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Rebel Blue Ranch #4
Wild and Wrangled: The perfect small-town, second chance romance from the author of TikTok sensation DONE AND DUSTED
'A
must read' - #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey
She's the one that got away. He's the one that never let her go.
Camille Ashwood has always loved a plan. But when her groom doesn't show up to their wedding, Cam's life is turned upside down - she doesn't even have a place to live. That is until she finds out the house she's loved since high school is available to rent. There's only one the neighbour.
Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running from Cam - the girl who was his first, well, everything. But when she moves in next door, newly single, Dusty wants to show her that they can just be friends.
Despite her best attempts to stay far away from Dusty Tucker, Cam realizes that being close to him is like slipping on her favourite jeans. That is until past wounds start to open and feelings - both old and new - wreak havoc. Nearly ten years after they first met, Dusty and Cam begin to wonder if their first love can also be their last. And this time, will it be forever?
She's the one that got away. He's the one that never let her go.
Camille Ashwood has always loved a plan. But when her groom doesn't show up to their wedding, Cam's life is turned upside down - she doesn't even have a place to live. That is until she finds out the house she's loved since high school is available to rent. There's only one the neighbour.
Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running from Cam - the girl who was his first, well, everything. But when she moves in next door, newly single, Dusty wants to show her that they can just be friends.
Despite her best attempts to stay far away from Dusty Tucker, Cam realizes that being close to him is like slipping on her favourite jeans. That is until past wounds start to open and feelings - both old and new - wreak havoc. Nearly ten years after they first met, Dusty and Cam begin to wonder if their first love can also be their last. And this time, will it be forever?
Audible Audio
First published April 15, 2025
3881 people are currently reading
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About the author
Lyla Sage
10 books15.1k followersLyla Sage 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. She is also the author of Done and Dusted. When she’s not writing, she’s reading.
Instagram: @authorlylasage
TikTok: @authorlylasage
Threads: @authorlylasage
https://linktr.ee/authorlylasage
Instagram: @authorlylasage
TikTok: @authorlylasage
Threads: @authorlylasage
https://linktr.ee/authorlylasage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 18,533 reviews
May 14, 2025
Second chance romance & hand tattoos. That’ll do it for me!
I really enjoyed the tropes in this one + the personalities of Cam & Dusty! I do wish we got to know them a bit more on a personal level and gone a bit deeper, I feel like I don’t KNOW them (even though I was definitely rooting for them)
I also thought it was sweet seeing how Dusty’s feelings never wavered for Cam (men who yearn>) I’m gonna miss this fictional world!!! 🤠
I really enjoyed the tropes in this one + the personalities of Cam & Dusty! I do wish we got to know them a bit more on a personal level and gone a bit deeper, I feel like I don’t KNOW them (even though I was definitely rooting for them)
I also thought it was sweet seeing how Dusty’s feelings never wavered for Cam (men who yearn>) I’m gonna miss this fictional world!!! 🤠
July 28, 2024
DUSTY, THE MAN THAT YOU ARE.
I had my heart in my throat the entire time. What an incredible way to wrap up our time at rebel blue. Lyla’s best work.
I had my heart in my throat the entire time. What an incredible way to wrap up our time at rebel blue. Lyla’s best work.
April 12, 2025
Cam and Dusty ❤️🩹
April 22, 2025
Ugh hate to say it, but my least favorite one in the series. This had so much potential and it just did not deliver.
1. The whole thing about their relationship in high school and how they broke up. It kept mentioning how it was such a bad breakup and it kind of set it up to where I thought something REALLY bad happened and when I actually got to the part of how they broke up, it was the most anticlimactic thing ever. Like she just left and that’s it. They didn’t even like break up officially, she just left and they never talked again, okay cool l.
2. His name being dusty is honestly an ick, I’m sorry o couldn’t do it
3. His real name being hidden the whole book made me think that there was some kind of a story behind it, but there LITERALLY WASN’T. Like his mom said it once and we just moved over it like nothing happened
4. The third act breakup, Cam really pulled that one out of her ass, and got mad at him for what, FOR NOTHING, literally made me soooo angry.
All of this brings me to another point… I did cry in the epilogue, which was the only thing I liked about this book, and it was told from Emmy’s POV, it was her and Luke’s wedding day, so the fact that I enjoyed epilogue doesn’t even count bc it was from book 1 and had nothing to do with this one.
1. The whole thing about their relationship in high school and how they broke up. It kept mentioning how it was such a bad breakup and it kind of set it up to where I thought something REALLY bad happened and when I actually got to the part of how they broke up, it was the most anticlimactic thing ever. Like she just left and that’s it. They didn’t even like break up officially, she just left and they never talked again, okay cool l.
2. His name being dusty is honestly an ick, I’m sorry o couldn’t do it
3. His real name being hidden the whole book made me think that there was some kind of a story behind it, but there LITERALLY WASN’T. Like his mom said it once and we just moved over it like nothing happened
4. The third act breakup, Cam really pulled that one out of her ass, and got mad at him for what, FOR NOTHING, literally made me soooo angry.
All of this brings me to another point… I did cry in the epilogue, which was the only thing I liked about this book, and it was told from Emmy’s POV, it was her and Luke’s wedding day, so the fact that I enjoyed epilogue doesn’t even count bc it was from book 1 and had nothing to do with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
4.42!
“I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood.”
With the way 'Lost and Lassoed' ended, I just knew I would love this one, and I am so happy that I did because this is the most perfect conclusion that I could have asked for!! This series has grown to be my comfort series, like, I just know I can get back to it whenever and never be bored. The whole setting is so atmospheric, the town is somewhere that I would want to live in. The writing was so vivid that it was hard not to imagine yourself in that setting with the characters. Everything was so immersive and it hit perfectly. The chapters were short and the pace was fast. I did take my time with this one because this was the last we were seeing of this world, but if it wasn't, I just know I would finish it within a day because it was that immersive. I don’t read cowboy romances a lot, but when I do, I fall in love with the world so bad.
“There’s a reason that rearview mirrors are small and windshields are big.”
Cam, just surviving being stood up on her wedding day, decides to go back to the ranch and figure things out. Her whole life right now is a mess, everyone around her is happy and in love, her family are the worst bitches known to mankind, and her groom ran away. And to make things worse, her childhood sweetheart is here as well... hehehe, but we all know that made things better. Cam's relationship with her ex and their family was the best thing because the way she was able to rely on them more than her own family?? They considered her as a part of their family, and even her ex, who is her baby daddy, was so good to her. Like, that is one thing that I appreciated so much in this book and the previous one, that despite not being able to make things work, they managed to have a good relationship even if it wasn’t for Riley’s (the daughter’s) sake. Her ability to put things past her and try to live a new life was so refreshing to read. Her development and her healing were a major part of this book. Cam finding the courage to confront her parents and just do everything that she wasn’t able to and had regrets for was really well done here.
“The bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them—to hold on to them with everything you’ve got—and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.”
Dusty, this man was such a cute cinnamon roll. He was so down bad for Cam, like he was willing to do anythinggg for her. His letters to her in their high school years were so cute and fun to read. He was so observant and so careful with her, and he loved sooo much that it was hard not to fall in love with him. He was charismatic and so joyous. The way he was the nudge Cam needed was also perfect. Him taking care of that old lady showed how caring he was. He was so good with Riley, and his friendship with Teddy was also very cute. Dusty was so charming. I love how every Rebel Ranch FMC was swooning over him, and as they should, this man was fine asf!! His small gestures were everything, and I really like how much Cam developed through the past and present, but he remained the same.
“I wanted to be prepared…just in case I ever got to go with you.” “You mean in case I ever forced you to come with me?” Dusty shook his head. “No. You’re a privilege, Cam. Being in your presence is a goddamn honor.”
The romance was so achingly beautiful. Second chance romance, with slow burn and forced proximity, is everything I needed. It was so scrumptious. It was finger-lickin’ good. Dusty and Cam’s chemistry was already set, and I was rooting for them since book 3. Like, I knew they would be bangersss, and they were. I was not bored at all following the storyline. I also liked how the old lady plotline paved into their romance; it made everything so much more sweet — like it was needed!! How they had boundaries and how respectful they were of each other. And oh, the part where Dusty was cheering for Riley louder than anyone, that was sooo cute, like the perfect stepdad!! Riley makes me so envious, and I can’t believe I’m beefing with a toddler, but LISTEN, not only does she have the perfect parents BUT also the perfect stepparents, THE perfect uncles and aunts, and THE perfect grandfather!! She better watch her back >:(
“Life got so much easier when there were fewer possibilities—fewer choices to make, fewer chances that you’d make the wrong one.”
The short story of Luke and Emmy’s wedding was so cute!! It was definitely what I needed here!
Overall, the perfect conclusion.
___
I don't wanna say goodbye to this series because I've grown to love it and feel comfortable in this world 🥹 but that epilogue in lost and lassoed has me so interested in it 🤭
“I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood.”
With the way 'Lost and Lassoed' ended, I just knew I would love this one, and I am so happy that I did because this is the most perfect conclusion that I could have asked for!! This series has grown to be my comfort series, like, I just know I can get back to it whenever and never be bored. The whole setting is so atmospheric, the town is somewhere that I would want to live in. The writing was so vivid that it was hard not to imagine yourself in that setting with the characters. Everything was so immersive and it hit perfectly. The chapters were short and the pace was fast. I did take my time with this one because this was the last we were seeing of this world, but if it wasn't, I just know I would finish it within a day because it was that immersive. I don’t read cowboy romances a lot, but when I do, I fall in love with the world so bad.
“There’s a reason that rearview mirrors are small and windshields are big.”
Cam, just surviving being stood up on her wedding day, decides to go back to the ranch and figure things out. Her whole life right now is a mess, everyone around her is happy and in love, her family are the worst bitches known to mankind, and her groom ran away. And to make things worse, her childhood sweetheart is here as well... hehehe, but we all know that made things better. Cam's relationship with her ex and their family was the best thing because the way she was able to rely on them more than her own family?? They considered her as a part of their family, and even her ex, who is her baby daddy, was so good to her. Like, that is one thing that I appreciated so much in this book and the previous one, that despite not being able to make things work, they managed to have a good relationship even if it wasn’t for Riley’s (the daughter’s) sake. Her ability to put things past her and try to live a new life was so refreshing to read. Her development and her healing were a major part of this book. Cam finding the courage to confront her parents and just do everything that she wasn’t able to and had regrets for was really well done here.
“The bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them—to hold on to them with everything you’ve got—and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.”
Dusty, this man was such a cute cinnamon roll. He was so down bad for Cam, like he was willing to do anythinggg for her. His letters to her in their high school years were so cute and fun to read. He was so observant and so careful with her, and he loved sooo much that it was hard not to fall in love with him. He was charismatic and so joyous. The way he was the nudge Cam needed was also perfect. Him taking care of that old lady showed how caring he was. He was so good with Riley, and his friendship with Teddy was also very cute. Dusty was so charming. I love how every Rebel Ranch FMC was swooning over him, and as they should, this man was fine asf!! His small gestures were everything, and I really like how much Cam developed through the past and present, but he remained the same.
“I wanted to be prepared…just in case I ever got to go with you.” “You mean in case I ever forced you to come with me?” Dusty shook his head. “No. You’re a privilege, Cam. Being in your presence is a goddamn honor.”
The romance was so achingly beautiful. Second chance romance, with slow burn and forced proximity, is everything I needed. It was so scrumptious. It was finger-lickin’ good. Dusty and Cam’s chemistry was already set, and I was rooting for them since book 3. Like, I knew they would be bangersss, and they were. I was not bored at all following the storyline. I also liked how the old lady plotline paved into their romance; it made everything so much more sweet — like it was needed!! How they had boundaries and how respectful they were of each other. And oh, the part where Dusty was cheering for Riley louder than anyone, that was sooo cute, like the perfect stepdad!! Riley makes me so envious, and I can’t believe I’m beefing with a toddler, but LISTEN, not only does she have the perfect parents BUT also the perfect stepparents, THE perfect uncles and aunts, and THE perfect grandfather!! She better watch her back >:(
“Life got so much easier when there were fewer possibilities—fewer choices to make, fewer chances that you’d make the wrong one.”
The short story of Luke and Emmy’s wedding was so cute!! It was definitely what I needed here!
Overall, the perfect conclusion.
___
I don't wanna say goodbye to this series because I've grown to love it and feel comfortable in this world 🥹 but that epilogue in lost and lassoed has me so interested in it 🤭
April 25, 2025
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April 16, 2025
2 stars
Let me start by saying that this generous 2-star rating is a big concession, especially given how much I have disliked every book in this series leading up to this one. Honestly, my expectations for Wild & Wrangled were already on the floor before I even picked it up, and spoiler alert: nothing in this book made me rethink my feelings about Lyla Sage or this series. But hey, credit where credit is due—the author has this weird ability to make me mildly interested in the next book with each one. I’ll give her that.
Let’s backtrack a little. The first book in the series was a chore. I don't even know why I kept pushing through that one. People talked it up, but all I got was nothing—I hated it. The “sugar” nickname gave me the biggest ick. The characters were forgettable, and the romance? Forgettable too. But then Wes and Ada's book was next, and I was like, “okay, I’ll give it a chance cause Wes seemed cute enough.” Nope. That book was BORING. The same forgettable characters, the same lukewarm romance.
Then came Teddy and Gus, which I was legitimately excited for. I love me some enemies-to-lovers, and the setup seemed promising. But ugh, the pacing was off, there was barely any banter, and I just didn’t feel the tension I was hoping for. Now, we arrive at Wild & Wrangled, the final book in the series, and I was actually looking forward to Cam’s story. She had been this supportive character in the past books and I love how healthy her co-parenting relationship with Gus was. I was hoping her book would redeem the series… well it didn’t.
Let’s talk about Cam’s character for a second. I don’t even know where to start with her. She was honestly so unlikeable. Like, there were no redeeming qualities about her—none. I couldn’t connect with her at all. I was completely disengaged from every single one of her povs. Cam's whole "I’m going to marry for security" thing might have been an interesting premise, but her execution was flat-out boring. She was so dull, I could barely remember her actions five minutes after finishing a chapter.
Then we have Dusty. Now, Dusty wasn’t horrible. I’ll give him that. He’s the kind of guy who would do anything for Cam, and that’s cute and swoon-worthy, I guess. But here’s the thing: the relationship between him and Cam was so forced it was painful to read. You could tell that the author was trying way too hard to make their relationship happen, but it just didn’t come across as genuine. There was no natural chemistry, no spark, no real connection. I felt like I was reading a script rather than a romance novel.
Speaking of that relationship, let’s talk about the plot—or rather, the lack of it. There’s literally nothing keeping these two apart. Cam’s internal monologue? That’s about it. She spends the whole book running from her feelings, and Dusty spends the whole time... existing. There's no real tension. No external conflict. The story just kind of... happens. I couldn’t care less about their history together or their future—none of it mattered because their relationship didn’t feel real, and the writing made me feel like I was just trudging through a chore.
The third-act breakup? 🙄 Ridiculous. I can’t even begin to explain how dumb and forced it was.
This was one of the worst second chance romances I have ever read.
So, overall, did I enjoy this series? No. Would I recommend it? Sure. It’s obvious I’m in the minority here, and I’ll admit that. Maybe this series works for some people, but for me? Never again. I won’t be reading anything else by Lyla Sage. Wild & Wrangled did absolutely nothing to change my mind about this series, and I’m honestly relieved this series is finally over.
Thank you Hachette Australia for the arc.
Let me start by saying that this generous 2-star rating is a big concession, especially given how much I have disliked every book in this series leading up to this one. Honestly, my expectations for Wild & Wrangled were already on the floor before I even picked it up, and spoiler alert: nothing in this book made me rethink my feelings about Lyla Sage or this series. But hey, credit where credit is due—the author has this weird ability to make me mildly interested in the next book with each one. I’ll give her that.
Let’s backtrack a little. The first book in the series was a chore. I don't even know why I kept pushing through that one. People talked it up, but all I got was nothing—I hated it. The “sugar” nickname gave me the biggest ick. The characters were forgettable, and the romance? Forgettable too. But then Wes and Ada's book was next, and I was like, “okay, I’ll give it a chance cause Wes seemed cute enough.” Nope. That book was BORING. The same forgettable characters, the same lukewarm romance.
Then came Teddy and Gus, which I was legitimately excited for. I love me some enemies-to-lovers, and the setup seemed promising. But ugh, the pacing was off, there was barely any banter, and I just didn’t feel the tension I was hoping for. Now, we arrive at Wild & Wrangled, the final book in the series, and I was actually looking forward to Cam’s story. She had been this supportive character in the past books and I love how healthy her co-parenting relationship with Gus was. I was hoping her book would redeem the series… well it didn’t.
Let’s talk about Cam’s character for a second. I don’t even know where to start with her. She was honestly so unlikeable. Like, there were no redeeming qualities about her—none. I couldn’t connect with her at all. I was completely disengaged from every single one of her povs. Cam's whole "I’m going to marry for security" thing might have been an interesting premise, but her execution was flat-out boring. She was so dull, I could barely remember her actions five minutes after finishing a chapter.
Then we have Dusty. Now, Dusty wasn’t horrible. I’ll give him that. He’s the kind of guy who would do anything for Cam, and that’s cute and swoon-worthy, I guess. But here’s the thing: the relationship between him and Cam was so forced it was painful to read. You could tell that the author was trying way too hard to make their relationship happen, but it just didn’t come across as genuine. There was no natural chemistry, no spark, no real connection. I felt like I was reading a script rather than a romance novel.
Speaking of that relationship, let’s talk about the plot—or rather, the lack of it. There’s literally nothing keeping these two apart. Cam’s internal monologue? That’s about it. She spends the whole book running from her feelings, and Dusty spends the whole time... existing. There's no real tension. No external conflict. The story just kind of... happens. I couldn’t care less about their history together or their future—none of it mattered because their relationship didn’t feel real, and the writing made me feel like I was just trudging through a chore.
The third-act breakup? 🙄 Ridiculous. I can’t even begin to explain how dumb and forced it was.
This was one of the worst second chance romances I have ever read.
So, overall, did I enjoy this series? No. Would I recommend it? Sure. It’s obvious I’m in the minority here, and I’ll admit that. Maybe this series works for some people, but for me? Never again. I won’t be reading anything else by Lyla Sage. Wild & Wrangled did absolutely nothing to change my mind about this series, and I’m honestly relieved this series is finally over.
Thank you Hachette Australia for the arc.
April 17, 2025
It’s diabolical that Dusty Tucker is a fictional character… the horrors persist.
June 16, 2025
🌾"Though time has twisted and love has frayed,
In fleeting moments, their fate was swayed.
Years of yearning and unspoken grief,
Their souls entwined, beyond belief"🌾
Wild and Wrangled is a gripping tale of second chances and the complexities of love. When life takes an unexpected turn for Cam, she’s forced to confront her past and navigate the emotional turbulence of new beginnings. With unresolved feelings, old connections, and a whole lot of self-discovery, this story explores the messy, beautiful journey of rebuilding trust and finding love again. It's raw, real, and full of heart—showing that sometimes, the road to happiness isn’t straight, but it’s always worth the ride.
PS:The ARC had been chilling on my list for like a whole month now. I had to review it bc it’s already out in the wild — but ya girl was stuck in the middle of exams (still am 💀), but hey — doing this on my break because priorities, right? Finally sitting down to scream about Wild and Wrangled. 🤠✨
📌Plot Summary
🔗Wedding Day Gone Awry
Cam's wedding day ends disastrously
Cam finds herself alone in a dive bar, still in her wedding dress, with a vodka in hand. Her fiancé, Graham, has left her with a note, unable to go through with the wedding. As she contemplates her future, Cam feels the weight of her parents' expectations and societal pressures. Her thoughts drift to her daughter, Riley, and the life she had envisioned. Amos, a father figure, offers support, but Cam is left feeling both liberated and lost, unsure of what her next steps should be.
🔗Dusty and Cam's Unexpected Reunion
Dusty finds Cam in distress
Dusty, Cam's high school sweetheart, is at the same bar, lamenting her wedding. Upon seeing Cam in her wedding dress, he realizes the wedding didn't happen. Despite their complicated past, Dusty offers Cam an escape, and they drive away together. Their shared history and unresolved feelings bubble to the surface, but they choose to focus on the present, avoiding deeper conversations about their past.
🔗A New Home, Old Feelings
Cam moves into a new house
Cam rents a house filled with memories of her and Dusty's past, unaware that Dusty lives in a small house on the property. Their proximity forces them to confront their past, but they cautiously navigate it, focusing on friendship. Cam's daughter, Riley, becomes a bridge between them, as Dusty becomes a part of their lives, rekindling old feelings and creating new connections.
🔗Navigating Past and Present
Cam and Dusty rebuild their friendship
As Cam settles into her new home, she and Dusty are drawn to each other, reminiscing about their high school days. Their interactions are filled with nostalgia and unspoken tension. Dusty helps Cam with household tasks, and they enjoy the comfort of each other's company, aware of the unresolved feelings but choosing to focus on the present.
🔗Secrets and Revelations
Unveiling hidden truths
Cam discovers that Dusty owns the house she's renting, a revelation that shakes her trust. Dusty's intentions were pure, but the secret creates a rift between them. Cam grapples with feelings of betrayal and questions Dusty's motives. This chapter delves into the complexities of trust and the impact of secrets on relationships, highlighting the need for honesty and communication.
🔗Love and Forgiveness
Choosing love over fear
Cam and Dusty reach a turning point, choosing to embrace their love despite past hurts. Dusty's heartfelt declaration of love and his willingness to give Cam space demonstrate his commitment. Cam, in turn, acknowledges her fears and chooses to trust Dusty. This chapter highlights the power of love and forgiveness in overcoming obstacles and building a stronger relationship.
🔗Building a Future Together
Creating a shared life
Cam and Dusty commit to building a future together, blending their lives and families. They embrace the challenges and joys of their relationship, finding strength in their love and shared history. This chapter concludes with a sense of hope and possibility, as Cam and Dusty look forward to a life filled with love, laughter, and new beginnings.“We went in two separate directions, but roads that go opposite directions come back together all the time.”
📌Characters
✿ Cam ashwood 👒
Determined yet conflicted
Cam is a strong, independent woman grappling with the fallout of her failed wedding. Her past with Dusty looms large, and she struggles to reconcile her feelings for him with her desire for stability. As a mother, she is fiercely protective of her daughter, Riley, and seeks to provide a loving home. Cam's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance her past and present.“A reminder that I was lucky enough that my first love also got to be my last.”
✿ Dusty tucker 🏇
Charming and introspective
Our blonde, fit, tattooed, with a nose piercing, and all that intense pining for Cam? Chef's kiss. Fifteen years of unwavering love? Honestly, that's the kind of loyalty I need in my fictional men. The yearning, the way he always shows up for her in the best possible ways—it’s giving heartthrob material on a whole other level. And the hand necklaces? Whew, that's a level of symbolism and intimacy that just hits differently. Dusty is a cowboy with a heart full of unresolved feelings for Cam. His return to Meadowlark brings him face-to-face with his past, and he must navigate the complexities of his relationship with Cam. Dusty is kind-hearted and supportive, often putting others before himself. His journey is about finding peace with his past and embracing the possibility of a future with Cam."I'll love you until we're dust, Camille Ashwood."
~Side Characters in Wild and Wrangled (aka The Chaos Crew):
⟢Amos (The Steady Rock): The wise father figure who calmly provides sage advice while the whole world falls apart. Honestly, we need more Amoses—someone has to keep it together when everything else is chaos.
⟢Graham (The Ghost): The fiancé who bailed on his wedding day. Not even a text. Just a note. Classic move, Graham. 10/10 for commitment issues.
⟢Aggie (The Mom Who Knows Best): Dusty’s mom who has all the life wisdom and a heart full of love. She’s like the emotional glue holding everyone together—except, sadly, not fixing their messes.
⟢Emmy (The Fun Friend): The loyal bestie who shows up with wine and a sarcastic remark whenever things go wrong. She’s the perfect enabler for bad decisions, but also, you’d want her in your corner in a crisis.
⟢Teddy (The Creative Partner): Gus’s partner who brings color and perspective. She’s the only one emotionally prepared for the chaos, but will anyone actually listen to her? Unlikely.
⟢Wes (The Saint): Dusty’s dependable friend who’s too good for this drama. He just quietly helps everyone while somehow avoiding getting tangled up in their mess.
📌Plot Devices
➤Second-Chance Romance
Rekindling past love
The story revolves around the theme of second-chance romance, as Cam and Dusty navigate their complex history and unresolved feelings. Their journey is one of rediscovery, as they learn to balance their past with the possibility of a future together. This plot device adds depth and tension to their relationship, driving the narrative forward.
“You’re perfect. You’re so fucking perfect.”
“I missed you,” I whispered, finally getting brave enough to say it in the
dead of night. His heartbeat was against my ear, and I heard it skip.
“I’ve been waiting to hear that for fifteen years,” he said softly.
“Thank you for coming back,”
➤Proximity
Forcing interaction and reflection
The physical proximity of Cam and Dusty's living arrangements forces them to confront their past and present. This plot device creates opportunities for interaction and reflection, allowing them to explore their feelings and relationship dynamics. It serves as a catalyst for their evolving friendship and potential romance.
➤Secrets and Trust
Impact of hidden truths
The revelation of Dusty's ownership of Cam's house serves as a pivotal plot device, challenging their trust and forcing them to confront their past. This device explores the complexities of honesty and communication in relationships, highlighting the importance of transparency and understanding in building a strong foundation.
➤Family and Community
Support and connection
The themes of family and community are woven throughout the story, providing a backdrop of support and connection. Cam's relationships with her daughter, friends, and extended family offer a sense of belonging and stability. This plot device highlights the importance of love and support in overcoming personal challenges and finding happiness.
Emotional damage but with a happy ending
You’ll eat this up. (I sure did. Even while drowning in exam stress.)
📌What fell short-
~Miscommunication in the past -Both are talking past each other, which makes the argument feel frustrating and repetitive.
~Overdone Lines: Cam's “I’m sorry for loving you” feels a bit too dramatic in the moment.
📌What stands out in Wild and Wrangled? for me-
~First Love Feels: The connection between Cam and Dusty is that unforgettable first love that never quite fades, even after years.
~Stolen Glances: Every look between them is charged with emotion, like their unspoken words are written in their eyes.
~Flashbacks & Grief: The past lingers, reminding them of better days, while they navigate the pain of what was lost.
~Silent Longing: Their love is in the quiet moments—when words are unnecessary, and their hearts just know.
📌Overall Thoughts:
»Exploration of love and redemption
Well, folks, it’s official—the cowboy saga is closing its final chapter. Time to pack up the dreams of dusty roads and moonlit confessions. Wild and Wrangled is a rollercoaster ride of second chances, trust falls, and emotionally messy decisions. If you’re into love stories where the characters make terrible choices but still somehow end up together (because why not?), this book’s for you. Full of laugh-out-loud moments, eye rolls, and more “why did you do that?” than I care to count, it’s the perfect read for when you need something as chaotic as your own love life. Or if you're just in the mood to see people make all the wrong decisions and somehow find happiness anyway. Classic rom-com stuff, really. Now Just over here waiting for my own cowboy—tattooed, piercing, and ready to love me like he’s been waiting forever.😌Watching the world move by, while my heart lingers in the dust, hoping for the kind of love that’s worth the wait. ♥🌾
October 14, 2025
1.5 stars, rounded down, because yikes!!!!
If you have little to no standards, I’m sure this book will work perfectly for you. But I am mad because this was absolutely horrible. Everything about this was just terrible and I will tell you exactly why. Some people might not take issue with what I did, and that’s fine. But I received an arc in exchange for an honest review, and whew, y’all are gonna hear it, so saddle up.
Cam is the dumbest person, I think, in the entire world. I don’t know why she was written with so much stupidity (there is working through trauma, and there is being an unreasonable b!tch for no reason). She has the personality of a pistachio shell. She truly has no redeemable or likable qualities. She is as flat and monotone an EKG machine after its gone dead. I should’ve stopped at the author’s note that says “I am not a good enough writer” yes, I agree, after this book. It was MISERABLE being in cam’s mind. She made the stupidest decisions that had no merit to them whatsoever. Worst mom award goes to Cam, too, since for the first 40% of the book Riley is completely absent from all of it. How is she supposed to be a lawyer and 30 years old??? she speaks the same way she did when she was 17. But it makes sense because she acts like a teenager for all of the book.
I’m sure this is a writing style and one others might not have issues with, but every sentence just felt devoid of all emotion. “Maybe this was a good thing—that I didn’t feel anything. My feelings had always gotten me in trouble.” Or my personal favorite “I didn’t get wrapped up in things—music, arms, embraces—very often.” The melodrama from her is truly pathetic. The entire book she is “Oh—I” or “Um—we” before she would say anything. like girl GROW A SPINE and have a fucking backbone. She says, “I hated the mom-guilt that I felt for spending half of my time that I got with my daughter away from her” Yes, you should feel guilty because you literally have not spent a single minute with your daughter for more than half the book when you are LITERLALY HER MOTHER!!!!
Dusty. Dusty, you deserved so much better. I'm so sad that my hot emo mmc got a braindead fmc.
The relationship was basically nonexistent to me. The writing was my favorite part. Here’s Dusty’s famous words: “But until last year, I just kept moving. It was like inertia or whatever.” Yes, go on, give us nothing! "Inertia or whatever." Like what is this writing? This happens a lot throughout the book. She just says a sentence and never expands on them at all. AT ALL. Dusty and Cam have a flashback chapter where they kiss for the first time and she says, “It was probably the best first kiss ever.” AND THAT’S IT!!!!!!!!!! Like hello they just kissed and it was just the best first kiss ever! Like the best!!!! And she never bothers to explain why or how for literally anything. There is no expansion on any character or their feelings whatsoever.
Every side character in this—the crew we grew to love—served one purpose: to ask Cam or Dusty about Cam or Dusty. They literally existed to have them talk about their feelings for the other person and nothing else. I HATE this in book. This is probably one of the things I hate the most in a book. Cheat. Slap me. But do not write characters this way. Because it just shows that you have no idea how to simultaneously write other character’s lives aside from the ones that are the main characters in the book (which, sadly, weren't written well, either). When I tell you that every single time a side character began talking to Cam or Dusty, it was just for that reason.
The third act breakup… oh my god, had me fuming. Cam is so immature and I seriously hate her so much. She acted so childishly (like literally grow up) over something that happened that didn’t even involve her. She tells wes that this revelation was “a big, destructive, and out of the blue bomb that is making me wonder if everything was too good to be true” like girlllll please stop being a victim!!!!! All the problems in your life are because of you.
This book just felt like an afterthought, truthfully, and to say it was a disappointment is the understatement of the century. The writing was abysmal and the conflict was so artificially crafted that you knew you were reading a book. And sometimes its fine when that happens! But not when the book ends up sucking!
I'm truly devastated because I had such high hopes and the idea of the book was so good. It was supposed to hurt so bad and the yearning was supposed to be everything but the execution was just so, so bad. The story itself held so much promise and I'm really sad it just didn't give what I expected or needed. The .5 comes from the three good lines that dusty says.
If you have little to no standards, I’m sure this book will work perfectly for you. But I am mad because this was absolutely horrible. Everything about this was just terrible and I will tell you exactly why. Some people might not take issue with what I did, and that’s fine. But I received an arc in exchange for an honest review, and whew, y’all are gonna hear it, so saddle up.
Cam is the dumbest person, I think, in the entire world. I don’t know why she was written with so much stupidity (there is working through trauma, and there is being an unreasonable b!tch for no reason). She has the personality of a pistachio shell. She truly has no redeemable or likable qualities. She is as flat and monotone an EKG machine after its gone dead. I should’ve stopped at the author’s note that says “I am not a good enough writer” yes, I agree, after this book. It was MISERABLE being in cam’s mind. She made the stupidest decisions that had no merit to them whatsoever. Worst mom award goes to Cam, too, since for the first 40% of the book Riley is completely absent from all of it. How is she supposed to be a lawyer and 30 years old??? she speaks the same way she did when she was 17. But it makes sense because she acts like a teenager for all of the book.
I’m sure this is a writing style and one others might not have issues with, but every sentence just felt devoid of all emotion. “Maybe this was a good thing—that I didn’t feel anything. My feelings had always gotten me in trouble.” Or my personal favorite “I didn’t get wrapped up in things—music, arms, embraces—very often.” The melodrama from her is truly pathetic. The entire book she is “Oh—I” or “Um—we” before she would say anything. like girl GROW A SPINE and have a fucking backbone. She says, “I hated the mom-guilt that I felt for spending half of my time that I got with my daughter away from her” Yes, you should feel guilty because you literally have not spent a single minute with your daughter for more than half the book when you are LITERLALY HER MOTHER!!!!
Dusty. Dusty, you deserved so much better. I'm so sad that my hot emo mmc got a braindead fmc.
The relationship was basically nonexistent to me. The writing was my favorite part. Here’s Dusty’s famous words: “But until last year, I just kept moving. It was like inertia or whatever.” Yes, go on, give us nothing! "Inertia or whatever." Like what is this writing? This happens a lot throughout the book. She just says a sentence and never expands on them at all. AT ALL. Dusty and Cam have a flashback chapter where they kiss for the first time and she says, “It was probably the best first kiss ever.” AND THAT’S IT!!!!!!!!!! Like hello they just kissed and it was just the best first kiss ever! Like the best!!!! And she never bothers to explain why or how for literally anything. There is no expansion on any character or their feelings whatsoever.
Every side character in this—the crew we grew to love—served one purpose: to ask Cam or Dusty about Cam or Dusty. They literally existed to have them talk about their feelings for the other person and nothing else. I HATE this in book. This is probably one of the things I hate the most in a book. Cheat. Slap me. But do not write characters this way. Because it just shows that you have no idea how to simultaneously write other character’s lives aside from the ones that are the main characters in the book (which, sadly, weren't written well, either). When I tell you that every single time a side character began talking to Cam or Dusty, it was just for that reason.
The third act breakup… oh my god, had me fuming. Cam is so immature and I seriously hate her so much. She acted so childishly (like literally grow up) over something that happened that didn’t even involve her. She tells wes that this revelation was “a big, destructive, and out of the blue bomb that is making me wonder if everything was too good to be true” like girlllll please stop being a victim!!!!! All the problems in your life are because of you.
This book just felt like an afterthought, truthfully, and to say it was a disappointment is the understatement of the century. The writing was abysmal and the conflict was so artificially crafted that you knew you were reading a book. And sometimes its fine when that happens! But not when the book ends up sucking!
I'm truly devastated because I had such high hopes and the idea of the book was so good. It was supposed to hurt so bad and the yearning was supposed to be everything but the execution was just so, so bad. The story itself held so much promise and I'm really sad it just didn't give what I expected or needed. The .5 comes from the three good lines that dusty says.
May 22, 2025
4.5 stars! ⭐️
I can’t believe this was the final book in Rebel Blue Ranch! Going to miss this series and these characters so much. 🤠
For some reason the second chance romance trope always makes me so emotional and this was no exception! I mean, I’m not giving anyone a second chance in real life but I just love when fictional people do! And the flashbacks in this one!! Made me so emotional.
Dusty and Cam were everything and I love them so so much!! I loved seeing all of the other characters together in this one too! The friendships and family are so special in this series and this was the perfect conclusion!
My official ranking and ratings of the series!
1. 𝐿𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐿𝒶𝓈𝓈𝑜𝑒𝒹 - 5 stars
2. 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒲𝓇𝒶𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒𝒹 - 4.5 stars
3. 𝒟𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒟𝓊𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒹 - 4 stars
4. 𝒮𝓌𝒾𝒻𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝒶𝒹𝒹𝓁𝑒𝒹 - 3 stars
I can’t believe this was the final book in Rebel Blue Ranch! Going to miss this series and these characters so much. 🤠
For some reason the second chance romance trope always makes me so emotional and this was no exception! I mean, I’m not giving anyone a second chance in real life but I just love when fictional people do! And the flashbacks in this one!! Made me so emotional.
Dusty and Cam were everything and I love them so so much!! I loved seeing all of the other characters together in this one too! The friendships and family are so special in this series and this was the perfect conclusion!
My official ranking and ratings of the series!
1. 𝐿𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐿𝒶𝓈𝓈𝑜𝑒𝒹 - 5 stars
2. 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒲𝓇𝒶𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒𝒹 - 4.5 stars
3. 𝒟𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒟𝓊𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒹 - 4 stars
4. 𝒮𝓌𝒾𝒻𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝒶𝒹𝒹𝓁𝑒𝒹 - 3 stars
July 18, 2025
4 Stars ★
“I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood.”
I had planned on reading this on the day of its release but I wasn't ready to say goodbye to this series. It has been a comfort for me. So I had been putting it off until I couldn't take it anymore and wanted to see how it wrapped up. I'm glad that I did as this was the perfect way to end it. I'm going to miss Rebel Blue Ranch.
Wild and Wrangeld is the final installment in The Rebel Blue Ranch series. I was eating up this second chance, small-town romance. Lyla is an example of how it's supposed to be done. This wasn't just a story of finding their way back to one another. There were moments of tension and healing that needed to be overcome on this journey.
Camille was going to get married to set her daughter up for the future and start building her life in her hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming. However the day of her wedding the groom didn't show up. Her life as she knows it has been turned upside down as she has nowhere to live. That is until she finds her dream home is for rent. There's only one problem her high school sweetheart the one she's been avoiding for the past year is her new neighbor. Dusty had been away for ten years never staying in one place and now he's back and ready to put down roots and has his eyes set on her. He wants to show her he can stay put and be friends.
Camille "Cam" Ashwood at first I wasn't sure how I felt about her but the more that I read the more that I realized that her parents had a huge negative influence on her. They were the type of parent that was never there for her when she needed them or showed affection in any way, instead, they held money over her head and only cared how she made them look. They are the reason she believes everything to be her fault and hides her feelings. I'm happy that she had the Ryders as they pulled her into their family as their own. One thing that I loved about her is that she refused to raise her daughter Riley this way, she was shown love and affection. She is a great mom. I was waiting for the moment that she would get a backbone and stand up to her parents and when she did I was cheering her on. This was my turnaround point when I started to love her. She didn't look back and allowed herself to begin to heal. This was the moment that she also realized that she deserved happiness. I loved watching her grow from that point and come into herself. In the end, she already has this big chosen family and all the support that she ever needed and I loved that for her.
"Life got so much easier when there were fewer possibilities—fewer choices to make, fewer chances that you’d make the wrong one."
Dusty Tucker first and foremost he is a cowboy and has tattoos ahh swooning. That's not all that he is though he is loyal and kind and would do anything for anyone, especially Cam. And he writes notes! I'm a sucker for letters or notes and he wrote the cutest ones to Cam when they were in high school and during the years they were apart. I loved reading them. They made me giggle and kick my feet. He was easy to fall in love with. He was this fun, easy-going, shy at times man who genuinely cared for others. He would go out of his way to help others out like an older man that owned a gas station out of town and the elder lady that he helped out in many ways. This man has the biggest heart and just shows up and helps do what he believes to be the right thing no matter who they are. I mean what's not to love? Oh, and he calls Cam angel and that just me melt for him then he goes and calls her wife.
"We went in two separate directions, but roads that go in opposite directions come back together all the time.”
Cam and Dusty have fifteen years of friendship and love that has already budded this chemistry between them. Though that chemistry remains they still take their time and build a friendship that slowly transforms into more because they have been apart for years and they have both changed and grown up over the years. They can't just jump in based on the old versions but need to also learn the new versions of one another, though some parts have stayed the same. It's so beautiful and achingly slow in the best ways. The tension between them when they begin to flirt with one another is hot while also stealing secret glances. Taking their time to get back to one another. While I know it was hard for Dusty at times he still let things slowly fall back into place. He does let it be known that he still loves her and has thought about her the entire time they were apart. They were always respectful of one another's feelings and gave the time needed to heal by setting boundaries. I loved that we got the past and present timelines showing not only the love they had for one another in the past but also the growth of Cam during both. I loved the moment that they both decided that they were all in. They had the sweetest relationship and then you see how good Dusty is with Riley and my heart melted. He pretty much said he doesn't know what he's doing with kids but trust me he does. He roots for her at her soccer game and cheers her on like any other father. It was the cutest thing. I loved them together but wish we would have gotten more moments of not just Riley and Dusty but moments with all three of them as a family.
“I don’t want us to waste any more time. We’ve already spent years apart, growing up and becoming our own people. I think the fact that we still fit together is kind of a miracle, and I don’t want to miss another moment.”
I know that I mentioned earlier that this is Cam's chosen family and I'm happy that she has them. This is one of the best and my favorite found families. They are close-knit and always willing and welcoming to others being a part of it. One of my favorite parts is the love that they all show for Riley. She has the best family that extends further than her immediate family, into her step-parents, and further into others that have been taken in by the Ryders in one way or another. I love how friends and best friends who were already a part of the family sealed the deal even more so than before by marrying into it. I could honestly go on and on about them but will stop there.
"The family you choose is just as important—sometimes more—than the one you’re born with."
Now that the series is over I'm sad to say goodbye but I'm also happy because this was the perfect ending. Were there some things that I wish there were more of? Yes, and I mentioned one of those earlier. I wish we got to see more of Dusty, Cam, and Riley as a family with more moments of them together. I do hope that we get a story of Amos because he deserves it. After the book is finished there is a quick chapter on Emmy be sure to read it, it's bittersweet. If you haven't read this series yet go and read it.
*Spoilers may be mentioned*
Favorite quotes and moments
“I wrote notes like I used to. I told you about my jobs and my life and, sometimes, I told you how much I missed you and how fucking annoying it was that you hadn’t faded from my mind or my heart— even a little bit. I knew I’d never send them, but I don’t know, something about it was just… comforting, I guess.”
“Don’t do that,” he said. “Don’t hide from me. I want to see you.”
“No. You’re a privilege, Cam. Being in your presence is a goddamn honor.”
“We’re friends. Aren’t we?”
“Ash, I tried friends. I really did. But friends don’t feel the way I do about you. Or the way you feel about me. I’ve waited half a lifetime for you, Cam. And I would wait a whole one if I thought I had to, but here we are. Together. No distance, no timing, no ring…nothing is keeping us apart.”
"There’s a reason that rearview mirrors are small and windshields are big."
"The bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them— to hold on to them with everything you’ve got— and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.”
“I love you madly and deeply. I love you in ways that people don’t believe exist in real life. I love you for who you’ve been and who you are and who you’re going to be, Ash.”
-----‐-----------------------
⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ Pre-read
I've been putting this one off because I haven't been ready to say goodbye to this series. I'm in the mood for a cowboy romance and what better one than Cam and Dusty's story 🤩 It's time to finish🤠💝
“I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood.”
I had planned on reading this on the day of its release but I wasn't ready to say goodbye to this series. It has been a comfort for me. So I had been putting it off until I couldn't take it anymore and wanted to see how it wrapped up. I'm glad that I did as this was the perfect way to end it. I'm going to miss Rebel Blue Ranch.
Wild and Wrangeld is the final installment in The Rebel Blue Ranch series. I was eating up this second chance, small-town romance. Lyla is an example of how it's supposed to be done. This wasn't just a story of finding their way back to one another. There were moments of tension and healing that needed to be overcome on this journey.
Camille was going to get married to set her daughter up for the future and start building her life in her hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming. However the day of her wedding the groom didn't show up. Her life as she knows it has been turned upside down as she has nowhere to live. That is until she finds her dream home is for rent. There's only one problem her high school sweetheart the one she's been avoiding for the past year is her new neighbor. Dusty had been away for ten years never staying in one place and now he's back and ready to put down roots and has his eyes set on her. He wants to show her he can stay put and be friends.
Camille "Cam" Ashwood at first I wasn't sure how I felt about her but the more that I read the more that I realized that her parents had a huge negative influence on her. They were the type of parent that was never there for her when she needed them or showed affection in any way, instead, they held money over her head and only cared how she made them look. They are the reason she believes everything to be her fault and hides her feelings. I'm happy that she had the Ryders as they pulled her into their family as their own. One thing that I loved about her is that she refused to raise her daughter Riley this way, she was shown love and affection. She is a great mom. I was waiting for the moment that she would get a backbone and stand up to her parents and when she did I was cheering her on. This was my turnaround point when I started to love her. She didn't look back and allowed herself to begin to heal. This was the moment that she also realized that she deserved happiness. I loved watching her grow from that point and come into herself. In the end, she already has this big chosen family and all the support that she ever needed and I loved that for her.
"Life got so much easier when there were fewer possibilities—fewer choices to make, fewer chances that you’d make the wrong one."
Dusty Tucker first and foremost he is a cowboy and has tattoos ahh swooning. That's not all that he is though he is loyal and kind and would do anything for anyone, especially Cam. And he writes notes! I'm a sucker for letters or notes and he wrote the cutest ones to Cam when they were in high school and during the years they were apart. I loved reading them. They made me giggle and kick my feet. He was easy to fall in love with. He was this fun, easy-going, shy at times man who genuinely cared for others. He would go out of his way to help others out like an older man that owned a gas station out of town and the elder lady that he helped out in many ways. This man has the biggest heart and just shows up and helps do what he believes to be the right thing no matter who they are. I mean what's not to love? Oh, and he calls Cam angel and that just me melt for him then he goes and calls her wife.
"We went in two separate directions, but roads that go in opposite directions come back together all the time.”
Cam and Dusty have fifteen years of friendship and love that has already budded this chemistry between them. Though that chemistry remains they still take their time and build a friendship that slowly transforms into more because they have been apart for years and they have both changed and grown up over the years. They can't just jump in based on the old versions but need to also learn the new versions of one another, though some parts have stayed the same. It's so beautiful and achingly slow in the best ways. The tension between them when they begin to flirt with one another is hot while also stealing secret glances. Taking their time to get back to one another. While I know it was hard for Dusty at times he still let things slowly fall back into place. He does let it be known that he still loves her and has thought about her the entire time they were apart. They were always respectful of one another's feelings and gave the time needed to heal by setting boundaries. I loved that we got the past and present timelines showing not only the love they had for one another in the past but also the growth of Cam during both. I loved the moment that they both decided that they were all in. They had the sweetest relationship and then you see how good Dusty is with Riley and my heart melted. He pretty much said he doesn't know what he's doing with kids but trust me he does. He roots for her at her soccer game and cheers her on like any other father. It was the cutest thing. I loved them together but wish we would have gotten more moments of not just Riley and Dusty but moments with all three of them as a family.
“I don’t want us to waste any more time. We’ve already spent years apart, growing up and becoming our own people. I think the fact that we still fit together is kind of a miracle, and I don’t want to miss another moment.”
I know that I mentioned earlier that this is Cam's chosen family and I'm happy that she has them. This is one of the best and my favorite found families. They are close-knit and always willing and welcoming to others being a part of it. One of my favorite parts is the love that they all show for Riley. She has the best family that extends further than her immediate family, into her step-parents, and further into others that have been taken in by the Ryders in one way or another. I love how friends and best friends who were already a part of the family sealed the deal even more so than before by marrying into it. I could honestly go on and on about them but will stop there.
"The family you choose is just as important—sometimes more—than the one you’re born with."
Now that the series is over I'm sad to say goodbye but I'm also happy because this was the perfect ending. Were there some things that I wish there were more of? Yes, and I mentioned one of those earlier. I wish we got to see more of Dusty, Cam, and Riley as a family with more moments of them together. I do hope that we get a story of Amos because he deserves it. After the book is finished there is a quick chapter on Emmy be sure to read it, it's bittersweet. If you haven't read this series yet go and read it.
*Spoilers may be mentioned*
Favorite quotes and moments
“I wrote notes like I used to. I told you about my jobs and my life and, sometimes, I told you how much I missed you and how fucking annoying it was that you hadn’t faded from my mind or my heart— even a little bit. I knew I’d never send them, but I don’t know, something about it was just… comforting, I guess.”
“Don’t do that,” he said. “Don’t hide from me. I want to see you.”
“No. You’re a privilege, Cam. Being in your presence is a goddamn honor.”
“We’re friends. Aren’t we?”
“Ash, I tried friends. I really did. But friends don’t feel the way I do about you. Or the way you feel about me. I’ve waited half a lifetime for you, Cam. And I would wait a whole one if I thought I had to, but here we are. Together. No distance, no timing, no ring…nothing is keeping us apart.”
"There’s a reason that rearview mirrors are small and windshields are big."
"The bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them— to hold on to them with everything you’ve got— and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.”
“I love you madly and deeply. I love you in ways that people don’t believe exist in real life. I love you for who you’ve been and who you are and who you’re going to be, Ash.”
-----‐-----------------------
⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ Pre-read
I've been putting this one off because I haven't been ready to say goodbye to this series. I'm in the mood for a cowboy romance and what better one than Cam and Dusty's story 🤩 It's time to finish🤠💝
July 18, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars
“A reminder that I was lucky enough that my first love also got to be my last.”
Ending this series was bittersweet.. the last two books definitely came in the strongest but sadly this one fell slightly short of what I was expecting from a second chance romance.
Cam and Dusty had their sweet moments, I loved the letters. Sadly I didn't connect to the emotion in this story as much as others. Second chance romance is one of my favourite tropes but if it's not executed properly it can really let the characters down. While it did include adorable flashbacks that showed me their connection, I felt like I was missing insight to their 15 year separation. In a way, this counteracted their romance entirely. Miscommunication was definitely prevalent here, which is to be expected, however, it felt trivial considering the connection they shared.
Dusty was easily favourite out of the two. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and I had no doubt about his love and commitment to Cam. While he wasn't perfect, he owned his baggage, but Cam's immaturity let this down. I struggled to understand her choices but I could sympathise with her insecurity and admire her as a strong mother. I would have loved more insight into what happened with Gus and Cam - their whole situation still felt so random to me and didn't align with their characters.
The conflict at the end was unnecessary and the time would have been better spent with more wholesome moments with all of the Rebel Blue Ranch characters since it was a close to the series. That said, I appreciated the moments we did get with the side characters and sense of girlhood with the FMC's.
Overall, I did mostly enjoy this and am sad this comfort series is over. Teddy and Gus are still my favourites 🥺
Thank you Quercus Books & NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
“A reminder that I was lucky enough that my first love also got to be my last.”
Ending this series was bittersweet.. the last two books definitely came in the strongest but sadly this one fell slightly short of what I was expecting from a second chance romance.
Cam and Dusty had their sweet moments, I loved the letters. Sadly I didn't connect to the emotion in this story as much as others. Second chance romance is one of my favourite tropes but if it's not executed properly it can really let the characters down. While it did include adorable flashbacks that showed me their connection, I felt like I was missing insight to their 15 year separation. In a way, this counteracted their romance entirely. Miscommunication was definitely prevalent here, which is to be expected, however, it felt trivial considering the connection they shared.
Dusty was easily favourite out of the two. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and I had no doubt about his love and commitment to Cam. While he wasn't perfect, he owned his baggage, but Cam's immaturity let this down. I struggled to understand her choices but I could sympathise with her insecurity and admire her as a strong mother. I would have loved more insight into what happened with Gus and Cam - their whole situation still felt so random to me and didn't align with their characters.
The conflict at the end was unnecessary and the time would have been better spent with more wholesome moments with all of the Rebel Blue Ranch characters since it was a close to the series. That said, I appreciated the moments we did get with the side characters and sense of girlhood with the FMC's.
Overall, I did mostly enjoy this and am sad this comfort series is over. Teddy and Gus are still my favourites 🥺
Thank you Quercus Books & NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2025
4 ⭐️ A wonderful end to a fantastic series
"I'll love you until we're dust, Camille Ashwood."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cowboy romance
✨ small Wyoming town
✨ second chance
✨ high school sweethearts to strangers to friends to lovers
✨ "It's always been you"
✨ flashbacks
✨ forced proximity
✨ denial of feelings
✨ YEARNING / PINING
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ he calls her angel
✨ secret tattoos
✨ single mom
✨ found family
✨ Ryder family cameos
✨ dual POV
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I cannot believe this is the last Rebel Blue Ranch book (for now 👀). I’m actually emotional over here. This series has felt like home - like the kind of warm, cozy place you want to stay forever. And Wild and Wrangled was such a beautiful, heartfelt sendoff.
Cam is such a good mom and easy to relate to. She’s strong, kind, and doing her absolute best for her daughter, Riley. I'm really proud of her and the journey she embarks on. When you have overbearing parents and a problem with people-pleasing, it's not easy breaking free and realizing you don't need to earn love or give up parts of yourself to make others proud. Watching Cam realize that she is enough was truly beautiful. That said, I do wish we’d gotten a bit more closure around her parents and that whole trust fund situation. It was such a big part of her conflict and what separated her and Dusty in the first place, and it kind of just faded out after Dusty stepped in at the gala. Still, I was proud of her growth.
And now let’s talk about Dusty Tucker. MY MAN. Blonde, fit, tattooed, nose ring, and an absolute simp for Cam. He’s been in love with her for fifteen years and never once stopped. 😭 He’s so thoughtful and respectful, always showing up in whatever way she needed. Plus, the yearning . . . the pining. I almost couldn't handle how much my heart wanted to burst from all of it. Also, the man is a giver (iykyk 🔥). And the hand necklaces?? Whew. Dusty is the perfect fictional man. My only 'note' would be that he called her angel soooooo many times, and it was a bit much.
The second chance romance was sweet. Watching them reconnect and fall in love again, with those flashbacks to their past and those intimate moments in the present, was an emotional ride. It took some time, but I'm glad Dusty was able to tear down Cam's emotional walls and together they were able to rebuild what they had but with more maturity and understanding.
Of course, seeing all the Ryder siblings and their partners again made my heart so happy. It's been a joy reading about all of them falling in love, but in Wild and Wrangled, you get to see them living out their happily ever afters. And they all deserve it. 🫶
Now, for my favorite character: AMOS RYDER. Honestly, I love him more than words can say. He’s the truly emotional anchor of this whole series. The way he loves his family, but especially the way he continues to love Stella 😭, makes me tear up every single time. He gives advice without pushing, listens without judgment, and just gets it. Everyone deserves a dad or father figure in their life like Amos. He makes you feel safe. He makes you feel seen. He’s the heart of Rebel Blue Ranch, and every scene with him felt like a warm hug.
I’ve said it before, but Lyla Sage really created something special with this world. I remember in 2022 when she first told me about a fun, sexy cowboy romance series she was going to write that took place in a little town called Meadowlark, I was already hooked. She already knew all about the couples, the drama, certain sexy scenes... and now here we are. Picked up by The Dial Press. Thousands of copies sold. A TV show in the works. The Rebel Blue Ranch series is an absolute success and a proof that dreams do come true. Lyla, it truly has been one hell of a journey, and I couldn't be prouder of you and everything you've accomplished. Here's to new beginnings, continued success, and the stories yet to be told!
I’m sad it’s over, but so incredibly grateful that I got to fall in love with this series. Rebel Blue Ranch and Meadowlark will always hold a special place in my heart. 🫶
And as Lyla says in the author's note, "This book, just like the sunrise on its cover, is also a tribute to new beginnings. It's an evergreen reminder that even though this series is coming to an end, the horizon remains vast, beautiful, and ours for the taking. And who knows, maybe I'll meet you at the Rebel Blue Ranch headgate again someday. Because nothing lasts forever, you know. Not even goodbyes." 💕
Thank you so much Lyla Sage and Dial Press for sending me a physical ARC. As always, all opinions are my own.
-
Rebel Blue Ranch Series:
1. Done and Dusted: 4⭐️
2. Swift and Saddled: 4.25⭐️
3. Lost and Lassoed: 5⭐️
4. Wild and Wrangled: 4⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
Cam was an open wound, and time was salt.
_______
"I don't even know if I can start over because I don't know if I ever actually started in the first place.
_______
My feelings for Cam were like an earthquake and its aftershocks. When they started, they were big and overwhelming, and once the main event had passed - once we'd gone our separate ways - I'd learned to live with the way they still shook me up at unexpected times.
_______
When I felt her relax against me, I felt like I was holding the world.
_______
I thought her sudden absence would make me feel empty, but I just felt normal. Maybe empty was my normal.
_______
"Does this make it better or worse?" I asked, rubbing my thumbs back and forth on his cheeks.
"Worse," he said. His voice was strangled and rough.
"And if . . . I kissed you right now?"
'Worse," Dusty said again on a shaky breath, but then said, "but do it anyway."
_______
"I can't believe you did that when you were so young . . . for someone who wasn't even a sure thing,"
"You've always been a sure thing to me."
_______
"We're friends. Aren't we?"
"Ash, I tried friends. I really did. But friends don't feel the way I do about you. . . Or the way you feel about me. I've waited half a lifetime for you, Cam."
_______
"I've been waiting a long time to get my mouth on you again . . . and I'm nowhere close to done."
_______
"Get back on the bed."
"Which one?"
"Mine . . . I want you in mine."
_______
"I think you like being on your knees for me."
"You're wrong, angel. I fucking love being on my knees for you."
_______
"I'll love you until we're dust. . . And even after."
_______
"I'll love you until we're dust, Camille Ashwood."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cowboy romance
✨ small Wyoming town
✨ second chance
✨ high school sweethearts to strangers to friends to lovers
✨ "It's always been you"
✨ flashbacks
✨ forced proximity
✨ denial of feelings
✨ YEARNING / PINING
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ he calls her angel
✨ secret tattoos
✨ single mom
✨ found family
✨ Ryder family cameos
✨ dual POV
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I cannot believe this is the last Rebel Blue Ranch book (for now 👀). I’m actually emotional over here. This series has felt like home - like the kind of warm, cozy place you want to stay forever. And Wild and Wrangled was such a beautiful, heartfelt sendoff.
Cam is such a good mom and easy to relate to. She’s strong, kind, and doing her absolute best for her daughter, Riley. I'm really proud of her and the journey she embarks on. When you have overbearing parents and a problem with people-pleasing, it's not easy breaking free and realizing you don't need to earn love or give up parts of yourself to make others proud. Watching Cam realize that she is enough was truly beautiful. That said, I do wish we’d gotten a bit more closure around her parents and that whole trust fund situation. It was such a big part of her conflict and what separated her and Dusty in the first place, and it kind of just faded out after Dusty stepped in at the gala. Still, I was proud of her growth.
And now let’s talk about Dusty Tucker. MY MAN. Blonde, fit, tattooed, nose ring, and an absolute simp for Cam. He’s been in love with her for fifteen years and never once stopped. 😭 He’s so thoughtful and respectful, always showing up in whatever way she needed. Plus, the yearning . . . the pining. I almost couldn't handle how much my heart wanted to burst from all of it. Also, the man is a giver (iykyk 🔥). And the hand necklaces?? Whew. Dusty is the perfect fictional man. My only 'note' would be that he called her angel soooooo many times, and it was a bit much.
The second chance romance was sweet. Watching them reconnect and fall in love again, with those flashbacks to their past and those intimate moments in the present, was an emotional ride. It took some time, but I'm glad Dusty was able to tear down Cam's emotional walls and together they were able to rebuild what they had but with more maturity and understanding.
Of course, seeing all the Ryder siblings and their partners again made my heart so happy. It's been a joy reading about all of them falling in love, but in Wild and Wrangled, you get to see them living out their happily ever afters. And they all deserve it. 🫶
Now, for my favorite character: AMOS RYDER. Honestly, I love him more than words can say. He’s the truly emotional anchor of this whole series. The way he loves his family, but especially the way he continues to love Stella 😭, makes me tear up every single time. He gives advice without pushing, listens without judgment, and just gets it. Everyone deserves a dad or father figure in their life like Amos. He makes you feel safe. He makes you feel seen. He’s the heart of Rebel Blue Ranch, and every scene with him felt like a warm hug.
I’ve said it before, but Lyla Sage really created something special with this world. I remember in 2022 when she first told me about a fun, sexy cowboy romance series she was going to write that took place in a little town called Meadowlark, I was already hooked. She already knew all about the couples, the drama, certain sexy scenes... and now here we are. Picked up by The Dial Press. Thousands of copies sold. A TV show in the works. The Rebel Blue Ranch series is an absolute success and a proof that dreams do come true. Lyla, it truly has been one hell of a journey, and I couldn't be prouder of you and everything you've accomplished. Here's to new beginnings, continued success, and the stories yet to be told!
I’m sad it’s over, but so incredibly grateful that I got to fall in love with this series. Rebel Blue Ranch and Meadowlark will always hold a special place in my heart. 🫶
And as Lyla says in the author's note, "This book, just like the sunrise on its cover, is also a tribute to new beginnings. It's an evergreen reminder that even though this series is coming to an end, the horizon remains vast, beautiful, and ours for the taking. And who knows, maybe I'll meet you at the Rebel Blue Ranch headgate again someday. Because nothing lasts forever, you know. Not even goodbyes." 💕
Thank you so much Lyla Sage and Dial Press for sending me a physical ARC. As always, all opinions are my own.
-
Rebel Blue Ranch Series:
1. Done and Dusted: 4⭐️
2. Swift and Saddled: 4.25⭐️
3. Lost and Lassoed: 5⭐️
4. Wild and Wrangled: 4⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
Cam was an open wound, and time was salt.
_______
"I don't even know if I can start over because I don't know if I ever actually started in the first place.
_______
My feelings for Cam were like an earthquake and its aftershocks. When they started, they were big and overwhelming, and once the main event had passed - once we'd gone our separate ways - I'd learned to live with the way they still shook me up at unexpected times.
_______
When I felt her relax against me, I felt like I was holding the world.
_______
I thought her sudden absence would make me feel empty, but I just felt normal. Maybe empty was my normal.
_______
"Does this make it better or worse?" I asked, rubbing my thumbs back and forth on his cheeks.
"Worse," he said. His voice was strangled and rough.
"And if . . . I kissed you right now?"
'Worse," Dusty said again on a shaky breath, but then said, "but do it anyway."
_______
"I can't believe you did that when you were so young . . . for someone who wasn't even a sure thing,"
"You've always been a sure thing to me."
_______
"We're friends. Aren't we?"
"Ash, I tried friends. I really did. But friends don't feel the way I do about you. . . Or the way you feel about me. I've waited half a lifetime for you, Cam."
_______
"I've been waiting a long time to get my mouth on you again . . . and I'm nowhere close to done."
_______
"Get back on the bed."
"Which one?"
"Mine . . . I want you in mine."
_______
"I think you like being on your knees for me."
"You're wrong, angel. I fucking love being on my knees for you."
_______
"I'll love you until we're dust. . . And even after."
_______
March 1, 2025
4.5 stars
Parting with a comfort series is one of the most bittersweet experiences a reader can face—that lingering ache of knowing you’ve turned the final page on a world that felt like home. 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩 will always be that safe haven for me: a place of endearing characters, tender love stories, and a warmth that wraps around you like a familiar embrace. I know I’ll return to it whenever the world feels a little too heavy.
Cam & Dusty. or should I call them my new favorite couple in this series? from the moment they were introduced in the second book, I knew their story would break me beyond repair and 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘵: it did.
I’ve never had much of a penchant for narratives that ricochet between past and present, but here, it was handled with such grace. the flashbacks didn’t just serve as glimpses into their history—they added layers to their love story—more innocence, more depth, more understanding. I loved that despite the fractures in their relationship, there was never animosity or toxicity, only a connection that refused to fade. that’s something I deeply appreciate about this author; how she infuses her stories with genuine emotion, girl’s girl energy, and characters who feel achingly real.
the romance was softly, delicately orchestrated, and of course, I adored the addition of Riley—Cam’s daughter—how she effortlessly became the missing piece in their journey, making their love story even more profound.
thanks for the ARC PRH International!
——————
here we gooo
OMGOMGOMG GOT THE ARC !!!
THE COVER SLAPS 🧡
❛❛ I’ll love you until we’re dust in the wind, Camille Ashwood. ❜❜
Parting with a comfort series is one of the most bittersweet experiences a reader can face—that lingering ache of knowing you’ve turned the final page on a world that felt like home. 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩 will always be that safe haven for me: a place of endearing characters, tender love stories, and a warmth that wraps around you like a familiar embrace. I know I’ll return to it whenever the world feels a little too heavy.
”he was beautiful. He always had been, but beautiful things can be dangerous, too.”
Cam & Dusty. or should I call them my new favorite couple in this series? from the moment they were introduced in the second book, I knew their story would break me beyond repair and 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘵: it did.
”she broke my heart a million times after that, too, and time never did what it was supposed to do: heal or whatever.
Cam was an open wound, and time was salt.”
I’ve never had much of a penchant for narratives that ricochet between past and present, but here, it was handled with such grace. the flashbacks didn’t just serve as glimpses into their history—they added layers to their love story—more innocence, more depth, more understanding. I loved that despite the fractures in their relationship, there was never animosity or toxicity, only a connection that refused to fade. that’s something I deeply appreciate about this author; how she infuses her stories with genuine emotion, girl’s girl energy, and characters who feel achingly real.
“even though I've tried,
I've never been able to see my life without you."
the romance was softly, delicately orchestrated, and of course, I adored the addition of Riley—Cam’s daughter—how she effortlessly became the missing piece in their journey, making their love story even more profound.
thanks for the ARC PRH International!
——————
here we gooo
OMGOMGOMG GOT THE ARC !!!
THE COVER SLAPS 🧡
May 3, 2025
3.75⭐️
June 2, 2025
✩ 2 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Second Chance
➼ Single Mom
➼ It’s Always Been You
➼ Found Family
➼ Small Town
➼ Lawyer x Cowboy
➼ Secret Tattoos
➼ Dual Narration
➼ Dual First Person POV
I feel like I’ve been kind of a hater lately, so let me start with my ratings for the last three books in this series…
Done and Dusted ✩ 4 stars ✩
Swift and Saddled ✩ 5 stars ✩
Lost and Lassoed ✩ 4 stars ✩
Clearly, I have LOVED this series! As I stated in my pre-read, this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, a book that I thought I was guaranteed to love, so imagine how sad I was to find out that I actually hated it. 😩
Maybe I should have guessed this wouldn’t be my favorite since it’s a second chance romance and I’m typically not a big fan of those, but I felt like all the things I’ve loved about Rebel Blue were absent from this book. Cam was really not very likable, and I felt too neutral about Dusty for him to carry this book when most of the other beloved characters were missing. A few of them popped up here and there, but they didn’t have any real part to play in this story. The small town/found family vibes that have made this series so beloved were almost nonexistent in this final book. Such a shame!
Cam’s story starts with her being stood up at the altar by a man she had planned to marry purely for money and security. This might have been a somewhat admirable and sacrificial choice for her to make as a mother if she truly needed the money, but she’s a lawyer. How much money does Riley really need? It felt more like she was choosing him to appease her parents which is frankly kind of gross considering her age and how awful they’ve been to her. Why is she still letting them walk all over her at 30?
I kind of get why they broke up in the first place. They were young and that’s honestly reason enough, but the 3rd act breakup really pissed me off. It made no sense that she would be mad about him buying that house. Big freaking deal. I think it’s totally understandable that he wouldn’t have disclosed his ownership to her too and I say that as someone who is honest to a fault. He wanted to help them and be close to her and he knew she would overreact. It’s honestly really sweet that he did that and just serves as further proof that it was always her for him while she was off having other people’s babies and planning to marry another man. She is only angry because she’s so prideful and difficult and frankly I don’t think she deserves Dusty.
This was such a disappointment! I’m so sad to be ending this series this way! I still wish she would write a happy ending for Amos! I’m holding out hope for that somewhere down the line so this series can be redeemed.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: One of my most anticipated reads of the year! This one will be bittersweet - so sad to say goodbye to Rebel Blue Ranch! 😢💔
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
I was so excited to see this on Goodreads until I read the words “final book.” Excuse me?!
Friends, I am unwell. 😩
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Second Chance
➼ Single Mom
➼ It’s Always Been You
➼ Found Family
➼ Small Town
➼ Lawyer x Cowboy
➼ Secret Tattoos
➼ Dual Narration
➼ Dual First Person POV
I feel like I’ve been kind of a hater lately, so let me start with my ratings for the last three books in this series…
Done and Dusted ✩ 4 stars ✩
Swift and Saddled ✩ 5 stars ✩
Lost and Lassoed ✩ 4 stars ✩
Clearly, I have LOVED this series! As I stated in my pre-read, this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, a book that I thought I was guaranteed to love, so imagine how sad I was to find out that I actually hated it. 😩
Maybe I should have guessed this wouldn’t be my favorite since it’s a second chance romance and I’m typically not a big fan of those, but I felt like all the things I’ve loved about Rebel Blue were absent from this book. Cam was really not very likable, and I felt too neutral about Dusty for him to carry this book when most of the other beloved characters were missing. A few of them popped up here and there, but they didn’t have any real part to play in this story. The small town/found family vibes that have made this series so beloved were almost nonexistent in this final book. Such a shame!
Cam’s story starts with her being stood up at the altar by a man she had planned to marry purely for money and security. This might have been a somewhat admirable and sacrificial choice for her to make as a mother if she truly needed the money, but she’s a lawyer. How much money does Riley really need? It felt more like she was choosing him to appease her parents which is frankly kind of gross considering her age and how awful they’ve been to her. Why is she still letting them walk all over her at 30?
I kind of get why they broke up in the first place. They were young and that’s honestly reason enough, but the 3rd act breakup really pissed me off. It made no sense that she would be mad about him buying that house. Big freaking deal. I think it’s totally understandable that he wouldn’t have disclosed his ownership to her too and I say that as someone who is honest to a fault. He wanted to help them and be close to her and he knew she would overreact. It’s honestly really sweet that he did that and just serves as further proof that it was always her for him while she was off having other people’s babies and planning to marry another man. She is only angry because she’s so prideful and difficult and frankly I don’t think she deserves Dusty.
This was such a disappointment! I’m so sad to be ending this series this way! I still wish she would write a happy ending for Amos! I’m holding out hope for that somewhere down the line so this series can be redeemed.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: One of my most anticipated reads of the year! This one will be bittersweet - so sad to say goodbye to Rebel Blue Ranch! 😢💔
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
I was so excited to see this on Goodreads until I read the words “final book.” Excuse me?!
Friends, I am unwell. 😩
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
April 18, 2025
Crying in cowgirl boots
(but also yeehaw-ing through my tears)
OH MY GOD. THE END OF AN ERA. I’M NOT OKAY
someone hold me. or better yet—Dusty Tucker, come here right now.
I’ve been stuck in a swamp of 2–3 star reads, not connecting, not feeling anything but mild disappointment and rage lol. So yeah, I was terrified to pick this up. I thought maybe it’s me?? Maybe I’m the problem?? But then this book came along and gently whispered “no sweetie, it’s not you, it’s them,” and I haven’t stopped hugging it since.
This book was everything.
Second chance romance? Check.
Delicious slow burn? Yup.
The one that got away and the boy who never stopped loving her? My actual kryptonite.
From the first page, I was hooked. Like... Camille getting ditched at the altar and ending up next door to her high school sweetheart Dusty?? That’s not a plot twist, that’s a cosmic event.
AND THE FLASHBACKS. Don’t even talk to me unless you’re ready to cry over note passing in high school and shy glances and first love kisses under the bleachers. Young Dusty and Cam?? SOFT. And then you flip back to the present and it’s like…
"I still love you."
BANG. Right in the heart. Every time.
Dusty Tucker, you beautiful man.
You with your tattoos and your golden retriever energy and your years-long, unwavering devotion. You are THE blueprint.
Like, can someone please explain to me how this fictional cowboy just raised the bar for all real-life men?? I’m in danger.
And Cam??? ICONIC.
She’s strong, smart, scared, and still learning how to believe she deserves big love. She’s also a mom (and a damn good one), trying to break free from suffocating expectations while protecting her daughter AND her heart. I felt every single one of her struggles. She’s not perfect, but she’s real. And I love her for it.
RILEY!!!
Can we talk about how she was the literal glue??
That sweet, hilarious little girl stole my whole heart and made this second chance romance feel even more earned, more tender, more everything.
And don’t even get me started on the Rebel Blue fam. The cameos?? The banter?? That final goodbye??? I was legit sobbing and smiling at the same time. Like HOW do you wrap up a series this perfectly?! Lyla Sage, you mad genius.
This book was warmth, longing, heartbreak, healing, and so many late-night milkshakes.
It was a homecoming in the most emotional, romantic way.
Would I recommend?
YES.
Would I reread every single Dusty chapter while crying into a pint of ice cream?
ALREADY DID.
If you’re a sucker for:
✧ small town drama
✧ epic pining
✧ heartbreak that heals you
✧ cowboys who read like poetry
✧ or found families that feel like hugs… you NEED to read this.
Like now.
Excuse me while I go SCREAM INTO THE VOID.
BRB buying a ranch and changing my name to Cam.
Yee-freakin’-haw.
(but also yeehaw-ing through my tears)
OH MY GOD. THE END OF AN ERA. I’M NOT OKAY
someone hold me. or better yet—Dusty Tucker, come here right now.
I’ve been stuck in a swamp of 2–3 star reads, not connecting, not feeling anything but mild disappointment and rage lol. So yeah, I was terrified to pick this up. I thought maybe it’s me?? Maybe I’m the problem?? But then this book came along and gently whispered “no sweetie, it’s not you, it’s them,” and I haven’t stopped hugging it since.
This book was everything.
Second chance romance? Check.
Delicious slow burn? Yup.
The one that got away and the boy who never stopped loving her? My actual kryptonite.
From the first page, I was hooked. Like... Camille getting ditched at the altar and ending up next door to her high school sweetheart Dusty?? That’s not a plot twist, that’s a cosmic event.
AND THE FLASHBACKS. Don’t even talk to me unless you’re ready to cry over note passing in high school and shy glances and first love kisses under the bleachers. Young Dusty and Cam?? SOFT. And then you flip back to the present and it’s like…
"I still love you."
BANG. Right in the heart. Every time.
Dusty Tucker, you beautiful man.
You with your tattoos and your golden retriever energy and your years-long, unwavering devotion. You are THE blueprint.
Like, can someone please explain to me how this fictional cowboy just raised the bar for all real-life men?? I’m in danger.
And Cam??? ICONIC.
She’s strong, smart, scared, and still learning how to believe she deserves big love. She’s also a mom (and a damn good one), trying to break free from suffocating expectations while protecting her daughter AND her heart. I felt every single one of her struggles. She’s not perfect, but she’s real. And I love her for it.
RILEY!!!
Can we talk about how she was the literal glue??
That sweet, hilarious little girl stole my whole heart and made this second chance romance feel even more earned, more tender, more everything.
And don’t even get me started on the Rebel Blue fam. The cameos?? The banter?? That final goodbye??? I was legit sobbing and smiling at the same time. Like HOW do you wrap up a series this perfectly?! Lyla Sage, you mad genius.
This book was warmth, longing, heartbreak, healing, and so many late-night milkshakes.
It was a homecoming in the most emotional, romantic way.
Would I recommend?
YES.
Would I reread every single Dusty chapter while crying into a pint of ice cream?
ALREADY DID.
If you’re a sucker for:
✧ small town drama
✧ epic pining
✧ heartbreak that heals you
✧ cowboys who read like poetry
✧ or found families that feel like hugs… you NEED to read this.
Like now.
“I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood.”
Excuse me while I go SCREAM INTO THE VOID.
BRB buying a ranch and changing my name to Cam.
Yee-freakin’-haw.
April 29, 2025
3.5 stars
↳ wild and wrangled follows dusty tucker and camille ashwood meeting and living together 15 years after they’ve broken up. second chance romances are either a hit or miss for me, and thankfully, this was a hit. this was so addicting to read, the slow reader in me flew through it in 1 day. there’s a past and present timeline included, which has letters that they wrote each other and they were just ugh (especially the ones dusty wrote her) 😩🦋 overall, lyla sage’s writing has definitely improved since the start of the series, and i can’t wait to see what she writes after.
🖋️ dusty tucker ᝰ.ᐟ dusty is by far my favorite man from this series. luke brooks with his “sugar” 🤢, wes was really cute but kind of bland, gus was annoying, but dusty was so confident but a yearner at the same time. the letters that he wrote her over the 14 years that they weren’t together
not the way this man watched her almost get married and get pregnant by one of his best friends and still held out for her 😭🫠
⚽ camille ashwood ᝰ.ᐟ i don’t have much of an opinion on camille because i feel like we genuinely didn’t get much of her actual personality, just her taking care of riley and having familial problems with her parents. i feel like many can relate to her though: always wanting to impress her strict parents and always feeling like everything that happens is her fault.
💌 dusty and camille ᝰ.ᐟ they were so cute together!! dusty was yearninggg for her. he seriously is the standard, writing her letters over the span of 15 years whenever he misses her, taking care of her child multiple times for her, setting up her bed, making her kid a bracelet, etc. they’re the definition of black cat fmc and golden retriever mmc. dusty brings out the care-free and childish version of cam, and cam brings out the calm and thoughtful version of dusty.
side characters:
➻ brooks: not the biggest fan of him, his “sugar” traumitized me forever
➻ emmy: i actually like her now, i feel like she’s the calm aunt that you can go to for advice
➻ wes: such a sweet guy!!! imo, he’s the most similar to amos out of all the guys
➻ ada: chill aunt #2
➻ gus: wasn’t the biggest fan of him, and still not the biggest fan of him.
➻ teddy: reminds me a lot of willa from the chesnut springs series, she’s so bubbly and i need her as a friend 🙂↕️🫶🏻
➻ amos: where’s his love story lyla! he spitting underlineable quotes left and right
final ranking of the rebel blue ranch men:
1. dusty
2. wes
3. gus
4. brooks
final ranking of the rebel blue ranch women:
1. ada
2. teddy
3. cam
4. emmy
`✦ˑ ִֶ 𓂃⊹ quotes :
୨ৎ 💌 “the bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them—to hold on to them with everything you’ve got—and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.”
୨ৎ 💌 “we all need a little help to get where we’re going, you know. what matters is that the end result is yours.”
↳ wild and wrangled follows dusty tucker and camille ashwood meeting and living together 15 years after they’ve broken up. second chance romances are either a hit or miss for me, and thankfully, this was a hit. this was so addicting to read, the slow reader in me flew through it in 1 day. there’s a past and present timeline included, which has letters that they wrote each other and they were just ugh (especially the ones dusty wrote her) 😩🦋 overall, lyla sage’s writing has definitely improved since the start of the series, and i can’t wait to see what she writes after.
🖋️ dusty tucker ᝰ.ᐟ dusty is by far my favorite man from this series. luke brooks with his “sugar” 🤢, wes was really cute but kind of bland, gus was annoying, but dusty was so confident but a yearner at the same time. the letters that he wrote her over the 14 years that they weren’t together
“every once in a while, i have a day where i miss you so much it actually hurts to breathe. today was one of those days. i hope you’re okay.”
not the way this man watched her almost get married and get pregnant by one of his best friends and still held out for her 😭🫠
⚽ camille ashwood ᝰ.ᐟ i don’t have much of an opinion on camille because i feel like we genuinely didn’t get much of her actual personality, just her taking care of riley and having familial problems with her parents. i feel like many can relate to her though: always wanting to impress her strict parents and always feeling like everything that happens is her fault.
💌 dusty and camille ᝰ.ᐟ they were so cute together!! dusty was yearninggg for her. he seriously is the standard, writing her letters over the span of 15 years whenever he misses her, taking care of her child multiple times for her, setting up her bed, making her kid a bracelet, etc. they’re the definition of black cat fmc and golden retriever mmc. dusty brings out the care-free and childish version of cam, and cam brings out the calm and thoughtful version of dusty.
”i’ll love you until we’re dust, camille ashwood.”
side characters:
➻ brooks: not the biggest fan of him, his “sugar” traumitized me forever
➻ emmy: i actually like her now, i feel like she’s the calm aunt that you can go to for advice
➻ wes: such a sweet guy!!! imo, he’s the most similar to amos out of all the guys
➻ ada: chill aunt #2
➻ gus: wasn’t the biggest fan of him, and still not the biggest fan of him.
➻ teddy: reminds me a lot of willa from the chesnut springs series, she’s so bubbly and i need her as a friend 🙂↕️🫶🏻
➻ amos: where’s his love story lyla! he spitting underlineable quotes left and right
final ranking of the rebel blue ranch men:
1. dusty
2. wes
3. gus
4. brooks
final ranking of the rebel blue ranch women:
1. ada
2. teddy
3. cam
4. emmy
`✦ˑ ִֶ 𓂃⊹ quotes :
୨ৎ 💌 “the bravest thing you can do when you love someone is work hard to keep them—to hold on to them with everything you’ve got—and even when you loosen your grip, you don’t let go.”
୨ৎ 💌 “we all need a little help to get where we’re going, you know. what matters is that the end result is yours.”
Read
July 24, 2025pre-read:
i can’t believe that this’ll be the last time i’ll go back to meadowlark, wyoming 🥹 time flies really quickly, huh? fortunately, i’ll come back to this with my bestie, lorena wish us luck!
i can’t believe that this’ll be the last time i’ll go back to meadowlark, wyoming 🥹 time flies really quickly, huh? fortunately, i’ll come back to this with my bestie, lorena wish us luck!
April 23, 2025
that epilogue and that last bonus chapter from emmy's pov was the perfect way to end this series 🥹❤️ i already miss them but what a wild ride it was!
it’s finally time to meet dusty and cam! i don’t wanna say goodbye to this series 🥺❤️🩹
the covers of this series are ✨️art✨️ and DAMN look at that nose ring and those tattoos on Dusty 🫠 i am already obsessed!
so ready to meet Cam & Dusty in 2025 🤭
it’s finally time to meet dusty and cam! i don’t wanna say goodbye to this series 🥺❤️🩹
the covers of this series are ✨️art✨️ and DAMN look at that nose ring and those tattoos on Dusty 🫠 i am already obsessed!
so ready to meet Cam & Dusty in 2025 🤭
June 26, 2025
ੈ♡˳ rating: three of five stars
ੈ♡˳ summary: wild and wrangled by lyla sage is the fourth and final book in the rebel blue ranch series. it follows camille ashwood, a single mom trying to rebuild her life after her fiancé leaves her at the altar. she moves next door to dusty tucker—her high school sweetheart and the one that got away. with old feelings and small-town gossip swirling, cam and dusty have to navigate their messy history, their unresolved feelings, and the new version of their relationship... if they can get out of their own way long enough to give love another shot.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: i really wanted to love this, especially being the last book of the series, but it honestly felt like the weakest one. it’s disappointing because i had such high hopes for cam and dusty’s story, but it just didn’t live up to what the earlier books delivered.
first of all, cam didn’t treat dusty right—not in the past and honestly not in the present either. she let her parents control her life way too much without ever really pushing back, and it made her character hard to root for. it felt like she never actually chose herself or dusty—she just kind of floated along and let things happen.
and dusty?? dusty deserved better. it felt like his entire personality was just being hopelessly in love with cam, and that was it. he had no growth arc outside of his feelings for her, and it made him feel flat compared to the other heroes in the series.
the backstory about cam and gus sleeping together?? literally made no sense. it was thrown in there for drama’s sake, and instead of adding depth to cam’s character, it just felt weird and unnecessary.
i still love lyla sage’s writing style, and this wasn’t a bad book—it was just a major letdown for a finale. it deserved to go out with a bang, and instead it went out with a confused ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ second chance romance
ꕥ single parent
ꕥ forced proximity
ꕥ small town setting
ꕥ messy family dynamics
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
➼ “life got so much easier when there were fewer possibilities—fewer choices to make, fewer chances that you'd make the wrong one.”
➼ “he was beautiful. he always had been, but beautiful things can be dangerous, too.”
➼ “i'll love you until we're dust, camille ashwood.”
➼ “when i felt her relax against me, i felt like i was holding the world.”
➼ “we all need a little help to get where we're going, you know. what matters is that the end result is yours.”
ੈ♡˳ summary: wild and wrangled by lyla sage is the fourth and final book in the rebel blue ranch series. it follows camille ashwood, a single mom trying to rebuild her life after her fiancé leaves her at the altar. she moves next door to dusty tucker—her high school sweetheart and the one that got away. with old feelings and small-town gossip swirling, cam and dusty have to navigate their messy history, their unresolved feelings, and the new version of their relationship... if they can get out of their own way long enough to give love another shot.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: i really wanted to love this, especially being the last book of the series, but it honestly felt like the weakest one. it’s disappointing because i had such high hopes for cam and dusty’s story, but it just didn’t live up to what the earlier books delivered.
first of all, cam didn’t treat dusty right—not in the past and honestly not in the present either. she let her parents control her life way too much without ever really pushing back, and it made her character hard to root for. it felt like she never actually chose herself or dusty—she just kind of floated along and let things happen.
and dusty?? dusty deserved better. it felt like his entire personality was just being hopelessly in love with cam, and that was it. he had no growth arc outside of his feelings for her, and it made him feel flat compared to the other heroes in the series.
the backstory about cam and gus sleeping together?? literally made no sense. it was thrown in there for drama’s sake, and instead of adding depth to cam’s character, it just felt weird and unnecessary.
i still love lyla sage’s writing style, and this wasn’t a bad book—it was just a major letdown for a finale. it deserved to go out with a bang, and instead it went out with a confused ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ second chance romance
ꕥ single parent
ꕥ forced proximity
ꕥ small town setting
ꕥ messy family dynamics
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
➼ “life got so much easier when there were fewer possibilities—fewer choices to make, fewer chances that you'd make the wrong one.”
➼ “he was beautiful. he always had been, but beautiful things can be dangerous, too.”
➼ “i'll love you until we're dust, camille ashwood.”
➼ “when i felt her relax against me, i felt like i was holding the world.”
➼ “we all need a little help to get where we're going, you know. what matters is that the end result is yours.”
June 21, 2025
all of them, at the same damn time.
April 16, 2025
“ … even though I could do this alone—I could do everything alone—I liked that I didn’t have to.”"
---------------
This just landed in my Libby library straight from above.
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DO YOU SEE THIS COVER? The designer deserves a raise
---------------
This just landed in my Libby library straight from above.
---------------
DO YOU SEE THIS COVER? The designer deserves a raise
July 27, 2025
જ⁀➴ 𝟑.𝟓𝟎₊˚⊹🐴 𝟘𝟟/𝟚𝟜/𝟚𝟝—𝟘𝟟/𝟚𝟟/𝟚𝟝
okay—obviously i decently liked this but i need to get all the complaints out of the way because I have a lot 😭!
this was disappointing to say the least as the last installment in this series. where was the small-town cowboy vibes i had known to love? where was the found family i had wanted? especially considering we just went from teddy and gus’s book who is favored by the fans in general you’d think we would get a lot of cameos from them but we got NONE! none whatsoever 😭.
the second chance aspects of this were just pointless also. we got a handful of flashbacks from when they were in highschool and while they were cute—it was nothing to convince me how they were somehow in love for 15 years. and i’m still lost on the reason why they broke up ultimately for the first time in the flashbacks? i actually did appreciate how they just grew apart and didn’t break up because of unnecessary miscommunication or anything but the way the author was hyping it up and refusing to tell the readers what it she made it seem like it was going to be some shocking moment but it was just underwhelming.
and the third act breakup was SO. DUMB. like can we stop the plot point of the fmc getting made at the mmc because he helped her out without her knowing 🤦🏼♀️. be grateful people!
okay! wow that was a lot 😭. now that we are out of the complaints i can talk about the things i liked: first of all, dusty was a saving grace to this book. i couldn’t have cared less about cam but dusty was perfection (i live for a man who grovels). and some of the romance scenes (again, courtesy of dusty) had me giggling and kicking my feet!!
honestly, was this book bad? no. it wasn’t great for a second chance romance but the romance overall was enjoyable. honestly this wasn’t bad I just set my expectations far too high and it just disappointed me :((
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟑.𝟕𝟓 🐴
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝟑.𝟓𝟎
╰┈➤ tropes to expect!
𖤓 second chance
𐚁childhood sweethearts to strangers
𖤓 cowboy/lawyer
𐚁small town
𖤓 forced proximity
𐚁he’s always loved her
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
i need to stop reading more than 1 book at a time but this looks so good and it’s my last one in the series!! 🩷 the first two were okay for me but i really liked the third one so i’m curious to see where this one will stand! 👀
okay—obviously i decently liked this but i need to get all the complaints out of the way because I have a lot 😭!
this was disappointing to say the least as the last installment in this series. where was the small-town cowboy vibes i had known to love? where was the found family i had wanted? especially considering we just went from teddy and gus’s book who is favored by the fans in general you’d think we would get a lot of cameos from them but we got NONE! none whatsoever 😭.
the second chance aspects of this were just pointless also. we got a handful of flashbacks from when they were in highschool and while they were cute—it was nothing to convince me how they were somehow in love for 15 years. and i’m still lost on the reason why they broke up ultimately for the first time in the flashbacks? i actually did appreciate how they just grew apart and didn’t break up because of unnecessary miscommunication or anything but the way the author was hyping it up and refusing to tell the readers what it she made it seem like it was going to be some shocking moment but it was just underwhelming.
and the third act breakup was SO. DUMB. like can we stop the plot point of the fmc getting made at the mmc because he helped her out without her knowing 🤦🏼♀️. be grateful people!
okay! wow that was a lot 😭. now that we are out of the complaints i can talk about the things i liked: first of all, dusty was a saving grace to this book. i couldn’t have cared less about cam but dusty was perfection (i live for a man who grovels). and some of the romance scenes (again, courtesy of dusty) had me giggling and kicking my feet!!
honestly, was this book bad? no. it wasn’t great for a second chance romance but the romance overall was enjoyable. honestly this wasn’t bad I just set my expectations far too high and it just disappointed me :((
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟑.𝟕𝟓 🐴
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝟑.𝟓𝟎
╰┈➤ tropes to expect!
𖤓 second chance
𐚁childhood sweethearts to strangers
𖤓 cowboy/lawyer
𐚁small town
𖤓 forced proximity
𐚁he’s always loved her
₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
i need to stop reading more than 1 book at a time but this looks so good and it’s my last one in the series!! 🩷 the first two were okay for me but i really liked the third one so i’m curious to see where this one will stand! 👀
April 22, 2025
My man Dusty deserves better. Cam drove me absolutely insane.
What I liked:
Teddy/ Gus + Cam relationship
DUSTY
that Cam played soccer
All the emo music brought me back
But sadly this wasn’t enough. Cam is one of the worst female main characters ever… I’m sorry. She drove me insane the way that she acted towards Dusty in the past and in the present. My heart actually breaks for that fictional man.
This had potential but missed the mark for me unfortunately
What I liked:
Teddy/ Gus + Cam relationship
DUSTY
that Cam played soccer
All the emo music brought me back
But sadly this wasn’t enough. Cam is one of the worst female main characters ever… I’m sorry. She drove me insane the way that she acted towards Dusty in the past and in the present. My heart actually breaks for that fictional man.
This had potential but missed the mark for me unfortunately
September 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ such a cute series!!! Sad to be leaving rebel blue ranch :(
May 18, 2025
Lyla Sage? thank you for forever changing my standards…
I‘m literally omw to find MY cowboy hubby soulmate
I‘m literally omw to find MY cowboy hubby soulmate
April 17, 2025
Currently lamenting the fact that I am not a trust fund kid (with horrible parents) who met a hot cowboy in my teenage years and fell madly in love only for it to end badly, but then years later find myself back in his orbit and living right next to him and all his hotness and kindness while he had been pining for me during all those years apart and writing me secret letters because he couldn't get over me 😔😔
This is such a feel good series 😔 I'm gonna miss it 😔
This is such a feel good series 😔 I'm gonna miss it 😔
April 18, 2025
"I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood... And even after"
May every girl find a Dusty in her life!🙏🏻 the fact that he loved her so much he let her go "True love has a habit of coming back"
Feels like an end of an era🥲 I guess that's the "blessing and curse" factor of book series ❤️🩹 I wish some series last forever😭 I started this series the day before the third book came out so basically I BINGED them back to back .. Small town romances are an absolute bliss of an escape for me especially when we have authors like Lyla and Elsie!
May every girl find a Dusty in her life!🙏🏻 the fact that he loved her so much he let her go "True love has a habit of coming back"
Feels like an end of an era🥲 I guess that's the "blessing and curse" factor of book series ❤️🩹 I wish some series last forever😭 I started this series the day before the third book came out so basically I BINGED them back to back .. Small town romances are an absolute bliss of an escape for me especially when we have authors like Lyla and Elsie!
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