Crossroads by Devney Perry

Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais

Standalone. First in a related series. Contemporary Romance.

I listened to Crossroads by Devney Perry about a month ago, so this will be a quick review based mostly on my notes. I’ve enjoyed Devney’s small-town romances, so I was excited to start this new series, especially since the audio was free on Audible Plus.

Indya Keller has spent a few weeks each summer at a Montana resort with her family since she was about 8 years old. West Haven’s father owned the resort, and she and West developed a childhood friendship that turned into something more as teens.

“When Indya Keller was in Montana, she was mine. Even when she wasn’t.”

“I’d loved West Haven for what felt like my entire life. Even though I’d never said the words. Even though I’d never made him a promise. Even though I’d married another man. West was mine. Even though he wasn’t.”

Their relationship ended when they were young, but they both knew they’d let “the one” get away. Indy even married someone else to make her father happy, though West was always in her heart. West, though? He was angry. So when Indya, now in her 20s, returns to the failing ranch as its new owner, West is less than thrilled—especially since he had no idea his father was selling the place he helped run.

“West and I were nothing but collisions on crossroads.”

Things started off rocky between them, then they started rocking…together if you know what I mean.

“Our gazes clashed, and as my eyes searched hers, the years between us seemed to unfold, swirling around us like a tornado, dragging us into the past.”

The story is told with a lot of flashbacks, which were my favorite parts. In the present, I didn’t feel much of a connection beyond their physical chemistry; it seemed mostly rooted in their childhood bond. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed the story and listened to it in one sitting, but I just didn’t feel as deeply as I would have preferred.

Likes:

An angsty, addictive story.
A quick, complete story.
I loved the twist, even though I guessed it.
The dual timeline was well-executed, with past and present scenes woven seamlessly together.

Dislikes:

I didn’t really like the characters. Even Indya who came in like a wrecking ball and started out rough. West was mad at her for saving his ranch, as was his father and brother and they all acted like little bitches about it when they should have been grateful. West’s mother was just a horrible human in general.
I didn’t feel the chemistry or connection based on today, only based in the past.

The Narration:

Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais were fantastic at bringing the story to life and I think it was better listening than reading.

The Down & Dirty:

It’s been a month since I read Crossroads by Devney Perry, and the story has stuck with me, which is a good sign. I love her writing and got fully caught up in the book, finishing it in one day. However, with the romance based on a childhood connection, I didn’t quite feel the soul-level connection I was hoping for; it came across more as physical attraction with years of pining. That said, I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series, Sunlight, as I wouldn’t mind revisiting the ranch.