Crossroads

by Nicole Dykes

Emerson
My mom thinks I’m spoiled. So what does she do? She ships me out to a farm in the middle of nowhere.
It’s supposed to teach me some sort of lesson.
It won’t.
The only thing that’ll come from this will be the small town of Kensley meeting its match.
And not just Kensley.
Him.
Jasper thinks he can best me? Well, he has another thing coming. I may look like a spoiled city boy on the outside, but I’ll be the fiercest competition this country boy has ever seen.

Jasper
He’s a spoiled brat. Who does this guy think he is, showing up in my hometown and challenging me in every possible way?
He has no idea who he’s messing with.
None.
I may be a little turned around right now, having lost my girlfriend, but I’ll get her back. And everything in my world will be right again.
Including him.
I’ll send him packing before he knows what’s happened. This city boy doesn’t stand a chance.
We’re at a crossroads now, him and me.
And only one of us will come out as the winner.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Romance, Queer, College

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2025

About the author

Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.

She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!

Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com

Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com

Reviews

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something about how this author writes, especially her Kensley books, that soothes my brain. This was a very low-angst, sort of rivals-to-lovers easy read.

The city boy and the farm boy started not linking each other and ended up disgustingly in Love. It was short, fun and sweet. Perfect Monday read.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

brb when i stop crying
i genuinely didn’t think i would love this so much, but this story crept up on me until i was literally invested more in their life than mine.
also, i was a little scared about the chronic pain representation, but i should’ve trusted nicole to have the utmost care. even talking about the ugliest parts, you can literally feel her care in her words.

[lakshmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gotta say, I’m a little concerned I’m falling for the enemy here.

one of the fastest reads I’ve had recently. This was definitely not a unique concept but I still had a good time nonetheless <3 I like the transition from enemies to lovers and how they dealt with their relationship and their future plans. I don’t know, I guess I was expecting them to be more stubborn about their feelings - which they were! But not for too long 💗. They excepted the inevitable pretty quickly and It was physical for a short time but I didn’t mind it much because I think there was enough going on to balance everything out.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emerson + Jasper 🖤
Bratty city boy and grumpy farm boy | "Make me" | Double awakening


*coming back to add quotes when I feel like it



⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists






Tropes/content:
Spoiled brat
Grumpy ranch hand
18 year old MCs
Emerson gets sent to his Aunts farm where Jasper works. If he diesnt cooperate, his parents wont pay for his college
Fish out of water
Country boy + city boy
Coworkers
Forced proximity
Double awakening
Taunting
Banter
Jasper has a 3 year old brother
"Make me"
Fighting as foreplay
Only one bed
Dry hump to completion
💦 in pants
Hand necklaces
Pierced 🍆
Truck sex
Bareback
Shower sex
Skinny dipping


Warnings:
First chapter Emerson is in bed with a girl the morning after they have sex. Nothing happens on page but is obviously implied. They are very casual and don't kiss goodbye or anything.
Jasper just had his long time girlfriend break up with him at the beginning of the book
Jasper gets punched in the face by his ex girlfriend after saying some messed up shit to her about all she wants is to fuck rich city boys like Emerson
Emerson is somewhat emotionally abandoned by his parents, especially his dad
Jaspers dad has severe chronic pain
They never break up but are separated for awhile when Emerson leaves for college

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

➤ QUICK THOUGHTS:
Ever since this book was announced as a mix between Keeper and Hostile (two of my favorite stories from this author!), I knew I needed to read it. So when I got the chance to receive an ARC, I couldn’t have been happier. And what an experience it was — I had such a great time with this story. It was heartfelt, funny, and beautifully written, and the banter between them was so well done. There were so many touching, memorable moments that will stay with me for a long time.

RATING: 4.5 ⭐️
SPICE LEVEL: 2.75 🌶️
SWOON FACTOR: 🫠🫠🫠/5
JASPER: 🩷🩷🩷🩷.5/5
EMERSON: 🩷🩷🩷🩷.5/5

➤ FAVORITE QUOTES:
✨ So much desire, I couldn’t think straight. I lost all control. And just went with it. It’s not like me at all. I didn’t let myself think about it too hard. I just kissed him. His body under mine felt almost electric. This magnetic pull between us unable to be ignored anymore.

✨ It’s never been like this before. So intense. So raw. So real. I feel everything everywhere, and I’m greedy because I only want more.

✨ No one has ever consumed my thoughts like Jasper does.

✨ This is all I want. He’s all I want.

✨ “Make me yours,” I breathe. He looks down at me, resting between my parted legs and drags his hand over my cheek. “Oh, Jasper, don’t you know?” My eyes flick up to his in question. “You’re already mine.” I turn my head and kiss his palm. “Show me.”

➤ THE GOOD STUFF:
✧ OPPOSITES ATTRACT
✧ DOUBLE BI-AWAKENING
✧ COUNTRY BOY × CITY BOY
✧ RICH/POOR
✧ SELF DISCOVERY
✧ FOUND FAMILY
✧ SMALL TOWN
✧ ONE BED
✧ MULTIPLE POND SCENES
✧ HUMOR & HEART

➤ FINAL THOUGHT:
I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who enjoyed Nicole Dykes’ Kensley Panthers series. It’s set in the same cozy town, and revisiting that world felt comforting and special in all the best ways. Crossroads had the perfect mix of warmth, humor, and emotion — the kind of story that leaves you smiling with a full heart!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, I loved Emerson and Jasper so much!! This was seriously such a sweet story, so good that I finished it in one day. Opposites attract is one of my favorite tropes and this one really hit the mark for me. I will definitely be rereading this one soon!

[amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a Netflix romcom wrapped up with a nice little bow.
Was the story filled with so many cliches I lost count? Yes. Did I enjoy the hell out of it? Yes.
Heartfelt and really sweet, I loved Em and Jasper story. It’s a no brainer and feels like a hug. If that’s your vibe I suggest you pick it up!

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: opposites attract, small town, grumpy/grumpy, forced proximity
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: piercings
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: minor character with permanent injury, difficult relationships with parents, slight references to homophobia, third act separation as opposed to break up
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet, neither of them are with anyone else. Neither of them are with anyone else during their brief separation

4 stars

Emerson and Jasper are both 18 and have graduated high school. Emerson is a spoiled city boy who has been behaving wildly and his parents disapprove. His mother in particular is worried that he's not responsible and he's just going to flunk out and fail at life when he goes to college. She's from a small town originally, but left as soon as she could and got rich. She sends Emerson to her estranged sister's farm in Kensley for him to work as a farmhand and try to learn some life skills and responsibility for the summer before college. While he's there, he meets Jasper, who has worked for his aunt Kelly for years while he's been in school, and he now works there full-time.

Jasper is very different, he's always been responsible. Jasper's father was injured seriously 4 years ago and hasn't been able to return to work and has been in constant pain since then. So Jasper has had to help out with the family financially and with his four-year-old little brother Logan. Jasper is content in his life in Kensley. Jasper recently got dumped by his one and only girlfriend Lucy, because she wants to leave town and experience more in life.

Initially, Jasper and Emerson clash and don't get along, because they're so different. But Emerson gets over the shock of living in the country and starts to enjoy the warmth of a welcoming home, when his own parents have been pretty cold with raising him. They had both identified as straight, but they both have bye Awakenings and grow attracted to each other and spend the summer hooking up. But they always know that their relationship has an expiry date, because Emerson has dreams of having some independence from his parents and traveling a bit while Jasper's home is very much in Kensley. They manage to find a compromise, a balance that lets them both get what they want out of life and they have a very happy future together.

This was a very sweet heartfelt low angst love story. Emerson and Jasper fell naturally into place together as a couple. They had camaraderie, a teasing playful dynamic, a hot attraction, a sense of belonging together. They made sacrifices for each other and they were both happier together and fulfilled, so it was a nice ending for them.


Some notable moments:

"I notice him sliding the chain lock in place, and I feel like I might puke. “Is that the only thing keeping us from murderers?” He laughs again, his whole face lighting up when he does it, and my heart nearly stops as I watch him. “No one wants to murder you more than me, and I’m locked inside.”"

I love this conversation. "“Then go with him, Jasper. This place . . .” She looks around the land with a wide smile. “It will wait. That’s the beauty of home. You can always go back. And everyone winds up at the crossroads—where you have to make a choice, but what they don’t tell you,”—her eyes lock on mine, like she’s telling me the biggest secret of life—“is that choice isn’t permanent. It’s not fixed. It’s fluid, and you can always come back.” I look toward the house, hearing Emerson, John, and Millie laugh at something. “What if he doesn’t want that?” She scoffs lightly, not unkindly, but like I’m a fool nonetheless. “That boy is just as in love with you. He wants you. And he’s also restless, like his mother. I’m not sure he could be happy immediately, settling down in a place like this . . .”"

"I send him a quick text to find out where he is, and when he says his dorm, I tell him to come out front. I don’t get another text, but it’s not long at all before the front door to the dorm is bursting open and Emerson is running out to me, wearing only a pair of gym shorts. No shirt, no shoes, but he doesn’t seem to care as he jumps into my arms and attacks me with a frantic kiss."


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know by now what to expect from Nicole Dykes’ books and this one is no different. I’m not saying it’s bad; it’s not. If you enjoyed the Kensley series and the small-town vibe, you’re going to love this one too.

I rarely rate this author’s books higher than 3.5⭐ and this one is no exception. There were maybe two books that stood out more for me, but overall they don’t go beyond that. Even so, I’ll always come back and read another one. That, I will.

🟢 Farmhand / a city boy
🟣 Both 18
🔵 Double bi-awakening
🟠 Small town
🟡 A lot of unfinished business (both of their families' situation), their story doesn't feel well developed, I'm left with plenty of questions
🌶️ Good and descriptive sex scenes; rimming, oral, penetrative; both vers, but more t/b

We’re back in Kensley, and this time the story focuses on a guy whose mom has moved away from here and wants nothing to do with the town or her family, but she sends her only, spoiled son Emerson to work on her sister’s farm instead.

"He spooked the pigs just by being there. I guess they’re excellent judges of character because they wanted nothing to do with him."

Jasper is a local whose family is struggling financially. He’s living on Emerson’s aunt Kelly’s farm while helping his parents out. He’s just broken up with his girlfriend and is heartbroken, but Jasper is a simple farm boy, he likes farm work, doesn’t want anything fancy, isn’t fooling around with anyone and wants a stable, long-term relationship.

"And the guy? Jasper? His. Name. Is. Jasper. Enough said. But still, if we must get past just the hillbilly name— the guy is built like a damn truck. Tall and clearly well- fed— though it seems like he’s turned most of that food into pure muscle. His sandy blond hair was cut on the short side, though not down to his scalp, and his green eyes told me he already doesn’t trust me."

These two start off on a hostile note, although it didn’t really work for me. It was kind of funny, but could've been a lot better. The whole enemies-to-lovers thing wasn’t done that well and considering how their relationship develops, I honestly think it would’ve made more sense to make them about 5–7 years older.



Once they start hooking up, that part was definitely good, but I just didn’t think their dialogues or their future plans were that believable for two 18-year-olds.
In the end, Emerson goes off to college, and the story needlessly drags things out by turning their almost-relationship into this long distance, waiting on each other kind of situation. They loved each other forever pretty damn soon as well.

Eventually, Jasper moves out of Kensley and goes to live with Emerson. I don’t know, I honestly didn’t see that coming. Jasper’s family really needed his help and he has a much younger brother too, so I couldn’t see him leaving. He’s just not the type. I expected Emerson to move back or for them to reunite four years later or something. Jasper moving to California just wasn't believable to me.

I did like Jasper, didn't particularly like Emerson, but that's because his character wasn't as fleshed out, their relationship could've been more developed as well, but I personally think they should've stayed in Kensley.

Everyone also kind of just accepts their relationship, every single person, which was a bit weird for Kensley, I mean, they’ve come a long way, sure, but I don’t think they’ve come that far yet.

So even though I’ve rated this on the lower side again, objectively I’d say it’s a good book, especially for beginners or for anyone who enjoys NA books with little angst and no drama.

[ash[hearts]angst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I just find a new favorite from Nicole?! Absolutely!

I absolutely loved Emerson and Jasper. Their teasing and back and forth, the way they loved to rile each other up until they finally snapped. That “make me” that changed it all!

I’ll always be down for an opposites attract, especially with a city boy x small town farmer. Going back to Kensley and seeing some familiar faces along the way was also a cute nod to the perfect little world Nicole has created.


I also really enjoyed the plot with this one. Sometimes with small town romances, it can be a little predictable but I quite enjoyed the route Nicole took with this one. I loved it because it felt super realistic, logical and mature. It also just suited the characters perfectly.

Can I have a second book of them pleaseeee?? 😍😍

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
Another lovely story from Nicole Dykes. I have to say I'm enjoying this author's books so much, they're just what I need when I crave a low angst story and lots of love..

Emerson, a rich and spoiled 18 years old guy, after yet another trouble, gets sent by his mother to live and work through all the summer at her estranged sister's farm. Emerson is lost, he hasn't found his direction in life yet, he doesn't have plans for his future, besides attending college in California.
Jasper is a 18 years old young man who has a solid plan: keep working as a farmhand at the Wright Farm and, in a few years, getting married and having kids and a farm on his own. Sadly for him, his longtime girlfriend has just dumped him and he's a bit lost too.
Things get worse when Kelly, the farm owner and a second mom to him, tasks him with helping Emerson and showing him how to work at the farm.

The two of them couldn't be more different and they constantly bicker while working side by side. They're both quick to judge each other, Emerson seems a spoiled brat to Jasper, while Jasper is seen as a boring country boy.
A couple of "naked mishaps" will make them see one another under a different light and spark an attraction impossible to resist. They go from annoyance and frustrations to very tender moments that stole my heart.

I adored how they fell in love: it wasn't only the physical connection that tied them together, but they also built an emotional one, they supported each other in handling the worries about their families, the uncertainties of the future and, especially, the pain of their imminent separation.

Emerson's stay at the farm, in fact, comes to an end and I appreciated very much that the author gave them time to find their way towards each other again and I really loved how Jasper was adamant about college.

We get to see familiar faces in this book: a couple of characters from Kensley Panthers series make their appearance and it was good to see them again.

I wonder what Nicole Dykes has in store for the future. A new story can't come soon enough!

Very much recommended.

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars⭐️

MM romances have me in CHOKEHOLD right now, and this did exact what it needed to do. It was easy, fast, and a fun read overall.

The plot was there, but there wasn’t really any drama or anything too special about the book. Therefore it’s a 4.5 star. But I loved Emerson and Jaspers relationship and how they came together.🥹🥹

[Amberly Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about this book! It was beautifully written and the story was told in a way that just grabs you. Jasper and Emerson are completely opposite in every way but when feelings get involved they’re absolutely perfect for each other! I had all the emotions in this book and that definitely makes for a great read. I fully recommend this book!

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ah well, here we go again my friends another month, another Nicole Dykes book to absolutely salivate over. Short, sweet, and just a downright country good time with good vibes and even better love.

Emerson and Jasper couldn’t be more opposite. They come from completely different worlds. Emerson is spoiled, rich, a brat, and a playboy. So, his parents (who are tired of his sh*t) send him to his aunts farm in Kensley for the summer to prove to them and to himself that he can buckle up and straighten himself out for college. This is where he meets Jasper.

Jasper is a small town jock, he’s big, muscled, and loves working on the Wright farm. He’s never wanted to leave his small town, and he’s just a little grumpy after dealing with a recent breakup. What makes him even grumpier? A city boy who shows up in expensive white shoes and annoys him at every turn.

These two start out as strangers that quickly turn to frenemies, to eventually lovers. And their banter? Their teasing? So much fun! Emerson knows just how to get under Jaspers skin.

You get to experience two beautiful bi-awakenings with no panic. Both of these boys just go with the flow and what feels right, and it was honestly just so sweet to experience. Their first kiss? Had me SWOONING. Absolutely dead.

But once summer is over? Ooof. My heart yearned for them. It hurt.. for a minute. Until it didn’t. And that HEA? Absolutely stunning.

I loved seeing and hearing about some past Kensley couples (COACH CHANCE BABY ILU!!) and I just love Nicole’s small town vibes. This book had everything, and I’ll be missing them forever.

🌾 country boy x city boy
🌾 double bi-awakening
🌾 rich x poor
🌾 only one bed
🌾 forced proximity
🌾 skinny dipping
🌾 size difference
🌾 small town
🌾 tiny showers
🌾 flip f*cking
🌾 he’s pierced.. there. ☺️

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Maxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

*mild spoilers ahead*

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️,5

Until earlier this year, I hadn’t read any books by Nicole Dykes. My first was Burn it Down in June, and since then, she’s become one of my favorite MM authors. Once I found about Kensley and its lovable High School football team, I was totally hooked on the soft, cozy small-town vibe her books have.

Crossroads takes us back to that same town, but some years have passed since the Panthers’ stories. We first meet Emmerson, a self-centered, entitled rich kid who’s driven his parents up the wall. They send him off to his aunt’s farm to knock him down a peg and teach him some responsibility.
At the farm, we meet Jasper, the hardworking farmhand, a super responsible young guy. They pretty much dislike each other right away, so when Jasper gets tasked with showing Emmerson the ropes, sparks fly.

But as the summer goes on, things start to change. We learn more about why both guys act the way they do. Jasper works obsessively because he feels it’s his duty to help his family after his dad suffered a job-related accident that left him unable to work and in constant pain. Emmerson feels like he’s just a trophy to his parents, and they can’t wait to ship him off.

As they get to know each other, they grow closer, and feelings start to develop. There’s a physical attraction that’s confusing at first, but it’s so magnetic that it doesn’t take long before they act on it and get together.

The way they slowly fall in love is honestly amazing to watch. The farm turns into a safe haven where they find only support, and even though they both know their relationship has an expiration date -when Emmerson has to leave for college- neither of them can let go.

For me, that’s where the central conflict really comes out. Emmerson and Jasper love each other, but they want totally different things in life. Emmerson wants to shed all attachments and travel the world, while Jasper dreams of settling down on a farm and never leaving town.

In the end, they both realize that for their relationship to survive, one of them would have to give up their dreams, and neither wants to be the reason the other settles. Thankfully, they figure out that there are ways they can stay together, even if it means some compromise from both sides.
I really loved this book, from the tension at the start to the pining and longing between these two guys who need each other to be happy. Both Emmerson and Jasper end up being amazing characters.

There were a couple of fun cameos from the Kensley Panthers, which I loved. The side characters are super interesting too, Emmerson’s detached but still caring parents, Jasper’s family bravely facing tragedy, the farm fam, especially the MVP, Aunt Kelly. They all made the book richer.

All in all, it’s another heartfelt, fulfilling Nicole Dykes story, one you can tell comes from a personal place. She’s slowly but surely becoming one of my automatic-read authors

---

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossroads follows city boy Emerson to the smalltown of Kensley where he meets country boy Jasper, where they happen to be at a crossroads in their lives and with each other. Follow which route they take.

I adore Nicole Dykes work, if you've read Hostile and Keeper, then this is the book for you. I loved Hostile and Keeper, and this felt like a beautiful cross between the two. The author's writing was descriptive and painted a tranquil vision of small-town life, and the journey Emerson was going on through embracing the Kensley way of life.

I loved how Jasper's character arc evolved throughout the story. At first the struggles with his family and the burden he carried alone, was eventually shared and they showed real vulnerability putting themselves first for once. The growth between Emerson and Jasper was heart warming to read. However, I felt once they accepted each others feelings for one another it was a quick jump from 'straight' to 'not so straight as I thought' with very little overthought. Which isn't a bad thing, just something I noticed.

While the pacing felt a little fast at some points, the book's emotional depth and character growth were strong points. The romance felt real and passionate between the main characters.

I would recommend this book to fans of MM romance who enjoy small-town settings and enemies to lovers stories. If you're looking for a heart-warming read with a slice of snarky banter, this one's for you.

I received an ARC of this book and my thoughts and feelings are my own.

[MarcoPoloReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossroads is the latest from Nicole Dykes and I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy to review. Rich kid Emerson is forced to help out on his aunts farm for the summer where he meets Jasper. The two don’t exactly hit it off as they both have pre conceived notions of each other but there’s something lingering in the country air that they both cannot escape from.
Let me just say I was instantly invested with this story, there’s just something about an opposites attract story that I like. There’s tension and build up here that it leads up to a much needed release for them both.
Jasper and Emerson are exactly what each other need, they help ground and encourage each other. They have some great chemistry which brings lots of spicy scenes around the farm. Skinny dipping in the pond…need I say more. I loved the double bi awakening, found family aspects but also the acceptance from their loved ones.
This is set in the same world of Nicole’s other series Kensley Panthers, which I haven’t read, but most definitely will now. I enjoyed this cute small town romance that’s very heartfelt but still brings the spice. I didn’t want it to be over and while it’s meant to be a standalone, I definitely would read more if Nicole decided to expand on it.

Special thanks to Gay Romance Reviews and Nicole Dykes for providing me with an advanced copy. This is available to purchase now!

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Freshly graduated from high school, Emerson is ready to live it up in college…except his mom tells him he needs to learn discipline before she’ll help him pay for college. Her caveat for paying is that he needs to spend the summer working hard on his aunt’s farm. There he meets Jasper, a country boy that is less than impressed with Emerson’s ability as a farmhand and demeanour. As they get to know each other, the animosity lessens, and they start to…notice each other 😈

This book has EXCELLENT tropes and themes:
-country boy x city boy
-only one bed
-forced proximity
-animosity to lovers
-“I’m not gay,” they say as they check each other out
-navigating difficult family situations
-coming of age vibes (the characters are like 18-19)
-a cute little brother

This book is a quick and easy read, and will definitely be enjoyed by those who love a fun buildup to a relationship. I was definitely most locked-in at the beginning, when the MCs were antagonistic with each other.

This book also explores themes of difficult family situations. For example, Jasper’s dad lives with a chronic injury, and this is a big part of Jasper’s life. You could tell that the author put a lot of thought into these aspects of the characters’ lives. I’ll also note that the characters are young, and they definitely act their age 😂

This book is quite short, so it doesn’t get quite too deep with things, and the romance is very fast paced, but this also makes it an easy read to get through and enjoy. 😊

[Angela I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story couldn’t have been more wholesome if it tried, and it was exactly what I needed right now.

Emerson, a spoiled city boy, gets sent to the small country town of Kensley to spend the summer working on his aunt’s farm.
Enters Jasper: pure country boy, stubborn as they come, and absolutely unimpressed by Emerson’s city charm.

Forced to work side by side, they bicker, banter, and drive each other nuts… until all that tension finally snaps in very satisfying ways.

Both boys melted my heart for different reasons, but watching them slowly accept each other : flaws, differences, and all (eventually) was genuinely beautiful. 💛

Now I definitely need to go back and read the Kensley Panthers series, because I’m pretty sure I caught a few cameos!

𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑣𝑖𝑎 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑚 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Crossroads is a MM romance story about Emerson and Jasper.

Emerson is a straight, spoiled city boy. His mom sends him to work at his Aunt Kelly’s farm in Kensley for the summer; otherwise she won’t pay for him to go to college. Jasper is a straight, grumpy country boy. He works and lives as a farmhand on Kelly’s property. Emerson and Jasper can’t stand each other right from the start. They constantly push each other’s buttons until one day they finally snap, and we get one hot hookup.

Emerson and Jasper give into their attraction, but they know it can only really be a summer fling. Emerson wants to go to college in the city and travel while Jasper wants a quiet life in the country. Will it be possible for them to have a future together??

It was so sweet seeing Emerson and Jasper fall for each other. I enjoyed watching them grow as individuals as well as together. They both were dealing with family struggles, and my heart went out to Jasper and his family. In the end, it was wonderful to see Emerson and Jasper figure out who they are and where they belonged. This was such a great opposites attract, small town romance story.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Brooke (reads by b) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
Emerson & Jasper

I’ve said it many times, but Nicole is just my go to for sweet love stories. This one had me in my feels for a few chapters, but in the best way.

These two are so freaking sweet together. I live for queer awakening and a double?! Even better. These two falling for each other was just everything.

I wasn’t sure in which direction she’d take their story, but I LOVED it. This epilogue was just the most perfect way their story could have ended. I’d HAPPILY read more about them. The character growth was so good too!

If you don’t like (fresh out of) high school romances, you can just pretend they are older- they both seem so mature you really kind of forget they are 18. Don’t miss out on this one!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma’am you’ve done it again! I absolutely loved these two.

I think opposites attract is one of my favorite tropes and this one was perfect. You’ve got Emerson, the troubled city boy, who is sent to live with his Aunt on the Wright Farm in Kensley. And Jasper, the country boy, who is the farm hand and lives on Wright Farm.

Emerson just thinks he’s a disappointment to his parents. Jasper is going through a break up with the girl he thought he was going to spend forever with. And his dad was hurt at work and has not been the same since.

Jasper gets tasked with showing Emerson the ropes around the farm. The two automatically can’t stand one another. Emerson does whatever he can to get under Jasper's skin and he’s a pro at it. The constant push and pull between them made for some excellent tension. But when they finally give in to what they’re feeling? Ugh it was so good!

I loved watching their walls come down and fall for one another, it was everything. The growth, chemistry, feelings it was just perfection.

I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

[Kim Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens if two different worlds collide?
Emerson is a city boy through and through. He loves expensive stuff, partying hard and has no feeling for responsibilities. Jasper is a farmer boy, and he works for Emerson's ant at their farm. When Emerson is forced to also help at this farm, their paths cross and worlds collide ❤️‍🔥

They may not stand each other at the beginning of this story, but that changes over time 🥰 soon, they can’t stay away from each other, loving every second of it.

I really loved this book, and there was a lot happening in a short period of time. The depths of the characters was surprising, but amazingly written. I was so hyped for these boys 💕

[Lea Branov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossroads is 100% a top 5 Nicole Dykes book for me. This was so so good. I loved the bit of angst we got in the first half and how sweet Emerson and Jasper were in the second half. The side characters- 10/10. I had a great time with this and I can’t wait for what Nicole Dykes has coming next.

[laura cabezas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars 🩶 - jasper & emerson

“You’re a spoiled little brat with expensive shoes and an attitude I don’t like,” he says through gritted teeth.
“And you’re a holier than thou, angry country boy with an attitude I don’t like,” I spit out.

now kiss. obsessed with the dynamic. this was too much fun. so, i read all of nicole’s books and i can solidly say crossroads is in my absolute top 3 (along with hostile & hail mary). it hit like crack honestly, everything about it worked for me. the storyline, the pacing, the characters. i loved our side characters and appreciated that they weren’t over meddling (those who know me know i despise the really meddling family/friend characters in some books😭). the progression from disliking each other to realising they had feelings was also at a suitable pace, i really can’t sing praises enough to be honest. jasper & emerson were both such good characters that i grew to love and care for very easily. you could see why they clashed and both had their pride but it really was no match for the soulmateism of it all. j’adore btw.

i loooove the spoiled city person who gets sent to the country to sort themselves out trope and this delivered. i love being able to see them not only fall in love with their soulmate but also the other people around them and the place they’re in. i loved joining emerson on his journey, i loved him, jasper and all our motley Kensley crew. it’s a very feel good romance.

“We’re together. Okay? You and me forever.”

i’ve said in a previous review of another great book that i love when authors really make you fall in love with the characters love and it was so good easy and beautiful to care for jasper & emerson and just want them to be together and happy. i really felt every emotion they did and honestly did not want to put this book down.

epilogue was so sweet too. you will not regret jumping into their world and their love. highly recommend :)

“So Jasper—the grumpy, “straight” country boy has plans for me.
And I, the also fairly grumpy, “straight” city boy, can’t fucking wait to find out what they are.”

i received an ARC from the lovely Nicole and am voluntarily leaving a review :)

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro es de esos que te dejan el corazón bonito. Los protagonistas son completamente REALES: están en sus casi 20, recién salidos del instituto, buscando que hacer con su futuro, a ver que sentí que estaba TODO BIEN ESCRITO y eso me encanto. La historia es BUENISIMA, como estos dos se descubrieron, como no hay un gran drama cuando por fin están juntos, el tema "chico de la ciudad x chico de pueblo" es uno que me encanta y aquí solo tengo ojos de corazón por estos dos, me encanto que SIGUIERAN lo que su corazón les dijo, ese final fue HERMOSO, es que este es el libro perfecto para cuando uno quiere leer cuando la vida esta patas para arriba y solo quieres un abrazo (aunque aviso que tiene temas delicados pero bien representados).

---

This book is one of those that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The main characters are completely REAL: they're in their late teens, fresh out of high school, trying to figure out what to do with their future, I felt like EVERYTHING WAS WELL WRITTEN, and I loved that. The story is GREAT, how these two discovered each other, how there isn't any big drama when they finally get together. I love the “city boy x small-town” theme, and here I only have eyes of love for these two. I loved that they FOLLOWED what their hearts told them. That ending was BEAUTIFUL. This is the perfect book to read when your life is upside down and you just want a hug (although I should warn you that it deals with sensitive themes, but they are well represented).

📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

[fortheloveofmmromancebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

Emerson has lived a very nice life and is soon off to college. He has never had to pay for anything, as his parents have always done so. His Mom is happy to pay for college for him, but she has one condition. Emerson must spend the summer working at his Aunt’s ranch in Kensley, Kansas. Not happy, Emerson agrees, reluctantly.

Jasper loves his job living and working at Wright’s farm. He hears about the new city boy coming to stay for the summer, who he has to show the ropes to. Once he sees him in his posh clothes, Jasper knows he has his work cut out, they don't get off to the best start.

After being hostile towards one another, Jasper and Emerson snap and end up hooking up. They both identify as straight , but they are attracted to each other.
Completing his summer in Kensley, he wants to go to California to college, but he didn't expect leaving Kensley to be so hard, especially after falling in love with Jasper. With Jasper in Kansas and Emerson in California, how can they make their love work?

Everything Nicole Dykes writes at the moment, I need to read. I adored how these characters navigated their attraction and subsequent love for each other. There were no question asked from their families about their love, it was just accepted. I felt for Jasper having such a weight on his shoulders at a young age. Logan, his little brother was so sweet and thought Jasper had hung the moon. The writing, as always with Nicole’s books is sublime and flows wonderfully.
I niw need to finish the Kensley Panthers series.

[✶ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Nicole Dykes and I am really happy that I discovered her as an author. Crossroads is an amazing book with themes that mean a lot to me and the romance is top tier.

I really liked how the story is kept realistic and honest. The characters are young and they definitely act their age, not in a negative/annoying type of way but endearing and entertaining. I was cheering them on as their relationship grew, it was so so sweet and fun to see. There's a good balance of banter and humor vs. emotional and heartfelt. And oh did I love all the jealousy moments. I also really liked learning about both Jasper's and Emerson's family dynamics, they're very different and it gives great insight to how they became who they are.

I do have some critique points, namely the writing seeming a bit unpolished at times. We're told that the California college life is his dream but it didn't really translate on page, it felt like something he wanted to do to get away from his parents and not for the sake of his own future.
His major is supposedly photography, but the mention is so brief it felt insignificant and there wasn't any interest/passion from him and it felt rather random.
I also wish that we could've seen more of a development in Emerson's and Millie's relationship. I feel like they could've been great friends, and they are family, after all.

Nevertheless, I do adore Emerson and Jasper's story and I'm excited to read more from this author!

**ARC review**

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossroads
Nicole Dykes

Jasper & Emerson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

City vs Country
Self discovery
Opposites attract
Rich / Poor
Double Bi-awakening

This was such a sweet, swoony emotional romance love story.

Two men from 2 different worlds. Both have never been with a man before.

They both find something in each other.
Something just pure and right.

“Make me yours,” I breathe. He looks down at me, resting between my parted legs and drags his hand over my cheek. “Oh, Jasper, don’t you know?” My eyes flick up to his in question. “You’re already mine.”

I adored their story. The bits of lust at the beginning, the back and forth, this is just for the summer to, I can't live without you.

“You’re perfect, Emerson. Everything about you is so damn beautiful.”

In the beginning their worlds clashed. Not trusting each other. As time went on we saw the layers stripped from each of them, then we saw the real vulnerability.

They were so sweet. So spicy too. They were fantastic together.

I also adored the found family aspect of all of Nicole Dykes books. I'm also glad we got to see some cameos from previous characters in her other books.

“Who knew I’d fall for the grumpy farm boy?” “No one.” I shake my head. “Who knew I’d fall for the spoiled city boy?”

This was a wonderful romantic book.

A great read.

So thankful for this arc.