Reading Skywards – Your Friendly Bookshelf

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BOOK
Publisher ‏ : Dial Press Trade Paperback
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October  2023
Format:  Paperback, Audiobook and ebook
Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
Genre:  Western Romance Fiction

MY PERSONAL OPINION OF “DONE AND DUSTED” BY LYLA SAGE

I was looking for an audiobook, and this one was available in Libby. I bought the second book in a sale, and it is in Kobo ereader, so I figure it would be best to read the first book in the series. I did not know the premise of the book, except that it is a western and that it was a romance. I am not a big romance novel reader, but from time to time, I find myself looking for a romance to read. Romance books are usually short and sweet, with a happy ending.

This was a really good book; the storyline was great, the scene (a Ranch in Wyoming) was so refreshing and different. The characters had good, strong personalities, especially the secondary characters in the story (brothers, best friend, and dad).

The steaming scenes were hot, but well-written, and the level of spiciness is what I expected from the reviews on this particular series.

There were some items that kept this novel within the 3.8 – 4.2 rating. Mainly, the main female character at times seemed to just flow through the story with no real grip. Also, the “obstacles” were really not there… it was just about time to be given, but nothing urgent to act upon. I was expecting the troubles to be deeper.

All in all, I enjoyed this book, and I will be reading the second one shortly on my Kobo (maybe in one or two months).

PREMISE OF THE BOOK AS FOUND IN AMAZON / GOODREADS:

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?

MY RATING:

My rating for this book is a solid 3.8

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lyla is a hopelessly romantic twenty-something who lives in the Wild West with her loyal companion–a sweet, old, blind rescue pitbull. She writes romance that feels like her favorite things: sunshine and big blue skies. When she’s not writing, she’s reading. You can usually find her under her heated blanket, at her favorite local bookstore, or in the mountains. To stay up to date on Lyla’s upcoming projects, connect with her on social media @authorlylasage, sign up for her newsletter, or visit her website.

Bibliography:

• Swift and Saddled: A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel
• Lost and Lassoed: A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel
• Wild and Wrangled: A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel