A Lazy Reader's Review of "Lost and Lassoed" by Lyla Sage

Synopsis

    She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other.

    Teddy Anderson 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 life 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 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?

Review

    Lost and Lassoed is yet another underwhelming installment in Lyla Sage’s cowboy romance series, suffering from the same flaws that plagued Swift and Saddled. Despite having a premise that could have been engaging, the book ultimately fails to deliver in terms of writing quality, character depth, and overall storytelling.

    One of the biggest issues is the pacing. The novel drags in sections that should have been more dynamic, while crucial emotional moments feel rushed or underdeveloped. This imbalance makes it difficult to fully immerse in the romance, which is supposed to be the heart of the story. The chemistry between the main characters is lacking, and their relationship doesn’t feel as organic or compelling as it should. Instead of a slow-burn tension or a meaningful emotional connection, their interactions often feel surface-level and predictable. And this is something that happened in every book in this series.

    Additionally, the conflicts in the story feel forced rather than naturally arising from the characters and their circumstances. Instead of genuine tension and growth, the drama often feels contrived, making it hard to invest in the resolution. The side characters, while present, don’t add much to the narrative, and the small-town setting, which could have been a charming backdrop, lacks the depth and vibrancy needed to make it feel alive.

    Another disappointment is that Sage doesn’t show any notable improvement in her writing. The prose remains simplistic, which isn’t necessarily a flaw on its own, but it lacks the polish or emotional resonance that could elevate the material. The dialogue occasionally feels stilted, and the narrative voice doesn’t bring anything fresh or engaging to the genre.

    Ultimately, Lost and Lassoed feels like a rehash of what didn’t work in Swift and Saddled and Done and Dusted rather than a step forward. If you’re already a fan of Sage’s books and enjoy cowboy romances regardless of execution, you might still find moments to enjoy. But for readers looking for well-developed characters, compelling storytelling, and a romance with real depth, this book likely won’t hit the mark. To be honest, I'm done with this series. I have absolutely zero interest in reading Cam's love story because I did not care for her as a character whatsoever. 

Feb. 16, 2025 – Feb. 17, 2025

★★☆☆☆