Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

Roped into Love: August and Teddy's Slow-Burn Spark in Lost and Lassoed

In a satisfying role reversal from Done and Dusted, Lyla Sage’s Lost and Lassoed shifts the spotlight to August Ryder—Emmy's brother—and her best friend Teddy Anderson. Where book one gave us the brother's best friend trope, this time we get the best friend’s brother—and it works so well.

With Emmy away for the summer, August is suddenly flying solo both at the Rebel Blue Ranch and at home, caring for his daughter, Riley. Enter Teddy: recently out of a job, unsure of her next steps, and suddenly co-parenting with her best friend's brother. Due to necessity (and a touch of fate), the two end up spending the entire summer under the same roof.

What follows is a sweet, slow-burn story that thrives on forced proximity, quiet moments, and subtle emotional shifts. Watching Teddy experience August’s soft side—not just as a cowboy, but as a present, devoted father—absolutely made me swoon. Their connection is built not on grand gestures or explosive chemistry, but on shared responsibility, small kindnesses, and quiet intimacy. It's heartwarming and refreshingly real.

One thing I loved about this book was the way it normalized periods and how August just… gets it. No weirdness, no awkwardness—just understanding and care. It’s such a small detail, but it says a lot about the depth of character writing and the kind of men Sage gives us in this series.

The banter is still sharp and well-written—classic Lyla Sage—but the sexual tension definitely simmers on a lower flame compared to Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled. That said, it feels intentional. August and Teddy’s story isn’t about heat so much as it is about healing, patience, and unexpected love in the midst of life’s chaos.

If this had been a standalone novel by a different author, I probably would’ve handed it a full 5 stars. But with the first two books still vivid in my mind—and being slightly stronger in terms of pacing and tension—I’m giving Lost and Lassoed a solid 4.5 stars. Still, a must-read for fans of the Rebel Blue Ranch series and anyone who loves a tender-hearted cowboy with dad energy.

RATING: 4.5/5
SPICE: 3/5