Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage: The Best, Spiciest Book in the Rebel Blue Ranch Serie
Swift and Saddled is hands-down my favorite book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series. It’s fun, flirty, and spicy—but what really sets it apart is the heart behind the heat. Lyla Sage manages to blend swoon-worthy romance with important, real-life topics in a way that feels honest and empowering.
At the center of the story is Ada, who’s recovering from a toxic, controlling marriage. Her journey is handled with care and strength. Watching her fall for Weston—a rugged cowboy who never tries to dim her light—was so satisfying. Where her ex kept her dependent (even refusing to teach her how to drive stick shift), Weston encourages her to be self-sufficient. One of my favorite moments is when he teaches her how to drive, not because he has to, but because he knows she wants to be in control of her life again.
I also really appreciated how the book tackles mental health. Sage doesn’t shy away from discussing depression and how anti-depressants can affect intimacy and sex. It’s rare to see that kind of representation in romance, and it made the book feel even more grounded in reality. That kind of honesty matters.
That said, I do have one major critique: the unnecessary (and frankly shallow) attempt to make Ada Greek. The book alludes to her background in a way that feels more like exoticizing than genuine representation. She has no Greek first or last name, her “comfort food” is spanakopita (which is… not it), and even when referencing her grandmother, there’s no cultural authenticity—no use of the word yiayia, which even the most Americanized Greeks would use. It felt like a missed opportunity to add depth, or better yet, leave it out altogether if it wasn’t going to be explored meaningfully.
Still, this book delivers where it counts: the romance, the emotional growth, the spice, and the message. Swift and Saddled is a deeply satisfying small-town romance that feels fun, sexy, and real.
RATING: 5/5
SPICE: 3.75/5
