Rate: 4.5/5
Medium: Audiobook/ebook
Overview (No Spoilers):
With the world being so heavy in recent months, I desperately needed something light and cozy like Swift and Saddled in my life. I’d loved book one, Done and Dusted, and was looking forward to diving back into the small town, ranch romance drama.
The Ryders are the type of family anyone would want to be a part of. Every one of the Ryders are fiercely loyal, kind, and have huge personalities. Watching the Ryders find love is just the right amount of cheese and spice. So many familiar characters show back up in Swift and Saddled, and Sage makes sure to build upon the solid foundation already established. Swift and Saddled follows the instant connection between Weston Ryder and the new interior designer Ada Hart. Weston was the absolute perfect gentleman and sure he has his demons he wrestles with but he has those firmly under control throughout this read. That said, he doesn’t hide his depression from Ada who has her own baggage. Both characters are sweet and I couldn’t help but root for them to fall messily in love. Sage amps up the spice in Swift and Saddled as the chemistry between our two main lovebirds is electric every time they meet eyes. The gravity between them is almost palpable as they can’t seem to help but drift closer to each other.
I feel like the foreshadowing to future couplings was layered a little thick but it was obvious in Done and Dusted that the interior designer would play a future role and the result was highly entertaining.
Overall, if you need some incredibly polite cowboys and lots of spice to distract you from everyday gloom, Swift and Saddled is just what the Critiquing Chemist prescribes. This light read will have you rooting for a happy ending by the end of the first scene.
Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound):
- Gus is so unlikable but it is obvious he will end up with Teddy will end up together.
- Who is Cam engaged to? What is the history with Dusty? There’s obviously some chemistry there.
- Amos is the best. Did the cabin really flood or did he lie to keep Ada and Wes living under the same roof? I loved that be deeded Baby Blue to Wes.
- Emmy and Brooks are engaged!
- I didn’t really buy the “I’m not a nice girl.” persona that Ada was supposed to be vibing. She really seemed pretty sweet.
- The siblings all making Ada’s favorite food to help Wes was amazing!
- Ada and how she viewed making girlfriends was so familiar. Even with my friends who I love dearly I agonize after discussion how it went. Pouring over every word. Convinced they’ll finally hate me. At this point I realize its just me being irrational. I’m blessed with wonderful friends. That said, it was nice to see the connection in print. Seeing yourself in characters can often have a healing effect that makes you not feel alone in the unique pieces of you.
- What did Ada’s terrible ex want when he called?
The Critiquing Chemist 