We chat with author Lyla Sage about Swift and Saddled, which is the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series and follows a small town romance featuring opposites attract and forced proximity.
Hi, Lyla! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Howdy, I’m Lyla Sage, author of the Rebel Blue Ranch series which currently includes Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled with two more books on the way. I write love stories that feel like my favorite things: sunshine and big blue skies. I love early 2000’s TV shows, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and collecting more books than I’ll ever have time to read.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
My mom bought a journal in elementary school. I loved writing in it and chronicling every part of my day. After a while, I started writing fictional stories in it, and the habit stuck! I’m still an avid journaler, and it’s the foundation of my love for writing.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
- The one that made you want to become an author: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Currently, Bride by Ali Hazlewood
Your latest novel, Swift and Saddled, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Sweet, swoony, soft, atmospheric, and baby cows!
What can readers expect?
Swift and Saddled is follows Weston Ryder and Ada Hart. Wes is the middle child of the Ryder family who’s about to embark on a large renovation project on the ranch. Ada is a newcomer to Rebel Blue, and an interior designer. Readers can expect a heartfelt and romantic story that explores the intricacies of timing, personal growth, and the unexpected connections that can shape our lives. Plus, there’s some steam, too! Wes and Ada are sweet and swoony with truly combustible chemistry!
Where did the inspiration for Swift and Saddled come from?
I’ve been so excited to tell Weston’s story since he was introduced in Done and Dusted. His story has lived in my head for a long time. When I write, I’m inspired by the people and places around me and also heavily by music. These are a few of the songs I listened to on repeat while writing Swift and Saddled:
- Sun to Me – Zach Bryan
- Me Against the Mountain – Ian Munsick
- When Will I Be Loved – Linda Ronstadt
- I Want You to Want Me – Cheap Trick
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
My favorite scene to write is a scene where all three of the Ryder siblings helping Wes cook something to impress Ada. Their dynamic is so important to Wes’s character arc, and I was so smiley while writing that scene! I also loved writing Wes teaching Ada how to drive a stick shift. I was giddy and giggly the whole time. Both Wes and Ada feel a lot of big feelings and exploring their characters and their journey was really healing for me! I hold this book so close to my heart.
With this your second novel, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned between writing the two?
That writing a second book is really hard, and that’s okay! Writing Swift and Saddled was so different from writing Done and Dusted, but it was equally if not more rewarding. Key lessons I learned between them are that authors know their characters best, changing your mind is okay, things that are difficult are often the most worthwhile, and that a good support system and people that believe in you unconditionally is an absolute gamechanger!
What’s next for you?
Book three in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Lost and Lassoed comes out later this year on November 5th! Currently, I’m writing the fourth and final book in the series and having an absolute blast doing it.
Lastly, are there any releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
So many! 2024 is absolutely stacked with epic book releases. Here are a few I’m really looking forward to: Only and Forever by Chloe Liese, The Prospects by KT Hoffman, The Rule Book by Sarah Adams, The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey, Not in Love by Ali Hazlewood, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, When I Think of You by Myah Ariel, and The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava.
