Rebel Blue Ranch, Book 3
From the publisher:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other.
From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small-town romance in which enemies turn to lovers when they’re forced to work together during one hot summer
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 is 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 harder: 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 they should act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?
This is the third book in the Rebel Blue series, and while I read them completely out of order, it didn’t matter at all—I loved every single one! What makes these books so compelling are the heartwarming stories, the serene beauty of Rebel Blue Ranch, and the vibrant, realistic characters.
Teddy Andersen is both passionate and warm. Previously portrayed as chaotic, headstrong, and fearless, this book reveals her softer, creative, and compassionate side. She remains fierce, strong, and relentless, but she’s also deeply perceptive and supportive when the people she loves need her most.
Gus is the perfect embodiment of the grumpy cowboy with a heart of gold. He masterfully balances a tough exterior with hidden warmth that he shows only to his daughter, Riley. His thoughtfulness and patience with her was absolutely wonderful to witness. As the eldest Ryder brother, Gus carries enormous responsibility and often struggles to delegate work or share his burdens with family. Throughout the story, he slowly learns to open up and accept that he can’t be everything to everyone.
When the boutique where Teddy works closes, she needs summer employment while figuring out her next move. Meanwhile, her nemesis Gus has finally admitted he can’t handle everything alone and desperately needs help with Riley. Despite their mutual dislike, Teddy becomes the perfect solution, and both manage to set aside their animosity for Riley’s sake.
Seeing Teddy—who was never vulnerable with others—accept that she could simply be herself with Gus and Riley was deeply reassuring. Both characters love fiercely when it comes to their families, and both fear not being enough. These shared fears and similar ways of loving others become the foundation of their unexpected bond. Their relationship unfolds beautifully as they finally surrender to their desires, confront their true feelings, and allow themselves to explore what’s growing between them.
This is enemies-to-lovers done right. Teddy and Gus’s journey—from fiery, snarky tension to sizzling chemistry to heartfelt romance—is deeply satisfying. Another fantastic addition to the Rebel Blue series.
The series in order:
8/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
LOST AND LASSOED by Lyla Sage. Dial Press Trade Paperback ( March 5, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593732434. 320p.
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