Small town, Brother’s Best Friend Cowboy Romance
Done and Dusted
Rebel Blue Ranch
Romance
Dial Press
October 24, 2023
Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook
368
For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.
Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.
Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?
“You know, if you don’t like the road you’re on, you can always pave a new one.”
There isn’t much that I can say that hasn’t already been said about “Done and Dusted” by Lyla Sage. That’s mostly because I’m almost always late to the game, and the commentary going around on socials and reviews is right: this a wonderful contemporary romance that you’ll devour like it’s your favorite meal.
Here are my personal take-aways:
- I binged this story in one day. Chapter 1 grabbed me and never let me go. When you decide to crack this baby open, bring snacks and a drink because you’re not going to want to put it down until the last page.
- While I love horses, I’ve never been a lover of cowboy romance, but the game is changing. Give me all of the cowboy chivalry and competency.
- Why is competency so attractive?
- To go with point #2, readers don’t really need to have knowledge or understanding of cowboy/ranch life to enjoy “Done and Dusted”. The romance is the main focus of the story, and Luke and Emmy take center stage… erm… ring?
- Why is fictional behavior ok when I know I wouldn’t appreciate it in real life? Luke throws a punch laced with jealousy, and it’s not attractive behavior but damn is it sexy in fiction.
Final Thoughts
I love the care that Luke takes with Emmy. He’s thoughtful, careful, and gentle with her, but still gives off those bad ass protective vibes that work well in fiction. “Done and Dusted” is sexy, steamy, and passionate. The focus is absolutely character drive, not plot, but when you have a couple like Luke and Emmy you’re not really going to mind.
I also believe that if you like “Done and Dusted” you’re going to love the rest of the series (with more reviews to come!) because Lyla Sage lays the groundwork for an exceptional same world stand-alone series that focuses on the Ryder family, those they surround themselves with, and the Rebel Blue Ranch. Emmy’s brother, Wes, finds love in the next book “Swift and Saddled” so be ready to one-click that story as soon as you finish book one.
If you’ve read the books published in this series already and are looking for another cowboy romance to fall in love with, I recommend “Off to the Races” by Elsie Silver. Check out my review here at thelitbuzz.com.
I’m Val, and I’m excited to share my love of books with you! I’m a sassy Sour Patch kid from New Jersey, dog mom to Chance the beagle, and much like the rest of the Hive, I’m a coffee lover (I think it’s a requirement to be here). The first book I remember reading voluntarily involved a boy wizard who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, and I’ve been chasing magic ever since. I love Happily Ever Afters, and I love love. My favorite genres are romance and rom-coms, fantasy, and young adult/new adult. If I’m not reading, I’m probably kayaking, watching the Great British Baking Show, or discovering a new craft beer.
