Book Review: ‘Wild and Wrangled’ by Lyla Sage (Rebel Blue Ranch #4)
There’s something uniquely bittersweet about reaching the final chapter in a romance series that’s held your heart since the beginning, and Lyla Sage’s ‘Wild and Wrangled’, the last ride in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, absolutely stuck the landing. If you’ve been following the series and have any worries about how this last installment fairs, let me soothe you: this one feels like coming home.
See one of our previous Rebel Blue reviews here
Here's the summary:
“She's the one that got away. He's the one that never let go.
Single mother Camille Ashwood loves a plan. But when her latest backfires, she finds herself abandoned at the altar with nowhere to live. That is, until she discovers her dream house in her hometown is available. There's just one problem . . . the neighbour.
Dusty Tucker has spent nearly all of his adult life running from his feelings for Cam. But since returning home, the girl who was his first, well, everything has become a woman seemingly determined to keep him at arm's length . . .
But despite Cam's best efforts to stay away, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Dusty. And as past wounds open and feelings - both old and new - wreak havoc, Cam and Dusty begin to wonder if their first love was meant to be their last. And this time, will it be forever?”
In ‘Wild and Wrangled’, we finally get Dusty’s story, and what a gentle, satisfying love story it is. Dusty, the kind of cowboy who wears his heart on his sleeve, while also remaining steadfast under layers of quiet strength and years of unrequited love, pairs perfectly with Cam, whose warmth and resilience shine through every page. Together, they share a romance that trades fiery drama for depth, trust, and that slow-burning sweetness that makes your chest ache in the best way. It’s tender, healing, and exactly the kind of emotional wrap-up a series like this deserves.
It was always going to be an interesting one because of the way these characters’ pasts are interwoven. And whereas I felt like Dusty and Cam got the story the needed, and deserved, I didn't love it as much as the others. But you know what? It felt right. The pairing felt inevitable, and we, the reader, just had to wait for them both to realise it.
While I’ll always be a Gus-and-Teddy girl (‘Swift and Saddled’ was the book that fully stole my heart), I think ‘Wild and Wrangled' might actually be my favorite on reflection. It feels like a warm hug, a story that doesn’t need to shout to be powerful. Sage lets these characters breathe, and in doing so, she gives readers space to say goodbye to Rebel Blue Ranch in the softest, most comforting way.
The entire series has been a cozy, cowboy-boot-stomped delight, and this final book really honors everything that came before it. If you’re new to Lyla Sage, you’re in for a treat. If you’re already a fan? Prepare to tear up, smile too hard, and maybe start the series all over again when you’re done.
Read if you love:
- Small-town cowgirl softness
- Second-chance romance vibes
- Quiet, emotionally mature love stories
- A slow burn with heart (and of course, with some well-placed spice)
How are you feeling at the end of this era? I'm a little heartbroken, but also very excited to see where Sage takes us next.
Written by Sarah
