“Done and Dusted” by Lyla Sage – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 346
Quick Summary
After years away, professional barrel racer, Emmy, returns to her small Wyoming hometown following a devastating accident, determined to rebuild her life. She’s always loved the ranching lifestyle, but she never expected to develop a connection with Luke Brooks—her older brother’s best friend, who was more of a childhood nuisance than a friend. Now, years later, their playful rivalry gives way to an undeniable attraction, forcing Emmy to confront feelings she never saw coming. As she struggles with past wounds, anxiety, and the weight of old expectations, Luke proves to be a steady, unwavering presence, showing her that sometimes, love finds you right where you left it.
Set against the rugged beauty of small-town Wyoming, Done and Dusted is a heartfelt, beautifully written romance about finding love, navigating mental health struggles, and embracing second chances. Emmy and Luke’s brother’s best friend, childhood-rivals-to-lovers romance is both organic and deeply emotional, making for a compelling, feel-good love story that resonates on multiple levels.
What I Loved
Authentic Small-Town & Ranch Life Representation: Having grown up in Wyoming, this book perfectly captured the essence of small-town life, rural landscapes, and the unspoken rules of ranching communities. The setting felt nostalgic and true-to-life, adding depth to the story.
Raw & Real Mental Health Representation: Emmy’s struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and sensory overload were written with care, accuracy, and deep understanding. Her all-or-nothing tendencies, panic attacks, and emotional burnout were not just relatable—they felt personal. As someone who was also diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety as an adult, I saw so much of myself in her journey, which made her character all the more compelling.
A Beautiful, Healthy Romance: Emmy and Luke’s relationship evolved quickly but naturally, striking a balance between deep emotional connection and sizzling chemistry. The brother’s best friend trope added just the right amount of tension without being overdone, and their shift from childhood annoyances to adult attraction felt incredibly authentic.
Luke Brooks = Top-Tier Book Boyfriend: No debates, no arguments—Luke Brooks is officially elite. His patience, protectiveness, and devotion to Emmy made him impossible not to love.
A Fun Buddy-Read Experience: I buddy-read this with my 71-year-old mom, who was somewhat scandalized by the steamy scenes 😂, but she loved it just as much as I did and is excited for the next book.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
A Fast-Paced Relationship Arc: While Emmy and Luke’s romance felt natural and well-developed, it progressed quickly, which may not be for everyone. That said, their emotional history made the speed of their relationship feel earned.
Who Should Read This?
If you love small-town western romances, beautifully written mental health representation, and a swoon-worthy book boyfriend, Done and Dusted is for you. Perfect for fans of ranch-life romance, childhood-rivals-to-lovers, and strong heroines finding their way back home.
