Done and Dusted Summary, Characters and Themes
Done and Dusted is a contemporary romance novel set against the backdrop of a Wyoming ranch. It follows Emmy Ryder, a professional barrel racer whose life takes an unexpected turn after a serious accident.
Forced to confront her fears and uncertainties, she returns to her hometown of Meadowlark seeking solace. There, she reunites with Luke Brooks, her childhood nemesis turned charming and rugged ranch hand. As their paths intertwine, they navigate complex emotions, personal challenges, and the undeniable pull of their growing attraction.
With elements of small-town charm, second-chance romance, and overcoming adversity, Done and Dusted is a heartwarming tale about finding oneself and love in the most unexpected places.
Summary
Emmy Ryder, a champion barrel racer, finds her world shattered after a devastating accident. Forced to confront her mortality, she makes a drastic decision: to leave behind her high-speed life and return to her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming. A place she once yearned to escape, now becomes her sanctuary as she grapples with the aftermath of her injury.
Meadowlark holds both comfort and challenge. Reunited with her childhood best friend, Teddy, Emmy navigates the familiar yet foreign landscape. Her path intersects with Luke Brooks, the town’s notorious bad boy and her brother’s lifelong friend. Their history is marked by playful antagonism, but as adults, their dynamic shifts.
Luke, once a carefree spirit, has evolved into a responsible bar owner and children’s riding instructor. Beneath his rugged exterior, he harbors a deep-seated connection to the Ryder family. When he senses Emmy’s vulnerability, a protective instinct kicks in.
As Emmy struggles to overcome her fear of horses, Luke becomes her unlikely mentor. Their shared passion for the animals and their growing trust in each other create a profound bond. Amidst their rekindled connection, however, lies a significant obstacle: Luke’s history with Emmy’s brothers, particularly Gus, casts a long shadow over their potential romance.
A secret relationship ensues, filled with stolen moments and the thrill of forbidden love. Yet, Emmy’s internal battle with her identity as a rider and her uncertain future in Meadowlark complicate their happiness. With the local rodeo looming, she faces a pivotal decision: to let go of her past or cling to the familiar.
Ultimately, Emmy finds strength in her own resilience and the unwavering support of Luke. She reclaims her passion for horses, not as a high-stakes competitor, but as a nurturing teacher. And in doing so, she discovers a sense of belonging she never thought possible.
As the dust settles on her journey, Emmy and Luke embrace a future together, their love story a testament to overcoming adversity and finding home in the most unexpected places.
Characters
Emmy Ryder
Emmy Ryder is the protagonist of Done and Dusted. She is a professional barrel racer whose life takes an unexpected turn after a near-fatal accident. Emmy’s journey is one of self-discovery, healing, and embracing change.
Growing up as the darling of Meadowlark, Emmy never felt truly at home in her small hometown. This led her to pursue a career that took her far away.
The accident, however, forces her to return and reevaluate her life choices. Throughout the novel, Emmy struggles with the trauma from her accident, which manifests as fear and anxiety around horses.
This is an ironic and painful challenge for someone whose identity is tied to riding. Her character is defined by her resilience as she works to overcome her fears with Luke’s help.
Emmy has a strong desire to be true to herself even as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and career. Her ADHD diagnosis adds depth to her character, revealing her struggles with focus and self-doubt.
This diagnosis contributes to her personal growth as she learns to manage her condition. Emmy’s decision to give up professional barrel racing, a significant part of her identity, reflects her maturity.
She chooses a more grounded life in Meadowlark, highlighting the new priorities she establishes by the novel’s end.
Luke Brooks
Luke Brooks is Emmy’s love interest and her older brother’s best friend. Once known as a careless playboy, Luke has matured significantly by the time Emmy returns to Meadowlark.
He owns the local bar and teaches riding lessons at the Ryder family’s ranch. Luke’s character demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to his community.
His past includes a troublesome upbringing, which has shaped his personality and choices. Luke’s interactions with Emmy reveal a compassionate and patient side, especially when he helps her overcome her fear of horses.
Despite his attraction to Emmy, Luke is initially reluctant to pursue a relationship with her. He is aware of the potential fallout with her brothers, whom he considers family.
This internal conflict adds complexity to his character as he balances his deepening feelings for Emmy with his loyalty to the Ryder family. Luke’s evolution from a teasing, impulsive youth to a caring, dependable man highlights his personal growth.
His eventual willingness to pursue a serious relationship with Emmy, despite the risks, underscores his genuine love and commitment to her.
Gus Ryder
Gus Ryder is Emmy’s older brother and one of Luke’s best friends. He is protective of Emmy and represents the familial bond that ties the Ryders together.
Gus’s reaction to Emmy’s relationship with Luke is initially one of anger and betrayal. This reaction culminates in him punching Luke upon discovering the secret.
His reaction stems from his deep-seated loyalty and the brotherly bond he shares with Luke. Gus fears that this bond might be jeopardized by a romantic relationship.
However, Gus’s character also demonstrates growth when he eventually comes to terms with the seriousness of Emmy and Luke’s relationship. His ability to apologize and support their relationship reflects his understanding of love and family.
Gus’s desire for Emmy’s happiness is evident in his actions. His character serves as a catalyst for tension and resolution in the story.
Gus’s role emphasizes the importance of familial relationships and acceptance.
Teddy
Teddy is Emmy’s best friend and confidante. She plays a supportive role in the novel, providing a sounding board for Emmy as she navigates her return to Meadowlark and her complicated feelings for Luke.
Teddy’s presence in the story adds warmth and camaraderie. She highlights the significance of friendship in Emmy’s life.
Teddy is one of the few characters who knows about Emmy’s struggles. She is always ready to offer advice and comfort.
While not as central to the plot as Emmy, Luke, or Gus, Teddy’s character is essential. She showcases the support system that surrounds Emmy, making her return to Meadowlark less isolating and more bearable.
Wes Ryder
Wes Ryder is Emmy’s other brother. Like Gus, he is protective of her but plays a more subdued role in the story.
His character helps to illustrate the close-knit nature of the Ryder family. Wes’s interruption of the near-kiss between Luke and Emmy early in the novel serves as a reminder of the familial boundaries that Luke is hesitant to cross.
Although not heavily featured, Wes represents the broader family dynamic at play. Loyalty, love, and the expectations placed on each member influence their actions and relationships.
Themes
Home and Belonging
In Done and Dusted, the concept of home and belonging is central to Emmy Ryder’s journey. Having spent much of her adult life away from Meadowlark, Emmy initially views her return as a temporary retreat rather than a permanent homecoming.
Her unease with returning is rooted in her childhood feelings of not truly fitting in, despite her family’s deep roots in the town. As she rekindles relationships with her family, friends, and Luke, Emmy begins to reevaluate her sense of belonging.
Through Luke’s support and the gradual rediscovery of her passion for horses, Emmy starts to see Meadowlark not just as the place of her upbringing, but as a community where she can genuinely belong and thrive. This evolution is mirrored in her decision to stay in Meadowlark and start a new chapter of her life there, symbolizing her acceptance of the town as her true home.
Healing and Personal Growth
The novel also delves deeply into the theme of healing, both physically and emotionally. Emmy’s accident serves as a catalyst for her to reassess her life choices and confront her fears.
Her journey is one of overcoming trauma, as seen in her struggle to get back on a horse and the panic attacks that accompany her attempts. Luke’s role in her recovery is significant, providing her with the patience and understanding she needs to regain her confidence.
Through their interactions, Emmy learns to face her vulnerabilities, such as her fear of racing again and her uncertainty about her future. This process of healing is not just about physical recovery from her accident but also involves emotional healing—accepting her ADHD diagnosis, understanding her limits, and realizing that she can still have a fulfilling life even if it diverges from her original dreams.
Love and Relationships
Love and relationships are intricately explored in Done and Dusted, particularly through the evolving dynamic between Emmy and Luke. The novel portrays love as something that requires risk, understanding, and a willingness to challenge one’s preconceived notions.
Initially, Emmy and Luke are reluctant to acknowledge their attraction, partly due to their past and partly because of the potential complications it could bring to their relationships with others, especially Emmy’s family. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to see each other in a new light—Luke sheds his playboy image in Emmy’s eyes, while Emmy becomes more than just the little sister he once teased.
Their relationship demonstrates that love often grows from unlikely or unexpected places. It involves a deep understanding of the other person’s struggles and aspirations.
Moreover, the novel suggests that true love requires a balance of personal growth and mutual support, as seen in how Emmy and Luke help each other confront their fears and insecurities. This leads them to a stronger, more committed relationship by the end of the story.