📖 Book Review: Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage 🤠
I didn’t think I was a "cowboy romance" reader—but Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage completely roped me in. I picked this one up on a whim, and within a few chapters, I was totally hooked. So hooked, in fact, that I immediately bought the rest of the Rebel Blue Ranch series as soon as I finished. This book surprised me in all the best ways, and it reminded me how much I love stories with emotional depth, layered characters, and settings that feel like home.
What’s It About? (Spoiler-Free)
The story follows Emmy, who returns to her hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming, to heal after a riding injury. She’s dealing with more than just physical recovery, though—her mental health and self-worth have taken a hit, and being back in the place she once left behind stirs up complicated feelings.
Enter Luke Brooks: local heartbreaker, misunderstood ranch hand, and Emmy’s older brother’s best friend. He's got a reputation, but the more we see of Luke, the more we realize there's way more beneath the surface. As they reconnect, past misconceptions start to unravel and new feelings begin to grow.
What I Liked
✔ Luke Brooks. I’m a sucker for a character with a bad-boy reputation who turns out to be full of heart—and Luke fits that perfectly. Watching his growth throughout the story, and the way he cares deeply but quietly, made me root for him hard. He’s got that rough-around-the-edges thing going on, but with surprising vulnerability.
✔ Dual POVs. Getting both Emmy and Luke’s perspectives added so much depth. You really feel the weight they’re both carrying, and their journeys felt individual yet intertwined in a really thoughtful way.
✔ Mental health representation. Emmy’s struggle with panic attacks and her hesitancy to talk openly about them felt real and handled with care. As someone who’s dealt with panic attacks myself, her story resonated deeply. It’s such a powerful reminder that people can be struggling with things you can’t always see.
✔ The town of Meadowlark. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the setting, but Meadowlark truly came alive. It felt like a character in its own right—a cozy, messy, tight-knit place where everyone knows your business but somehow, you still feel seen. I can’t wait to spend more time here in the rest of the series.
What Didn’t Work for Me
❌ Clare’s internal monologue – I struggled with Clare as a protagonist. Her inner world felt stuck on repeat—full of self-doubt, guilt, and long-winded justifications that didn’t really evolve throughout the book. Instead of growing or gaining clarity, she seemed to circle the same frustrations over and over again. I didn’t need her to be perfect—but I needed her to be interesting.
❌ Pacing and predictability – The story dragged in places and often felt overly introspective without much payoff. I found myself zoning out during long stretches of inner conflict that never really went anywhere. I had hoped for deeper character development, but instead, the plot just kind of coasted along.
❌ Other characters were underutilized – Just when I started to perk up with the introduction of different character POVs, it felt like the story didn’t fully commit to exploring them. There was so much potential for richer, messier dynamics, but most of it was left undercooked.
❌ The ending – No spoilers here, but I’ll just say: for a book titled A Summer Affair, the outcome felt... unsatisfyingly clean. The lack of consequences or meaningful reflection left me feeling like the emotional stakes never really landed.
Final Thoughts
Done and Dusted is a story about healing, growth, and second chances. It’s romantic and heartfelt with just the right amount of spice and small-town charm. If you love emotionally complex characters, cowboy boots, and books that balance fun with meaning, this one’s worth picking up.
📚 Rating: 5/5 Stars
☕ Pairs well with: a slow morning, your favorite mug, and a deep breath for the moments that hit a little too close to home.
