Eight Second Hearts

Green River Hearts #3

by Kendra Moreno

Indie wants only one to see her name on the front page news story. The problem is, she’s seen it before, but not because she wrote the article. Growing up, she only ever wanted to be a journalist. It almost destroys her to think that dream could be in shambles.

But Indie is a fighter, and despite her family history, she manages to score a job with the local rodeo-themed newspaper. After an intense debate with her boss, she gets him to agree to give her more serious stories. . . if she can get the scoop on The Crimson Three, that is.

Tripp Savage, the Legacy bull rider.

Beau Rodgers, the famously insane rodeo clown.

Ramiro Mondragon, the superstar bronc rider.

The Crimson Three never hit the rodeo circuit without each other, and they don’t do interviews, let alone entire stories. But Indie is determined. She’ll do whatever it takes to get the scoop, even if that means chasing them down on the rodeo circuit, or worse, back to their ranch in Wyoming. If she fails, her dreams could be crushed forever.

Life is about grabbing the bull by the horns, sure, but sometimes, those horns will gut you, just like the secrets hiding in the dark. Indie knows legacies can bleed, and no matter how hard you run from them, they can catch up with you.

After all, legacies can’t be sold.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Found Family, Cowboy Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

Kendra Moreno is secretly a spy but when she’s not dealing in secrets and espionage, you can find her writing her latest adventure. She lives in Texas where the summer days will make you melt, and southern charm comes free with every meal. She’s a recovering Road Rager (kind of) and slowly overcoming her Star Wars addiction (nope!), and she definitely didn’t pass on her addiction to her son (she did). She has one hellhound named Mayhem who got tired of guarding the Gates of Hell and now guards her home against monsters. She’s a geek, a mother, a scuba diver, a tyrannosaurus rex, and a wordsmith who sometimes switches out her pen for a sword.

If you see Kendra on the streets, don’t worry: you can distract her with talks about Kylo Ren or Loki.
#LokiLives #BringBackBenSolo

To learn more about Kendra Moreno, you can visit her website, kendramorenoauthor.com, or joing her Facebook group, Kendra's World of Wonder.

Reviews

[Britney ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I got the arc of this because I just couldn't wait to read it any longer. I needed it in my brain.

To no one's surprise I freaking flew through this. I'm obsessed with the other two books in this series so I knew I was going to like it but I didn't know how much I was going to freaking love it.

Beau deserves every good thing in this world. Yeah he's a little unhinged and an INSANE flirt but he still deserves everything. He was my absolute favorite. He was just so sad and broken and wanted love 😭. Who better to give it than Indie??

Ram is your charming and sweet with a heavy dominant side that you don't expect and Tripp completes the trio nicely with his I'm an asshole but secretly I want you so bad. No crumbs.

Indie was 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻. I love that this series has such a diverse cast and all the fmcs are completely different. Indie is an independent take no shit girlie who tries to be immune to the boys charms. Key word: tries. Even a badass such as herself cannot resist 😌.

Which brings me to the ✨spice✨. Yall this one will make you blush. The scenes are plentiful and will really get your imagination going. The spice be spicing.

I will of course be waiting oh so patiently (not) for the next one.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Second Hearts is reverse harem cowboy style. Our female character, Indie Chen, is a hardworking and courteous individual who is respectful and not pushy in pursuing an interview with The Crimson Three.
Oh boy ladies these three cowboys are smoking hot in those tight wranglers jeans, chaps, cowboy boots, and that swagger - 🥵🥵🥵. OMG their banner had my toes curling. Their stories when they unfolded, made me scream then cry. Then it was back to toe curls and butterflies. I fricking loved it and I highly recommend the book.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

my only problem was that the end was so sudden

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Indie will do anything to clean up her name from her father’s mistakes, even if it means getting close to three cowboys... the Crimson Three. 🤠

Indie from the very start is was something else. A breath of fresh air, just like all the FMCs in this series. She’s independent, strong, and determined to get her story, but never pushy about it. She’s a badass, but even she can’t resist the temptation of three dark cowboys. I feel ya, girl. 🫠

The Crimson Three: yes, I love them all... but Beau stole my heart, with Tripp not far behind. 🧎‍♀️😮‍💨

Beau: chaotic AF, flirty as hell, and Indie never stood a chance against this adrenaline-junkie rodeo clown. His backstory is heartbreaking. I didn’t expect it to hit so hard. He’s so broken, so sad, and just wanted love. He deserves all the love Indie gives him and more with the hand life dealt him. 💔

“Oh, Indie bird. I will do all manner of depraved, dirty, slutty, and shameful things to be your good boy.”

Tripp: it’s ALWAYS the quiet ones. He starts off as an asshole drowning in bottles, but when he lets his walls down... Whew. His past tugs hard at the heartstrings as well. And let me just say, one scene had my heart racing 😭 and another had EVERYTHING shaking 🤭. I’ve never read anything like it, and I’m not complaining. At all.

“Why exactly would you think I hate you?”
“You don’t give any evidence otherwise. Seems kind of obvious you don’t like me.”
“You’re too pretty to hate. Too fuckin’ smart. It pisses me off, but I don’t hate you. Far from it.”

Ram: the kind of man you can’t stop looking at. Charming AF with a dark, dominating side I devoured. He may have been my least favorite but that doesn't really mean anything when the men are THESE delicious. The push-and-pull with Indie was sure something but we both know who won. 😉

“I wish you could see how you look right now... Angry, panting, like a fucking goddess, daring me to fuck you.”
“You’re still talking,”
“I see you still think you’re in control here, periodista. Allow me to enlighten you.”

What I adore about this series is the diversity. None of the characters feel copy-pasted. Each FMC is unique, and every cowboy brings something different to the table. Plus, it’s never just spice-for-spice’s sake. There is plot, but yes… the spice be spicing. 🔥

I will continue to highly recommend this series if you love your cowboys who are down bad, just a smidge on the dark side (some more than others), and willing to protect their girl… at all costs.

[Brooke Kyleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ 3 🌶️

Eight Second Hearts was another hit for me from Kendra. It’s a why choose dark cowboy romance! My absolute favorite books to read.

Kendra always does a great job of adding diversity to her characters and stories.

Indie (FMC) has a troubled past and it seems to always find her where ever she goes.

Beau (MMC) absolutely stole my heart with his flirting and golden retriever vibes. As well as Tripp (MMC),the quiet and broody are always the best too. Andddd Ramiro (MMC), daddy vibes allll day!!!!

This spice was hotttttt 🥵 and the plot was enjoyable as well.

I definitely recommend!
I can’t wait for the next book!!!!!!

[Brittalways_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5 Spice

I think out of the 3 books in this series so far... These men are my favorite! They take a whole new meaning of "I don't give a F*CK!" The Crimson Three are HOT!

Indie is running from her past & gives everyone a run for their money
Beau is the golden retriever and the Clown (literally) & very unhinged with a dash of INSANE FLIRT
Tripp the quiet & broody with a tortured past
Ramiro is DADDY... I mean he's the responsible one

🧡WHAT TO EXPECT:🧡
Dark Cowboy Romance
⚔️ Crossing
Why Choose (MFMM)
Rodeo Cowboys
Golden Retriever MMC

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I signed up for this book not knowing if it would have much plot, especially since it’s a why choose romance, but it completely blew me away! It was so good. All three men were fantastic, and the FMC was strong—she didn’t need a man, but she wanted one (or three!). The plot had a nice depth to it, which I loved. There were definitely triggers, but it was handled well, especially when it came to the interactions between the FMC and the MMCs. The character development was solid, and the slow burn was just perfect for me. I’m officially a super fan and now I’m going to be broke buying all of her books. But honestly, they’re so worth it!

[Tashie_LeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

I am so thankful that I received this as an ARC! So firstly thank you to the lovely Kendra!

This book is a reverse harem romance set in the captivating world of cowboys and rodeo, where a reporter finds herself chasing three irresistible cowboys that have never once done a interview with the press. The world-building in this is exceptional, with vivid descriptions of the rugged landscape and the daily lives of those who put their lives in danger at the rodeo, making it easy to immerse yourself in the story.

The chemistry between the reporter and her three cowboys is electric. Each cowboy has his own unique personality, one brooding as hell, one charming, and one just the sweetest and funniest of them all, which creates a dynamic full of tension and attraction. The spice is absolutely on point when it’s time to turn up the heat and I have so many questions about a certain scene hehe . The relationships develop naturally which I love.

Also Kendra's use of puns and humor adds a playful touch to this and it is one of the reasons that I couldn't put this book down.

If you're looking to dip your toes into cowboy romance, This book series is a fantastic introduction. With its great world-building, sizzling chemistry, and a perfect mix of drama and fun, this series is a must-read in my opinion :) It’s the perfect blend of romance, spice, and heart.

[cici cast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Beau, Ram, and Tripp, “The Crimson Three”. Rodeo’s famous, talented, and extremely handsome cowboys. It’s Indie’s job to get an interview with them and see what secrets they have to hide. But can she get the next big scoop, without catching feelings for these men and tarnishing her career even more?

Eight second hearts is definitely a cowboy book you have to pick up and read. I mean, who doesn’t want to have three gorgeous cowboys drooling over you?

Kendra Moreno transports you into the world of rodeo and cowboy lifestyle. I absolutely loved how I could picture everything in my head while I was reading this book and how it felt like a cowboy movie. The characters’ personalities were so lovable as well.

The beginning threw me off in the best way and it was just a rollercoaster of emotions after that. So many secrets and the passion that these character’s shared.

Thank you so much to the author for the eArc!!

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5 • Smut: 3.5/5 ————> Out of the three published so far this one was probably my least favorite. I loved that we got little clips from book 1 & 2. But this one seemed a little more predictable than the others. I love Indie. I think she’s a bad ass FMC, but as far as her three boyfriends go… Beau was probably my favorite. The rodeo clown after all. This ends on a good note. A happy one. Everyone seems happy and that’s really all you want in a standalone.
The smut is great. The scene with Tripp?! 😍🥵🔥 Was loving that moment for them. The group scene is wonderful. Zero complaints on the smut front. Just always wishing for me. What can i say? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Erinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved Indie, Tripp, Ram and Beau so much!!

I was so thankful to be able to get their story early.

This was fun and spicy and dark backgrounds. I would for sure say check your triggers but buckle up for a fun ride as well!! These guys will bring you on one for sure.


Indie is a journalist after a story of the crimson three one story no one else has ever been able to get before. She joins the circuits and that’s where she meets the crimson three and the rest is history from there! Please buckle up and take their ride it’s one worth writing about!!

[Tiffany Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this one the most so far. Indie was one of the more likable FMCs, and the MMCs felt stronger characterization-wise. Felt like the tie-in to the big-bad at the end was weaker compared to the other books, but that’s kind of why I liked this one more?? It just seemed like it could stand better individually compared to the previous books.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.0 Stars***

Overall,

I had a pretty good time with this, I loved the rodeo circuit and the main FMC being a BA journalist who hit unfortunate times because of some family stuff. All the way up to them going back to the ranch I really was enjoying this book. Once they got to the ranch, there was a lot of heartfelt stuff going on, still pretty ok with that ( the mechanical bull scene, iykyk) what lost the plot for me was the ending and the tie in with the "big bad" of the series. It was very weak and the bad guy is starting to be very dumb. I would recommend reading this on, still had quite a bit of fun and I did love all the guys.

[Poupi Mali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is an electric, fast-paced why choose cowboy romance, packed with secrets, betrayal, childhood trauma, and undeniable chemistry.

Tropes:
• Why Choose (FMMM)
• Strong, independent woman
• Cowboys
• Gang ties
• Found family
• Banter & quick wit
• Slow burn / high heat (when it hits, it’s worth it)

It’s hot, hilarious, and full of heart. Indie, a sharp-tongued war correspondent turned rodeo journalist, stumbles into the world of the Crimson Three:
• Tripp – The brooding billionaire bull rider with a drinking problem and a family legacy he can’t escape.
• Ram – The quiet, steady bronc rider who’s seen too much.
• Beau – The unhinged rodeo clown who flirts like it’s a sport and is immediately obsessed with her.
• And Bilbo, my chocolate lab!

Things I Learned:
• Rodeo and the rodeo circuit are wild.
• If you give me a crazy, unpredictable rodeo clown, I’m all in.

To Summarize (and Quote):
“Cowboy jeans are just cowboy lingerie.”

And let’s be real—there are two good boys in this book: Bilbo and Beau. 😉

Now, Kendra, it’s time to serve me Lennox’s head on a plate.

Content Warnings:
Racism in rodeo, chronic pain, alcoholism, PTSD, child abuse, and generational trauma.

I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check TWs before reading

I don't know what Moreno puts into this series, but each book is even better than the last as we make our way through the Green River ranches, and meet the new cowboys and their love interests.

I absolutely flew through this latest entry in the GRH series; from the first pages, I was hooked on the story of Indie, curious about her from the hints of the background we get at the start, and how the drama of her father's decisions come into play for her future. You just knew with the hints Moreno dropped about how the story would turn as we got to the crux of the drama, but it still took me by absolute surprise when we got there.

Indie is a standout FMC - I loved her for her strength and tenacity and need to get the story, even if it meant putting herself in harms way to get there. I love that she remained true to herself; not conforming to the "rodeo" look the other journalists sport; and I secretly ADORED her pen habit (she's a girl after my own heart there).

These men. JFC, can Moreno write deliciously flawed MMCs, who create the perfect group together whilst remaining so individual, so unique, and have you loving each and every one of them for those reasons.

Beau is the quintessential psycho golden retriever, and I was here for it. There's just something about his chaotic energy that you can't help but fall in love with, and when he brings out that slightly more submissive side; the side that just wants love and to be accepted? I fucking melted.

Ram - I won't lie, he took me by surprise with that hidden Dom nature, especially with that first scene between him and Indie. Holy fuck, that was HOT with a capital HOT.

Tripp - JFC, my heart broke for this man. The stoic grump in the beginning, but when you learn all that he's gone through? Genuinely brought tears to my eyes, especially the moment everything came crashing down. My heart physically ached as I read. But when the gruffness goes -- that moment in the barn lives fucking RENT FREE in my mind. Holy fuck.

If you haven't already guessed - the spice is SPICING in this one. Honestly some of the best I've read in a while, made even better by the sheer emotion you can feel between the characters as the story progresses.

This story is an emotional rollercoaster, but absolutely phenomenal. I love that we get the throwback to other characters in the series, and I'm honestly eagerly awaiting the next book - because let's face it, Moreno cannot leave us hanging. This series is beyond amazing, and if you love a little dark, a lot of romance, sexy-as-sin cowboys and that serve of why choose, this one is definitely for you.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Another librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️ 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 ✍️
“EIGHT SECOND HEARTS” KENDRA MORENO ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Scorrete le slide👉🏻

Vi basti sapere che mi sono immaginata Ramiro come Pedro Pascal.
That’s it. That’s the review.
No scherzo, continuate pure se volete approfondimenti, ma vi dovrebbe bastare questo…

Indie ha un solo obiettivo: vedere il suo nome in prima pagina. Il problema? C’è già stato, ma per il motivo sbagliato. Da sempre sogna di diventare una giornalista, e l’idea che quel sogno possa andare in frantumi la tormenta.
Ma Indie non è il tipo che si arrende. Nonostante il peso del suo passato, riesce a farsi assumere da un giornale locale specializzato in rodeo. Riesce a ottenere la possibilità di occuparsi di storie più importanti… a una condizione: deve riuscire a scoprire i segreti dei Crimson Three.
I Crimson Three non si separano mai e, soprattutto, non concedono interviste. Ma Indie è determinata a ottenere il suo articolo a ogni costo, anche se questo significa inseguirli per tutto il circuito del rodeo.
Indie, però, sa che i segreti sepolti nel passato non restano nascosti per sempre. Le eredità possono sanguinare. E per quanto tu possa provare a scappare, alla fine ti raggiungono sempre.

Tu chiedi, e Kendra Moreno DELIVERS!!
Anche stavolta Kendra ci regala un why choose con i fiocchi: una protagonista cazzuta, uomini che farebbero di tutto per la propria donna, metteteci una dose di adrenalina e pericolo e avete i libri della serie di Green River. Posso ammettere che il primo rimane il mio preferito?
PERO’, c’è un però, ho amato molto più Indie fra tutte le protagoniste femminili viste finora nella serie, non so perché, nonostante siano tutte protagoniste validissime e con caratteri molto diversi fra loro, impossibile metterle a paragone, ma mi sono sentita più vicina a Indie.

Ramiro, Tripp e Beau, siete il trio che tutti vorrebbero come amici, e Indie ci ha visto lungo.
Devo dire anche che il trope del found family nei libri di Kendra Moreno è potente, si sente DAVVERO. Fanno una tenerezza infinita.
Beau, mio dolce, caro, amato Beau, tu sei me, io sono te. Ho sentito la sua sofferenza come la mia, nonostante la nasconda sotto una maschera da giullare, letteralmente. Essendo il clown dei rodeo deve essere sempre quello divertente e che deve intrattenere, e eccome se intrattiene.

Se avete intenzione di leggere i libri separatamente, potete farlo benissimo. Fanno parte della stessa serie ma i personaggi, tra un libro e l’altro, si sfiorano proprio di sfuggita, non viene menzionato nulla delle loro storie.


Kendra sa già chi aspetto con molta ansia, spero che le mei preghiere vengano ascoltate? Ovviamente si, ma mi leggerò qualsiasi libro uscirà di questa serie comunque perchè non vedo mai l’ora di avere il prossimo.

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

This is the third book in the Green River Hearts series, which is already such a fantastic series. It is a cowboy romance with a touch of darkness to it. It’s also why choose, so its more cowboy for your buck. This one might be one of my favorites in the series because we didn’t just get some guys out running a ranch, but honest to goodness rodeo cowboys. I’ve been obsessed with the rodeo since the first time I watched 8 Seconds (fantastic movie from the mid 90’s) so the men in this book were at the top for me. But this isn’t just a cutesy romance with some rodeo cowboys. It has some grit to it. It throws in racism/xenophobia, a star that will never be good enough, and even a gang dealing with drugs and all the other nasty workings of a gang. The great thing about this series is that the FMCs are so different and this book was no exception. This is no damsel that needs to be rescued by muscle bound cowboys. She has her own scars and her own demons.

Indie was a star war corespondent until she came home and found out that her father had gotten involved in a gang when he was arrested. She was also taken into custody but later released. After that, her journalistic career goes down the toilet. She’s forced to work for a cowboy magazine writing a fashion column. She sets off to get an interview with an illusive trio in order to dig herself out of the hole she’s in. I loved her character because she was more punk than cowboy and refused to adapt. She stayed who she was. She has been in some of the worst scenarios, but nothing is like the cattiness of the rodeo scene. The MMCs are all so different but each fantastic on their own. Theirs the quiet legacy that was abused his whole life, the Mexican bronc rider fighting against racism in order to get his due, and the “stray” daredevil that is looking for a family.

This was another amazing book in this series. We even saw a character or two from previous books. I loved reading this one and couldn’t put it down. It was wonderfully spicy, especially the first scene between Ram and Indie. I will also never look at mechanical bulls the same again. This was my favorite so far in this series and I adored all of the main characters. This is such a great series and I am always waiting for more.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy, dark (ish) cowboy reverse harem with a bull rider, bronc rider, and a rodeo clown with a death wish? I mean, sign me the fuck up.

This was so interesting and I was pretty hooked right away. I really liked our FMC, Indie Chen. Such an interesting character and so different than what we're typically given!! Then the author threw in some really good back stories for our boys giving us some solid broken boys? Ugh, I love the broken boy trope so much. There really were a lot of things about this book that I completely loved!! The mechanical bull scene? IYKYK and my gosh!!

But also.. What was that ending?! I'm so confused. Like, so confused. This story doesn't even feel finished to me? I also feel like I have NO idea what's going on with The Crows or why they were even involved in that ending? So much of this didn't make sense but now I'm wondering if I shouldn't have jumped into a series at book 3? Though, I assumed they were just connected standalones initially, but clearly there's some kind of thread weaving between all of them and there was no context given. Not only that, but the events that happened at the end came out of fucking no where. I got literal whiplash from the last 15%. So at the end I was left with manyyy questions and muuuuch frustration. Kinda ruined the story for me even though I was absolutely loving everything until then.

I'm also not interested in either A, reading the 3 books that come before this one in this series or B, reading the next one. We aren't following my same people in those books and that's who I fell in love with here. I'm annoyed. So I'm not sure where that leaves us on if I recommend this book or not. Did I initially have a great time? Yes. Were the dark cowboy vibes vibing? Yes. Did I want to throw my Kindle across the room when I got to the last page? Also yes.

Also, it's not on Kindle Unlimited and I spent my hard earned digital credits on this bad boy and now I'm kind of eye rolling myself for doing it.

Main Characters: Indie, Tripp, Ramiro, and Beau

[emsreviewsandrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed. I am in love. I am speechless.

Eight Second Hearts is now and forever one of my favorite books. The story alone had me by the throat. The characters had me feeling every single thing. The spice had me fanning myself. The Green River Hearts series is truly phenomenal. I have fallen in love with each book in this series along with the characters. Kendra Moreno knows how to tell a story and make you fall head over heels for the characters. Y’all need to read this series!

Indie has always loved writing and she has always wanted to be a journalist. Unfortunately, her name ends up on articles and not because she’s the one who wrote them. With everything going awry, Indie has to settle for the local rodeo newspaper. However, she has an idea… an interview with The Crimson Three. But Beau, Tripp, and Ramiro have never given anyone an interview before. Can she get the interview or will her career be trampled on?

Indie has unfortunately been through it ever since her mother passed away. She gets dealt every bad hand possible but she always stays strong and has the fight within her. I love how fierce she is and how she cares so deeply.

Beau had me cracking up but also swooning. This man is always making everyone laugh and have a good time but his emotions are so strong. I am head over heels for Ramiro. This man deserves everything. He was so sweet and so dominant and I loved every minute of it. Tripp had me on edge the entire time. This man was hurting deeply. I wanted to hug him and love him. I just loved all of the main characters so much.

This book was so freaking good. I literally didn’t want to ever put it down. I honestly hope Kendra continues to write books in this series because each one is so good. The spice in this book was on fire and I literally will never get over the mechanical bull scene. You need to check this one out if you haven’t already!

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story.

I am in love with all these characters for various reasons. So we have Indie, Ram, Tripp, and Beau. Indie is a war correspondent who has struggled to find a job when her world is completely turned upside down at the hands of her father. I love her so much. She let's you breathe and just be yourself, and I was so drawn to her calming personality. Ram, he is like a big brother to Tripp and Beau. He loves them and will do anything for them. Tripp, poor Tripp, has had a troubled life and drowns himself in less than ideal beverages. Beau, he is my absolute favourite. He is a little unhinged puppy dog but only for Indie. He sees the best in everything, but his back story is not happy in the slightest.

The plot was amazing. We see Indie on the rodeo circuit (not something she imagined for herself) and wanting to get the story that is going to get her out of the mess her father caused. Along the way, she is drawn to the three men she needs this story from, and their relationship blossoms into something more. I love how it wasn't instant from the get go, it grew from strangers to friends to lovers, and it was everything. I also thought it was kind of sweet to see Indie bring out something different with all the guys and provided a type of healing for each of them. There are lots of twists and turns, but Kendra has a way of pulling the plot together, and we get the answers to our questions. The thing is not only Tripp's past but Indie's past comes back to haunt them, and I feel like a certain someone isn't finished with her yet. I could be wrong, but I have a theory....

I highly recommend this story and this series as a whole.

Thank you so much, Kendra and your lovely team, for the opportunity to read this story. I am extremely blessed 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

👢 why choose
📝 multiple pov
👢 chronic illness rep (love this)
📝 cowboy romance
👢 dark romance
📝 no bs fmc
👢 unhinged golden retriever mmc
📝 spicy

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW/CW: Racism in rodeo, chronic pain, alcoholism, PTSD, child abuse, and generational trauma.

Eight Second Hearts is a cowboy romance you need to pick up. I mean, who wouldn’t want three gorgeous cowboys utterly obsessed with them?
Kendra Moreno transports you straight into the world of rodeo and cowboy life, and I loved how vividly I could picture every moment. It felt like stepping into a cowboy movie—gritty, passionate, and immersive. The characters were just as captivating, each with personalities that made them impossible not to love.
The beginning threw me off in the best way, and from there, it was a wild ride. Secrets, passion, tension—this book delivers it all.
And Indie? Absolute perfection. She’s strong, independent, and refuses to fall at the cowboys' feet… but that doesn’t mean the chemistry isn’t off the charts.
Speaking of chemistry, the connection between the reporter and her three cowboys? Electric. Each man has a distinct personality, and yet together, they balance each other so perfectly.
Beau – The ultimate psycho golden retriever, and I adored every chaotic second. His energy is infectious, but when that vulnerable side comes out—the part of him that just wants to be loved? Melted. Me. Beau deserves everything good in this world.
Ram – I did not see his hidden Dom side coming, and that first scene with Indie? HOT with a capital H-O-T.
Tripp – Oh, my heart. The stoic grump who has been through so much… his story hit me hard. And that moment in the barn? Rent. Free. In. My. Mind.
Y’all, this book will make you blush. The spice is spicing, and the scenes are plentiful—your imagination will be working overtime. The relationships develop so naturally, and the emotional depth woven throughout makes it all even better.
This series is phenomenal. I love that it features such a diverse cast, with each FMC bringing something unique to the table. I cannot wait to see what Moreno gives us next!

[lesecrush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Band 3 hat mir so viel besser gefallen als Band 2. Die Atmosphäre war für mich insgesamt viel angenehmer, fast schon greifbar, und auch der Schreibstil wirkte noch einmal flüssiger und runder. Man merkt einfach, dass Kendra Moreno es schafft, ihre Geschichten mit jedem Teil noch ein Stück zu steigern.

Besonders spannend fand ich die Perspektive der Journalistin, die im Kriegsgebiet fotografiert und berichtet hat. Dieser Hintergrund hat der Geschichte eine Tiefe und Ernsthaftigkeit gegeben, die mich sofort gepackt hat. Und dann diese drei Typen, nennen wir sie einfach Cowboys, die alle ihre düstere Vergangenheit mitbringen. Jeder einzelne ist von seinen Erlebnissen gezeichnet, was die Dynamik zwischen ihnen unglaublich intensiv macht.

Für mich persönlich würde ich das Buch nicht als klassische Dark Romance einordnen. Vielleicht sehe ich das anders als andere, aber es hat für mich viel mehr in Richtung Morally Grey Romance gepasst: Charaktere, die zwischen Licht und Dunkelheit wandern, mit all ihren Fehlern, Wunden und Sehnsüchten. Genau das macht sie so spannend, so menschlich und so unberechenbar.

Am meisten habe ich aber geliebt, dass es nicht nur um Schmerz, Vergangenheit und Begierde ging, sondern auch darum, wie man unerwartet Familie finden kann. Diese Suche nach der einen Story wurde zu einer Suche nach Zugehörigkeit, Halt und echter Verbindung. Für mich war das nicht nur eine Romance, sondern eine Geschichte über Heilung, Vertrauen und das Ankommen im Chaos des Lebens.

Fazit: Band 3 ist atmosphärisch, emotional und tiefgründig. Mit der Journalistin als Protagonistin bringt Moreno eine neue Perspektive in die Reihe, die mich begeistert hat. Die Mischung aus düsteren Vergangenheiten, morally grey Charakteren und der zarten Entdeckung von Familie hat mich mitten ins Herz getroffen. Für mich bisher der stärkste Teil der Reihe. ✨

[Elanda Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! This is the 3rd installment of Kendra Moreno's Green River Hearts series. More hot cowboys, a feisty FMC, and a cute dog to love! I especially loved our rodeo clown Beau! He was unhinged, crazy and absolutely adorable! All of her cowboys are hotter then hot, but this book was especially good. She delved into some heavy mental topics, including addiction, abuse and racism. This book is NOT for the faint of heart, so please be aware of that and read your trigger warnings. Mental health is important.
This book follows Indie, a Chinese American journalist who comes home from war reporting to find out her father has gotten his hands dirty. The scandal leads her to take the only job she can get, reporting on the rodeo circuit. There she desperately tries to get an interview with the famous Crimson Three, three best friends who don't share their lives with anyone but each other. But there is something about Indie that they can't seem to help be drawn to, and despite knowing that she needs the interview to save her job, Indie can't seem to help wanting to protect them.
I loved every page of this book, even the pages that were hard to read sometimes. The spice and steam in this book is HEAVY and HOT! Yummy! The characters are so beautifully written, that we cry with them, we cheer with them, and we love them. We get to see some of our favorite characters from past books make a quick appearance as well, and that was fun! 5 stars from me, I loved this one!

[M W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A BULL RIDER, A BRONC RIDER, AND A DAREDEVIL RODEO CLOWN.

Indie Chen is starting over at a western newspaper, which is a far cry from her time as a news war correspondent. But when life was turned on her axis by her father, you have to right something even if you don't know the difference between a belt Buckle or a chaps. Indie is writing about Western fashion when she constructs the idea to her boss to let her go out on the rodeo circuit to get the elusive interview from the 3 men that make up a team of sorts. Tripp the legacy bull rider, Ram the amazing bronco rider that is a legend in his own right and Beau the out thetr and famous rodeo clown who parkours over bulls. Lol

Soon, indie is sucked into the world of rodeo, and these 3 men orbit who nobody is ever allowed in. She is also a lone ranger in her won since not only due to the issues with her father that everyone knows about but also her ethnicity. Plus, hee combat boots stick out around all the boots. Indie is so strong and smart. I love her, and writing is her passion. You can see it.

I liked the calmness she brings to the men and the safe place she allows them to open up. These guys have some trauma, and she barely scratches the service. Some had me tearing up when they told their past.and there is a reason why they never do interviews

Some of the kinks in this one had my mouth dropping open in true Kendra fashion. And I loved the found family they make.

Love her cowboys and bada** FMCs

[Dani Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Second Hearts by Kendra Moreno
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is the third book in the Green River series and boy did not disappoint. As always there is a fierce FMC and amazing MMC that you just love.

Indie is a bad ass. She takes no sass but has no problem supplying it. A true FMC that most of us love. She is struggling to find herself as a journalist that was a previous war correspondent to a rodeo journalist. Like a twist there! She beats to her own drum and doesn’t care. But when she falls for the boys of Crimson Three, she does it hard and with a full heart.

Ramiro “Ram” is the strong, leader of the Crimson Three that is always keeping the other two in line and making sure secrets stay secrets. But who would have guessed he also was a dominate in the bedroom? The scenes with Indie and him are just 🔥.

Beau is the clown that always keeps everyone smiling and having fun. But hearing about his story just broke my heart. Beau just wanted to be loved and free. Indie was his freedom from the past.

Tripp was always destined to continue the legacy. The legacy this, the legacy that. But who would have known the scars and PTSD he gained trying to keep all of it up would be his downfall spiral ?

This book is action packed like all of Kendra’s books. It takes you on a roll of emotions from dealing with PTSD, alcoholism, loss and grief, to finding who you truly are. One of my favorite books of the series so far.

[Cariad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra has written another great set of cowboys for our equally loveable FMC. This book has once again cemented my love of cowboy romance and has a great blend of dark romance elements, and men which always make me swoon.

Eight Second Hearts tells the story of the Crimson Three:

🐂 Tripp Savage, the Legacy bull rider.
🤡 Beau Rodgers, the famously insane rodeo clown.
🐴 Ramiro Mondragon, the superstar bronc rider.

And the tenacious Indie Chen, a reporter looking for the scoop of the century that no-one else has managed to get, an interview with the Crimson Three.

Add in family drama, found family, romance, spice and suspense and you have Eight Second Hearts, another of my favourites in the Green River Hearts series and a new absolute favourite book boy in Beau (what can I say I love them unhinged).

The themes that are covered in this book are heavy, but it adds a great roundness to the characters and motivations for how they are as people. As someone who has had experience with one of the topics heavily featured, although not in the same way our characters experience it, I thought the topic was dealt with sensitively and it was great to see its representation and the effect it can have on the family around them.

I love this book and if you haven't picked up this series yet this is my plea for you to read it! If you have, this is my plea to continue and pick this up - I absolutely love these books and I am definitely back in my Cowboy Romance era.

[Bamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboys, dark vibes, tension, and romance!! This book hit me in all the feels, and left me desperate for more.

Beau is your cocky, flirty rodeo clown. But behind the flashy personality and thick face paint is a puppy who was kicked too many times. Give him your loyalty and he’ll love you for life. Get on his bad side and he’ll do worse than bite.

Ram is a natural leader and protector. A lesser man would have gotten out of dodge the second he could, but Ram holds on for more than those eight seconds when it comes to his best friends. Their demons are his demons, and he makes sure those demons don’t see the light of day.

Tripp… a man who was never allowed to dream, or love, or be a boy. He was not raised, but rather dragged up by an iron fist. Yet he cares for those closest to him like they are his saving grace.
The three of them are daring and absolutely charming. It’s hard not to fall in love with them.

As for the book itself?? I expected gangs, violence, and dark romance that would have me questioning my book choices. Instead I was met with characters that won’t stand for injustice, and a found family for the ages!!

~~~

Trope(s): Romance. Contemporary. Dark(ish). Sports. Western. Bull riding. Reverse harem. Grumpy/sunshine. Forced proximity. Enemies-to-lovers.

Trigger Warnings: Angst. Abuse. Alcoholism. Mental health issues. Mentions of parental death. Dementia. Violence. Bullying. Mentions of war. Mentions of abandonment. Past child abuse/neglect.

[Ashley Van Durmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra is out here making me fall in love with Cowboys and I couldn’t wait to get back to the Green River Hearts world with Book 3 in this interconnected standalone series, Eight Second Hearts.

In Eight Second Hearts we meet Indie, a reporter who is chasing down the story of the infamous Crimson Three while running from her past. No one has been able to get the story but Indie is determined she’ll be the one to get it following them around on the circuit and back to the ranch they call home.

Tripp, Ram and Beau will not make it easy for her. Tripp, a man of few words. Ram, the glue that holds them together and Beau the literal clown of the group. They protect each other so fiercely and don’t want the world to discover the truth about their legacy.

But the boys see something different in Indie, she isn’t like all the other buckle bunnies chasing after them which only makes them want her more. Indie also sees past the facade they put on, she knows there is more to their past just like herself and that darkness calls to like.

It’s always hard to choose but I gotta say Beau is my favorite out of the 3 men, he is just so sweet and while he might be a rodeo clown with no fear and unapologetically himself, he is so protective of Indie like a guard dog and since she fed him, there is no getting rid of him now 😏

Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Lauren Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action packed, RH cowboy story is ready to tear your heart out from the start. We have Indie Chen who is a journalist who previously covered wars and the like...in the field. Her back story starts from page one when her own father is arrested in front of her. Due to this, the only job she can get as a journalist is working for a cowboy magazine in the fashion section. This pen-stealing woman sets out to break gender and race stereotypes. She's got a hard fight ahead of her from many...including The Crimson Three. Tripp, Beau, and Ram. These men have their own demons which makes sense that they've never given an interview before. Indie says she can get it, even when champion and legacy bull rider Tripp, clown Beau, and bronc rider Ram give her absolutely nothing from the start. It doesn't stay that way though. This group together has so much trama, but proves not only will found family help you heal, but they can help you tackle internal and external battles.
My favorite quote has to be Indie to Beau and I'm totally not going to to give context- "D--nit, this isn't Blues Clues!"
Kendra has another out of the park hit with this one and seamlessly blends serious and life-changing discussions and issues with comedy and outtakes between the men and between them and Indie. The spicy scenes are expertly written and I wish I could be Indie.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!! I loved all of the characters and the emotional turmoil they endured. The chemistry was off the charts between them and I liked that they all had such a deep connection.

Look, I really don't like clowns and was worried I would have trouble connecting with Beau but I shouldn't have worried. Beau is like an over eager puppy. He is energetic and enigmatic and actually my favorite of the guys. He was addictive and adorable and I couldn't get enough of him.

Tripp was the hardest for me to connect with because he kept his shield up for so long. My heart broke for him though and I really wanted to give him a hug.

Ram was a big softy and I loved how handled the group. He was so protective and caring with the guys.

I really enjoyed Indie's character. She was fiesty but still down to earth. She was relatable and easy to connect with. I admired her grit and determination to overcome her past and create a bright future.

I really liked the diversity of all the characters and how it pointed out the underlying racial bias in the rodeo scene. I loved the rodeo setting and the writing was so well done that it felt like I was actually there in the dirt. I loved this story so much that I didn't want it to end! I would definitely recommend it!!