Eight Seconds

The Riders and Rings Duology #1

by Kate Byrne

A bronco riding cowboy. A barrel racing cowgirl.
One rodeo season to change their lives.

Wilder McCoy
The bareback bronc riding badboy of the rodeo loves hard rides and easy women. Wilder's cocky and carefree, looking to secure his first nationals title and enjoy all the perks along the way. But one ride changes everything when he meets a challenge in the form of a petite barrel racer with a fast horse and an even faster mouth.

Charlotte Stryker
Dead set on being the youngest national champion in a generation, Charlotte doesn't have the time or the inclination to deal with distractions. Even the ones in a six foot Wrangler wrapped frame. But the cowboy with the flashy smile and hidden heart of gold might just have her breaking away from her routine, and risking it all.


Eight Seconds is the first of The Riders and Rings Series. Readers will fall for the witty banter, playful sweetness, and spicy love scenes of Charlotte and Wilder's story. This story contains a cliffhanger ending.

Genres: Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance, He Falls First, Forced Proximity, Romance

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Kate Byrne is a contemporary romance author with titles in new adult, sports romance, and cowboy romance. Known for her swoon worthy male main characters, emotional plots, and cinematic prose, her debut peaked in the top twenty. Delivering moments that make readers' cheeks blush and their hearts burn, Kate aims to tell stories with unique twists while staying true to romance's best tropes.

When not working on her next story, Kate is an avid reader and sports enthusiast. She enjoys walks in her neighborhood and time with her family.

Want to stay connected to news about Kate's books? Follow her on social media: @author_katebyrne

Reviews

[naz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆, 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖."

This was truly a cowboy romance WOW! 🤠 I’m seriously so impressed with how Kate Byrne introduced the world of cowboy riding events.

I’ve only read small-town cowboy romances before, never one focused on the sport itself, and let me tell you: we need MORE of this! It was so entertaining to learn that, beyond bull riding, there’s also horse rodeo and barrel racing. Both of our main characters compete in different aspects of the rodeo world, which makes it even more fun to follow how their careers intertwine as they meet, date, and grow their relationship. Obviously, you also get the support and commitment we all love to see in a romance 💞 and the banter is so freaking good the way both tease each one up heheh SWOON.

Our two leads are such complex and compelling characters. Wilder McCoy, a bareback bronc rider, is the rodeo’s sweetheart (well, more like a player) who isn’t looking for anything serious… until he meets Charlotte Stryker. She’s the girl who turns his world upside down. Aka the man chases her and we are here for it 😏 and yes, we love a man who puts in the work to win his girl over!

I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed learning all the rodeo terminology and watching these two strangers fall for each other while navigating their careers and the inevitable hiccups along the way. NOT TO MENTION THE ENDING!! 😱 I had a few theories as I was reading, but nope not even close. I’m begging for part 2 to be released LIKE, yesterday.

We can't forget to talk about the romance in this book was so fun!!! The teases, the banter, the "i only want you" and "are you jealous" LORDD HAVE MERCY ON MEE! and the spice yep yep yep all very good thank you very much. No notes.

"𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝑰'𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒓."

As someone who loves exploring different types of romance, the way Kate Byrne delivers raw, heartfelt emotion between her characters is exactly why I keep coming back to her work. She mesmerizes the audience with her storytelling and leaves you wanting more which is why I need book #2 ASAP!! (idk if i already said it I need to say it again)

tropes
🧡 cowboy romance
🧡 cliffhanger !!!!!!
🧡 dual POV
🧡 strangers to lovers
🧡 he falls first

⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅adding this to my shelf since I have the ARC so I will read soon thank you Kate Byrne for my eARC!

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st Read Beta
2nd Read Arc

4.5 ⭐️
2🌶

I wanna start this review off by saying that this ends in a cliffhanger... do not expect a happily ever after and be prepared to be left BEGGING for the rest of the story. If you do not like cliffhangers, then you should wait until part 2 comes out. Okay? Okay.

Now my thoughts. I loved reading Charlotte and Wilder's young love story unfold. Wilder didn't have the greatest reputation with women but once he laid eyes on Charlie, he was a goner. I enjoyed that Charlie gave him a little bit of a hard time at first but he won her over. Kate did a really good job nagaivating the timeline so us as readers could keep up with what was going on.

This is heavy on the Rodeo aspect and I loved that. It was so fun to read and learn more about what goes on at the Rodeo.

Not even gonna lie, the cliffhanger... HURTS. Wilder was so perfect until that ending. I want to see that man GROVEL in book 2. I am impatiently awaiting the reminder of their love story.

Tropes:
🤠 Rodeo Romance
🤠 Bronc Rider x Barrel Racer
🤠 Forced Proximity
🤠 He Falls First
🤠 Sunshine MMC x Storm Cloud FMC
🤠 Cliffhanger 🫣

[Samantha Draws · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨ 4.5⭐️ This was one cliffhanger ending that I absolutely LOVED and am so excited to see what happens next! Did it hurt my heart a whole lot? Yes! But do I think it was worth it? ALSO YES! Charlotte is a barrel racing cowgirl with dreams to prove herself, win the national championship and forge a path just for herself. What she didn’t expect was the distraction coming from a certain bronc rider. Wilder McCoy is know around the rodeo circuit…but his bad boy persona may just turn upside down when he meets Charlotte. She’s a spitfire with something to prove that doesn’t involve falling in love. But will Wilder be able to break through her shell and show her that he’s worth taking a chance on? Oh man do I love a good cowboy romance! Wilder and Charolette were so much fun together. I love how independent Charlotte is and she’s not just going to give into Wilder’s golden smile. She really makes him work for it and prove that he’s series about her. They both become each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Charlotte defitniely makes Wilder see what he truly wants in his life. I really enjoyed the way this book flowed from rodeo to rodeo. There were so many sweet moments especially when Wilder took care of Charlie. I usually don’t love cliffhangers because I just want to know it’s gonna be a HEA but this one just makes so much sense with the story and I actually really loved it! Don’t get me wrong I’m DYING to know what happens next but this story was so good it’s worth it! Accidental Pregnancy is also one of my favorite tropes so I was super excited to see how it all went down and it did not disappoint!! There is so much that’s going to have to happen in the next book and I’m SO EXCITED to read more!! If you’re looking for another hot cowboy to fall in love with then this is definitely the book for you!

Tropes:
✨Bronc Rider x Barrel Racer
✨Sunshine x Storm Cloud
✨He Falls First
✨Accidental Pregnancy
✨Cliffhanger Ending

[Meaghan Messmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My actual rating is 4.5 ⭐️’s

I ate this one up in a matter of hours.

It’s CowgirlxCowboy. She’s a barrel racer and he’s a bare back bronc rider. Both very competitive and both athletes. He 1000% falls first and they both have some complicated upbringings.

I loved the timeline that Kate puts in so it’s easy to follow and I love the more in depth side to the rodeos that you got to see.

However this does end on a cliffhanger, and I loved Wilder til that ending. I need lots of him on his knees in part 2. Literally if my kindle wasn’t expensive I wanted to yeet it with that ending. And I need part 2 immediately.

Thank you Kate and Luna Literary for this early copy!

[Breanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much Kate Byrne and Luna Literary Management for giving me an eARC!

This was a cute rodeo romance with a cliffhanger at the end leaving you wanting more. Hopefully a HEA will be inbound with book 2 😭!!

Wilder and Charlotte have such a fun and sweet chemistry. The way wilder falls for Charlotte and wants to take care of her is so amazing! If you love cowboy romances then I recommend this book to you!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review for Eight Seconds by Kate Byrne

Thanks to Kate and Luna Literary Management for the ARC opportunity! I was also lucky enough to beta read this story.

Featured tropes: cliffhanger, rodeo romance (bronc rider/barrel racer), grumpy sunshine, accidental pregnancy, he falls first, 3rd act break-up, forced proximity, reformed playboy

Trigger warning: on page character death, animal injury (but the injured animal doesn't die), reference to past alcohol abuse by parent, reference to past parental abandonment, alcohol abuse by secondary character, reference to past underage runaway, unplanned pregnancy/birth control failure

Review: 4/5

Has anyone mentioned that there's a cliffhanger? I don't think anyone has mentioned this ends on a cliffhanger. So, I want everyone to know, THIS ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!

Things I liked:
- I really enjoyed both Charlotte and Wilder as characters (well....until the end. I'm lookin' at you Wilder...). It was fun watching the reformed playboy bronc rider fall so hard for Charlotte. He was upfront about wanting to pursue something with her and I always find that refreshing coming from a former playboy.
- I loved the clarity of the timeline and locations throughout the book. They're on a rodeo circuit so they're obviously never in the same place and are constantly on the move. I loved that each chapter started with both where and when they are so that it was easy to follow along. It made it simple to know where we were and how time was passing without info-dumping it within the story.
- I loved Charlotte's relationship with Rooney. I'm such a sucker for a good pet to compliment one of the MCs and Charlotte and Rooney are made for each other.
- We get very little of her in book one but I'm hoping we see more of Ada in book two. Crossing my fingers for that.

Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- Really, nothing. There wasn't that little bit of extra zhuzh that makes me rate something 4.5 or 5 stars but that doesn't mean this isn't the perfect, quick cowboy read, despite the ending.

Overall, I enjoyed the first book of this duology and, if we could just go ahead and get And Forever, that'd be great. I need to see how Wilder redeems himself because I am ready to WATCH THAT MAN GROVEL LIKE HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!!! The ending of book one ends hard and I'm definitely going to be reading its conclusion.

[Kaytie | readbykaytie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a good ole sob first thing this morning while I finished reading this before work. This was so beautifully written. I was a little nervous diving in just because it had an antidote at the beginning that this book does not end on a happily ever after in book one and ends in a cliff hanger. It also talked about tropes and accidental pregnancy was one. I usually HATE that trope, but this one was incredible. It was set across multiple months and I was worried chapters titled with new months would seem choppy and disorienting and that their love story wouldn't flow. Boy was I wrong. It was the perfect mix of slow burn and full on love, but we also got to see them both as individuals and their respective sports and personalities prior to them meeting for the first time. Seriously. The way this book ended GUTTED me. I am literally foaming at the mouth for the second book to see how this ties in. Wilder and Charolette deserve a love that lasts their entire lives. By far one of my favorite cowboy books I've ever read. The love and adoration Wilder has for her is unprecedented in what you expect out of a bronc rider. When he started matching his cowboy hat with ribbons that matched Charolette and her horse I about lost it. That's just the tip of the iceberg on all the subtle but impactful ways he silently loved and supported her. But man oh man that ending literally wrecked me in the best way possible. Well done Kate, well done. I'd like to thank the author for an ARC of this book, all opinions and reviews are of my own honest opinion. BRING ON BOOK TWO!

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For the ones who know the right person won’t make you give up what you love for who you love.”

Disclaimer: this book is part of a duet and does not have a HEA… yet. Enter at your own risk.

This book may have only been a little over 200 pages but it didn’t feel that way. You could see the way that Charlotte and Wilder fell in love, slow at first then all at once. The little things, it was like a warm hug of a love story.

Charlotte is new to the pro circuit of barrel racing and nothing and no one is going to get in the way of her dreams. Wilder is known as the playboy bronc rider but he gets one moment with Charlotte and those playboy ways go out the window.

The banter between these two from the start is so good. This man tried is hardest with his winning smile and boyish charm to win over Charlotte but with all her sassy comebacks he just fell more and more for her without even realizing it. Her attitude in this is chefs kiss and we love a woman knocking a man down a peg or two. I will say, though, Wilder was so freaking sweet to her. That coffee maker and birthday gift, amazing.

And when it got spicy, it go spiccyyyy. This mans mouth was definitely something else lol. But he met his match with Charlotte. God the easy way he took care of her, melting. I can’t wait for the next book.

Tropes:
🐎Bronc Rider Cowboy
🐎Forced Proximity
🐎Dislike to Love
🐎He Falls First
🐎Sunshine MMC X Stormcloud FMC
🐎Accidental Pregnancy
🐎Barrel Racing Cowgirl
🐎3rd Act Breakup
🐎Cliffhanger

[Payton Sowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate, you always write so intentional with the most perfect attention to detail in a book! Even though this book was more of fast paced story, it didn’t feel that way with how well it’s written. I love being able to convey just the perfect amount of information throughout the entire rodeo season.

I LOVE a good reformed playboy, and Wilder is JUST that. The perfect, thoughtful, caring man who is completely gone for Charlotte. I love that they both are in the rodeo world and understand what comes with that, including the travel and being apart. It allows for their relationship to grow without the unknowns of that. The making time for one another when they can, and being intentional with their time together. The way Wild cares for Charlie is spectacular and just so genuine!

I love a good pet name for couples, and every single time that Wilder called Charlotte, “baby”, my heart beat even faster because it’s always in the most sincere ways and moments. I love a good “Charlie” moment too!

This book may only be 214 pages, but the SPICE is delightfu in all of the best ways!

Overall, this book was SO good and I really enjoyed it. It was the perfect cowboy/cowgirl romance with the most perfect tropes!

As a little notice - this book DOES end in a MAJOR cliffhanger without an HEA, BUT book 2 in this duology is a continuation and completion of Wilder & Charlotte’s love story WITH their HEA!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I love a good cowboy romance, but this one just put the cherry on top with it being set around the rodeo lifestyle for both mc's. Charlotte, a barrel racer, was truly a fun and fierce character with one goal on her mind. making it to the NFR. Her and Rooney, her horse, are one heck of a team. I just loved their bond. ☺️
reading this just felt like I was right there with these characters.
don't get me started on Wilder, a bronc rider, that boy, cocky, but not overly so, just enough 😅 a known playboy in the rodeo world.
that is until he spots Charlotte, or Charlie as he likes to call her. ☺️ he's instantly done for when he sees her. Their banter was fun as much as Charlotte wanted to hate Wilder, she found joy in his company.
The way Wilder took care of Charlotte, looked out for her and Rooney too was just the sweetest. 🥹
I also loved the side characters, Travis was fun, Wilders best friend. He and Charlotte got along, but loved picking on one another.
This was a fairly quick fast paced story. the ending was both exciting and than turned tragic. I wasn't prepared to cry, but I did. 😭
I can't wait till we get book 2 because that cliffhanger got me. July can't get here fast enough.

thank you Kate Byrne and luna literary for the arc. 🫶🏻

[Amber Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Kate book and she absolutely blew me away with this story and characters.

I was hooked from the start and found myself so drawn to story. I've read plenty of cowboy romances but none that focus are rodeo sports and I ate it up. I loved learning about the rodeo circuit and what it entails.

Wilder is the hot bareback bronc rider who enjoys the buckle bunnies until he's swept off his feet, literally by Charlotte. Charlie as Wilder calls her is the beautiful up and coming barrel racer. Charlie is determined not be derailed from her plans at winning a title and so she pushes to avoid Wilder and his charm for as long as she can...until she can't. And it's game over after that. Neither of them have been in serious relationships before so it's nice to see the way they navigate this new relationship and make it work.

The way Wilder cares for Charlie is beautiful and the way Charlie gives Wilder hell is hilarious. Their chemistry is hot and when they come together it's scorching. And that dirty mouth on Wilder?! ahhhh

But tragedy strikes them and things go down hill fast and my heart was breaking for them both. Their beautiful love story was just beginning when heartache is just too much to bare. As tough as the ending was I can't wait to watch the rest of their story unfold in the next book.

[Abigail Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
Eight Seconds by Kate Byrne

4 ⭐️ 2 🌶️

I’m in my cowboy romance era right now 🐎 after reading Kate’s hockey romance last fall and absolutely loving it, and then seeing her latest book was a cowboy romance I new I needed to read it!

While Eight Seconds does fall into the novella category and ends on a cliffhanger, it was still pretty enjoyable! As this is only the beginning of Charlotte & Wilder’s story, it’s full of sweet moments of falling in love with each other, even while being on the road during rodeo season and frequently away from each other.

I’m excited to get the rest of their story later this year though, and I’ll definitely be reading it! Eight Seconds will be available on May 13th! If any of the following tropes are up your alley, I recommend checking it out!

🐎 forced proximity
💚 he falls first
🐎 cowboy (bronc rider) x cowgirl (barrel racer)
💚 sunshine MMC & storm cloud FMC
🐎 accidental pregnancy
💚 third-act breakup (cliffhanger)

[This_cowgirl_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bronc riding cowboy. A barrel racing cowgirl.
One rodeo season to change their lives.

*disclaimer cliffhanger not a HEA*

If you love rodeo, are in your cowboy romance era I HIGHLY recommend you read Eight Seconds by Kate Byrne. She has found a balance between a rodeo story and a love story. She paces the story throughout the rodeo season, never rushing or slowing the story. She breaks your heart and leaves you with a “wait no” feeling at the end. Your rooting for Charlotte and Wilder and watching the playful banter giggling, but feeling their love grow for one another.

Tropes:
🐴Bronc Rider Cowboy
🐴Forced Proximity
🐴Dislike to Love
🐴He Falls First
🐴Sunshine MMC X Stormcloud FMC
🐴Accidental Pregnancy
🐴Barrel Racing Cowgirl
🐴3rd Act Breakup
🐴Cliffhanger

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Seconds ARC review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I finished this book yesterday morning and needed a day to recover before posting my review. Yall Kate is so good at writing a cliff hanger and I was not prepared for the last quarter of this book to make me cry.

THIS BOOK DOES NOT HAVE A HAPPY ENDING!! It is promised for the second book, but this one does leave us on a cliffhanger. Also please be sure to read the trigger warnings on this book to determine if the content is right for you.

Kate balances the rodeo and romance SO WELL in this book and I was invested in both ends of the storyline. Charlotte and Wilder have such a fun relationship and seeing their love build was so wholesome. The characters both have such well crafted personalities. I really cannot wait to see where book two leads us.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

3.5-4 ⭐️
2 🌶️

This is book One of a duology. It ends in a cliffhanger and is not a HEA… yet? Hopefully.

I liked how this started, but as I got about half way through I was thinking to myself “where is this going? Everything is pretty good…” then I remembered the warning of a cliff hanger and dread ensured.

I didn’t see the turning point coming, it felt like it came out of nowhere as it didn’t happen how I thought it was going to. And I know for the 2nd book, there better be some serious grovelling. It does have a kind of miscommunication, which I’m not a fan of, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless.

Thank you to Luna Literary and the author, Kate Byrne, for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Dani Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Seconds by Kate Byrne is the perfect rodeo romance book this year. I love how she navigated the rodeo season with chapters so the reader understood the timeline well without confusion.

Wilder is the typical roughie bareback rider that lives his life 8 seconds at a time and a different buckle bunny at every rodeo. That is until he is saved by Charlotte after a ride and her quick banter of “take no shit” knocks him on his butt. The way Wilder fell quick and fast, becoming a reformed playboy for the professional and dedicated barrel racer Charlotte was cute and sweet.

Warning, this book does end on a cliffhanger but I’m hoping Wilder will redeem himself in book two.

[Probably Reading Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cowboy romance and this one doesn’t disappoint. I thought that Charlotte was such an amazing and well rounded character. She’s strong and independent and I just love how our character was written! Wilder is confident and cocky in the best way. These two characters compliment each other so well and reading about their journey has been an absolute treat!

The plot is really good and there are no plot holes. The world building and descriptions are fantastic and I could picture myself standing in the arena. It really played out like a movie in my head.

I really enjoyed this book so much and can’t wait to read the next one!

This book was provided to me via ARC! All thoughts are my own!

[ashley 🎀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why on earth do I not have the second half of this!? how will I make it until July without it!!!!

Wilder is a bronc riding playboy who finds the girl that he didn’t know he was looking for. He’s so kind and patient and takes care of her because he wants to.

Charlotte is a fiercely independent and focused barrel racer. When she starts to fall for Wild, she falls hard.

There is a tragedy near the end of the book and it rocks everyone’s world. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I am going to be thinking about this until I get my hands on the second one!!

Thank you so much Luna Literary and Kate Byrne for trusting me with this eARC 💕

[Sharon A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight Seconds by Kate Byrne

4.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Quote: “Caring hurts too damn much. So, I’m choosing not to.”

My first Cowboy Romance and to say I am hooked is an understatement. Charlotte and Wilder what a romance. Two people basically alone in this world meet during Rodeo Tour and he falls instantly but she takes more time but also falls hard. They travel and grow together - oh young love! But tragedy during the Rodeo will bring their relationship to an immediate halt that they may never recover from.
I cannot wait til the next book!

[Katie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege to read this book as an ARC. I devoured this book. I loved it so much! The cliffhanger made me scream out loud but I cannot wait for the second one to come out!

If you love cowboys, rodeo, and love at first sight with a little drama you’ll love this book! This book will make you laugh out loud and cry! It’s a good one to feel all the feels!

[Angie Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was warned at the beginning it would end on a cliffhanger but that ending was not at all what I would have expected nor was I prepared . This story drew me in so deeply and I was so invested in Wilder, Charlotte and the other characters I did not want to put the book down. I was not ready for it to end and will be counting down the day till book two!

[Aim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I highly recommend for anyone who's in their cowboy romance era! This book not only has a bronco riding cowboy MMC but also a barrel racing cowgirl FMC. It also reverse grumpy/sunshine in the best way.

Let me tell you something. If he wanted to, he would. And Wilder McCoy is the definition of that. He knows what he wants and he goes after it, whether it's becoming a bronco riding champion or Charlotte Stryker, he goes for it. He doesn't take no for an answer (in the healthiest way possible), he loves her the way she needs to be loved, but he also BRINGS HER COFFEE AND BUYS HER A BIRTHDAY PRESENT AND TAKES CARE OF HER WHEN SHE'S SICK and just ugh. I love him. Charlotte is a strong and sassy FMC who isn't gonna let anybody keep her from following her dreams. Charlotte Stryker is such a fitting name because she is SASSY and some of the quips she strikes back...damn. I loved her "go get 'em" attitude and her bond with her horse, Rooney. 🥹❤️

No spoilers (obv) but this is a duology that ends with a cliffhanger and the second book won't be out until July but if you're hesitant to read it because you don't like cliffhangers, I'm telling you that this one makes sense. And I can't WAIT for book 2 to come out in July. If you're not a fan of having to wait for part 2 (I get it, girl. Trust.), then wait until July and read both parts back to back! But I think the anticipation of book 2 that I have from being left on a cliffhanger is just going to make book 2 that much sweeter. I also am not a huge fan of accidental pregnancy but this one was done so well and with so much care.

Kate is really good at teaching people about things. I knew nothing about rodeoing until I read this book and now I feel like I know a little about the sport. I'm not an expert or anything BUT I love how she takes the time to explain the sports she writes about so that even if you're not a rodeo fan or a hockey fan, you can still understand what is going on in the book and learn more about the sport as you read. In Shots Taken she taught readers about hockey and it's rules. In this book, she taught about rodeoing, cowboys/girls, etc. and I love her for that!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥

Tropes:
💚 Cowboy x Cowgirl
💚 Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
💚 Dislike to Lovers
💚 Accidental Pregnancy
💚 He Falls First
💚 He Wears Her Hat
💚 3rd Act Breakup
💚 Cliffhanger (Part 1 of a Duology)

[Aimee Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Luna Literary and Kate Byrne for selecting me for this Arc review. I am writing this review completely unbiased. Pre-warning this book does not have a HEA yet as this is part of Duet do not enter unless you're prepared for the consequences. There is a big cliffhanger so if you don't like those I wouldn't step further!

I throughly enjoyed reading Charlotte and Wilder's story although it's not over just yet thankfully because that cliffhanger! I loved that this wasn't my standard cowboy read that the different types of sports in the rodeos were covered and gave insights into the different competitions cowgirls and boys enter into. The relationship that Charlotte and Rooney displayed was so special I loved their personalities and bond throughout the whole story. I enjoyed the way the different characters interacted with Charlotte and Wilder and seeing the way their relationship bloomed even when apart during downtime and different competitions. I feel Wilder fell first and hard for Charlotte straight away after she saved his bacon! I mean what was Charlotte to do but fall right back with his charm, witty banter and coffee skills. Seeing the way they just clicked together and opened up to one another melted me.

The book was short with over 200 pages however so much was developed during this that it was the perfect set up for a book 2. To say the cliffhanger devastated me is an understatement. What an emotional rollercoaster I feel I've gone through. I'm patiently but impatiently now waiting for book 2 and I hope everything falls into place. I really can't wait for book 2 to explore further and hopefully get that happy ending. I think everyone would agree that we need answers and that the cliffhanger was not okay 😢 I throughly enjoyed this wonderful rodeo read but my heart needs mending now in book 2 please.
Thank you for the fabulous read 💗

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved watching them fall in love

Eight Seconds is book 1 in Kate Byrne’s new Riders and Rings duet. This does end on a cliffhanger - probably my only complaint - I don’t want to wait for July to continue their story! But I just know it will be worth it.

Kate’s debut book was a hockey romance I loved so I was curious to see how she’d do in the rodeo scene. And I’d say she nailed it. I’m not too familiar with rodeo events so I can’t really speak to the accuracy, but it all sounded very believable to me and was written well.

Charlotte Stryker is a barrel racer in her first professional season. She is wholly focused on winning the championship at the end of the year and proving to her parents that she can do this.

Wilder McCoy is a bronco rider who’s a risk taker and quite the playboy. He had a rough childhood and found solace or a purpose in the rodeo. Once he meets Charlotte, he falls hard. He doesn’t spare even a second for the other ladies vying for his attention.

I loved the build up of their relationship. It seemed super realistic considering her age. They didn’t jump right into bed but built a friendship spending time together or on facetime. The smexy time was good once they got to that point. Charlotte hasn’t had much experience and nothing very good. Wilder took great care of her.

Wilder’s love for Charlotte was the sweetest. More than once, he displayed it by putting her first, even above his own event, which is how he makes money. He went at her pace, made sure she was taken care of, planned meaningful time together, and more. From someone who was a playboy, he was full of green flags. I adored when they finally say “I love you.”

The ending broke my heart. No spoilers but might want to have a tissue. Obviously Kate will make it all better in book 2 but I’m just impatient - I want the HEA, especially for these two!

[Kloe Bye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not okay. I’m barely getting by.
Lyrics have never summed up how I felt while reading a book—until Eight Seconds came into my life.

This story put me through the emotional ringer more than an eight-second bronc ride ever could, but every page coursed its way into my being. It felt like an addiction I couldn’t get enough of.

Can we just take a moment for our MMC, Wilder freaking McCoy?
From the very first chapter, Wilder carried a sadness you could feel through the pages—hidden beneath a cocky facade. His growth throughout this book was absolutely beautiful to witness. With the raven-haired beauty by his side, he began to dream of things he never had before. He had a reason to truly smile.

Wilder’s growth wasn’t without its hard moments, but those are what made him see a future beyond the eight-second rush he got on the back of a bronc.

I want to be best friends with our FMC, Charlotte Stryker. What a badass cowgirl.
Charlie had a fire within her soul that made her a spitfire on the barrel racing circuit. It also made her isolated, with a laser focus and a training plan that meant everything—until a blue-eyed cowboy and one unforgettable summer changed everything.

The way Wilder grounded Charlie, the way he supported her through things beyond her control—major green flags.
The way he showed up for her during her hardest moments, with no hesitation, made me fall hopelessly in love with this cowboy. The way Charlie brought out Wilder’s real smiles—and gave him the belief that it was okay to dream again—was pure magic. They reminded each other that we are all worthy of a love like theirs.

A chance meeting led two souls destined for one another into the kind of love story that will last far longer than eight seconds.

But THAT cliffhanger?
Not. Okay..

[Randi Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying: I know this is an incomplete story and book 1 of 2 with a cliffhanger ending. I did not expect a neat little bow tied onto the 200 page rollercoaster ride, and I will most likely be checking in on Wilder and Charlotte in book 2. I did receive this book as an ARC from the author, Kate Byrne and Luna Literary Management.

This short rodeo romance got a little more than muddy for me as the main characters, Wilder McCoy and Charlotte Stryker, were faced with more than their fair share of rainy days across the country. I appreciated the author note about suspending some belief on their approach to rodeo and was able to do so with scheduling and injury recovery, but did struggle with descriptive language and the laws of physics a bit. Some of it might be a colloquial difference in the rodeo world, but context-clueing my way through distracted from the many bumps in the storyline’s road. Please check the content warnings before reading as some of the bigger events felt downplayed.

Both Wilder and Charlotte were compelling characters with a very believable romance and I do believe they deserve a HEA in their story. Some moments of this story read more movie script than reality, but that is what we as readers are here for - an escape!!! I’m giving this 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 because I see the potential for growth in the story and characters. I am not sure I feel like this needs to be a duology at current length, but can see how with so much jam-packed in that might give some breathing room to the story and switch focus back to romance rather than continued trauma at the highest stakes.

[Mégan Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟
3 🌶️

🤠 Country romance
💥 Bronc rider x barrel racer
🤠 Strangers to lovers
💥 Forced proximity
🤠 He falls first
💥 Accidental pregnancy
🤠 Cliffhanger

Eight Seconds is the book 1 in The Riders and Rings Duology. It is the kind of cowboy romance that hooks you from page one and doesn’t let go. With rodeo action, crackling chemistry, and a slow-burn that builds beautifully, it’s impossible to put down.

We’ve got Wilder, a bronc rider carrying the weight of his past, and Charlotte, a fierce barrel racer who isn’t here to fall in love, until fate decides otherwise. These two are layered, intense, and seriously magnetic. Their banter? Playful and sharp. The tension? Delicious and off the charts. And when their emotional barriers start to crumble? Chef’s kiss. It’s got all the angsty, swoony goodness with just the right amount of heat.

Now, fair warning. There’s a cliffhanger. Not usually my favorite thing, but it totally worked here. It just made me even more desperate for the next book. No HEA just yet, so brace yourself.

Kate brings the rodeo scene to life with such vivid detail. I didn’t realize how much I missed stories about barrel racing until this one. It truly made me feel like I was right there in the dirt, holding my breath through every ride.

If you like cowboy romances with strong leads, great emotional buildup, and a setting that feels alive, Eight Seconds is absolutely worth the ride. Thank you Luna and Kate for this ARC opportunity! I can’t wait for what’s next for this duet.

*I volunteered to review.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bronco riding cowboy and a barrel racing cowgirl... one rodeo season and a romance neither of them expected. Wilder McCoy is the bareback bronc riding playboy of the rodeo and definitely does not want commitment... yet when he is saved during a bad ride by a petite gorgeous barrel racer who shuts him down instantly, he's completely hooked. Charlotte Stryker is determined to be the youngest national champion in a generation and she absolutely does not need any distractions, especially if its in the form of a very hot cowboy who is constantly showing up for her. Charlotte and Wilder are two very different people but spending time together on the same rodeo season brings them closer than ever... but nothing in life ever goes smoothly... their romance will be the most challenging ride of their lives. This is the first book in a series and absolutely ends on the biggest cliffhanger ever ( I NEED THE NEXT BOOK STAT). This was such a fun cowboy romance complete with fun rodeo setting and a steamy romance. I loved Charlotte so much, she's so determined and focused in her goals and Wilder was a great love interest for her because he supported her so much and was willing to wait for her and take their relationship at her pace. Its a must read for cowboy romance lovers and I can't wait for the next book!

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful story and is exactly what I'm looking for with a cowboy romance! Pure perfection with the connection between the characters, the slow burn angst and the exciting rodeo setting. I loved the banter, spice and all the emotions it brought to the surface. I was especially enamored with Rooney and loved how he was such a large part of the story.

The connection between Charlotte and Wilder was so relatable. Fairly introverted Charlotte and extroverted Wilder are just like my husband and myself. I remember being so focused on my horses that I didn't have time for a relationship and that was exactly when I met my husband. It was funny how much Wilder was exactly like my husband even down to the Cup O noddles

I really liked Charlotte. I liked that she had a goal and wasn't going to let anything stand in her way but she was still open to new things. I also loved how you could almost feel her connection with Rooney and how she always took the time to take care of him.

Speaking of the horses, the horse parts could have been a little more accurate but unless you know horses most won't notice. I really enjoyed the rodeo setting and the real feel to the action in the arena. It was an exciting story while also being emotional and tugged at my heart. I devoured it and now I'm (im)patiently waiting for the next book. I really did love everything about this story and would highly recommend it!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Seconds by @author_katebyrne releasing May 13

ARC Review @lunaliterary.management

Wilder and Charlotte

This is book one in a duet. There is a cliffhanger. The couple does not get the HEA in book two. With that being said... this book got me good at the end.

Wilder is in the pro circuit as a bronc rider. But he's also known for being a playboy with those buckle bunnies. Charlotte is new to the circuit as a barrel racer. She has a plan and wants to stick to it. Wilder gets his first moment with Charlotte, and everything goes out the window for these two.

Charlotte considers herself, "Gutsy. Adventurous. But not fun. Antagonistic. Combative. But not flirty." I loved her. She kept Wilder in check with his "ego" anytime he tried to use charm on her. The banter between these two was well written. I enjoyed reading their love story come alive on this book. Young love IMO is a hard trope, but Kate wore this beautifully.

There is so much more I want to say, but I will once book two comes out 🙂

Tropes:
• Bronc Rider Cowboy
• Forced Proximity
• Dislike to Love
• He Falls First
• Sunshine MMC X Stormcloud FMC
• Accidental Pregnancy
• Barrel Racing Cowgirl
• 3rd Act Breakup
• Cliffhanger

#arcreview #bookpost #BookishLoveStory #authorkatebyrne #eightseconds