A few years ago, cowboy romances suddenly became quite popular. Books by authors like Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage found their way from TikTok to bookstores and -shelves. Romance author Devney Perry is also contributing to the trend with Crossroads, a cowboy romance about saving a ranch from going bankrupt. Does this story stand out among all the others in this subgenre? This is the first novel in the “Haven River Ranch” series.

About the book

Crossroads Series: Haven River Ranch #1
Published by Montlake on June 4, 2024
Pages: 287
ISBN: 9781662518782
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A sweeping small-town romance about love, loss, and a Montana legacy from USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry.

I met West Haven when I was eight years old. He taught me to play poker when I was nine, and we made paper airplanes together when I was eleven. He kissed me when I was sixteen. He was the best part about my family’s summer vacations to Montana. He was the boy who stole my heart. I was twenty-three when life ripped us apart.

Years later, I’m breaking my vow and returning to the ranch, not as a guest but its new owner. West might want me gone, but even he has to admit the only way to save his family’s legacy is with my help.

It’s not easy working side by side and facing those old memories. But this situation is only temporary. We’re at a crossroads. And as long as I don’t let myself fall in love with West Haven again, maybe this is our chance to put those ghosts to rest. Maybe this time we’ll finally be able to say goodbye.

My review

Before reading

In 2024, I read quite a few romance novels, including books set in a small town featuring cowboys. In fact, my first book of the year was Flawless by Elsie Silver. Later, another book by the same author followed, as well as Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage. That book felt a bit like a rehash of the same formula to me, so to be honest, I didn’t have high expectations for Crossroads by Devney Perry. Yet, this author is very popular among English readers, which does raise expectations. This story however, seems to have slipped a bit under the radar. So, my expectations were somewhat tempered but still high, as I’d previously enjoyed romance novels.
Characters

Like many books in this genre, Perry tells the story from the perspective of both main characters. We meet Indya, who has purchased West’s family’s struggling ranch. It holds many precious memories for her, and she can’t bear to watch the business collapse. West, on the other hand, is unwilling to hear of the sale as he fears losing everything his ancestors built. And oh well, he and Indya have history together. Despite their on point of view, you still feel a certain distance from both main characters. The author fails to bring them to life. Both have experienced a great deal in their short lives, but somehow both Indya and West feel superficial. Their chemistry is lacking, and the romance feels forced. Furthermore, their development is very predictable and abrupt. As a result, they don’t stick with the reader at all.

Writing

Even though the writing style is fitting for the romance genre, it fails to engage me fully. It’s a bit ordinary, nothing spectacular. Due to the short chapters and flowing language, it’s a smooth read which I was Even though nthe writing style is fitting for the romance genre, it fails to engage the reader. It’s a bit ordinary, nothing spectacular. Due to thge short chapters and flowing language, it’s a smooth read which I was easily able to finish within a matter of hours. Still, Perry doesn’t succeed in captivating me which contributes to the rather distant feeling of this book. It’s just not memorable.

Plot

Neither is the plot. It has become very noticeable that authors rehash the same formula that has been used by their peers a lot, especially as it has proven to be successful. However, this is becoming very tiring, very quickly. It’s delightfully predictable nonetheless, but lacks tension in both narrative and romance. It’s all so straight forward: woman enters man’s life, they are opposed to one another but are forced to spend time together. And we all know what that means by now, there is attraction between these two and they fall hard for each other. Perry addresses both Indya’s and West’s backstories, but still manages to add little depth to the novel. These backstories could provide so many more deeper layers which would have made this book much more captivating.

Final thoughts

Crossroads by Devney Perry is a book full off missed chances. Both main characters are written poorly and stay superficial, although they have endured a great deal in the past. They therefore feel rather distant and there chemistry is lacking. The romantic relationship feels forced as well. Furthermore, the plot fails to engage the reader as this is a formula that has been rehashed over and over. Due to the writing style with its short chapters and flowing language, it’s easy to finish this book in a matter of hours. Are you looking for a delightfully predictable book and aren’t chemistry and romantic tension too important to you? Then you might have an enjoyable few hours reading this book. I’m not too sure if I want to continue this series. Maybe it’s time to quit the small town cowboy romances altogether, as they are written following the same structure and formula. I still have several left on my digital shelves though.