Not my typical cup of tea but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Such a cozy read with a badass female main character and the man obsessed with her. Lyla Sage is the queen of writing men who are pathetically in love with their woman and praise the ground they walk on. Perfect book to read in the Fall.

This book was a "right place, right time" book for me; I can't guarantee that if I'd read it at another point in my life I would have liked this as much as I did, but here we are.

For me, the standout of this book (as it is with all Lyla Sage books) was the characters. I loved that Collins was a little lost and didn't know how to ask for help or be vulnerable, and I loved that Brady was a quietly confident and steady presence who was able to help her open up to become a better version of herself. I'm someone who firmly believes that your romantic partner should be your best friend; because of that, I just adored Brady and Collins's dynamic. I loved that they joked with each other, were down for whatever as long as they were together, and wanted to spend every second in the other's presence. It was, to me, a perfect and wholesome representation of what romantic relationships should look like.

Sweetwater Peak was such a great setting, perfectly striking the balance between literal ghost town and utterly normal dilapidated rural town. The author did a perfect job at pointing out the flaws and making it a little spooky without ever having it feel depressing or scary.

I also really liked the ghosts that were present throughout the story, and the ways in which Lyla Sage departed from "traditional" ghost lore. It was fun that all they really wanted was to hang out. I also loved how the more prominent ghosts drove Collins's story forward while having ones of their own; it really incorporated into the story well and kept them from feeling like plot devices.

I'd highly recommend this if you already like Lyla Sage's books or you're looking for something on the shorter side with a strong romance and spooky-ish elements. I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC of this book!

I have absolutely loved all of Lyla Sage's books and the magic that she captures within her writing. I ADORE the fact that she has dipped her toes into a romance that has paranormal ghost elements. The banter, the tension, the romance!! It was everything I love about Lyla Sage and small town romances.

I think that this book was a little rough around the edges, but I'm chalking it up to the fact that I read an early copy.

This was my fifth Lyla Sage book and I loved the Rebel Blue Ranch series. This book was VERY different from those which shows impressive range and is intriguing in and of itself! Call it low stakes PNR?

I really enjoyed the ghostly universe and world building and the characters individually (Collins and Brady specifically). But I struggled with the low stakes plot (I just didn’t really ever got engaged fully) and the romance (the chemistry felt forced between these very different people).

So while this book is written in a smooth and easy style, I ultimately struggled to stay interested.

She's done it again! I swear every book of Lyla Sage's that I read ends up being five stars. Her stories are so relatable and that characters are always so well thought out. This one is no different! I love the setting she's created with this town and this couple. You find yourself easily rooting for our main characters to fall in love, and the ending was satisfying. Highly recommend this title for not only lovers of western romances, but romance in general!

Lyla Sage has become one of my new favorite authors, so I was thrilled to receive this ARC to review! I absolutely LOVED 'Soul Searching'. It's very atmospheric & the dive into the paranormal world was incredibly done. The characters are well developed and the growth and journey they go on was perfect! I am hopeful there will be more offerings in the world of Sweetwater Peak, because I'm not ready to leave yet! This story is healing, cozy, romantic & mysterious. I loved every moment!

This was my first Lyla Sage book, and I am glad I gave it a chance! Big fan of ghosts and romance in the same story. Will definitely recommend it to my book club to read in October!

Soul Searching by Lyla Sage delivers a delightful escape to the charming and spooky town of Sweetwater Peak, a setting as raw and real as its townsfolk. The town’s gritty authenticity grounds the story beautifully. The romance unfolds slowly but simmers with tension from the very start. Sage’s pacing is masterful—never rushed, never dragging. Collins and Brady are so tender with each other. And no third act breakup is such a treat for romance readers!

4.5 Stars - I am entirely convinced that Miss Lyla Sage never misses her mark. I’m an enormous fan of Rebel Blue, and the moment I learned she was diving into a paranormal western romance, I immediately thought, “Sign me up!” I appreciate that Soul Searching can be enjoyed independently from *Rebel Blue*, yet still maintains a connection as Sweetwater Peak serves as the darker sister down the road from Meadowlark. This book unfolds as a slow burn, with the tension between the main characters reaching nearly explosive levels. Collins is a strong and spirited (in more than one way!) FMC, perfectly balancing the reserved demeanor of Brady. I am obsessed with Sage’s western twist on magical realism romance. Overall, it was an excellent read, serving as a delightful palate cleanser, and I eagerly anticipate the next adventure in Sweetwater Peak!

this was fun & cute! a great palate cleanser & a shy mmc w/ a dirty mouth is gonna do it for me every time😮‍💨 i looooved the ghosty aspect of this—it reminded me of the dead romantics by ashley poston. also the ending?? hello??? you can’t just drop that and dip lyla😩

I absolutely loved this book. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable. There was a perfect balance of humor and romance. I am excited for this new series and can't wait to read what's next.

After devouring Lyla Sage’s cowboy romance books and enjoying them enough to request Soul Searching, I had really high hopes. I expected something witty, funny, and emotionally engaging. Unfortunately, this one didn’t deliver on any of those fronts for me.

The first 85% of the book dragged, it was painfully slow and lacking the spark that made Sage’s earlier work so enjoyable. The chemistry between Collins and Brady felt almost nonexistent, as if they were thrown into the same room and told to fall in love, with no real buildup or connection. Their relationship just didn’t feel earned.

That said, there were a couple of redeeming elements. I really liked the unique paranormal twist, Collins being able to talk to ghosts added an interesting layer. And stylistically, Sage’s writing has noticeably improved. i
It’s more refined and lyrical compared to her cowboy romances. But sadly, great writing can’t carry a story that fell completely flat.

This book put me in a reading slump for most of the month, I truly wanted to love it, the premise had potential to be one of her best, but in the end, it just lacked emotional depth and momentum.

Rating: 2.5/5

Lyla Sage does it again in Soul Searching where the reader meets photographer Collins and upholsterer Brady in Sweetwater Peak, Wyoming where small town romance meets the supernatural.

Collins is a strong, free spirited FMC that is well rounded out with having to overcome the difficulties she had to face while away from home. She is made all the more interesting due to her ability to see and talk to ghost.

Brady is a quiet, reserved MMC who is trying to find his place in the world in a quiet town away from his corporate past. Brady proves to be the perfect landing for Collins as she gets back on her feet while pushing him out of his shell.

Overall, the characters are fleshed out and the supernatural theme throughout the book is captivating but does not overshadow the romance element of the book. The book is a fun, quick, cozy read. Looking forward to the next installment that follows her sister.

it took me 25 days to finish this book because i’m in the worst eyeball reading slump of my life😭 i was pretty bored with this and i think a lot of that is because of the slump but also i just don’t think i cared very much for the characters. i love lyla’s writing but i really just missed rebel blue throughout the entire book and don’t know if i’ll enjoy her future books as much without it. i hope to reread it shortly after it releases and be in a better mood for it so that i can like it more!!

thank you to the publisher & netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!!

Collin’s and her twin has the special ability to talk to ghosts. Collin’s has lost the ability. This is when she decides to take a pause from photography and go back to her home to in hopes to hear the ghosts again. This is where she meets Brady the sweet upholstery man who she shares an apartment with and works with.

This was a cute romance very slow burn. It was unlike any book I’ve read. I enjoyed it .

Thank you NetGalley

This was different for a Lyla Sage novel. Very enjoyable though. Paranormal and cowboys is a combo I didn’t know I needed!

Overall, I thought this was an interesting story. Coming from Sage's other books, it was not what I expected, however. It got a little boring like 75% of the way through, but it picked back up.

Anther great book from Lyla Sage totally different from her las series but so much fun , a little sadness. I loved the two main characters Brady and Collin’s two opposite people but really kind of the same I loved the banter between the two of them . Don’t want to give anything way but I hope you not afraid of ghosts. I hope see plans on writing one about Collin’s sister.

This was my first read from Lyla Sage—and it definitely won’t be my last. I found myself intentionally taking my time with this book simply because I didn’t want it to end. Brady is absolute chef’s kiss, and watching him and Collins grow—not just as a couple, but as individuals—was genuinely beautiful. That said, Boone and Earnest completely stole my heart. They were unexpected favorites and left a lasting impression I won’t soon forget.

I will eat up anything Lyla Sage without question. This book was just fun & I loved every minute of it! The pacing was really quite well done and the plot itself was just a fun idea that turned into a fabulous read. It's definitely different from her other cowboy romance books, but still so much fun!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!