Saw This Happening a Mile Away (or at least two books back)

 

TITLE: Lost and Lassoed (Rebel Blue Ranch #3)

AUTHOR: Lyla Sage

PUBLISHER: Quercus

PUBLISHING DATE: November 5, 2024

PAGES: 368   

SOURCE: Library 

FROM GOODREADS: Teddy Andersen doesn't have a plan. She's never needed one before. She's always been more of a go with the flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn't seem to be going her way this time. Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it's starting to change. Teddy's used to being a leader, but now she feels like she's getting left behind, wondering if the life she lives in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore. 

Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn't know what's taking care of his family's 8,000-acre ranch or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he slips up, and he has to admit that he can't manage everything on his own. He needs help. His little sister's best friend, the woman he can't stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy's the only option he's got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he'll never find what he needs. Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether or not to act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?

MY THOUGHTS: This is the third book in a four-book series, and I have to admit, it was probably my least favorite.  Of course, that's really not the ding it could be because I've given every one at least a 4- or 5-star rating.

Teddy is Emmy's best friend which means she is often at the ranch and grew up irritating Emmy's older brother, Gus.  The shop where Teddy works and designs clothing is closing, and she needs a way to make some more money while she is planning her next move. The mother of Gus's young daughter is out of town for the summer for work and with Gus being so busy working on the ranch, he needs a sitter.  Emmy puts two and two together and convince Teddy and Gus to put their dislike for each other aside and assist each other out.  And if anyone can't see where this is headed, you've probably never read a romance novel.

Teddy as a character is a lot.  I liked her but I can see why Gus sometimes finds her annoying.  However, she clearly has a heart of gold and will go above and beyond for those she loves so seeing her and Gus become a couple was not that big of a stretch.  Plus, their banter back and forth in the previous books made it evident early on they were more than likely end game.  This book does tackle some heavier themes though such as single and co-parenting, caretaking for elderly parental figures and how friends cope when best friends enter serious relationships.  

Overall, this was another great addition in the series. I love the Rebel Blue Ranch setting and all its workers and inhabitants.  It was also fun to see some of the previous characters and couples again and see how things are progressing along with them. Only one more review in this series to go!

MY RATING: 4 PAWS