“Swift and Saddled” by Lyla Sage – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4.25/5
Year Published: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 305
Quick Summary
When interior designer Ada Hart arrives in Meadowlark, Wyoming, for the biggest project of her career, she never expects to run into the mystery cowboy she shared a sizzling kiss with at a bar. But fate has other plans—Weston Ryder isn’t just a cowboy; he’s her new boss. While Wes is determined to pursue the undeniable connection between them, Ada is equally determined to keep her walls up. With past wounds, career ambitions, and deep-seated insecurities standing in their way, can Ada and Wes find the courage to take a chance on love?
What I Loved
A Worthy Rival to Luke Brooks: I didn’t think any book boyfriend could beat out Luke, but Wes Ryder is a hot contender. His easygoing charm, unwavering patience, and emotional depth made him irresistible.
Sensitive & Thoughtful Mental Health Representation: Lyla Sage handles mental health and insecurities with incredible care, and I’m wondering if this might be a signature strength in her writing.
Wes’s struggle with depression was deeply relatable, especially the way he acknowledged that while he had things under control now, there would inevitably be dips again in the future. That quiet, ever-present anxiety is something many people with major depression (myself included) can relate to.
Ada’s insecurities—especially around not being “likable” enough, shaped by her failed marriage and past struggles—were incredibly well-written. Her reluctance to let Wes in was frustrating at times, but completely true to character.
A Strong, Independent FMC: While I personally found Emmy (from Done and Dusted) a more compelling FMC, I still respected and appreciated Ada’s journey. Watching her stand her ground, build her career, and carve out a place in the Ryder family was deeply satisfying.
Great Chemistry & A Slow-Burn Dynamic: The push-and-pull between Ada and Wes was so well-executed. The attraction was there from the start, but the emotional walls and personal stakes added depth to their relationship.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
A Slight Preference for Emmy as an FMC: While Ada was strong in her own right, I found Emmy’s journey in Done and Dusted slightly more compelling. That said, Ada’s growth was still well-earned and satisfying.
Who Should Read This?
If you love small-town, western romance with realistic mental health representation, strong-willed heroines, and swoon-worthy cowboys, Swift and Saddled is for you. Perfect for fans of workplace romance, slow-burn tension, and emotionally rich storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Lyla Sage delivers another heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that balances steamy chemistry with deeply personal struggles. With Wes’s quiet vulnerability, Ada’s hard-fought independence, and the ever-charming Ryder family, Swift and Saddled is a fantastic addition to the Rebel Blue Ranch series. While Luke Brooks still holds the book boyfriend crown for me, Wes makes an incredibly strong case for the title—and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.
