Wild and Wrangled: A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel By Lyla Sage Book Review
First love getting a second chance, that’s what Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage is all about. It’s a slow-burn cowboy romance set in the cozy small town of Meadowlark, Wyoming, and it’s the final book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series. The story focuses on Cam and Dusty, high school sweethearts whose story finally gets the spotlight here after being hinted at before.
Here’s the deal: Cam gets left at the altar, and her world is turned upside down. She leans on her chosen family, the Ryder clan, while trying to figure out what she really wants for herself and her daughter Riley. Meanwhile, Dusty, the tattooed cowboy with a heart of gold, has never stopped loving Cam, and he’s just moved back to town after years away. Now they’re neighbors, forced to be close, and their complicated past is about to catch up with them. The tone is tender, emotional, and heartfelt, with moments of warmth, humor, and plenty of slow-building romantic tension.
What really makes this book stand out is its vibe and how well the characters are written. Lyla Sage creates a world that feels like a cozy escape, the small-town ranch setting is vivid and immersive, almost like you’re right there with them. The writing is engaging, with short chapters that keep things moving but still let you savor the story. Cam is a layered, relatable character dealing with family struggles and personal growth, while Dusty is the ultimate swoon-worthy, patient, and loyal cowboy. The found family theme, especially the support from the Ryder family, adds extra heart to the story. Plus, Dusty’s old letters to Cam sprinkled throughout are seriously adorable and deepen their connection.
Reader reactions are pretty mixed. Many fans love the emotional depth and the authentic portrayal of a second chance romance built on respect and healing. They praised the slow burn, the chemistry, and the way the story balances past and present with flashbacks to teenage Cam and Dusty. The found family vibe, Riley’s role as heartwarming glue, and the small-town community got big shout-outs. On the other hand, some found Cam frustrating or hard to like, felt the romance lacked real spark or tension, and were disappointed by sudden breakups or unresolved subplots. A few readers struggled with the pacing or thought some drama felt forced or anticlimactic.
From my point of view, this one’s likely a hit if you enjoy slow, realistic second chance romances where characters deal with real emotions and family issues. If you like atmospheric small-town settings filled with quirky, lovable side characters and a strong found family theme, this is definitely for you. But if you want fast-paced, high-drama stories or characters who are happy and perfect from page one, this might not be your thing.
All in all, Wild and Wrangled wraps up the Rebel Blue Ranch series in a satisfying, emotional, and cozy way. It’s the kind of story that feels comforting but bittersweet to say goodbye to, especially if you’ve been following these characters. If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt slow burn with cowboy charm, letters, tattoos, and a story about holding on, and letting go, give this one a shot.
If that sounds like your kind of story, definitely check it out. And hey, if you’ve read it, let me know what you thought!