There’s something profoundly moving about stories where coming home isn’t a step backward, but rather a journey of rediscovery. In her debut novel Done and Dusted, Lyla Sage crafts a tender yet spicy romance that perfectly captures the essence of finding love in unexpected places – even if that place is your hometown that you once desperately wanted to escape.
Setting the Scene: Welcome to Meadowlark
Sage introduces us to the fictional town of Meadowlark, Wyoming, a place that feels as real as any small Western town you might stumble upon. The setting is richly detailed without being overwhelming, from The Devil’s Boot bar to the sprawling Rebel Blue Ranch. The author’s intimate knowledge of ranch life and barrel racing adds authenticity to every scene, making the world she’s created feel lived-in and genuine.
The Heart of the Story
Emmy and Luke: A Romance Worth the Wait
The chemistry between Emmy Ryder and Luke Brooks sizzles from their first interaction. Their transformation from childhood antagonists to lovers is masterfully crafted, avoiding the common pitfalls of the friends-to-lovers and brother’s-best-friend tropes. The slow build of their relationship feels natural and earned, especially as they navigate their shared history and current complications.
Emmy’s journey of healing after a traumatic riding accident is particularly well-handled. Her struggles with ADHD and anxiety are portrayed with sensitivity and realism, adding depth to her character without defining her entirely by these challenges.
Luke’s character development is equally compelling. His evolution from the town’s notorious bad boy to a responsible business owner and Emmy’s rock shows remarkable depth. His protective nature and genuine care for Emmy make him an endearing male lead, even as he maintains his rugged appeal.
Writing Style and Pacing
Sage’s writing strikes a delightful balance between sweet and steamy, with moments of genuine humor interspersed throughout. The dialogue feels authentic, especially in the playful banter between Emmy and Luke. However, some readers might find the pacing in the middle section slightly uneven, with a few scenes that could have been tightened for better flow.
Strengths:
- Authentic Western atmosphere
- Well-developed main characters
- Strong family dynamics
- Steamy romance scenes that advance the plot
- Thoughtful handling of mental health topics
Areas for Improvement:
- Secondary character development could be deeper
- Some plot points feel predictable
- Conflict resolution happens somewhat quickly
- A few pacing issues in the middle chapters
The Rebel Blue Ranch Series
Done and Dusted kicks off the Rebel Blue Ranch series promisingly, with three more books planned: Swift and Saddled, Lost and Lassoed, and Wild and Wrangled. The rich world-building and engaging secondary characters leave readers eager to return to Meadowlark for more stories.
Technical Elements
The author’s knowledge of barrel racing and ranch life adds credibility to the story. The technical details about horse training and rodeo competition are well-researched and integrated naturally into the narrative without overwhelming readers unfamiliar with the sport.
Impact and Emotional Resonance
What sets Done and Dusted apart is its emotional authenticity. The romance between Emmy and Luke isn’t just about physical attraction – it’s about finding someone who sees you completely and loves you anyway. The book tackles themes of family loyalty, personal growth, and the courage to face your fears with sensitivity and depth.
Verdict and Rating:
Done and Dusted is a strong debut that will particularly appeal to fans of:
- Small-town Western romance
- Sports romance (specifically equestrian)
- Brother’s best friend trope
- Second chance at life stories
- Spicy contemporary romance
While the novel has some room for improvement in terms of pacing and secondary character development, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Sage shows remarkable promise as a romance author, delivering a story that’s both heartwarming and steamy while maintaining authentic Western charm.
Comparable Titles:
- Karina Halle’s Wild Card
- Devney Perry’s Tattered
- Maisey Yates’s Smooth-Talking Cowboy
Final Thoughts
Done and Dusted marks an impressive debut for Lyla Sage and sets up the Rebel Blue Ranch series with promise. Despite some minor flaws, the authentic portrayal of ranch life, the well-developed romance, and the thoughtful handling of mental health issues make this a worthwhile read for romance fans. Readers will find themselves invested in Emmy and Luke’s journey and eager to return to Meadowlark for future installments in the series.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its heart—the way it shows that sometimes the best path forward is the one that leads you back home, and that love can be found in the most unexpected places, even with the one person who used to drive you crazy.