Books, Boots and Bakeries

A few months ago, I couldn’t scroll through my Bookstagram without seeing Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage pop up everywhere. After a few days home from work sick (armed with tea and tissues), I thought, what the heck, and dove in. And let me tell you—I devoured it in a hot minute… or in reality, a few hours.

Although I normally read MM, this cowboy romance is right up my alley, perfectly fitting the “books and boots” vibe of this blog. It’s the kind of story that feels like slipping on a pair of trusty cowboy boots—or RM’s, if you’re Australian like me: dependable, full of character, and made to take you on a journey. Emmy Ryder’s return to her family’s ranch in Meadowlark, Wyoming, after a career-ending accident delivers all the small-town charm and rugged cowboy swoon you could hope for. And then there’s Luke Brooks—her brother’s best friend and a reformed bad boy with just enough edge to keep things interesting. Their chemistry? Sparks fly like a branding iron meeting the fire… When can I go on a trip to Wyoming?

One thing that immediately caught my attention was the cover art—it reminded me of old Enid Blyton books. As a childhood staple in my house, this little nostalgic nudge brought back all the feels. A huge well done to Austin, who created the GORGEOUS cover art that brought me straight back to my childhood. It’s so beautiful I couldn’t resist buying a print copy to go alongside my Kindle version. I even messaged a few girlfriends about it, and they completely agreed—it has that timeless, cozy vibe but reimagined for grown-ups.

If you’ve been craving a love story that’s heartfelt, a little bit spicy, a fun story that is completely wrapped in cowboy charm, Done and Dusted is a must-read. From the dust of Rebel Blue Ranch to the sparks flying between Emmy and Luke, this book is pure magic—and I can see why it’s been everywhere. Trust me, it’s worth every page.