Author: Lyla Sage
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio, Paperback, Kindle
Kindle Unlimited: No
Series: Rebel Blue Ranch #1
Pages: 368 pages
Synopsis: {via GoodReads}
She’s off-limits, but he’s never been good at following the rules.
For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.
Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.
Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?
Review:
This book was such a great read! First, let me say I love the covers for this series. They're so nostalgic and fun. The colors and simplicity of the image is perfect, very comic book-esque. Just perfect for how fun this book was! If you're looking for a fun read for spring and you enjoy romances with a definite HEA, put this book on your TBR.
🐎 Cowboys (and a Cowgirl!)
💖 Brothers Best Friend
🏡 Small Town Romance
💋 Enemies to Lovers
💚Found Family
🌹He Falls First
Lets talk about Emmy first. Emmy is fantastic, but not without her difficulties as any good character should be. She struggles with something she's loved her whole life after an accident that leaves her afraid to get back on the horse. She's just the right amount of vulnerable for the story and as a character with ADHD and sensory struggles, she's incredibly relatable.
Luke is the all around charming reformed bad boy bar owner and he is hot, hot, hot! What I liked best about Luke is that he's not perfect, he comes from difficult circumstances, but he's made something of himself. He owns the bar in town, works on the Rebel Blue Ranch, and wears those backward baseball caps just right.
The plot moves along at a great pace and the romance between Luke and Emmy isn't rushed. There are some steamy scenes, so this one is definitely not closed door. As the story progresses, you feel for Emmy as she struggles to get back in the saddle and make decisions about her life. She can't do the thing she's been working toward her whole life and the reader really feels her struggle to figure out what that means for her, all while trying to figure out her relationship with Luke Brooks.
I really enjoyed the ambiance of this story. The small town felt alive and I could really feel how this setting looked. I also enjoyed the way the relationship progresses in somewhat secret by Emmy's choice. It's not Luke keeping them a secret. Emmy gets to call the shots! Overall, this one was a great read and, since it's the first in a series, I'm really looking forward to jumping in and reading the rest.
Rating:
❤❤❤❤❤ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Really wonderful! Romance readers, put this one on your TBR!!
