the dynamic, I loved that they hadn’t wanted each other their whole lives (don’t get me wrong I love a pining for each other too) but this was different and I was here for it. Luke is Emmy’s brothers best friend and they have never really liked each other, but he didn’t bully her, he didn’t see her as a sister and she didn’t swoon for him.Emmy left her home town to chase her dream, she is one of the best horse barrel racers there is and she has always loved to ride. She always wanted to move away from her home town not because of anything traumatic just because she wanted more. However her love for her family was greater and it kept her coming back to see them a few times a year. So when she has an accident that leads her to packing up her life and going back home the last person she expected to understand and help her..would of course been Luke Brooks, the bad boy that she didn’t necessarily like.Luke reformed bad boy known as a screw up to many but a friend to Gus (Emmy’s brother) the Ryder family (well most of them 🤭) saw something in Luke no one else did.He has never truly felt wanted or loved, so he lived he young years however he wanted without much care but one day that changed and he wanted to be more. So he now owns a bar, helps out at the ranch and teaches the kids how to ride. Emmy hasn’t ever been someone he’s thought about, he never looked at her in any particular way so what happens when she walks into his bar after all these years and can’t explain the reaction he’s having to her.This book isn’t angsty, it’s got little to no drama but what is does have is cute moments, an unexpected friendship, a fantastic way of showing ADHD and overcoming what life can throw at you. Oh add in an awesome best girl friend, some steam and them country vibes we love to see

I’ve always enjoyed small town romance and am officially entering my yeehaw era thanks to Lyla’s debut, Done and Dusted. It was easily one of my favourite reads this year. The pace was perfect with just the right amount of fun, sweet and steamy scenes. Luke and Emmy’s story was everything - wholesome, uplifting and inspiring.Champion barrel racer Emmy experienced a terrible accident that seriously shaken her confidence in horse riding. The one place she could find solace was home, so she ditched everything and moved back. Her family didn’t once question her decision and welcomed her with open arms. Teddy was her ride or die and honestly the most caring, thoughtful and loyal friend.Emmy had a childhood crush on her brother’s best friend Luke. Her family saw him as one of their own and he was always around. As a kid, he loved to push her buttons but he also secretly cared for her. When she came home, he noticed something was off. He made it his mission to help her and they bonded in a way they never expected to.Emmy soon realised there was more to Luke. So much more. Protective, patient and kind. Nothing like the annoying teenager she remembered him to be. He was there for her whenever, wherever and supported her in a way that was comfortable, reassuring and stress-free. As they got to know each other, feelings deepened and their friendship blossomed into something more.Luke never had anyone that cared for him nor for him to care for. For the first time, he felt desired, needed and valued. Like he meant something to someone. I loved that we got to see Emmy defend and stand up for him, how she supported him the way he did her.I absolutely loved their journey as a couple, from dislikes to friends to lovers. It was gradual, natural and believable. A special mention of the father-daughter moments, they were so beautiful and heartwarming. I really hope to see these characters again in the next book!

I didn't expect to like this book so much but wow. I can't find one negative thing yo say. I read so many romance books that sometimes i feel like i've read it all but then there are books like this one that really make me feel seen and that warms my heart and i remember why i love this genre so much.This book is a classic romance, there's nothing really new, but i loved the two main characters so much. I think they fit perfectly together, they're so good to each other, so balanced. Their communication was great and their chemistry amazing. I loved the intimacy between them, i haven't read sexy scenes that made me almost tear up in a long time. The way they care for each other and know each other, how they turn each on just by being themselves without it being super kinky, it felt very natural and made these moments beautiful.I loved the found family aspect for Luke and the relationship between Emmy and her brothers and father. The fact that it's happening in a ranch setting was the cherry on top of the cake for me.Can't wait to read more books in this series, spend more time in this universe and get to know more about the side characters!

Star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️Lyla Sage's debut novel presents an engaging cowboy romance in a charming small town setting, add in the brother’s best friend trope and you have the perfect romance for a sunday night. Her skillful storytelling shines through effortlessly. The narrative flows smoothly, drawing you in from the very start. The book offers an enjoyable mix of charm, passion, cuteness, and a touch of heat. And I'm really pleased that the book includes a representation of ADHD. As someone new to cowboy romances, I'm now certain that this won't be my last. After delving into heavy fantasy and dark romance, this book serves as a delightful, refreshing change – like a palate cleanser that I truly needed.Luke and Clementine were absolutely adorable. Despite Luke's reputation as the town's bad boy, his interactions with Clementine revealed a sweeter side. Their chemistry was palpable, leaving no doubt that they were destined for each other. The added dual perspectives enriched the story, granting us deeper insight into their emotions and motivations, especially in their relationship with each other. However, there were instances when I wished for a deeper connection, as certain elements were told afterward rather than vividly shown in the moment. Nevertheless, this didn't diminish the book's overall allure. This is the kind of heartwarming romance I was searching for – character-driven and great in relationship dynamics. Done and Dusted was utterly swoon worthy and I’d love to read more books like this.For those seeking an enchanting blend of passion and tenderness set against a backdrop of a spicy small-town cowboy setting, "Done and Dusted" is an absolute must-read. The story's allure is undeniable, and it lays the foundation for eager anticipation of a second installment centered around Weston and his love interest. As a hopeful reader, one can't help but secretly yearn for a future where Teddy and August find their way to each other's arms.

It was super sweet and I really liked all the characters but I feel like I only read half of the story and wish it had a little more oomph and them as a couple couple a lil bit more. Overall great writing and character personality!