Every Now and Then: A Single Mother, One-Night Stand, Cowboy Romance

by Erin Olivier

He wasn't looking for love.
She didn't believe in it anymore.
But sometimes, the best stories begin after everything falls apart.

Still reeling from the end of her marriage, single mom Annabelle needs a night off. When she walks into that rundown motel bar, she’s looking to drown her sorrows, not flirt with the grumpy cowboy sitting beside her.

He smells like sin, looks like trouble, and has the attitude to match.

Hayes, the lead singer of country music’s hottest band, is fresh off a messy breakup and hiding from his ex. The last thing he needs is another complication, especially not one wrapped in beauty and heartbreak.

But Annabelle is a complication he can’t resist.

Somewhere between one thing leading to another, their connection grows, and Hayes starts to believe they’ve found something real. Annabelle senses it too, but she’s carrying secrets. Secrets that make starting over feel impossible.

By morning, she’s gone, leaving Hayes with nothing but her first name… and memories he can’t shake.

They’d one night, no strings.

But some nights are too perfect not to repeat.

And some strings intertwine too tightly to ever unravel.

Note: Every Now and Then is a spicy contemporary romance intended for readers 18+. It features a one-night stand, single mother FMC, country music star MMC, found family, and right person, wrong time tropes. It is the first book in the Outlaw series, a series of interconnected standalone books featuring the members of the fictional hit country band, Outlaw.

Open-door sex scenes with explicit language, one-night stand, failed marriage, infidelity (off-page and not between the MCs), death, sexuality identity (off-page), and self-harm (off-page).

Genres: Romance, Found Family, Second Chance, Contemporary, Cowboy Romance

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[Shelby Westerdahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, saying I enjoyed this book feels like such an understatement—I absolutely loved Hayes and Annabelle’s story! They are seriously the cutest, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. Annabelle’s journey especially hit me hard—there was a moment that had my jaw on the floor. She goes through so much, and I really felt for her.

Overall, this book was such a great read, and I’m so grateful to Erin for letting me dive into this ARC and share my honest thoughts. If you haven’t added this one to your TBR yet, do yourself a favor—you won’t be disappointed!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance novel was so good that I read it in one sitting!! Annabelle and Hayes’ instant attraction and then connection during their one-night stand made me so excited to read more. I appreciated that they both had to work on some things before reconnecting even though they both couldn’t stop thinking about each other and their one night together and I loved how Hayes really put effort into finding Annabelle. I also loved how Hayes very quickly after encountering Annabelle again falls head over heels in love with her and becomes committed to Annabelle and her daughters. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Thank you to author Erin Oliver for the opportunity to read this early! It truly was a pleasure to read!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a really good time reading this book! There were some heavier themes than I was expecting, but it didn't detract from the story for me. There were also a couple of actions from the mmc Hayes earlier on that had me side eyeing and took me longer to forgive than Annabelle, but well, he redeemed himself, so all is well. I always love the elements of found family in books and this one had a lot of it which was so beautifully done. And yall know how happy I get when a book doesn't have a third act break up!! Just overall, a really good read for me, I know a lot of you would enjoy it.

Hayes, our MMC, was one swoony cowboy, once he's all in on Annabelle, he was gone for and had the perfect caretaker vibes going for him. I really loved that he was written with Riely Green in mind. That just added to the story for me in the best kind of way. I loved his sweet actions throughout the second half and how madly in love he was.

Annabelle, our FMC, had a lot of knocks before meeting Hayes, but I loved her resilience throughout the book as we find out more and more what happened to get her to the start of the story. I really loved her and Hayes together, it was so beautiful reading them fall in love.

Really hoping for a book 2, that's how much I enjoyed this one!!

4.5 ⭐️
3.5 🔥

[Julie WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This was a really sweet read. She is a single mom and he is a singer. Their initial meeting and flirty banter were a lot of fun. It’s a quick and easy, but there are definitely some feels along the way too.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

// First I want to thank Erin Olivier for this ARC of Every Now and Then! //

“I don’t want to confuse them until we’re on the same page about where this is heading, Hayes.” “Read faster, Annabelle. I already reached the end of the book. I’m just waiting for you to catch up.”

Annabelle is a single mom of two daughters, and is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after the end of her marriage.
Hayes is the lead singer of country’s hottest band and is also trying to recover from a messy breakup with his girlfriend.
Neither of them needs more complications in their already messy lives. But of course one thing leads to another after they cross paths in a run down motel bar trying to hide from their lives. It was suppose to be one night, no strings attached, however some nights deserve an encore.
———————————————————————
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Saddle up everyone because you’re in for quite a ride. I absolutely loved Annabelle and Hayes story and I felt like I was reading one of my boy band fan fictions from Wattpad in the best way possible! It’s true what they say to save a horse and ride a cowboy because whew 😮‍💨😮‍💨
The tropes include: he falls first (a favorite of mine), single mom, and right person wrong time
I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it and I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a cowboy romance.

Again thank you to Erin Olivier for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC, I’m looking forward to reading more of her work. Every Now and Then is coming to Kindle Unlimited and Amazon tomorrow, September 18!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a swoony ONS turned more story with definite instalove elements and hidden identity aspects as the MMC is the lead singer of a popular country rock band. There was definitely a lot of mental health rep here, lots of spice, found family elements and sweet moments.

👋 Therapist Take: this book definitely had a lot of mental health rep, references to therapy, complicated grief representation, exploring concepts related to loss when it comes to a past marriage ending and learning things you can’t unlearn that inevitably change how you see a person. One of the hardest challenges people face when it comes to grief is the inability to get answers or “closure” when the person you’re needing those answers from isn’t there to give it. True to form as this story reminded us: closure comes from within ourselves, finding meaning, and accepting the reality of the now-all part of this story. I love a book where I can literally picture Riley Green as the MMC and this had that too 🤭

Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kendra H · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Still reeling from heartbreak, single mom Annabelle only wanted one night off from reality. A rundown motel bar. A grumpy cowboy at her side. One drink turns into temptation… 🍸🔥

Hayes, lead singer of the hottest band in music 🎤🤠, is fresh out of a messy breakup and hiding from his ex. The last thing he needs is another complication. But Annabelle? She’s a complication he can’t walk away from.

💔 One night. No strings.
🌙 By morning, she’s gone.
But some nights are too perfect to forget… and some strings are too tangled to ever unravel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this one, and I’m so glad Erin Olivier let me step into her world with this story. It had me all in my feels and it’ll do the same to you. Heed the warnings, but if you love romantic cowboys who can sing 🎶🤠 and badass single moms who refuse to let their past define them, this one’s for you! 💕

[Janie Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

A one-night stand between a single mom and a grumpy cowboy-turned-country-music-star was supposed to stay just that. One night. But some connections run too deep to walk away from…

✅ Country Music Star
✅ Single Mom
✅ One Night Stand
✅ Right Person, Wrong Time

Things I loved:
🤎 The chemistry was on fire
🤎 Realistic mom-life struggles were so relatable and beautifully written
🤎 Hayes was patient, understanding, and perfect in every way
🤎 The plot had twists I didn’t expect in a romance but completely loved

Things I didn’t love:
💔 Insta-love isn’t my favorite trope, and Hayes deciding she was “the one” after night one felt a little unrealistic—but that’s just my personal taste.

✨ Overall: A well-written, enjoyable read! My first cowboy/country singer romance, and now I’m ready to explore more 👀🔥

Thank you to the author Erin Olivier for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩷

[Sam Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one completely blew me away, and I cannot stress enough how much this Indie Author deserves support—this book was AMAZING!!!

This book had me fully invested—not just reading, but feeling everything alongside the characters. I
But let's talk about Hayes… OMG!!!!! everyone deserves a man like Hayes. He was everything—steadfast, loving, and the way he looked at Annabelle with nothing but admiration had me swooning hard. Their relationship pulled me in right away, equal parts tender and electric, with so much love woven into every scene.

If you’re looking for heartfelt romance written with pure devotion, this one deserves a spot on your TBR. Indie authors are delivering some of the best reads right now, and Erin Oliver proves it with this story.

[Cindy Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually reach for single-parent romances, but Every Now and Then totally won me over. Hayes is everything— the way he loves Annabelle and her girls is just heart-melting. Annabelle’s journey of healing and finding her own strength had me cheering her on the whole way, and the chemistry between them? So real, so raw, and ohhh so spicy. This book is such a sweet reminder that with a little love and support, things really can fall into place just the way you deserve.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my fav cowboy romance so far this year! I giggled and teared up a little. This story was cute! I didn't except somethings.

It does have spice and some heart felt moments!

- one-night stand
- single mother FMC
- country music star MMC
- found family
- failed marriage

[Emily Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ = ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ = 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

WOW WOW WOWWWWW. First things first, this was my first ARC and I was so excited, and it was my first book by Erin and it surely won’t be my last.

Hayes is a famous country music star and Annabelle is a widow with 2 young girls just trying to make right of life.
They start off as 2 lost souls just trying to forget for a night and do everything but forget. My GAWD, they not only had a night you only dream of but Hayes steps up in ways I did not see coming. I guess it’s true what they say “when you know, you know”.

I couldn’t stop reading this book from page 1 ⏩️ 34% in I was crying ⏩️ 85% in I had chills and cried again. But what didn’t stop throughout the ENTIRE book was how I loved watching 2 people from different worlds NOT find reasons they couldn’t make it work.

We’ve got:
🌻 heartbreak
🌻 spouse death
🌻 found family
🌻 one night stand
🌻 single Mom
🌻 opposites attract

[VeroniCanReadIt · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅ For Fans of:
- single mom
- recently single
- grumpy cowboy
- cowboy romance
- country singer
- one night stand to more
- missed connections
- Spice is 3/5 - describe sex, nothing crazy
- Nonlinear timeline
- working through grief
- no miscommunications
- great communication

✏️ Spoiler-Free Review
4.75 True Rating
Love that the digital book (at least the arc version) includes the synopsis in the beginning since we don’t have a book cover to read. So right away we know the tropes and what to expect. Also love that they’re clear about the fact that while this is book three in the “Love in the Limelight” series, it can be read as a standalone.

This is easily one of my favorite romance books in a long time. The writing has me falling in love with both characters immediately and tearing up at how sweet they are together and how much they need each other. It’s been a long time since I smile all silly about a book to the point that my fiancé notices, but this one has me kicking my feet and “aww”ing

They do have an interesting dynamic so I was curious to know where it was all going. I couldn’t guess the plot and really kept reading because I loved the couple and especially her daughters! The children are realistic, adorable, and not over-simplified, which is a pleasant contrast from other books that include young children. Willow, little Claire’s imaginary pet turtle was such a great addition and possibly the best character of the book haha.

Definitely a book (and author) that I would recommend, especially if you’re looking for a romance book that has some spice, but also just has you there to follow along with the best/real romance and happily ever after of it all. It gave me the warm fuzzies without being cheesy and I really needed it!


🖤 Thank you to author Erin Olivier for the digital advanced reader copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary.

[Joan (we_read_past_our_bedtime) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
⭐️: 5
🌶️: 3

💭: 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗. I could not flip the pages fast enough.

You know it’s going to be good when the banter and tequila are flowing from the very first moment - and the tension leads to one 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 one-night stand. Let’s be real… that hookup is going to live rent free in my mind for a long time. 🔥

If you’ve read my reviews before, you know cowboys are my kryptonite. Make him a famous country musician? Game over. The vibes were giving 𝘕𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦 (the show) in the best way. Pair that with Annabelle - a fierce, independent FMC, single mom, and so much stronger than she even realized - and I was completely obsessed.

One night…
One connection neither Annabelle nor Hayes could shake, even though neither was ready for anything more than “no strings attached.” What unfolded over the course of the following year was raw, emotional, and beautiful - two people finding themselves and finding each other.

Erin Olivier, thank you for the chance to be part of your ARC team. The graphics alone had me excited, but I wasn’t prepared for the depth, the messy pasts, the fated connection, and the future worth fighting for. This story was layered, heartfelt, and full of twists I didn’t see coming.

Do not put this one off. Add it to your TBR immediately, and when you read it, think of me 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯.

[Zee | zees_bookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★
🌶🌶🌶
Every Now and Then by Erin Olivier
Release date: 9.18.25

Annabelle, a single mom, needs a night out. She meets a grumpy cowboy fresh off a messy breakup, Hayes, at the bar.
One thing leads to another, and they agree to one night with no strings, but some nights are too perfect not to repeat.

Okay, WOW. I love me some cowboy romance, and I had high hopes going into this. And boy, let me tell you, I was not disappointed one bit. The sweet scenes were so tender and warm. But those spicy scenes were an inferno that left me fanning myself. Ughh Hayes is going down as a book boyfriend because honey, he is the true depiction of a man written by a woman (and the mouth and everything else on that man 😮‍💨 whewww).

Bravo, @authorerinolivier, this book was sensational!
Thank you for the ARC. It was my absolute pleasure.

[Themes include: single mom (city girl), cowboy country music star, one night stand, found family, right person/wrong time, no 3rd act breakup, he falls first, HEA]

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was a fun read. It starts off with a bang (literally lol) with Annabelle (also goes by Anna) and Hayes meeting in a bar and having a one night stand. Neither of them knew each others last names or had a way to contact the other. Then there is a time jump where they meet again. Both of them had regrets about leaving it as a one night stand, which honestly just fits with their characters. Turns out, Hayes is a super famous country star and wrote a whole album based on their meeting. She is a single mother with 2 kids. Eventually they get their act together (lol at the music pun) and start dating. This was a super spicy but sweet story with humor too. I loved Hayes and his love for Anna and her kids. The book was just written really well and I really enjoyed it.

[Leah Richmond~ Chapterbooks_andcoffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayes, Hayes, Hayes. I think everyone needs a MMC like him. He is patient, he is thoughtful, protective, kind, and ohh so dirty in the bedroom. Also, he's the lead singer of a country band!

I loved Annabelle, our FMC, as well. She went through the ringer, widow, and single mom, but she is strong and so sweet. Her sass is the best. The chemistry that her and Hayes have is electric. Their story really pulled you in, even if it all started from just a one night stand.

I enjoyed the dual POV as well as dual timeline. I love books that have great secondary characters, and Anabelle's daughters are it in this one! Grace specifically, her 7 year old. She is so funny, and the relationship she builds with Hayes is the sweetest.

Thank you, Erin, for this story, I had a great time reading it!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

5 stars. 5 chili peppers. 5 fire emojis. 5.....hearts or something else.

I was so excited to get this book because I am a big sucker for cowboy romances. I read it after coming off a not-so-great read, so I was already in the blah mindset, but HOLY COW! Hello, Hayes, SIR!

The very brief premise of the book is that Annabelle and Hayes have a one-night stand and go their separate ways in the morning. Hayes can't get her out of his mind while Annabelle tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life. Eventually, they run into each other again and SPARKS.

Hayes is a huge green flag (once they get together). Sweet, caring, loving, hilarious, and willing to go as slow as Annabelle needs. He's a pleaser, and he pleases alright! He loves with his entire being, and it's refreshing. And so cute. Especially his interactions with the girls.

I don't think I've had a 5-star read yet this year (I need to check), but this one definitely fits. I will be buying this book so I can reread it....one day.

FYI, there are some triggers in this book that you might want to be wary about: Open-door sex scenes with explicit language, one-night stand, failed marriage, infidelity (off-page and not between the MCs), death, sexuality identity (off-page), and self-harm (off-page).

Thank you, Erin Olivier, for this book and for these characters!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOODNESS GRACIOUS. I loved this book, so much! I mean couldn’t put it down, kicking my feet giddy, blushing while reading, LOVED it.

Hayes is the dreamiest country star cowboy. MMC gold. Immediately fell for him. Didn’t stand a chance just like Annabelle. 🤣

Annabelle is a great FMC. There is just something about her that you can’t help but love and appreciate her character from the beginning.💕

Together her and Hayes are 🔥🔥🔥
Both times they were at Tank’s…
🥵🔥👏🏻 so sexy and spicy!



The sweet, the spice, the romance, the found family, the sweet gestures, the bombshell about Kyle, spitfire “Gertie”- everything added to the story and made it a great read. I hated for it to end ❤️

[Jesslovinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ~
⭐️5
🌶4
🫶 - ♾️

"Sometimes the past doesn't stay in the past." - Every Now and Then

Annabelle and Hayes, two people that met at the right place and the right time... for one night!

I loved the journey of this story. It felt real and felt me hopeful for Annabelle.
I don't know how to review without giving spoilers. All I can say is if you are looking for a good read - add this one to your TBR! 📚

[Claudia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok… I rarely give 5⭐️ on ARCs but this book has won my heart over pretty quickly.

I got attached to both main characters straight away but also to the side characters.

I devoured this book almost in one sitting, and now I hope I didn’t because I know my next read will not hook me this much.

Hayes.. is just.. the perfect mix of the overcaring and self aware, I’ve loved to see how much he’s grown as a character throughout the book.

I just wished there was a second book to see what happens next.

I’ve received this book as an ARC and this was my honest (as usual) review.

[Nellierae Kosiorek · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Read!! 📚🤠

I’m so glad I got to be an ARC reader for this book!!! It was my first time reading anything by Erin Olivier. Annabelle and Hayes were such wonderful characters. There were a couple of things that I do wish we got more on, but I understand why we didn’t. They are an adorable couple🥰 It was a book that I didn’t want to put down!!

[Brittney Buhnerkempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5!
I’ll write a longer review later but, I really enjoyed this book! The characters were both super likable and I loved them together.


FULL REVIEW

Okay YALL 🤯
This is my first ARC review ever and I was hoping I would enjoy it but this book was everything I wanted and MORE. I loved both main characters. Starting off with a one night stand , this was hot at the start (plus their banter at the bar was so fun!) 🤠 But the characters agree for it to be a one time thing and move on and work on other aspects of in their lives ( Hayes with his music career and Annabelle with her failed marriage and navigating single motherhood) When they finally reconnected , I just loved how all in Hayes was. He was committed with a capital C and gave the fmc all the love her and her girls always deserved. 💕 not to mention the oldest daughter busting his balls right away cracked me up. Everybody just had so much character and it made for such a quick and enjoyable read. Also the post music video scene was definitely hot 🥵 Anyway, if you like cowboy romances with some depth then this is for you!

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC review ✨

The chemistry between Annabelle & Hayes is electric from the very first chapter, but what really pulled me in were the quiet, vulnerable moments that made both characters feel fully real.

Hayes is a country star and Annabelle is a single mom. Both MCs are just coming out of a relationship when their paths cross at a motel bar. What starts as a night of escape - her from the end of her marriage and him from the end of his relationship - quickly evolves into something much deeper.
That one twist caught me so off guard I swear I got whiplash though!

One element that didn’t quite land for me was the joke about the EVOO. It felt out of place and didn’t add anything meaningful to the story. Honestly, it pulled me out of the moment and gave me a bit of the ick.

Overall, I enjoyed Hayes & Annabelle’s story!

Big thanks to Erin Olivier! I’m truly so grateful to be part of your ARC team and excited to support your work. Wishing you all the success with the upcoming release!

[Lexy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC, and it just wasn’t for me. While there were some good scenes and I enjoyed the plot. I loved the little family dynamic and growing to learn to trust/love again. But I didnt get swept away by the characters. I felt some scenes were just too cheesy and the twists didn’t build with enough suspense for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Like a lit match to kerosene, we burn hot.”
•
My very first ARC and it absolutely did not disappoint. Hayes and Annabelle’s story easily became one of my top five favorites and one that I will continue to reread over and over again.
•
Hayes is the wild, sarcastic, strong and steady man every woman wants and gives the love every woman deserves. - Annabelle is the sweet, strong and fierce mother every mom hopes to be. And their chemistry!? *chefs kiss* Erin’s story telling had me so excited to see what happens but also never wanting it to end.

[Booklovernokayy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

One thing you will need is tissues. For the sad and happy tears, for the sweet moments in this book. I cried so many times, and it was WORTH IT!!!

This story is full of heartbreak, healing, strength and acceptance. Annabelle is healing from her bad marriage, and she meets Hayes at Tank Motel and Tavern. I was hooked from the moment she called him an asshole 😂. They agree to just one night, no strings, and we obviously know it’s not going to be easy for them. A connection sparks that night, and they are on each other’s minds from then on... and she may have even stolen his body wash/shower gel bottle 😜.

They are both so beautiful together. The build-up, patience and love they have for each other, how Hayes is with her girls, Grace and Claire. They are so cute and sweet. Grace is observant and headstrong, and Claire is cheeky and funny; she calls him “Wusty” 🥹.

The bond he creates with Annabelle’s daughters is heartwarming, showing them that he is there for them and their mother, and he loves them so much. And Annabelle is so strong after everything she faces and endures. I love a good single mum romance, and even love when a partner is supportive in so many ways. He showed up for her, and when she was doubtful, he didn't push her. He just made sure no matter what, he's there for her.

I loved the growth both of them have throughout the story; he matures and steps up to take care of Anabelle, Grace and Claire, but also becomes strong for himself. He is inspired to start writing music again and focus on the important family he wants. Annabelle is healing and becoming independent, relying on herself and making sure her kids have everything. She doesn’t rely on anyone and becomes stronger with everything that has happened. She does eventually let Hayes in and allows him to take care of her, allowing her heart to heal so she can fall in love again. Truly fall in love and form a different family with Hayes.

I loved this book so much, and it’s hit me in so many ways. I fell in love with both Annabelle and Hayes and their story, so much yearning, searching and missed meetings in this story, but when they finally reunite, it is worth it.

Thank you so much Erin Olivier, for the ARC opportunity. This book truly made me feel all the feels 😭🧡💛

[The Book.ishSocialClub Breck · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ 2🌶️


This isn’t your typical whirlwind musician romance—it’s more grounded, with nods to real-life pain and healing. Erin Oliver tackles heavy themes like grief, guilt, and shame with honesty, which made the main character’s hesitations feel a lot more believable than the usual “too-good-to-be-true musician falls for reluctant heroine” setup. The book starts out hot and heavy and you will immediately want to know how Hayes and Annabel find their Happily Ever After.
Good side characters were an added bonus because who doesn’t love a faithful and feisty BFF for the FMC and a grounded despite fame, devoted husband buddy for the MMC, right? The inclusion of the kids in the story was also well done. They felt natural and added some depth without ever overwhelming the plot. That can be a slippery slope with single mom romances.

On the flip side, there were a few personal style things that stood out to us—Random but worth mentioning is, how often the main characters use each other’s names in conversation (once you notice it, it’s hard to un-notice), and a few situations that didn’t feel totally realistic. We just couldn’t wrap our brains around Hayes and Annabel not finding each other for a year. Especially with the use of PI’s and their life circles running fairly close together. But those were small things and might not affect anyone else’s enjoyment of the story!

The first 20% of the book was filled with exciting plot and character development and before it sort of tapers off, you’re already very invested in what is going to happen, what the secrets are and how they unfold in this romance!
We also think it’s worth noting that there isn’t a dramatic third-act breakup or a ton of tension driving the story forward. Instead, it’s more about the characters working through their pasts and slowly finding their footing, personally and together. That gives this book a gentler, steadier pace, which some readers will really appreciate.

Overall, the book is heartfelt, honest, and more about healing than high drama—which made it stand out in it’s own way. We felt that Erin was attempting more than following the standard romance template and can show nothing but appreciation for that!

[Charley Fitzpatrick (read_with_charley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

• ARC REVIEW •
• EVERY NOW AND THEN: ERIN OLIVIER •
• HAYSE & ANNABELLE •
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•

Firstly, I’d like to thank Erin for this ARC opportunity!

Omg I was obsessed with this book and picking it up any chance that I got! This is the first book of Erin’s that I have read but I will ost definitely be going back for more!!

After an unforgettable night together, and what was only supposed to be a one time thing, that’s all they can both think about! So when they see each other a year later, the desire is still there and the story on,y just gets better!

Single mum
Country music romance
Found Family
Love after grief
One night stand

I was literally hooked on their chemistry! And after their first night together, I just couldn’t wait to get more from them! The build up, the story line, the characters! Everything was perfect!

Can we just take a moment to talk about the man that is Ruston Hayes. I now have yet another favourite book boyfriend. He is just so loving, kind and obsessed with his girls and the most patient MMC I have ever seen! He is willing to give up everything for those girls and he wouldn’t even bat an eyelid! He is so protective and supportive of everything they do and if that isn’t the perfect person I don’t know what is! Also he sings country music, like omg that’s so hot, gives my Riley Green vibes!

Annabelle is such a sweetheart, and such a strong women! She has been through so many challenges in her life so watching her get her happily ever after was so special. Her protection over the girls was so special to watch, she always did want was best for them, in all situations. I really loved reading Anna’s side of the story too, she always had so much emotion.

And the girls, omg I’m just in love with them! Their characters where just perfect for the story and I must say, they me my favourites! Grace and Claire are so cute and fiery I just loved them!

This book has so much emotion and it drags you in! Oh and the plot twist, omg they are so goodddddd! If you love country romance, a hot cowboy MMC and a strong single mum, this one is for you!

[Booted Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright darlin’, saddle up, because this ARC review is about to come in hotter than Hayes strumming a guitar under neon bar lights.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review of Every Now and Then by Erin Olivier
Release date: 9.18.25

Huge thank you to Erin Olivier for this e-ARC—because wow, this book had me hooked. I devoured it faster than a dragon with a fresh stack of paperbacks and a side of cowboy eye candy.
I already adored Hayes when he was just a side character in the Pitfalls of Dating a Prince, so getting his HEA? Chef’s kiss. And Erin did not disappoint—our swoony cowboy-slash-country-music-heartthrob was all in once Annabelle came back into his life, and lemme tell you, the man gives caretaker vibes so strong I almost wanted to swoon straight off my boots. Riley Green inspiration? Yeah, I could practically hear the soundtrack.

Now, Annabelle. This woman? Whew. Strong, resilient, and carrying the kind of past that had my jaw on the floor more than once. She’s a single mom, she’s fierce, she’s independent, and her healing journey made me love her even more. Seeing her and Hayes fall for each other wasn’t just romantic—it was beautiful, layered, and gave me all the warm fuzzies.

Also—bless this book—no third act breakup. None of that frustrating “failure to communicate” nonsense. Just two grown-ups navigating love, messy pasts, tequila-fueled beginnings, and found family vibes that had me grinning like a fool. The side characters? Delightful. The heavier themes? Done so thoughtfully they made the story richer. The spice? Let’s just say that unforgettable one-night stand is gonna live rent free in my mind for the foreseeable future as is the remake of that night (IYKYK). 🔥

So yes—five stars, because I’d absolutely read this again. Erin Olivier, you’ve officially ruined me for other cowboy romances. Y’all better add this to your TBR immediately, because if you love swoony country boys, resilient heroines, and love stories with heart and heat, Every Now and Then is your next obsession.

And if you don’t like cowboys with guitars, well, bless your heart…