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The Riders and Rings Duology #2
And Forever
A huge secret. A fateful job opening.
A second chance to make it right.
Charlotte Stryker
Three years ago I returned home, pregnant and alone. I tucked away my dreams of rodeo championships and happy endings with a beautiful cowboy to raise our daughter. A child I didn't tell him I was having. Now, he's arrived on my family's ranch to work for the summer. Will the decisions I made haunt me every time I see him? Or do we have the chance to start over again?
Wilder McCoy
I was a broken man three years ago. Grief and anger pushed away the one good thing in my life. I hit rock bottom after she left, and I've missed her every day since. The opportunity to take a job with her family's ranch is too good to pass up. It might be the only chance I ever get to make things right. If she'll forgive me.
And Forever is the conclusion of The Riders and Rings Series. It should be read after Eight Seconds. Readers will be left satisfied by happy ending of Wilder and Charlotte's love story through their signature banter, swoon worthy moments and spicy love scenes.
A second chance to make it right.
Charlotte Stryker
Three years ago I returned home, pregnant and alone. I tucked away my dreams of rodeo championships and happy endings with a beautiful cowboy to raise our daughter. A child I didn't tell him I was having. Now, he's arrived on my family's ranch to work for the summer. Will the decisions I made haunt me every time I see him? Or do we have the chance to start over again?
Wilder McCoy
I was a broken man three years ago. Grief and anger pushed away the one good thing in my life. I hit rock bottom after she left, and I've missed her every day since. The opportunity to take a job with her family's ranch is too good to pass up. It might be the only chance I ever get to make things right. If she'll forgive me.
And Forever is the conclusion of The Riders and Rings Series. It should be read after Eight Seconds. Readers will be left satisfied by happy ending of Wilder and Charlotte's love story through their signature banter, swoon worthy moments and spicy love scenes.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
3 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Kate Byrne
4 books33 followersKate 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 5, 2025
And Forever is the second part of the Riders and Rings duology so you need to read Eight Seconds first but I promise it’s WELL worth it.
This *IS* a spoiler so stop reading if you don’t want the ending of the first book spoiled.
At the end of Eight Seconds Charlotte returns home when she finds out she is pregnant….and she doesn’t tell Wilder. (This is in the blurb I promise I’m not being a jerk 😂)
Now when I first read the blurb for this book I was already mad at Charlotte. Wilder experiences a horrendous loss at the end of Eight Seconds, and he said some horrible things to her. I couldn’t believe she kept his daughter from him, but then we find out more. She wanted him to know about Winona, but couldn’t reach him and she thought he didn’t care because of it.
Wilder is a different man now. Years have passed, he’s cleaned up his act, and he still loves Charlotte. Charlotte loves him too, but she has to do what is best for Winona.
Witnessing these two find one another again and their love grow even stronger than it was before was absolutely beautiful. Kate’s writing was elegant and poignant.
5 stars all around.
Thank you to Kate & Luna Literary for this ARC!
This *IS* a spoiler so stop reading if you don’t want the ending of the first book spoiled.
At the end of Eight Seconds Charlotte returns home when she finds out she is pregnant….and she doesn’t tell Wilder. (This is in the blurb I promise I’m not being a jerk 😂)
Now when I first read the blurb for this book I was already mad at Charlotte. Wilder experiences a horrendous loss at the end of Eight Seconds, and he said some horrible things to her. I couldn’t believe she kept his daughter from him, but then we find out more. She wanted him to know about Winona, but couldn’t reach him and she thought he didn’t care because of it.
Wilder is a different man now. Years have passed, he’s cleaned up his act, and he still loves Charlotte. Charlotte loves him too, but she has to do what is best for Winona.
Witnessing these two find one another again and their love grow even stronger than it was before was absolutely beautiful. Kate’s writing was elegant and poignant.
5 stars all around.
Thank you to Kate & Luna Literary for this ARC!
July 24, 2025
Literally the perfect conclusion to Wilder and Charlie's love story.
That ending in Eight Seconds left us heartbroken for many reasons but And Forever pieced it back together. I love how they reconnected and were building their relationship to be even stronger than ever.
The mental health rep in Wilder was done so well and it's refreshing when a man understands he needs help and reaches out for it. Wilder went through something unimaginable and even though Charlotte tried to be there for him, ultimately he had to make the decision when things needed to change for the better.
Winona was the added bonus we never knew we needed. Charlotte stepped up to care for her daughter and protect her during one of the hardest times in her life. Even though she never complained, she still longed for the life she dreamed of having as a barrel racer. And I was so happy to see her get that dream at the end of this book.
Thank you Kate and Luna Literary for this eARC.
That ending in Eight Seconds left us heartbroken for many reasons but And Forever pieced it back together. I love how they reconnected and were building their relationship to be even stronger than ever.
The mental health rep in Wilder was done so well and it's refreshing when a man understands he needs help and reaches out for it. Wilder went through something unimaginable and even though Charlotte tried to be there for him, ultimately he had to make the decision when things needed to change for the better.
Winona was the added bonus we never knew we needed. Charlotte stepped up to care for her daughter and protect her during one of the hardest times in her life. Even though she never complained, she still longed for the life she dreamed of having as a barrel racer. And I was so happy to see her get that dream at the end of this book.
Thank you Kate and Luna Literary for this eARC.
July 15, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
And Forever by @author_katebyrne
5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
The PERFECT conclusion to Charlotte and Wilder’s story! I am so happy I signed up to ARC read Eight Seconds, despite the cliffhanger, because it brought me to this beautiful universe. Eight Seconds is the beginning of their love story, and was amazing in its own right, but And Forever just hit the ball home (so to speak). It was emotional and you could feel the love they each had for the other, even years after the fact when they had each been able to do some growing up and self-work.
Being able to watch Charlotte and Wilder reconnect was beautiful. While some books are written to tear your heart apart (I’m looking at you Eight Seconds), others are written to piece it right back together (And Forever).
I cannot wait to add these two books/the omnibus to my shelves! Kate Byrne has quickly stolen my heart with her writing - both sports romance and cowboy romance - and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases!
Eight Seconds is available on KU now, along with her hockey romance Shots Taken! And Forever releases on 7/22, so you can check it out then too!
And Forever by @author_katebyrne
5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
The PERFECT conclusion to Charlotte and Wilder’s story! I am so happy I signed up to ARC read Eight Seconds, despite the cliffhanger, because it brought me to this beautiful universe. Eight Seconds is the beginning of their love story, and was amazing in its own right, but And Forever just hit the ball home (so to speak). It was emotional and you could feel the love they each had for the other, even years after the fact when they had each been able to do some growing up and self-work.
Being able to watch Charlotte and Wilder reconnect was beautiful. While some books are written to tear your heart apart (I’m looking at you Eight Seconds), others are written to piece it right back together (And Forever).
I cannot wait to add these two books/the omnibus to my shelves! Kate Byrne has quickly stolen my heart with her writing - both sports romance and cowboy romance - and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases!
Eight Seconds is available on KU now, along with her hockey romance Shots Taken! And Forever releases on 7/22, so you can check it out then too!
July 9, 2025
“Love is more than falling. It’s staying. It’s building. It’s hurting and healing and being better for it. This is for everyone who’s ever done that work and held onto their happy-ever-after.”
This was such a perfect conclusion to Charlotte and Wilder’s love story, my heart is so full for them! I loved that this wasn’t something that was instant, it was gradually, both of them needed to figure out what they wanted. They just always knew it was each other.
Winona stole my heart from the beginning and the moments of her and Wilder were so freaking cute. I love a secret baby trope and the first time they get called daddy, my heart bursts.
This story was about healing yourself when you know no one else can do it for you. Wilder was so strong to be able to finally pick himself back up. Charlotte was also strong in the fact that she knew she didn’t need to forgive Wilder, she just had hope that he would find his way back to her and eventually to their little girl.
Tropes:
💙Cowboy x cowgirl
💙Secret child
💙Second chance romance
💙Mental health rep
💙Summer romance
💙Small town ranch
💙Breeding kink
💙HEA
This was such a perfect conclusion to Charlotte and Wilder’s love story, my heart is so full for them! I loved that this wasn’t something that was instant, it was gradually, both of them needed to figure out what they wanted. They just always knew it was each other.
Winona stole my heart from the beginning and the moments of her and Wilder were so freaking cute. I love a secret baby trope and the first time they get called daddy, my heart bursts.
This story was about healing yourself when you know no one else can do it for you. Wilder was so strong to be able to finally pick himself back up. Charlotte was also strong in the fact that she knew she didn’t need to forgive Wilder, she just had hope that he would find his way back to her and eventually to their little girl.
Tropes:
💙Cowboy x cowgirl
💙Secret child
💙Second chance romance
💙Mental health rep
💙Summer romance
💙Small town ranch
💙Breeding kink
💙HEA
July 19, 2025
I feel like I can finally breathe because I’ve been on the edge of my seat after the cliffhanger from the first book! Finally, the happily ever after I’ve been hoping would come for the past few months!
I love these two so much! The mental health rep in this book is done so well, we love a man who seeks help when needed 👏🏼 I also LOVE to see a momma get her pink back and chase her dreams, even after having kids.
Winona was the perfect addition to this pair. She’s a perfect little mix of both of them and it was fun to see her incorporated into their little family!!
I love these two so much! The mental health rep in this book is done so well, we love a man who seeks help when needed 👏🏼 I also LOVE to see a momma get her pink back and chase her dreams, even after having kids.
Winona was the perfect addition to this pair. She’s a perfect little mix of both of them and it was fun to see her incorporated into their little family!!
July 30, 2025
4⭐️
🐴Disclaimer, HAVE to read book 1 before this one!!🐴
They got it! Charlotte and Wilder got their happily ever after. Kate Byrne has created a heartwarming conclusion to their story. You see the character development from Wilder during his POV. The only thing I wish was different was that there were more of the tough conversations between Charlotte and Wilder. The death of their friend, Wilder’s alcoholism, her surprise pregnancy; that's some hard things to have happened all in the same time frame. I was really looking forward to seeing more growth in Wilder; I didn't want him to beg for her forgiveness, she knew he was hurt and his past was affecting him. Just him opening up to her and seeing him be vulnerable would have sealed the deal of falling for Wilder as a reader. Regardless, if you remove my thoughts, this book was still a great read and a good conclusion to the series. The pacing was perfect for a summer re-kinddling, plus she kept the same style of time lapses as she did in the first. By keeping the time shifts the same, it kept the flow from book 1 to book 2 going. Plus with adding the flashbacks, we as readers see what occurred between book 1 and book 2 setting up the ending for Charlotte and Wilder’s love story.
🐴 Summer Romance
🐴Cowboy x Cowgirl
🐴 Forced Proximity
🐴 Mental Health Rep
🐴2nd Chance
Find it on Amazon and KU!!!
🐴Disclaimer, HAVE to read book 1 before this one!!🐴
They got it! Charlotte and Wilder got their happily ever after. Kate Byrne has created a heartwarming conclusion to their story. You see the character development from Wilder during his POV. The only thing I wish was different was that there were more of the tough conversations between Charlotte and Wilder. The death of their friend, Wilder’s alcoholism, her surprise pregnancy; that's some hard things to have happened all in the same time frame. I was really looking forward to seeing more growth in Wilder; I didn't want him to beg for her forgiveness, she knew he was hurt and his past was affecting him. Just him opening up to her and seeing him be vulnerable would have sealed the deal of falling for Wilder as a reader. Regardless, if you remove my thoughts, this book was still a great read and a good conclusion to the series. The pacing was perfect for a summer re-kinddling, plus she kept the same style of time lapses as she did in the first. By keeping the time shifts the same, it kept the flow from book 1 to book 2 going. Plus with adding the flashbacks, we as readers see what occurred between book 1 and book 2 setting up the ending for Charlotte and Wilder’s love story.
🐴 Summer Romance
🐴Cowboy x Cowgirl
🐴 Forced Proximity
🐴 Mental Health Rep
🐴2nd Chance
Find it on Amazon and KU!!!
Read
July 22, 2025ARC review for And Forever by Kate Byrne
Thanks to Kate and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity!
What to expect (across the duology): rodeo romance (bronc rider/barrel racer), grumpy/sunshine, accidental pregnancy, secret baby, 3rd act break-up/cliffhanger (book one), forced proximity, reformed playboy, second chance, hurt/comfort
Trigger warning: the author includes a comprehensive list at the beginning of the book. Check it out if you have any content concerns.
Review: 3.5/5
The conclusion to the Riders and Rings Duology is here to heal us from that cliffy!
Things I liked:
- Winona was so fun. Of course we were going to get a hefty dose of our surprise baby and she didn't disappoint. I loved the interaction with the animals and you just know she is going to grow up to be the most wonderful, caring human.
- While less needed than they were in book one, I still liked the clarity of the timeline and locations throughout the book. It made it simple to know where we were and how time was passing without info-dumping it within the story.
- I loved that we got a little more of Ada. In my review for book one, I'd hoped we'd see more of her and I was so glad that we did. It was great to see Charlotte develop a true friendship and with a strong female to boot.
- I enjoyed that Charlotte never tried to keep Winona away from Wilder and impact her relationship with her father. She understood from the start that Winona deserves to know her father, even if he made some crap choices in the past and she welcomes that. It was refreshing to see an FMC that didn't freak out about that point.
Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- I really would have loved a little more of a redemption arc for Wilder in his relationship with Charlotte. I get he had trauma and was hurting and needed to work through that. That's all valid. But Charlotte went through some ish too. She tried to get through to Wilder both before and after she left and, yes, he wasn't ready for that. That's okay. We all cope different. But I just really wanted to be shown more to redeem those hurts. Even if there's not "down on his knees in the mud during a rainstorm begging for forgiveness" level groveling, being a part of more of the deep conversations Wilder and Charlotte supposedly had would have helped the catharsis. I just felt like the reader missed so much, especially considering how connected the characters were in book one.
- Sort of along with that, because things were shown instead of told in some places, it felt a little rushed making it feel like more of a step-by-step healing process instead of a story of healing.
While I wish we would have gotten to see more of the healing, reading this conclusion to the Riders and Rings Duology was necessary after reading book one. I'm glad Charlotte, Wilder, and Winona have their HEA.
Thanks to Kate and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity!
What to expect (across the duology): rodeo romance (bronc rider/barrel racer), grumpy/sunshine, accidental pregnancy, secret baby, 3rd act break-up/cliffhanger (book one), forced proximity, reformed playboy, second chance, hurt/comfort
Trigger warning: the author includes a comprehensive list at the beginning of the book. Check it out if you have any content concerns.
Review: 3.5/5
The conclusion to the Riders and Rings Duology is here to heal us from that cliffy!
Things I liked:
- Winona was so fun. Of course we were going to get a hefty dose of our surprise baby and she didn't disappoint. I loved the interaction with the animals and you just know she is going to grow up to be the most wonderful, caring human.
- While less needed than they were in book one, I still liked the clarity of the timeline and locations throughout the book. It made it simple to know where we were and how time was passing without info-dumping it within the story.
- I loved that we got a little more of Ada. In my review for book one, I'd hoped we'd see more of her and I was so glad that we did. It was great to see Charlotte develop a true friendship and with a strong female to boot.
- I enjoyed that Charlotte never tried to keep Winona away from Wilder and impact her relationship with her father. She understood from the start that Winona deserves to know her father, even if he made some crap choices in the past and she welcomes that. It was refreshing to see an FMC that didn't freak out about that point.
Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- I really would have loved a little more of a redemption arc for Wilder in his relationship with Charlotte. I get he had trauma and was hurting and needed to work through that. That's all valid. But Charlotte went through some ish too. She tried to get through to Wilder both before and after she left and, yes, he wasn't ready for that. That's okay. We all cope different. But I just really wanted to be shown more to redeem those hurts. Even if there's not "down on his knees in the mud during a rainstorm begging for forgiveness" level groveling, being a part of more of the deep conversations Wilder and Charlotte supposedly had would have helped the catharsis. I just felt like the reader missed so much, especially considering how connected the characters were in book one.
- Sort of along with that, because things were shown instead of told in some places, it felt a little rushed making it feel like more of a step-by-step healing process instead of a story of healing.
While I wish we would have gotten to see more of the healing, reading this conclusion to the Riders and Rings Duology was necessary after reading book one. I'm glad Charlotte, Wilder, and Winona have their HEA.
July 13, 2025
So after careful consideration I feel safe in saying that I'm a Kate Byrne fan and that she can probably do no wrong....just sayin.
After months of waiting we have the conclusion of Wilder and Charlotte's story...I'm still not over the cliffhanger in Eight Seconds. But I'll move on and give my little ARC review of And Forever.
After the trauma (to readers as well as...) to Wilder and Charlotte at the end of Eight Seconds we pick up about 3 years later.
Three years of silence. Our sweethearts have not spoken to or seen each other in all this time. But as we learned in Eight Seconds, their love was/is no small thing that's easily forgotten.
Wilder is healing from and dealing with the loss of his best friend, and the crippling grief that came with it... and also with the heartbreak of letting his true love and heart walk away.
Charlotte is raising a beautiful little girl and making a life for them both on her parents' ranch. She struggles with guilt for walking away. She really had no choice...she had to do what was best for the baby she secretly carried.
In a bit of a match making scheme, Wilder is offered a job at her family ranch, Arrowroot Hills.
Let me pause here and say that when Wilder lays eyes on little Miss Winona it is a beautiful moment and I cried.
I never quote books but...."A tiny human comes barreling into the building in a blur, long black hair and tiny boots the only detail I can make out as it giggles past the stalls."
I love these characters. I love this story. It absolutely broke my heart. It's so beautifully and thoughtfully written. I will cherish this duet and read it over and over again. No one gets an easy pass, everyone has things to forgive and be forgiven for. Everyone has trauma and pain and hurt...thankfully Wilder and Charlotte have each other to walk through it with.
If I could have chosen a cowboy to love when I was a young....he would have been an awful lot like Wilder McCoy...and I would like to be like Charlotte when I grow up.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kate Byrne and Luna Literary for trusting me with these books. They both deserve all of the stars.
After months of waiting we have the conclusion of Wilder and Charlotte's story...I'm still not over the cliffhanger in Eight Seconds. But I'll move on and give my little ARC review of And Forever.
After the trauma (to readers as well as...) to Wilder and Charlotte at the end of Eight Seconds we pick up about 3 years later.
Three years of silence. Our sweethearts have not spoken to or seen each other in all this time. But as we learned in Eight Seconds, their love was/is no small thing that's easily forgotten.
Wilder is healing from and dealing with the loss of his best friend, and the crippling grief that came with it... and also with the heartbreak of letting his true love and heart walk away.
Charlotte is raising a beautiful little girl and making a life for them both on her parents' ranch. She struggles with guilt for walking away. She really had no choice...she had to do what was best for the baby she secretly carried.
In a bit of a match making scheme, Wilder is offered a job at her family ranch, Arrowroot Hills.
Let me pause here and say that when Wilder lays eyes on little Miss Winona it is a beautiful moment and I cried.
I never quote books but...."A tiny human comes barreling into the building in a blur, long black hair and tiny boots the only detail I can make out as it giggles past the stalls."
I love these characters. I love this story. It absolutely broke my heart. It's so beautifully and thoughtfully written. I will cherish this duet and read it over and over again. No one gets an easy pass, everyone has things to forgive and be forgiven for. Everyone has trauma and pain and hurt...thankfully Wilder and Charlotte have each other to walk through it with.
If I could have chosen a cowboy to love when I was a young....he would have been an awful lot like Wilder McCoy...and I would like to be like Charlotte when I grow up.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kate Byrne and Luna Literary for trusting me with these books. They both deserve all of the stars.
July 11, 2025
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. Having been selected to review the first half of this duology I was excited to receive the second.
Ughh this one really melted my heart I was so glad we got to go through the motions of finally seeing Charlotte and Wilder get their happy ending. The way in which Wilders mental health was portrayed was done so perfectly after the devastation in the first half. Watching him grow to make himself better in the hopes of getting back to Charlotte again was truly inspiring. I really wasn't sure how he was going to be after the ending of the previous book but I'm glad he came out the other end stronger. When I say the ending of Eight seconds got me it really did feeling that heartbreak. To then go to smiling and seeing things get back on track was everything.
Whilst it was lovely to see Wilders character development it was truly magic reading Charlottes. Seeing her become a mum and devoting everything to her daughter's happiness and putting hers last. Then to finally come back to her dreams, that she didn't need to sacrifice her happiness and could have it all. Knowing that she had made the right decisions and finally got everything she wanted and needed for her.
I absolutely loved seeing Wilder and Winona's relationship change and blossom into father daughter. Seeing Wilder trying to reconnect with not only Charlotte but his daughter to fixing his life to get his happy ending. They were honestly adorable together and you really wouldn't have know Wilder was present at the start. I loved Winona's playfulness and attitude towards those she loved and I'm glad that Charlotte and Wilder got their happy family ending.
As always Kate knows how to hit that spice factor and Charlotte and Wilders chemistry even with time apart was off the charts! 📈
I can't wait too see a possible Ada's story next 🤭.
Thank you for this wonderful finish to the duology ❤️
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Luna Literary and Kate Byrne for selecting me for this Arc review. I am writing this review completely unbiased. Having been selected to review the first half of this duology I was excited to receive the second.
Ughh this one really melted my heart I was so glad we got to go through the motions of finally seeing Charlotte and Wilder get their happy ending. The way in which Wilders mental health was portrayed was done so perfectly after the devastation in the first half. Watching him grow to make himself better in the hopes of getting back to Charlotte again was truly inspiring. I really wasn't sure how he was going to be after the ending of the previous book but I'm glad he came out the other end stronger. When I say the ending of Eight seconds got me it really did feeling that heartbreak. To then go to smiling and seeing things get back on track was everything.
Whilst it was lovely to see Wilders character development it was truly magic reading Charlottes. Seeing her become a mum and devoting everything to her daughter's happiness and putting hers last. Then to finally come back to her dreams, that she didn't need to sacrifice her happiness and could have it all. Knowing that she had made the right decisions and finally got everything she wanted and needed for her.
I absolutely loved seeing Wilder and Winona's relationship change and blossom into father daughter. Seeing Wilder trying to reconnect with not only Charlotte but his daughter to fixing his life to get his happy ending. They were honestly adorable together and you really wouldn't have know Wilder was present at the start. I loved Winona's playfulness and attitude towards those she loved and I'm glad that Charlotte and Wilder got their happy family ending.
As always Kate knows how to hit that spice factor and Charlotte and Wilders chemistry even with time apart was off the charts! 📈
I can't wait too see a possible Ada's story next 🤭.
Thank you for this wonderful finish to the duology ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
"I'll follow you anywhere you want to go."
And Forever by Kate Byrne is the second book in the Riders and Rings duology. And luckily Kate only made us wait 2 months to get Wilder and Charlotte’s HEA. You must read book one, Eight Seconds, in order to get the beginning of their relationship. And Forever will not be the same if you don’t.
Book 2 picks up about 3 years after the end of book 1. Our characters have changed quite a bit because of the tragedy they went through and the separation they endured. I really enjoyed that their reconciliation seemed realistic. They didn’t just jump back together but slowly built back a friendship before going further.
Wilder suffered a lot but Charlotte and Winona are like a balm for him. And I love how he was with Winona. He felt like he didn’t know what he was doing but he stepped easily into that role because he was just so full of love. So many cute moments between them that I swooned for.
This is kind of a slow burn but when the spice hits, it sure is hot! Wilder has quite the dirty mouth. And he knows how to take care of his lady. I’m still thinking about that gazebo scene days later!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Charlotte and her parents. After not getting the best feeling about them in book 1, I was worried how things would be when she returned home. But they surprised me with how they’d changed. Maybe it was Winona, or just seeing Charlotte as more of an adult, but they were very supportive of her and just wanted to see her happy, even if that meant she wanted to return to the rodeo and leave the ranch.
The mental health rep, specifically Wilder seeing a therapist to work through his anxiety or PTSD issues was nice to read. I loved how Wilder put in the work in order to be able to support Charlotte’s dreams. He wasn’t afraid to admit when he couldn’t handle things or make accommodations for what he needed.
"Riding off into the sunset with the cowboy who stole your heart," Ada signs wistfully. "Exactly how it should be."
And Forever by Kate Byrne is the second book in the Riders and Rings duology. And luckily Kate only made us wait 2 months to get Wilder and Charlotte’s HEA. You must read book one, Eight Seconds, in order to get the beginning of their relationship. And Forever will not be the same if you don’t.
Book 2 picks up about 3 years after the end of book 1. Our characters have changed quite a bit because of the tragedy they went through and the separation they endured. I really enjoyed that their reconciliation seemed realistic. They didn’t just jump back together but slowly built back a friendship before going further.
Wilder suffered a lot but Charlotte and Winona are like a balm for him. And I love how he was with Winona. He felt like he didn’t know what he was doing but he stepped easily into that role because he was just so full of love. So many cute moments between them that I swooned for.
This is kind of a slow burn but when the spice hits, it sure is hot! Wilder has quite the dirty mouth. And he knows how to take care of his lady. I’m still thinking about that gazebo scene days later!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Charlotte and her parents. After not getting the best feeling about them in book 1, I was worried how things would be when she returned home. But they surprised me with how they’d changed. Maybe it was Winona, or just seeing Charlotte as more of an adult, but they were very supportive of her and just wanted to see her happy, even if that meant she wanted to return to the rodeo and leave the ranch.
The mental health rep, specifically Wilder seeing a therapist to work through his anxiety or PTSD issues was nice to read. I loved how Wilder put in the work in order to be able to support Charlotte’s dreams. He wasn’t afraid to admit when he couldn’t handle things or make accommodations for what he needed.
"Riding off into the sunset with the cowboy who stole your heart," Ada signs wistfully. "Exactly how it should be."
July 26, 2025
Secret baby, Second chances, Small town swoon. This conclusion delivered everything I hoped for and more.
After months of waiting and recovering from that cliffhanger in Eight Seconds we finally have the emotional, heart mending conclusion to Charlotte and Wilder’s story and I’m still not over it.
Charlotte is a fiercely driven pro barrel racer, now a single mother raising her daughter on her family’s ranch. Wilder, once the rodeo playboy, is now deeply remorseful, working through grief, therapy, and growth. After the heartbreak they endured three years ago, they’ve had zero contact... until fate and a surprise job offer puts them back in each other’s lives.
Charlotte has built a quiet, stable life for her and her daughter, Winona, but she's never stopped wondering "what if?" Wilder, still building the dream home they once envisioned together, finds himself back on the very ranch Charlotte calls home unknowing that he’s about to meet the daughter he never knew existed.
What unfolds is a beautifully written, slow burn second chance romance packed with vulnerability, healing, redemption, and the kind of deep, forever love that just feels fated. Watching Wilder step into fatherhood, support Charlotte’s dreams even when it’s hard and fight for their future had my heart in pieces.
This book is filled with real emotion, quiet strength, and so much tenderness. I adored every moment between Wilder, Charlotte, and sweet little Winona. Their reconnection felt raw and honest, layered with regret, longing, and finally, joy.
Kate crafted a love story with so much heart, depth, and spice it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you finish. The conclusion to this duet was everything I could’ve hoped for. Full of growth, forgiveness, and that rare kind of love that refuses to fade.
Do not miss this incredible journey. Charlotte and Wilder’s story is unforgettable. Thank you so much to Kate and Luna Literacy for the ARC I adored every second. 🩵
July 11, 2025
Wilder and Charlotte
Book 2 in the Riders and Rings Duology
It is finally here! The ending to this duology series. We have some family scheming going on and I was here for it.
The book picks up three years later. Wilder has been trying to find himself again after finding the bottom of the bottle pushing away the people that meant the most to him. He is fixing up his land that he and Charlotte dreamed of. He gets an offer he cannot refuse. Why is that? Because it puts him back in the same air with Charlotte. Charlotte has been living back at home at her families ranch. Running things around the ranch and taking care of her daughter Winona. Part of her job is to hire people for the ranch. But her dad steps in to hire a substitute for their lead ranch hand. Unbeknownst to Charlotte, that hire is none other than Wilder. Now Charlotte has to figure out how to tell Wilder about Winona and not let the past dictate the future.
This love story was full of heartache and growth. There was no hatred towards each other on how things ended between. There was only love for each other that never went away. They both accepted what happened three years ago. The growth between themselves and together was crucial to this story. They both had different things to over come, Wilder more so. But it only added to the characters. Wilder learning to accept to get the help he needed was a turning point in this story. Which was well written.
But as always, when they got together, cue fireworks! Grab that board! LOL
I loved this series a lot.
Tropes:
💙Cowboy x cowgirl
💙Secret child
💙Second chance romance
💙Mental health rep
💙Summer romance
💙Small town ranch
💙Breeding kink
💙HEA
Book 2 in the Riders and Rings Duology
It is finally here! The ending to this duology series. We have some family scheming going on and I was here for it.
The book picks up three years later. Wilder has been trying to find himself again after finding the bottom of the bottle pushing away the people that meant the most to him. He is fixing up his land that he and Charlotte dreamed of. He gets an offer he cannot refuse. Why is that? Because it puts him back in the same air with Charlotte. Charlotte has been living back at home at her families ranch. Running things around the ranch and taking care of her daughter Winona. Part of her job is to hire people for the ranch. But her dad steps in to hire a substitute for their lead ranch hand. Unbeknownst to Charlotte, that hire is none other than Wilder. Now Charlotte has to figure out how to tell Wilder about Winona and not let the past dictate the future.
This love story was full of heartache and growth. There was no hatred towards each other on how things ended between. There was only love for each other that never went away. They both accepted what happened three years ago. The growth between themselves and together was crucial to this story. They both had different things to over come, Wilder more so. But it only added to the characters. Wilder learning to accept to get the help he needed was a turning point in this story. Which was well written.
But as always, when they got together, cue fireworks! Grab that board! LOL
I loved this series a lot.
Tropes:
💙Cowboy x cowgirl
💙Secret child
💙Second chance romance
💙Mental health rep
💙Summer romance
💙Small town ranch
💙Breeding kink
💙HEA
July 10, 2025
When I left off from Eight Seconds, I literally begged in my mind for SO much more because I truly loved it. Then, And Forever dropped, and it was the most spectacular ending to the Riders and Rings duology!
Charlotte and Wilder were explosive in Eight Seconds, and then the complete cliffhanger at then end.. throws it all up in the air without a lot of what comes next.. but boy was the wait worth it. And Forever took my by complete surprise in so many ways. Watching Wilder continue to overcome grief and longing - while also picking up being a dad AND overcoming the three years without Charlotte.
Watching their love story really unfold, felt like coming home at the end of the day. It was wholesome and not drama filled. It was purposeful and genuine. No hate, no broken promises, no forgiveness necessary - just a lot of love! I loved getting to watch Wilder come back around to the Wilder we once knew and loved before his grief took over. I am forever grateful to have seen these two get their happily ever after with Winona!
If there is one thing to say, it’s that Kate writes a damn good book. Coming from someone like me who isn’t really into cowboy romance, this duology completely captured my attention from the start and kept me wanting for more! I really love the maturity of the story, but especially the spice written! Overall, everything is written so well and I really cannot wait for what comes next!
If you haven’t read Eight Seconds, go read that first and then allow your heart to be fixed
in And Forever!
Charlotte and Wilder were explosive in Eight Seconds, and then the complete cliffhanger at then end.. throws it all up in the air without a lot of what comes next.. but boy was the wait worth it. And Forever took my by complete surprise in so many ways. Watching Wilder continue to overcome grief and longing - while also picking up being a dad AND overcoming the three years without Charlotte.
Watching their love story really unfold, felt like coming home at the end of the day. It was wholesome and not drama filled. It was purposeful and genuine. No hate, no broken promises, no forgiveness necessary - just a lot of love! I loved getting to watch Wilder come back around to the Wilder we once knew and loved before his grief took over. I am forever grateful to have seen these two get their happily ever after with Winona!
If there is one thing to say, it’s that Kate writes a damn good book. Coming from someone like me who isn’t really into cowboy romance, this duology completely captured my attention from the start and kept me wanting for more! I really love the maturity of the story, but especially the spice written! Overall, everything is written so well and I really cannot wait for what comes next!
If you haven’t read Eight Seconds, go read that first and then allow your heart to be fixed
in And Forever!
July 16, 2025
And Forever is short, sweet, and the perfect ending to Eight Seconds. It is the second book in The Riders and Rings Duology and yes you do need to read book 1 first, as this is the ending to the story.
"Grab that handrail, baby. It's been too long since I've tasted this pussy, and I'm not stopping 'till I get my fill."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
🤠Second Chance Romance
🤠Secret Child
🤠Mental Health Rep
🤠Cowboy/Cowgirl
🤠Small Town
This was such a great conclusion to the story. Wilder showed how he was able to work through his mental health problems with growth and therapy. Never giving up on Charlotte, even continuing to build their dream home. Not knowing if he would ever even get the chance to show her. But the opportunity he never thought he would get, dropped right into his grasp. When he was offered the chance to work on her family ranch for the summer. He knew he needed to take it, to try and reconcile, and grovel for forgiveness. To see if there was a chance they could be together again.
Charlotte, while she had moved away from that portion of her life with Wilder. Never fully got over her love for him, and was never truly happy. Sure she had a daughter she loved very much, but she still had the lingering "what if" from the way things ended. When she returned from a trip with her daughter and friend Ava, she came face to face with the revelation of Wilder on her family property. Being blindsided she was not happy. But as time went on, she allowed Wilder to apologize and have a relationship with his surprise daughter. Not only that but a chance to re kindle their flame that never truly went out. He fully enveloped the father role for their daughter and even gave her his full support for the dreams she wanted to fulfill.
Thank you so much Kate Byrne and Luna Literary for providing me with a gifted copy of And Forever to read early. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"Grab that handrail, baby. It's been too long since I've tasted this pussy, and I'm not stopping 'till I get my fill."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
🤠Second Chance Romance
🤠Secret Child
🤠Mental Health Rep
🤠Cowboy/Cowgirl
🤠Small Town
This was such a great conclusion to the story. Wilder showed how he was able to work through his mental health problems with growth and therapy. Never giving up on Charlotte, even continuing to build their dream home. Not knowing if he would ever even get the chance to show her. But the opportunity he never thought he would get, dropped right into his grasp. When he was offered the chance to work on her family ranch for the summer. He knew he needed to take it, to try and reconcile, and grovel for forgiveness. To see if there was a chance they could be together again.
Charlotte, while she had moved away from that portion of her life with Wilder. Never fully got over her love for him, and was never truly happy. Sure she had a daughter she loved very much, but she still had the lingering "what if" from the way things ended. When she returned from a trip with her daughter and friend Ava, she came face to face with the revelation of Wilder on her family property. Being blindsided she was not happy. But as time went on, she allowed Wilder to apologize and have a relationship with his surprise daughter. Not only that but a chance to re kindle their flame that never truly went out. He fully enveloped the father role for their daughter and even gave her his full support for the dreams she wanted to fulfill.
Thank you so much Kate Byrne and Luna Literary for providing me with a gifted copy of And Forever to read early. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 18, 2025
ARC review
⭐5/5
🌶️2/5
📌Check TW
This was the perfect conclusion to Charlie and Wilder’s story! After the cliffhanger in Eight Seconds, I needed them to find their way back to each other—and Kate did a fantastic job delivering their second chance.
Charlie is no longer the dreamy girl she once was. Her barrel racing days are behind her, and now her focus is on her sweet daughter. She’s a great mom, but you can sense that something is still missing in her life.
I was glad to see her mend her relationship with her parents—they were incredibly supportive and played a big part in helping her and Wilder reconnect.
Wilder had a lot of healing to do, and he did just that. He picked himself back up and eventually accepted a job in Montana, at Charlie’s family ranch—without her knowing. But once he arrived and discovered he had a daughter, there was no turning back. He was determined to win back his girls, and nothing was going to stop him. He let Charlie set the pace, and in the meantime, he fell completely in love with his daughter and embraced his role as a father.
This was such an emotional read about two people who never stopped loving each other and who finally got their second chance—with a beautiful daughter to complete their story. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to this amazing duet. I loved it, and I 100% recommend it to all cowboy romance lovers out there!
Thank you so much to Kate and Luna Literary for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this wonderful book!
⭐5/5
🌶️2/5
📌Check TW
This was the perfect conclusion to Charlie and Wilder’s story! After the cliffhanger in Eight Seconds, I needed them to find their way back to each other—and Kate did a fantastic job delivering their second chance.
Charlie is no longer the dreamy girl she once was. Her barrel racing days are behind her, and now her focus is on her sweet daughter. She’s a great mom, but you can sense that something is still missing in her life.
I was glad to see her mend her relationship with her parents—they were incredibly supportive and played a big part in helping her and Wilder reconnect.
Wilder had a lot of healing to do, and he did just that. He picked himself back up and eventually accepted a job in Montana, at Charlie’s family ranch—without her knowing. But once he arrived and discovered he had a daughter, there was no turning back. He was determined to win back his girls, and nothing was going to stop him. He let Charlie set the pace, and in the meantime, he fell completely in love with his daughter and embraced his role as a father.
This was such an emotional read about two people who never stopped loving each other and who finally got their second chance—with a beautiful daughter to complete their story. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to this amazing duet. I loved it, and I 100% recommend it to all cowboy romance lovers out there!
Thank you so much to Kate and Luna Literary for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this wonderful book!
July 23, 2025
Even with the cliffhanger, I'm happy I signed up to read Eight Seconds as it familiarized me with this beautiful setting. Their love story starts with Eight Seconds, which was amazing on its own, but And Forever truly captured the essence of their relationship. It was sincere, and even years later, after they had both matured and improved themselves, you could still sense their affection for each other.
Three years of silence. It has been ages since our lovers last communicated or met. Nonetheless, as we learned in Eight Seconds, their love was and remains a vital and easily overlooked aspect.
Along with the pain of losing his true love, Wilder is also healing from and managing the loss of his closest friend and the overwhelming sorrow that came with it.
At her parents' ranch, Charlotte is nurturing a sweet young daughter and supporting both of them. She struggles with feelings of guilt over her departure. She was compelled to prioritize the welfare of the unborn child she was secretly carrying.
I love this story. It shattered my heart entirely. It is composed with remarkable elegance and thoughtfulness. I will revisit this duet over and over, and I will cherish it. Everyone has matters to forgive and be forgiven, so no one receives a free pass. All individuals encounter trauma, suffering, and distress; thankfully, Wilder and Charlotte can help each other through this period.
Three years of silence. It has been ages since our lovers last communicated or met. Nonetheless, as we learned in Eight Seconds, their love was and remains a vital and easily overlooked aspect.
Along with the pain of losing his true love, Wilder is also healing from and managing the loss of his closest friend and the overwhelming sorrow that came with it.
At her parents' ranch, Charlotte is nurturing a sweet young daughter and supporting both of them. She struggles with feelings of guilt over her departure. She was compelled to prioritize the welfare of the unborn child she was secretly carrying.
I love this story. It shattered my heart entirely. It is composed with remarkable elegance and thoughtfulness. I will revisit this duet over and over, and I will cherish it. Everyone has matters to forgive and be forgiven, so no one receives a free pass. All individuals encounter trauma, suffering, and distress; thankfully, Wilder and Charlotte can help each other through this period.
July 23, 2025
This was a really sweet, low angst story. I loved that Wilder and Charlotte got a second chance and we got to meet little Winona. I have enjoyed these characters from the very beginning. Eight Seconds broke my heart but And Forever put it back together.
Wilder is such a great guy. I loved that he took accountability for his actions and was willing to put in the work to make it right. He wasn't afraid or ashamed to seek help and he blossomed because of it.
Charlie was her usual spunky self, slightly toned down from motherhood. I loved that her horses were still such a large part of her life and the solace she found in them was so relatable. Whenever life is all gumbled up just head to the barn because it will make everything right in the world!
If I had any qualms it would be that I would have liked a little more angst leading up to the reunion. Everything just all fit perfectly back together, it was almost too easy. That said I enjoyed this story immensely. I loved that we still got some rodeo action and had the addition of life on the farm as well. It was a quick read but quite emotional. It touched on some heavy topics with care and showed you can move forward after a tragic event. I loved this duology and I would definitely recommend it!!
Wilder is such a great guy. I loved that he took accountability for his actions and was willing to put in the work to make it right. He wasn't afraid or ashamed to seek help and he blossomed because of it.
Charlie was her usual spunky self, slightly toned down from motherhood. I loved that her horses were still such a large part of her life and the solace she found in them was so relatable. Whenever life is all gumbled up just head to the barn because it will make everything right in the world!
If I had any qualms it would be that I would have liked a little more angst leading up to the reunion. Everything just all fit perfectly back together, it was almost too easy. That said I enjoyed this story immensely. I loved that we still got some rodeo action and had the addition of life on the farm as well. It was a quick read but quite emotional. It touched on some heavy topics with care and showed you can move forward after a tragic event. I loved this duology and I would definitely recommend it!!
July 22, 2025
“Second chances are even rarer than once-in-a-lifetime feelings.”
Perfect conclusion for Charlotte and Wilder, I was so excited for their story and enjoyed how they came together in the end. My favorite thing about this story is how Charlotte didn’t hold Wilder’s grief against him she understood and while it hurt both of them the maturity and love between them or the chemistry was not lost one bit. Everyone including her parents had so much growth between these two stories it was easy for me to get swept in all over again. I am normally one for all the angst but these two worked perfectly without it due to the circumstances. This was a great duology wrapped up perfectly in the end You MUST read Eight Seconds prior to And Forever. Amazing can’t wait to see what comes next.
~~What To Expect~~
🐎Second Chance
🐎Secret Kid
🐎Cowboy X Cowgirl
🐎Found Family
🐎Grief/ Mental Health Rep
🐎No 3rd Act Break Up
🐎Small Town
🐎Summer
🐎Workplace
🐎Forced Proximity
~~Quotes~~
💚I don’t know what’s next, but for the first time in years Wilder McCoy doesn’t exist just in my past. He’s here in my present.
💚Charlotte, the love of my life left me. I couldn’t even blame her for doing it, and I hadn’t tried to convince her I was worth fighting for. I didn’t even think I was worth fighting for back then.
💚We can spend every day figuring things out, but we’re going to do it together. I let you let me go once, I won’t let you do it twice.
💚She could ask me to lasso the moon from the sky right now and I’d find a rope.
Perfect conclusion for Charlotte and Wilder, I was so excited for their story and enjoyed how they came together in the end. My favorite thing about this story is how Charlotte didn’t hold Wilder’s grief against him she understood and while it hurt both of them the maturity and love between them or the chemistry was not lost one bit. Everyone including her parents had so much growth between these two stories it was easy for me to get swept in all over again. I am normally one for all the angst but these two worked perfectly without it due to the circumstances. This was a great duology wrapped up perfectly in the end You MUST read Eight Seconds prior to And Forever. Amazing can’t wait to see what comes next.
~~What To Expect~~
🐎Second Chance
🐎Secret Kid
🐎Cowboy X Cowgirl
🐎Found Family
🐎Grief/ Mental Health Rep
🐎No 3rd Act Break Up
🐎Small Town
🐎Summer
🐎Workplace
🐎Forced Proximity
~~Quotes~~
💚I don’t know what’s next, but for the first time in years Wilder McCoy doesn’t exist just in my past. He’s here in my present.
💚Charlotte, the love of my life left me. I couldn’t even blame her for doing it, and I hadn’t tried to convince her I was worth fighting for. I didn’t even think I was worth fighting for back then.
💚We can spend every day figuring things out, but we’re going to do it together. I let you let me go once, I won’t let you do it twice.
💚She could ask me to lasso the moon from the sky right now and I’d find a rope.
July 22, 2025
I dove into And Forever as part of the ARC Team without having read Eight Seconds, the duology’s first book, simply because the blurb called to me so strongly that I was willing to jump in blind. And I’m so glad I did, even though I’m now sprinting straight to Eight Seconds to get Charlotte and Wilder’s full story.
This novella is beautifully written and packed with emotional impact. And Forever delivers plenty of heartfelt moments, second chances, and a depth of character growth that left me fully invested.
Charlotte, a driven pro barrel racer determined to make her name. Wilder, once the rodeo playboy, now reformed and deeply remorseful for mistakes from the past. Their reconnection is tender, full of the kind of emotional honesty that makes you believe in second chances.
Byrne’s ability to capture rodeo life, from dusty arenas to the emotional landscapes behind the spectacle, is impressive. Even without reading the first installment, the love story in this novella feels earned; you can see who they were and who they’ve become, and what’s still at stake in their future.
Having read this as part of the ARC team, I appreciated the pacing and voice so much that I immediately added Eight Seconds to my must-read list.
This novella is beautifully written and packed with emotional impact. And Forever delivers plenty of heartfelt moments, second chances, and a depth of character growth that left me fully invested.
Charlotte, a driven pro barrel racer determined to make her name. Wilder, once the rodeo playboy, now reformed and deeply remorseful for mistakes from the past. Their reconnection is tender, full of the kind of emotional honesty that makes you believe in second chances.
Byrne’s ability to capture rodeo life, from dusty arenas to the emotional landscapes behind the spectacle, is impressive. Even without reading the first installment, the love story in this novella feels earned; you can see who they were and who they’ve become, and what’s still at stake in their future.
Having read this as part of the ARC team, I appreciated the pacing and voice so much that I immediately added Eight Seconds to my must-read list.
July 22, 2025
Second chance romance, secret child, and the finale in the duology! Picking up immediately after the first book Charlotte is now raising her and Wilder's daughter by herself and she has moved back to her family's ranch. Wilder left Charlotte after losing his friend and losing himself in his grief but after 3 years he's realized that he wants her back and he's willing to do anything to get her back...even come work as a ranch hand on her parent's ranch. Charlotte hasn't told Wilder he has a daughter and she's even more surprised when her parents hire him behind her back and bring him to work there despite knowing what he did to her. Now they have to find a way to coparent while also addressing the relationship between them.
This is definitely an overall good contemporary romance featuring cowboys, second chances, and has you hanging onto every chapter. I think if you like cowboy romances you'll enjoy this series! It wraps up nicely and it definitely feels complete by the time you reach the last chapter.
Release Date: July 22, 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*
This is definitely an overall good contemporary romance featuring cowboys, second chances, and has you hanging onto every chapter. I think if you like cowboy romances you'll enjoy this series! It wraps up nicely and it definitely feels complete by the time you reach the last chapter.
Release Date: July 22, 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*
July 29, 2025
4 ⭐
1.5 🌶️
3 Spicy Scenes
I don't know how there could have been a more perfect ending for Charlotte and Wilder!
This book did more than just give me the happy ending I was hoping for with these two characters. I think it taught a lot of lessons. Lessons about grief, loss, forgiveness, and even some parenting lessons with Charlotte's parents.
One of my favorite aspects of this second half of the duology was how Charlotte handled everything with Wilder. She understood that his feelings and the things he said never came from any place other than grief and how it was manifesting at the time. I truly appreciated and enjoyed the maturity that both of them showed in this book.
The only thing that I wish would have happened is we would have gotten more of Wilder's perspective and more moments from before started working at the ranch. I also selfishly wanted more cowboy/barrel racing, but I also know this book was more about healing and why there wasn't.
Overall, I still loved this ending and don't think there could have been a better ending for Charlotte and Ava. I do think we might find ourselves back in Montana for hopefully a Cooper and Ava book....
1.5 🌶️
3 Spicy Scenes
I don't know how there could have been a more perfect ending for Charlotte and Wilder!
This book did more than just give me the happy ending I was hoping for with these two characters. I think it taught a lot of lessons. Lessons about grief, loss, forgiveness, and even some parenting lessons with Charlotte's parents.
One of my favorite aspects of this second half of the duology was how Charlotte handled everything with Wilder. She understood that his feelings and the things he said never came from any place other than grief and how it was manifesting at the time. I truly appreciated and enjoyed the maturity that both of them showed in this book.
The only thing that I wish would have happened is we would have gotten more of Wilder's perspective and more moments from before started working at the ranch. I also selfishly wanted more cowboy/barrel racing, but I also know this book was more about healing and why there wasn't.
Overall, I still loved this ending and don't think there could have been a better ending for Charlotte and Ava. I do think we might find ourselves back in Montana for hopefully a Cooper and Ava book....
July 19, 2025
This one was the easiest 5 stars because it was exactly the perfect ending to the *Riders and Rings* story that started with *Eight Seconds*. After the first book’s cliffhanger, I was really worried and excited for what would happen next, and this one didn’t disappoint. Watching Wilder grow and heal from his grief while stepping up as a dad was so moving. Charlotte’s strength as a single mom really stood out too, and the way she trusted Wilder with their daughter felt very real. Their love never disappeared, and seeing them reconnect felt like a warm, comforting story. The book didn’t have drama or broken promises, just honest love and healing. Wilder’s journey through PTSD and mental health was handled with care, making his character even more relatable and inspiring. It gave me all the happy feelings I wanted for these characters. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this world! Thank you so much to the author and Luna Literary PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
July 22, 2025
Three years after walking away from the love of her life, Charlotte finds herself a single mom, helping to run her family’s ranch. But she’s not truly happy. Cowboy Wilder has been rebuilding since destroying his life in grief, and letting Charlotte slip through his fingers. When he’s presented with a second chance, he’s determined not to waste it.
I’ve been waiting for the conclusion of this story with bated breath. The first book ended on such a cliffhanger that it lived rent-free in my mind for weeks. Charlotte is such an incredible character. She has every right to be bitter and angry, but she chooses the path of kindness and forgiveness, because at her core that’s just who she is. Wilder is fighting his demons to be the man she deserves, and now that he knows he’s a father, the dad his little girl needs. There’s a ton of messy baggage between Charlotte and Wilder, and while they knew each other before, they’re essentially strangers now. Watching them come together and building something stronger was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to revisiting this story again.
I’ve been waiting for the conclusion of this story with bated breath. The first book ended on such a cliffhanger that it lived rent-free in my mind for weeks. Charlotte is such an incredible character. She has every right to be bitter and angry, but she chooses the path of kindness and forgiveness, because at her core that’s just who she is. Wilder is fighting his demons to be the man she deserves, and now that he knows he’s a father, the dad his little girl needs. There’s a ton of messy baggage between Charlotte and Wilder, and while they knew each other before, they’re essentially strangers now. Watching them come together and building something stronger was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to revisiting this story again.
July 24, 2025
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
And Forever by Kate Bryne
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
NOTE: you should read book 1 first (eight seconds)
This was the perfect conclusion to Charlotte and Wilder’s story!
Three years. That’s how long it took to circle back to the one that got away. And now? Wilder’s back on charlotte’s family’s ranch, not knowing there’s a little girl calling Charlotte “Mama” and that he’s “Daddy.” The slow burn, the tension, and the EMOTIONS? OH. MY. GOODNESS. 😭🔥
And let me just say that Winona is the CUTEST little girl and she 100% stole my heart!!!
Tropes you’ll love:
🤠 Cowboy x Cowgirl energy
🍼 Secret baby reveal (!!)
🤠 Grumpy cowboy redemption arc
🍼 Summer on the ranch vibes
🤠 Mental health & therapy rep
🍼 Breeding kink & spicy gazebo scenes 👀
This story gave everything: heartbreak, healing, swoon, steam, and the sweetest family reunion. Charlotte and Wilder’s love never really ended. It simply needed time to grow. Watching them find their way back to each other, while healing and learning how to be parents? So emotional and so satisfying. 🥹💕
And Forever by Kate Bryne
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
NOTE: you should read book 1 first (eight seconds)
This was the perfect conclusion to Charlotte and Wilder’s story!
Three years. That’s how long it took to circle back to the one that got away. And now? Wilder’s back on charlotte’s family’s ranch, not knowing there’s a little girl calling Charlotte “Mama” and that he’s “Daddy.” The slow burn, the tension, and the EMOTIONS? OH. MY. GOODNESS. 😭🔥
And let me just say that Winona is the CUTEST little girl and she 100% stole my heart!!!
Tropes you’ll love:
🤠 Cowboy x Cowgirl energy
🍼 Secret baby reveal (!!)
🤠 Grumpy cowboy redemption arc
🍼 Summer on the ranch vibes
🤠 Mental health & therapy rep
🍼 Breeding kink & spicy gazebo scenes 👀
This story gave everything: heartbreak, healing, swoon, steam, and the sweetest family reunion. Charlotte and Wilder’s love never really ended. It simply needed time to grow. Watching them find their way back to each other, while healing and learning how to be parents? So emotional and so satisfying. 🥹💕
July 18, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨ 5⭐️ I didn’t want this story to end!! I have been anxiously awaiting Charlotte and Wilders happily ever after and this one did not disappoint! I fell in love with these two characters in part one and I really wanted them to figure everything out! Three years ago Charlotte left Wilder to save their baby girl. Now she’s back home working on her family’s ranch and raising their little girl. Wilder is climbing his way back in life after losing his friend when the opportunity for a a summer job at Charlotte’s family ranch comes his way. He’s going to take any chance he can to be back in her orbit. Wilder is determined to win her forgiveness if nothing else but little does he know his summer job is going to come with an even greater reward. Charlotte hasn’t stopped thinking about Wilder since the day she left Beth she knew he had to save him self and dig through his grief on his own. She loved him and their daughter enough to let him go but joe that he’s shown up on the ranch she knows their story is far from over. UGH I really just love these two so much and now with the addition of a sweet little girl this sorry just really pulls on the heart strings. I loved all the growth that each and every character went through in part two. There is something truly special about the love these two share. Charlotte is so strong for making such tough decisions for the sake of her daughter. Everything they went through made their happily ever after that much greater. The instant love and protection that Wilder felt when he met Winona was so heartwarming. Kate truly wrote such an incredibly special story with lots of heart and growth and of course some spice. This was exactly the conclusion I could’ve hoped for!! You won’t want to miss this duology!!
Tropes:
✨Cowboy x Cowgirl
✨Second Chance Romance
✨Secret Child
✨Mental Health Rep
✨Single Parent
Tropes:
✨Cowboy x Cowgirl
✨Second Chance Romance
✨Secret Child
✨Mental Health Rep
✨Single Parent
July 15, 2025
The perfect conclusion to this duet! I have been on the edge of my seat waiting to see how Wilder and Charlotte’s story unfolded. We pick up 3 years later when Wilder gets his second chance with Charlie when he gets a job on her family’s ranch. However, she doesn’t know he’s coming and he doesn’t know he has a daughter! The internal struggles that both of them had was so realistic and heartfelt. Wilder finding out he was a dad to sweet baby girl Winona was such a special moment. He truly just wanted to be able to take care of and love his girls. Charlotte’s calming nature was so perfect. She never stopped loving Wilder and truly accepted him as he was. These two know each other better than themselves and knew that they had to give their second chance a real shot. Wilder supporting Charlie’s dreams was my absolute favorite part even though it was tough for him. I truly love this sweet little family with all of my heart and I’ll never be the same!
July 22, 2025
“Why?”
“Because second chances are even rarer than once-in-a-lifetime feelings.”
You know that feeling of satisfaction when two characters you love so much FINALLY get their HEA (Happily Ever After)? That’s exactly how I felt while reading this one. It was so satisfying not only watching Charlotte and Wilder get their second chance but also seeing Wilder easily step into dad mode once he learned the truth about Winona.
Charlie and Wild are made for each other. They’ve been through some things together, but truly seeing them get their happily ever after made me so happy because I love a happy ending. And as an anxious girlie, I love coming back to a universe that feels familiar with familiar characters I already know.
Also, the spice in this one? 😮💨 Kate really let her… creativity… shine. 😏🤭
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩵 Cowboy x Cowgirl
🩵 Second Chance Romance
🩵 Secret Child/Single Parent
🩵 Mental Health Rep
🩵 Br33ding K!nk
🩵 Small Town
🩵 HEA
“Because second chances are even rarer than once-in-a-lifetime feelings.”
You know that feeling of satisfaction when two characters you love so much FINALLY get their HEA (Happily Ever After)? That’s exactly how I felt while reading this one. It was so satisfying not only watching Charlotte and Wilder get their second chance but also seeing Wilder easily step into dad mode once he learned the truth about Winona.
Charlie and Wild are made for each other. They’ve been through some things together, but truly seeing them get their happily ever after made me so happy because I love a happy ending. And as an anxious girlie, I love coming back to a universe that feels familiar with familiar characters I already know.
Also, the spice in this one? 😮💨 Kate really let her… creativity… shine. 😏🤭
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩵 Cowboy x Cowgirl
🩵 Second Chance Romance
🩵 Secret Child/Single Parent
🩵 Mental Health Rep
🩵 Br33ding K!nk
🩵 Small Town
🩵 HEA
August 9, 2025
4.25 stars
Okay, well the cliffhanger in Eight Seconds just about killed me and I am not a cliffhanger person. The Anxiety! The Anticipation!
I won't say much here so as to not give away what happens in Eight Seconds (which you must read before you read this book), but suffice to say, this is a fitting ending for Charlie and Wilder. I really enjoyed the story overall, but I do think that the way the characters and their stories were wrapped up here... we needed a few more pages to do it. There was a lot of healing to be done after Eight Seconds and some of it felt a little rushed here.
All in all, I love Charlie and Wilder. Sign me up for whatever Kate Byrne writes next!
🐴 cowboy x cowgirl
🍼 secret child
❤️🩹second chance romance
🧠 mental health representation
💋forehead kisses
☀️ summer romance
🏡 small town ranch
🫦 bręêding kink
💔 grief and loss
👀 public spicy scene
💖 HEA
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the gifted copy!
Okay, well the cliffhanger in Eight Seconds just about killed me and I am not a cliffhanger person. The Anxiety! The Anticipation!
I won't say much here so as to not give away what happens in Eight Seconds (which you must read before you read this book), but suffice to say, this is a fitting ending for Charlie and Wilder. I really enjoyed the story overall, but I do think that the way the characters and their stories were wrapped up here... we needed a few more pages to do it. There was a lot of healing to be done after Eight Seconds and some of it felt a little rushed here.
All in all, I love Charlie and Wilder. Sign me up for whatever Kate Byrne writes next!
🐴 cowboy x cowgirl
🍼 secret child
❤️🩹second chance romance
🧠 mental health representation
💋forehead kisses
☀️ summer romance
🏡 small town ranch
🫦 bręêding kink
💔 grief and loss
👀 public spicy scene
💖 HEA
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the gifted copy!
July 8, 2025
I have been chomping at the bit to finish Charlotte and Wilders story. And Forever did NOT disappoint!
This is a shorter story and I was able to gobble it up within 8 hours of receiving it. We will not, however, talk about the adult responsibilities that I maybe had to ignore to get to this love story ha!
And Forever wraps up the story started in Eight Seconds so well! This is the HEA we have all wanted, which is no surprise. There are, however, a couple pop ups that I thoroughly enjoyed!
One thing I LOVED was the mental health rep - depression and anxiety. It is so beautifully done and just softens your heart to Wilder even more.
Definitely pick this book up if you have read Eight Seconds and are in the mood for
-second chance
-cowboy/small town romance
-mental health rep
-a surprise child
-an HEA to knock you off your feet
This is a shorter story and I was able to gobble it up within 8 hours of receiving it. We will not, however, talk about the adult responsibilities that I maybe had to ignore to get to this love story ha!
And Forever wraps up the story started in Eight Seconds so well! This is the HEA we have all wanted, which is no surprise. There are, however, a couple pop ups that I thoroughly enjoyed!
One thing I LOVED was the mental health rep - depression and anxiety. It is so beautifully done and just softens your heart to Wilder even more.
Definitely pick this book up if you have read Eight Seconds and are in the mood for
-second chance
-cowboy/small town romance
-mental health rep
-a surprise child
-an HEA to knock you off your feet
July 12, 2025
And Forever by Kate Byrne
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Quote: “Because second chances are even rarer than once-in-a-lifetime feelings.”
I love how this book tied up the cliffhanger from book 1. Wilder made a mistake letting Charlotte go but he couldn’t handle his grief after losing his best friend Travis during a rodeo. Although Charlotte was pregnant and loved Wilder, she couldn’t stay and watch the grief swallow him. She went home had their baby, started a life over and healed. Wilder got into therapy and worked through his grief and when an opportunity presented itself to work at Charlotte’s Ranch, he jumped at the chance. Will Charlotte welcome him back, will Wilder handle the fact that they have a now three year old he never knew? Can they work back to what they had or has too much time passed?
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Quote: “Because second chances are even rarer than once-in-a-lifetime feelings.”
I love how this book tied up the cliffhanger from book 1. Wilder made a mistake letting Charlotte go but he couldn’t handle his grief after losing his best friend Travis during a rodeo. Although Charlotte was pregnant and loved Wilder, she couldn’t stay and watch the grief swallow him. She went home had their baby, started a life over and healed. Wilder got into therapy and worked through his grief and when an opportunity presented itself to work at Charlotte’s Ranch, he jumped at the chance. Will Charlotte welcome him back, will Wilder handle the fact that they have a now three year old he never knew? Can they work back to what they had or has too much time passed?
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