Lyla Sage wanted to write a story where two people get a second chance to get their love story right, so that was part of the inspiration for the series Rebel Blue Ranch.
What was the inspiration behind your most recent book?
"Wild and Wrangled" is the fourth book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, so inspiration comes from the first three books, as well as what inspired the series overall, and a little dash of its own individual inspiration. The idea for the series first came to me while I'm doing my annual rewatch of "Friday Night Lights." That’s where I conceptualized one of the main characters from the first book and started thinking about what the small town of Meadowlark, Wyoming would look like.
"Wild and Wrangled" has been living in the back of my head and hidden away in my heart since then. Their story was inspired a little bit by the songs “Springsteen” by Eric Church and “If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher” and a little bit by Cappie and Casey from the old ABC Family TV Show GREEK. Most of all, though, I just wanted to write a soft, second-chance love story where two people had the chance to get their love story right.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
To me, Reading Rainbow means reading with intention and care while centering identities that might be different from our own. Books give us the incredible opportunity to experience diverse perspectives, entirely new worlds, and big, beautiful horizons.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
I think it’s required, not just important; especially right now. Representation and amplifying voices that have been historically underrepresented is deeply important to the human experience. Reading books that push us to expand our views, learn, see characters experience joy, and reflect on our dynamic and diverse world is a radical way to combat the exhaustion that comes with living in a political climate where it feels like empathy is in short supply.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
I love a second chance romance, but the thought of writing one intimidated me. I didn’t know if I had the skill to pull it off, which is why I saved this story for the last book in the series, so I could get more practice. I’m enamored with the way that love shows up in our lives — romantic and otherwise — even if that love wasn’t built to last. It was special to explore a love that was big and true to two characters while it was happening, but for a million reasons, it didn’t work out the first time. Everything about this book both excited and scared me, which is how I knew it was the right book for me to write at the time. I’m so proud of it.
What can fans expect from your book?
Readers can expect a soft and sweet love story featuring an edgy and rugged cowboy and a strong but fragmented single mom. Dusty and Cam get a second-chance at their first love, all while navigating the changes and challenges that life throws at them. There’s a heavy dose of found family and a peek at couples from the previous books. And, of course, in true Rebel Blue fashion, Amos Ryder will be meddling and dripping in wisdom.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
This fall, the first book in my new duology is coming! "The Sweetwater Peak" duology is everything readers have come to expect from my books: small towns, big hearts, and some Western flare. This time, though, the town is haunted. I’m so excited to share more details soon!
