As a fan of Lyla Sage and her Rebel Blue series, I was excited to dive into Soul Searching. This first book in her new Sweetwater Peak series blends small-town charm with a dash of the paranormal, and while there’s a lot to appreciate, it didn’t quite capture the magic I was hoping for.

The good: the ghosts were an unexpected delight—quirky, full of personality, and oddly endearing. I wanted more features of each of them. Their antics added a fun twist that reminded me that even spirits were once just people, flawed and funny in equal measure. For a first foray into the paranormal this was easily the best part of this book and it was done in such an endearing way. The setting of Sweetwater Peak is rich with hidden spots and local lore, and I enjoyed the charming touches that came with Collins' job and her connection to the supernatural. I also liked that this wasn’t your typical romance with a formulaic breakup; it was refreshing to see two characters working through things without an unnecessary third-act drama bomb.

The bad: The romance between Collins and Brady didn’t fully land for me. While they had chemistry, their emotional development felt a bit rushed. It went from zero romantic feeling to insta-love after a few good days at work. Some moments that could have been powerful were skimmed over, and certain plotlines wrapped up far too conveniently. I found myself wanting more depth from their journey, especially with how much internal conflict both characters carried. A slower burn could have elevated the stakes and made the payoff more satisfying. Speaking of wanting more, there was so much undeveloped between Collins and her twin sister to the point the plot relied heavily on sisters forgiving for the sake of sisters—genuine and real phenomenon but a missed opportunity for character development for both of them that would (I think) benefit the sequel and make me more invested in what comes next.

The ugly: Speaking of what comes next. The ending. I won’t spoil it but it felt like a very cheap way to wrap up a few plot lines and set up for the sequel with a big “Wait, WHAT?” but not in a good way. It was very out of leftfield.

Overall, Soul Searching is a good start to a new series with potential. It’s got humor, heart, and a unique blend of paranormal and emotional exploration. While it didn’t hit the same highs as Sage’s earlier works for me, I’ll most likely be reaching for the next book.

Look for this on shelves during Spooky Season—Sep 30 2025!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the complimentary eARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

this was super cute! I loved the paranormal aspect of this story... the small town feel and the characters that Lyla sage is good at getting you attached too ! I loved the little shout outs to meadowlark and seeing some of the OG characters. this was a sweet fast paced book. loved it.

Lyla Sage delivers another lighthearted, no drama, easy-to-read, romance book. Love that there is no third-act breakup and that the characters are just great communicators. Sage likes to keep her romances simple and leave the drama to the background story, which is fine. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series.

Soul Searching has all the romance and small town vibes of Sage's Rebel Blue Ranch series, but add GHOSTS and so much angst. I'm down hard for these two, and you will be too!

This book had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. What do you mean it’s like Rebel Blue, but they’re both artists (I swear if you took me and split me in two you would get Collins and Brady) AND THERE ARE GHOSTS?!

Damn. Daaaaaaamn. I loved it. 8 million stars.

An effortless transition into paranormal (or paranormal-adjacent) romance for Sage, with her usual dose of feelings and heat and bonus cameos from our Meadowlark faves. I think this is a great niche for her and would love to see more beyond the contracted two!

Enjoyed so much! A perfect introduction for readers into paranormal romance. I enjoyed the chemistry between the love interests. The underlying mystery was also compelling.

Great read, would recommend!

Lyla Sage has done it again! I ate up her Done and Dusted series based in Meadowlark, Wyoming and I couldn't wait to venture 2 hours north to spooky Sweetwater Peak. Sage did an amazing job of introducing the reader to this new town that is perpetually foggy, steeped in local folklore, and teeming with ghosts. Collins is in a rut professionally and spiritually, after realizing that her lifelong gift of communicating with ghosts has somehow vanished. When she comes home to Sweetwater Peak for a reset and to help her family with their antique store in town, she finds herself and love along the way. The romance was a slow burn and once it started heating up, phew was it spicy! I would highly recommend to fans of Lyla Sage, people who enjoy a light, friendly ghost story, and anyone who might feel a little lost in their life.

I love a good romance with paranormal elements and this story had those with some great humour! I was hooked very quickly and had trouble putting down the book. Being a believer in fate, I really enjoyed the character's story, the realistic questioning of their own worth by comparing themselves to others, and the demonstration that avoiding things only makes them worse. When they start dealing with their pasts and opening themselves up to possibilities is when they start seeing they have a path that will take them in unexpected directions and interesting adventures.

The ghosts are hilarious in their antics and it is a great reminder that they were people with normal lives.

It's also really nice watching the two protagonist evolve as people and seeing how they make each other stronger. TBH I didn't want the story to end and really hope that there will be a continuation sometime soon.

2.5 ⭐️

This is a hard thing to do for me as I loooove Lyla Sage books- the Rebel Blue series is one of my favorites. This story, full of romance, some drama, and the paranormal, fell very flat for me. Collins and Brady felt immature at times and the story just felt disjointed. I’ll still read other books in the series because I am a Lyla STAN. And maybe I’ll come back to this and give it another try.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

This was so good! Genuinely some of Sage’s best work! I loved the realistic and tender romance between our two protagonists and I liked the whimsical paranormal elements woven throughout the story

This book was like a breath of fresh air. I loved the vibe of Sweetwater Peak so much; the secret spots Collins showed Brady, the underground historical archives, the stories behind the people who passed away that Collins was able to talk to. I found myself relating to both Collins and Brady with their struggles of finding friends and isolating themselves. Honestly, it's been awhile since I read a book where I actually saw myself in the characters. This is also one of the first books I've read where the couple didn't break up for some stupid reason and then get back together right before the book ends. It was so refreshing just reading two people fall in love without the expected breakup before they realize they are meant to be.
I also have to mention my sweet Cam making an appearance!!!!! I just finished Wild and Wrangled a few weeks ago and the little cameo from one of my favs was such a treat.
Solid four stars for Soul Searching. Lyla Sage is slowly, but surely, becoming an auto-read author for me.

Ghosts and Romance sign me up. I love a little bit of paranormal in my reads. I really enjoyed Brady and Collins relationship and how it was built on a friendship. You can definitely feel the love in this family. I love how Collins and Brady rediscovered the town that she loved together.
I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves Lyla Sage or just a small town moment.

This rating is a shocker to me. I absolutely adore Lyla Sage’s writing and the entire Rebel Blue Ranch series, so I was VERY excited to read the start of a new one from her.

This book took a while to get to feeling like previous Sage books, and once it did, it felt a bit rushed and everything wrapped up entirely too quickly. I could have easily read a book twice as long with the details more fleshed out.

I do recommend it to people who are interested, but keep your expectations tempered.

I REALLY wanted to love this book because I adored the Rebel Blue series, but this fell flat for me. This is supposed to be a paranormal romance, but it lacked the ghosts. I’m hoping the second one in the series is better.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Lyla Sage delivers a standout debut with Soul Searching, the first installment in what promises to be an engaging new series. While I was initially uncertain about the inclusion of a supernatural element, Sage handles it with masterful balance, seamlessly weaving it into the narrative.

The novel’s mix of small-town intrigue, unsolved mysteries, and legal drama creates a richly layered story that’s both compelling and immersive. The emotional depth of the characters is particularly impressive. You can clearly feel that each one is crafted with care, making it easy to become invested in their journeys and root for their happiness.

If I had one critique, it would be the pacing of the romantic arc. I would have preferred for Collins to fully realize why she loved him before expressing it, which could have extended the slow burn and heightened the emotional payoff. I’m also hoping for a satisfying moment of justice involving Ed Sullivan in future books.

Overall, Soul Searching is dramatic, romantic, and suspenseful, with strong character development and a gripping plot. I’m already looking forward to Clarke and Wilder’s story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced readers copy of this book.

Sigh... I really *REALLY* wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, it just kinda missed the mark for me. The premise is solid, characters good, but honestly, it just felt... rushed? A little forced, maybe? There were so many story tangents that could have led to something great, but instead just wrapped inexplicably easily.

I had super high hopes after all of Rebel Blue, but Sweetwater Peak just didn't make it.

📚Trope(s): Grumpy cinnamon roll MMC, closed-off FMC, small town
What you get: GHOSTS!
⭐️Plot: 3/5
🔥Chemistry: 4/5
🌶️Spice: 4/5

I’ll start off by saying I love Layla Sage, but this book often felt clumsy. Collin’s felt under developed as a character. We get a glimpse into her jaded past with photography but I just don’t find it believable that she would have let herself be gaslighted by two men in the industry. Sage mentions that she felt really challenged when writing this book. Maybe there is some industry trauma she’s alluding to.
I struggled to find connections between the story of the town and Toades, Collin’s losing her gift to talk to ghosts, her issues with photography and her sister Clarke. I think Sage was trying to make too much happen.
Brady is a great character. He developed on the page quickly. And I fell in love with the town. Little call backs to Cam and Amos were also really nice.
Overall I think there’s more to develop here and I can smell a series evolving. I’ll still read the rest of the series if that is where this is going.

This was so fun and cute! I have been missing the feeling I had reading the Rebel Blue Ranch series and was also in the mood for spooky fall vibes. This fit my mood and I am excited to hear more ghost stories in Sweetwater Peak.
The banter in this is perfect! Collins is such a badass fmc, I am obsessed with her whole attitude and vibe
Pepperspraying the mmc and still managing to fall in love? Amazing!!

This has easily become one of my favourite Lyla Sage novels. When first meeting Collins you immediately gain a sense of familiarity with the character, whether it be how we see someone in our lives or relate to her personally. Her journey of re-discovering her dreams and ambitions had me in an absolute chokehold, it was beautifully written and had me reflecting on more than one occasion about myself. The build in romance between Collins and Brady was beyond adorable and had me kicking my feet from how cute and wickedly caring they are to one another.

Soul searching is the perfect fall Cozy Romance with a little bit of spice to keep you warm! Collins and Brady were an unexpected but perfect pairing and Sweetwater Peak has me yearning for a vacation in underneath big skies!