Done and Dusted

Done and Dusted is a 2023 novel by American novelist Lyla Sage. A contemporary “cowboy” romance and the first in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Done and Dusted focuses on the story of Emmy Ryder, a professional barrel racer who, after an accident, must reevaluate her priorities. By employing many classic tropes of contemporary romance, Sage explores themes regarding the past, feeling at home, and being true to oneself. The novel is also a popular BookTok read.

This study guide refers to the Kindle e-book edition of the text.

Plot Summary

After she is thrown from a horse in an accident that could have been fatal, Emmy Ryder decides she needs to change her life. Shortly after her recovery, Emmy quits her career as a competitive barrel racer, breaks up with her boyfriend through a sticky note, and drives 300 miles back to her hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming. Embarrassed about her accident and unsure what will come next for her, Emmy does not tell anyone about what happened and shows up in Meadowlark unannounced.

Growing up, Emmy was the darling of Meadowlark and comes from the well-known Ryder family. However, she never felt at home there and had barely returned in the 10 years before her accident.