West Valley City, Utah — Local author Lyla Sage held a launch party for her latest book, “Wild and Wrangled,” at The Westerner, a popular country bar, with over 350 fans in attendance. This event marked the conclusion of her acclaimed Rebel Blue Ranch series, a journey she dedicated to herself, celebrating her accomplishments as a writer.
The dedication read: “This one is for me — for the girl who had a dream and for the woman who made it come true.” Sage expressed a profound sense of pride as she reflected on her four-year journey in writing, stating, “Wild and Wrangled” serves as her love letter to her experiences and achievements.
Fans of the series showed their support by adorning themselves in attire from the fictional town of Meadowlark, complete with cowboy hats, boots, and fringe jackets, as they lined up for book signings. Sage, overwhelmed by the community’s response, stated, “There has been nothing more rewarding for me as an author than to watch my books be loved and supported close to home.”
In the lead-up to the launch, Sage signed nearly 2,000 copies of her latest book. At the celebration, she took the time to personalize many copies for the excited attendees. The atmosphere at The Westerner offered an authentic cowboy experience with its mechanical bull and line dancing, perfectly complementing the theme of her romance series.
Sage’s journey as an author began with the self-publication of her first book, “Done and Dusted,” which garnered attention on BookTok and ultimately led to a publishing deal with Dial Press, a division of Penguin Random House. Reflecting on her rapid rise to success, she noted the serendipitous series of events that paved the way for her career. “If you told me this story — my publishing journey — and I wasn’t the one experiencing it, I wouldn’t believe you,” she said.
As she prepares to transition from the Rebel Blue Ranch universe, Sage acknowledges the mix of emotions that come with concluding this chapter. She feels a sense of contentment, proud of her decision to write “Wild and Wrangled” primarily for herself. “I got to kind of take back some of that joy that I’ve experienced [while] writing my whole life,” she explained, emphasizing the liberating feeling of creating without outside pressures.
Looking ahead, Sage’s next project, “Soul Searching,” is set to bring readers to the ghost town of Sweetwater Peak, located two hours north of Meadowlark. This upcoming release, slated for September, will feature a paranormal storyline intertwined with romance and elements of horror.
During the launch event, Sage’s parents were present, sharing their pride in her journey. While she dedicated “Wild and Wrangled” to herself, she also honored her mother’s influence, who taught her the value of dreaming big. Pink cowboy decorations adorned the venue, with a luminous banner proclaiming “Long Live Cowgirls” that caught the eye of attendees immersed in the festive ambiance.
Guests enjoyed interactive elements such as QR codes linking to quizzes about the series’ characters and a custom cocktail menu featuring drinks like Dusty’s Crop Top and Rodeo Rita. The atmosphere fostered connection among fans, many of whom became fast friends while excitedly waiting for their books to be signed.
Among the crowd was Jane Rowberry from Utah, a longtime fan who expressed her admiration for Sage, saying, “It’s just really cool to see somebody who this was just their dream, and then had it be fulfilled.”
Closing the chapter on the Rebel Blue series is bittersweet for Sage. The series name itself is rooted in her family’s history, drawing inspiration from the affectionate nicknames her grandparents shared. The emotional poignancy of leaving the world she has created resonates deeply with her, as she notes, “There’s no better way for Rebel Blue to sunset for now than ‘Wild and Wrangled.'”
The depth of growth Sage has experienced throughout her time in the Rebel Blue universe cannot be overstated. She stated, “As a writer, I have done basically all of my growing within Rebel Blue’s property line, so it’s hard [and] scary to leave. But if Dusty Tucker and Clementine Ryder have taught me anything, it’s that home’s always going to be there… but that doesn’t mean that I can’t go to other places too.”
As she sets off on her next creative adventure, both Sage and her loyal readers know that the spirit of the Rebel Blue Ranch will endure, continuing to resonate with those who journey through her stories.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2025/04/16/utah-romance-author-lyla-sages/
