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Trouble Brewing: Crossroads Ranch
An addictive, spicy enemies-to-lovers western romance
Welcome to Scandal, North Dakota, where loyalty runs deep and rivalries never die—especially between a country girl and a city boy who’s forgotten his roots…
Calder
I swore I’d never return to my family ranch and brewery. Those memories are best left buried in the dust. But when my father passes, it’s on me to sell up. The problem? Meredith Winslow—the girl running my father’s business. Except she’s no longer a girl… In those tight jeans, with a hotter-than-hell smirk and a fiery temper to match, she’s all woman. And she’s refusing to leave.
Meredith agrees to show me the ropes so I can help out until we sell. It’s exhausting work, so why can’t I sleep at night? Is it the paper-thin wall between us, the question of what she’s wearing to bed, or the thought of taking away the only home she’s ever known?
Meredith
I’ve worn my boots to the bone at Crossroads Ranch, feeding the horses by day and serving beer to the locals by night. Then brooding, bossy, sex-in-a-suit Calder turns up to kick the door closed on my life with one perfectly polished shoe.
This is the place I grew up wild and free. Calder says we have to leave it all behind. And I can’t let that happen…
Because somewhere between the eye rolls and heated arguments, early morning starts turn into late night flirting. Calling last orders turns into roaming hands and finally knowing what his stubble feels like against my neck. Riding side-by-side with our legs brushing turns into a hard, fast, stolen moment against a fence post…
Our chemistry burns hotter than any North Dakota summer. But this man might take everything from me—and if he keeps looking at me with those sparkling brown eyes, I’m worried I might just hand it right to him…
Welcome to Scandal, North Dakota, where loyalty runs deep and rivalries never die—especially between a country girl and a city boy who’s forgotten his roots…
Calder
I swore I’d never return to my family ranch and brewery. Those memories are best left buried in the dust. But when my father passes, it’s on me to sell up. The problem? Meredith Winslow—the girl running my father’s business. Except she’s no longer a girl… In those tight jeans, with a hotter-than-hell smirk and a fiery temper to match, she’s all woman. And she’s refusing to leave.
Meredith agrees to show me the ropes so I can help out until we sell. It’s exhausting work, so why can’t I sleep at night? Is it the paper-thin wall between us, the question of what she’s wearing to bed, or the thought of taking away the only home she’s ever known?
Meredith
I’ve worn my boots to the bone at Crossroads Ranch, feeding the horses by day and serving beer to the locals by night. Then brooding, bossy, sex-in-a-suit Calder turns up to kick the door closed on my life with one perfectly polished shoe.
This is the place I grew up wild and free. Calder says we have to leave it all behind. And I can’t let that happen…
Because somewhere between the eye rolls and heated arguments, early morning starts turn into late night flirting. Calling last orders turns into roaming hands and finally knowing what his stubble feels like against my neck. Riding side-by-side with our legs brushing turns into a hard, fast, stolen moment against a fence post…
Our chemistry burns hotter than any North Dakota summer. But this man might take everything from me—and if he keeps looking at me with those sparkling brown eyes, I’m worried I might just hand it right to him…
Audible Audio
Published June 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW
First off I love a good enemies to lovers. The more they dislike each other the better.
SECOND…. A cliffhanger?!? The ending of the book had me 🤯🤯🤯🤯
First off I love a good enemies to lovers. The more they dislike each other the better.
SECOND…. A cliffhanger?!? The ending of the book had me 🤯🤯🤯🤯
Read
July 14, 2026DNF @85%
July 12, 2026
Trouble Brewing is book 1 in the Crossroads Ranch series. This is my first Walker Rose book and when I saw it on NetGalley I knew I was keen to listen. I did however forget to download it before it was arrived so went and purchased it on audible haha!
Meredith has spent years helping run the ranch and brewery, so when Calder comes back wanting to sell after the death of her sister and his dad, she isn’t exactly welcoming him home with open arms. Calder has plenty of anger and resentment tied to the ranch and his fathers history with Meredith sister,, and although I understood where some of it came from, there were definitely moments when I wanted to shake him. Meredith was strong and definitely didn’t take it from him, and their arguing, nicknames and general annoyance with each other were entertaining.
Their attraction builds fast, with plenty of tension from the start. They go from arguing to giving in to it pretty quickly! I enjoyed their romance, but the mystery and the wider family dynamics added just as much to the story.
The side characters in this book were all fantastic, and I loved Merediths relationship with Sawyer. Talk about BFF! Those girls had each others backs!
The audiobook is performed in dual narration by @michellesparks and @troyduran, and they were both fantastic. Michelle gave Meredith plenty of attitude and emotion, while Troy was such a good fit for Calder. He does the grumpy, bossy and slightly broody character so well. The banter felt natural and they did a great job with he more emotional scenes. The narration absolutely enhanced the story!
A story of love, self sacrifice, grief and acceptance, which was done so well and I thoroughly enjoyed it
The romance does get its resolution, but the mystery ends on a cliffhanger. I had a few suspicions, but I still need to know what happens next! Looking forward to Sawyer and Bowens story in November!
Thank you @walkerorse @netgalley and @bookoture for the ALC
⭐ Story: 4
🎧 Narration: 4.5
🌶️ Spice: 3
Meredith has spent years helping run the ranch and brewery, so when Calder comes back wanting to sell after the death of her sister and his dad, she isn’t exactly welcoming him home with open arms. Calder has plenty of anger and resentment tied to the ranch and his fathers history with Meredith sister,, and although I understood where some of it came from, there were definitely moments when I wanted to shake him. Meredith was strong and definitely didn’t take it from him, and their arguing, nicknames and general annoyance with each other were entertaining.
Their attraction builds fast, with plenty of tension from the start. They go from arguing to giving in to it pretty quickly! I enjoyed their romance, but the mystery and the wider family dynamics added just as much to the story.
The side characters in this book were all fantastic, and I loved Merediths relationship with Sawyer. Talk about BFF! Those girls had each others backs!
The audiobook is performed in dual narration by @michellesparks and @troyduran, and they were both fantastic. Michelle gave Meredith plenty of attitude and emotion, while Troy was such a good fit for Calder. He does the grumpy, bossy and slightly broody character so well. The banter felt natural and they did a great job with he more emotional scenes. The narration absolutely enhanced the story!
A story of love, self sacrifice, grief and acceptance, which was done so well and I thoroughly enjoyed it
The romance does get its resolution, but the mystery ends on a cliffhanger. I had a few suspicions, but I still need to know what happens next! Looking forward to Sawyer and Bowens story in November!
Thank you @walkerorse @netgalley and @bookoture for the ALC
⭐ Story: 4
🎧 Narration: 4.5
🌶️ Spice: 3
June 28, 2026
Trouble Brewing by Walker Rose is a compelling story of resilience, family secrets, and unexpected love. From the moment the story began, I was fully invested in the lives of Meredith and Calder.
Meredith is the heart of this story—a strong, independent country woman who has been through so much. After the mysterious car crash that took her stepfather and older sister, she has been working tirelessly to keep both the family brewery and the ranch afloat. Her grit and dedication make her a heroine you can't help but admire.
Then there is Calder, the "city boy" who returns to the ranch and brewery he once called home. As the son of Meredith’s late stepfather, their connection is complicated (especially since Meredith’s sister was once married to his father), but the chemistry is undeniable. I loved the playful dynamic between them, particularly the nickname Meredith gives him: "Mc-Bossy."
I was instantly drawn to the slow-burn relationship between Calder and Meredith. They are two people you genuinely want to root for from the very beginning. Walker Rose does an excellent job building the tension between them while they navigate their shared grief and the responsibilities of the ranch.
Fair warning: the cliffhanger at the end is intense! It left me reeling and desperate to find out what happens next in the series.
I listened to the audiobook version, and Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran did an amazing job narrating. They truly brought the characters to life. I especially enjoyed Troy Duran’s performance; he captured the Southern drawl perfectly, adding such an authentic layer to the listening experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing this ALC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Meredith is the heart of this story—a strong, independent country woman who has been through so much. After the mysterious car crash that took her stepfather and older sister, she has been working tirelessly to keep both the family brewery and the ranch afloat. Her grit and dedication make her a heroine you can't help but admire.
Then there is Calder, the "city boy" who returns to the ranch and brewery he once called home. As the son of Meredith’s late stepfather, their connection is complicated (especially since Meredith’s sister was once married to his father), but the chemistry is undeniable. I loved the playful dynamic between them, particularly the nickname Meredith gives him: "Mc-Bossy."
I was instantly drawn to the slow-burn relationship between Calder and Meredith. They are two people you genuinely want to root for from the very beginning. Walker Rose does an excellent job building the tension between them while they navigate their shared grief and the responsibilities of the ranch.
Fair warning: the cliffhanger at the end is intense! It left me reeling and desperate to find out what happens next in the series.
I listened to the audiobook version, and Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran did an amazing job narrating. They truly brought the characters to life. I especially enjoyed Troy Duran’s performance; he captured the Southern drawl perfectly, adding such an authentic layer to the listening experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing this ALC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
🎧 Audiobook
🎙️ Narrated by Michelle Sparks & Troy Duran
⭐ 3.5 stars
Welcome to Scandal, North Dakota, where loyalty runs deep and rivalries never die—especially between a country girl and a city boy who's forgotten his roots.
Calder returns to the family ranch and brewery he swore he'd never see again, only to find Meredith Winslow still running the place—and refusing to let him sell the only home she's ever known. What follows is a classic enemies-to-lovers romance full of banter, chemistry, and small-town charm.
I enjoyed the overall plot and the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Once certain questions started being asked, I had pretty much guessed the ending about halfway through, so there weren't many surprises left by the time everything came together. Still, it was an enjoyable listen and enough to make me want to continue with the series.
That said, I don't think I'll carry on in audiobook format. Michelle Sparks' breathy narration style took some getting used to and, unfortunately, I found it distracting throughout much of Meredith's chapters. On the other hand, I really liked Troy Duran's narration and thought he suited Calder perfectly.
I'm interested enough in the series to continue, especially to see more of the brothers, though if the next book focuses on the brother and the vet, I'll probably pick it up in ebook form instead.
Overall: A solid small-town romance with enjoyable chemistry and plenty of sparks, but a predictable ending and mixed feelings about the narration kept it from being a higher-rated listen. 3.5⭐
🎧 Audiobook
🎙️ Narrated by Michelle Sparks & Troy Duran
⭐ 3.5 stars
Welcome to Scandal, North Dakota, where loyalty runs deep and rivalries never die—especially between a country girl and a city boy who's forgotten his roots.
Calder returns to the family ranch and brewery he swore he'd never see again, only to find Meredith Winslow still running the place—and refusing to let him sell the only home she's ever known. What follows is a classic enemies-to-lovers romance full of banter, chemistry, and small-town charm.
I enjoyed the overall plot and the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Once certain questions started being asked, I had pretty much guessed the ending about halfway through, so there weren't many surprises left by the time everything came together. Still, it was an enjoyable listen and enough to make me want to continue with the series.
That said, I don't think I'll carry on in audiobook format. Michelle Sparks' breathy narration style took some getting used to and, unfortunately, I found it distracting throughout much of Meredith's chapters. On the other hand, I really liked Troy Duran's narration and thought he suited Calder perfectly.
I'm interested enough in the series to continue, especially to see more of the brothers, though if the next book focuses on the brother and the vet, I'll probably pick it up in ebook form instead.
Overall: A solid small-town romance with enjoyable chemistry and plenty of sparks, but a predictable ending and mixed feelings about the narration kept it from being a higher-rated listen. 3.5⭐
June 24, 2026
Trouble Brewing is the first book in Walker Rose’s Crossroads Ranch series and the first audio I have listened to out of her books (I have read both her Foster House and Bourbon Canyon series).
I’ve only started listening to audiobooks this year, but this one is a great example of why I’ve been enjoying them so much. It gives you such a different perspective to the story, and a lot of that comes down to the narrators.
Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran were the perfect choices for Meredith and Calder, although I did at times struggle with the I guess breathyness of Meredith (if you listen and can think of a better description please let me know!). They brought so much personality to the characters, and their delivery of the banter, tension, and emotional moments made it easy to get completely invested in the story.
The story follows Calder and Meredith, and from the beginning there is plenty of tension between them.
Meredith is determined, hardworking, and not afraid to stand her ground, while Calder is very resistant with a chip on his shoulder.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching them navigate their attraction while dealing with their own baggage made for an entertaining and emotional read.
You can certainly understand why Calder feels the way he does, even if his hurt is maybe projected incorrectly (sorry making this spoiler free!)
There is definitely spice…. so I would strongly recommend not listening to this with the kids in the car. 🤭
Thanks to Walker Rose, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sending me this ALC. This review is my own personal opinion x
I’ve only started listening to audiobooks this year, but this one is a great example of why I’ve been enjoying them so much. It gives you such a different perspective to the story, and a lot of that comes down to the narrators.
Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran were the perfect choices for Meredith and Calder, although I did at times struggle with the I guess breathyness of Meredith (if you listen and can think of a better description please let me know!). They brought so much personality to the characters, and their delivery of the banter, tension, and emotional moments made it easy to get completely invested in the story.
The story follows Calder and Meredith, and from the beginning there is plenty of tension between them.
Meredith is determined, hardworking, and not afraid to stand her ground, while Calder is very resistant with a chip on his shoulder.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching them navigate their attraction while dealing with their own baggage made for an entertaining and emotional read.
You can certainly understand why Calder feels the way he does, even if his hurt is maybe projected incorrectly (sorry making this spoiler free!)
There is definitely spice…. so I would strongly recommend not listening to this with the kids in the car. 🤭
Thanks to Walker Rose, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sending me this ALC. This review is my own personal opinion x
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 ⭐️ - The series has potential
Trouble Brewing is a small-town enemies to lovers romance between Meredith, a country girl and Calder, a city boy who has forgotten his country roots. After the tragic deaths of Calder’s father and stepmother (who is also Meredith’s half-sister) Calder comes back to the town and ranch he grew up on, only to find the forgotten young girl he knew has grown into a beautiful woman who hates being attracted to.
I struggled with the beginning of this book, while I liked Troy Duran’s narration of Calder’s POV it was hard for me to get into and get used to Michelle Sparks’ narration of Meredith’s POV. It was really breathy and it made the insta-lust thoughts Meredith was having so cringey.
But as I pushed through I got used to the narrator and as Calder and Meredith’s emotional relationship developed I got more invested in the story. Especially with the mystery plot line that sets up the rest of the series. I think the insta-lust was what I struggled with especially since this was enemies to lovers. I just prefer a more slow burn approach to this trope.
Overall this series has a lot of potential and I would definitely continue it.
Overall Rating : 3 ⭐️
Story: 3.5 ⭐️
Narration: 2 ⭐️
Spice : 3 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC and opportunity to review this book.
Trouble Brewing is a small-town enemies to lovers romance between Meredith, a country girl and Calder, a city boy who has forgotten his country roots. After the tragic deaths of Calder’s father and stepmother (who is also Meredith’s half-sister) Calder comes back to the town and ranch he grew up on, only to find the forgotten young girl he knew has grown into a beautiful woman who hates being attracted to.
I struggled with the beginning of this book, while I liked Troy Duran’s narration of Calder’s POV it was hard for me to get into and get used to Michelle Sparks’ narration of Meredith’s POV. It was really breathy and it made the insta-lust thoughts Meredith was having so cringey.
But as I pushed through I got used to the narrator and as Calder and Meredith’s emotional relationship developed I got more invested in the story. Especially with the mystery plot line that sets up the rest of the series. I think the insta-lust was what I struggled with especially since this was enemies to lovers. I just prefer a more slow burn approach to this trope.
Overall this series has a lot of potential and I would definitely continue it.
Overall Rating : 3 ⭐️
Story: 3.5 ⭐️
Narration: 2 ⭐️
Spice : 3 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC and opportunity to review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to like this one, and I liked the whole idea of the ranch boy come home after a family tragedy and the girl left behind.
But for me I struggled with the narration for Meredith. As one of the rare people who likes to listen at x1 speed for audiobooks I could not stand how breathy and drawn out Michelle Sparks narrated. Every time her parts would come on I'd cringe and struggle to stay invested. In the end I had to speed up to 1.5x just to be able to finish the book which was frustrating as it meant that Calder's perspective was not the experience I wanted. I did however enjoy his chapters far more and could listen to that man speak for days.
If I'd read this as a physical copy rather than listened to the audio I think I would have enjoyed this far more, but if you listen faster then I imagine this will not be a problem for you and is more of a 'me' issue than the book itself.
I liked the cliffhanger ending, and I may pick up the actual book for the next in the series, but for me the audio would be a no.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to an advance copy of this book.
But for me I struggled with the narration for Meredith. As one of the rare people who likes to listen at x1 speed for audiobooks I could not stand how breathy and drawn out Michelle Sparks narrated. Every time her parts would come on I'd cringe and struggle to stay invested. In the end I had to speed up to 1.5x just to be able to finish the book which was frustrating as it meant that Calder's perspective was not the experience I wanted. I did however enjoy his chapters far more and could listen to that man speak for days.
If I'd read this as a physical copy rather than listened to the audio I think I would have enjoyed this far more, but if you listen faster then I imagine this will not be a problem for you and is more of a 'me' issue than the book itself.
I liked the cliffhanger ending, and I may pick up the actual book for the next in the series, but for me the audio would be a no.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to an advance copy of this book.
June 24, 2026
Another chef's kiss of an audiobook production! Loved the duel PoV and the narrators were perfection - they both gave exceptional performances and suited the country vibes.
Now for the plot. Look, this book should've worked well on paper: small town, mystery, extra-spicy romance, messy family dynamics, returned country boy (who's now a LOADED city big shot). Lot's to love right? But I found the whole premise so hard to get into, and the supposed 'slow burn' was intense insta-lust. In fact, the entire romantic arc was SO heavily reliant on their physical connection (they'd do it instead of talk about ANYTHING) it just wasn't believable and the angst was non-existent.
What this book did do well (like insanely well) was set the premise for the rest of the series and it planted some major seeds! THAT LAST CHAPTER. Oh, my word.
Already know I'll be picking up the rest of the series (already have my sneaky suspicions as to who ends up with who).
Massive thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the chance to listen to this.
Now for the plot. Look, this book should've worked well on paper: small town, mystery, extra-spicy romance, messy family dynamics, returned country boy (who's now a LOADED city big shot). Lot's to love right? But I found the whole premise so hard to get into, and the supposed 'slow burn' was intense insta-lust. In fact, the entire romantic arc was SO heavily reliant on their physical connection (they'd do it instead of talk about ANYTHING) it just wasn't believable and the angst was non-existent.
What this book did do well (like insanely well) was set the premise for the rest of the series and it planted some major seeds! THAT LAST CHAPTER. Oh, my word.
Already know I'll be picking up the rest of the series (already have my sneaky suspicions as to who ends up with who).
Massive thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the chance to listen to this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Enemies to lovers
Small town
Cowboy romance
Workplace romance
He owns the brewery and she manages it
Dual POV - 1st person
Dual narration - Troy Duran & Michelle Sparks
I love these two narrators they both always perform so fabulously
Book #1 Crossroads Ranch series
The cover drew me in first, then I read the blurb, then I saw the narrators and knew I needed this book in my ears. I was slightly disappointed that it is not duet narration however these narrators did a great job in dual narration style. The book takes a little bit to get into as it is a little bit quick that the MC's go from hating each other to hooking up fairly quickly. Reconnecting after 20 years apart the tension is thick between these two.
Overall, this was a good book. Not the best Cowboy romance I have read but it was still very enjoyable. I will definitely be reading book 2 because I NEED to know what happens next... That ending had my jaw on the floor.
Small town
Cowboy romance
Workplace romance
He owns the brewery and she manages it
Dual POV - 1st person
Dual narration - Troy Duran & Michelle Sparks
I love these two narrators they both always perform so fabulously
Book #1 Crossroads Ranch series
The cover drew me in first, then I read the blurb, then I saw the narrators and knew I needed this book in my ears. I was slightly disappointed that it is not duet narration however these narrators did a great job in dual narration style. The book takes a little bit to get into as it is a little bit quick that the MC's go from hating each other to hooking up fairly quickly. Reconnecting after 20 years apart the tension is thick between these two.
Overall, this was a good book. Not the best Cowboy romance I have read but it was still very enjoyable. I will definitely be reading book 2 because I NEED to know what happens next... That ending had my jaw on the floor.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
4.25 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ALC
As an audio reread I still enjoyed this story. The narrators did a decent job. Maybe not my favorite audiobook, but good enough. I have loved all the books I've read from this author and this one is no different. This story pulled me right in. I was fully invested and looking at everything from both sides. I would definitely say there is some insta lust between Calder & Meredith. It didn't totally put me off though and I enjoyed how their romance played out. The bit of mystery surrounding the accident was intriguing and left us with questions at the end. I didn't see a cliffhanger coming 😅 but I suppose I should have. With our couple having an HEA I can only assume the next book will be one of the brothers and I am definitely here for that. Especially if it's a certain tech guy and the ranch vet 🤭
4.25 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ALC
As an audio reread I still enjoyed this story. The narrators did a decent job. Maybe not my favorite audiobook, but good enough. I have loved all the books I've read from this author and this one is no different. This story pulled me right in. I was fully invested and looking at everything from both sides. I would definitely say there is some insta lust between Calder & Meredith. It didn't totally put me off though and I enjoyed how their romance played out. The bit of mystery surrounding the accident was intriguing and left us with questions at the end. I didn't see a cliffhanger coming 😅 but I suppose I should have. With our couple having an HEA I can only assume the next book will be one of the brothers and I am definitely here for that. Especially if it's a certain tech guy and the ranch vet 🤭
June 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was a really fun small town romance! I’ve read plenty of books in this subgenre but I can’t remember reading one with an ongoing mystery woven through the story so I thought that was unique. The mystery added an extra layer of intrigue, and the cliffhanger ending definitely has me curious to see where the series goes next. The audiobook narrators were also fantastic and brought a lot of life to the characters.
While I enjoyed the romance, it wasn’t necessarily the standout part of the book for me. I found some of the character dynamics more compelling, even when they were frustrating. There were moments where I struggled with certain characters and their choices (HOLLY), and I felt like some perspectives were given more grace than others. That said, the story kept me engaged, the mystery was interesting, and I’m definitely planning to continue the series.
This was a really fun small town romance! I’ve read plenty of books in this subgenre but I can’t remember reading one with an ongoing mystery woven through the story so I thought that was unique. The mystery added an extra layer of intrigue, and the cliffhanger ending definitely has me curious to see where the series goes next. The audiobook narrators were also fantastic and brought a lot of life to the characters.
While I enjoyed the romance, it wasn’t necessarily the standout part of the book for me. I found some of the character dynamics more compelling, even when they were frustrating. There were moments where I struggled with certain characters and their choices (HOLLY), and I felt like some perspectives were given more grace than others. That said, the story kept me engaged, the mystery was interesting, and I’m definitely planning to continue the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Deducting one star because I felt like the only reason the internal monologues expressed in terms of reasoning for their love was sexual chemistry. HOWEVER the sexual chemistry was great and I feel like the author did a good job of showing us why they gravitated towards each other even when they didn't quite understand it themselves. I just like slightly more self aware main characters. I loved the city boy returning home to the country and realizing he has always craved the home he grew up in. The tension and arguments were very reasonable and the main characters handled everything with the maturity that I would expect from troubled 30-40 somethings (unclear how old fmc was).
Looking forward to the rest of the series. My only complaint with the narration is that I wish it was done in duet, but I'm spoiled 😅
Both the narrators did an excellent job, I never lost immersion and the volumes were consistent.
Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Looking forward to the rest of the series. My only complaint with the narration is that I wish it was done in duet, but I'm spoiled 😅
Both the narrators did an excellent job, I never lost immersion and the volumes were consistent.
Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.
June 26, 2026
This is a really fun small town, cowboy romance. The title is absolutely perfect for this story. The conflict was right there from the start, and I was hooked. Calder comes back to the family ranch/brewery after his father passes away unexpectedly. Meredith Winslow, who is also mourning the loss of her sister, is running the place. They are not fond of each other. This was a very fun enemies to lovers trope with great banter. The chemistry between these two sizzled. The writing was solid and the emotion hit me in all the feels. There were some twists and turns which I loved. The spice was perfect. I thought the narrators Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran did a great job bringing this book and the characters to life. They were a solid choice. I am really looking forward to the next book! I received his book from Bookouture and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed listening to this one and reading it. Loved the enemies to lovers and small town vibe in this book. It's got all kinds of tension, banter, emotion, humor, romance and so much more. Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran delivered a really good performance. These two narrators brought out all the qualities that made this narrative what it is. I liked how they brought the story to life. This was a fantastic story. And now after that ending, I can't wait to see what's next in the series. A huge thanks to Negalley, Bookouture Audio, and the author for a copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story was a study in grief, family, and love. All come in many forms and everyone experiences them differently and this book shows us that and more. Calder Cross is the kind of man we all wish existed. He knows he has flaws and emotional baggage but he is learning and growing through his grief f losing his dad (and his mom years earlier). Meredith has lost so much and now has to face losing her livelihood along with her sister and brother in law who were both older and like her parents. They clash and wade through their grief until they realize that they are perfect for each other.
The narrators were perfect for these characters and brought the emotion when telling this story.
The narrators were perfect for these characters and brought the emotion when telling this story.
July 2, 2026
Why are we presented with somewhat of a mystery with no plans to solve it? Did they really just veer off the road? I liked all the characters as individuals, which is a plus. I wasn’t a fan of how quickly Meredith and Calder came to be but I did appreciate the realness of her decisions in the third act. Also, her sister and his father didn’t have many redeeming qualities, but they were presented as flawed humans, which I appreciated! At any rate, not one I’d probably pick up to re-read, but I may consider the next one in the series. The narrators were great! Thank you to bookouture audio and @netgalley for then advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this! The premise was original and makes for a strong series starter. Calder and Meredith are drawn together after a car accident that takes the lives of a couple, his father and her sister. Calder and his brothers had left town after they got together, and now must return to deal with the aftermath and to take care of the family business, one that Meredith has been supporting. This was messy and had great tension. I can't wait to see where Walker Rose takes the story next.
June 24, 2026
4.5 stars! GG give us some half stars please!
This is the first book in the Crossroads Ranch series. What a great way to start this series. We have an enemies to lovers cowboy romance. She’s a country girl and he is now a city boy who was a country boy many years before. Although we have a conclusion to their story in the end we still have a story going on in the background. So now I need the next book please!
I think this book was great and the narrators did an amazing job. I would recommend for sure. This is the first book I have read/listened to by Walker Rose and won’t be the last!
This is the first book in the Crossroads Ranch series. What a great way to start this series. We have an enemies to lovers cowboy romance. She’s a country girl and he is now a city boy who was a country boy many years before. Although we have a conclusion to their story in the end we still have a story going on in the background. So now I need the next book please!
I think this book was great and the narrators did an amazing job. I would recommend for sure. This is the first book I have read/listened to by Walker Rose and won’t be the last!
June 26, 2026
Going into this audiobook, I was not expecting a mystery subplot! It peeked my interest immediately and kept me hooked alongside the romance. I also really enjoyed the duel narration. While not my favorite style, I thought the narrators did a phenomenal job. The female narrator was a little too much at times, but I much prefer that over a flat one. This ended with a cliffhanger and I am SO excited for the next book and will be listening! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me listen to this early.
July 6, 2026
I've got the audiobook, narrated by Michelle Sparks and Troy Duran. Damn, those narrators brought the story and the emotions to life perfectly. They made the spicy scenes even hotter!
Calder & Meredith are the perfect enemies-to-lovers couple. I absolutely loved their banter and their chemistry.
The tropes you'll find in this book: brewery, small town, workplace romance, cowboy, and enemies to lovers.
Even though I suspected it... THAT LAST WORD. Pleeeeease tell me we won't have to wait too long for more!
Calder & Meredith are the perfect enemies-to-lovers couple. I absolutely loved their banter and their chemistry.
The tropes you'll find in this book: brewery, small town, workplace romance, cowboy, and enemies to lovers.
Even though I suspected it... THAT LAST WORD. Pleeeeease tell me we won't have to wait too long for more!
July 17, 2026
This is a force proximity romance where our two main characters are staying in the same house because their dad and Sister perished. Our FMC Sister was married to our MMC‘s dad. There’s a lot of drama that goes on in that one. These two get together and get over the grudges they held from when their people got married then they just turned into a bit of a mystery as we find out what caused the demise of the father and sister and this story does end in a couple happily ever after, but then a cliffhanger for the other part.
July 25, 2026
This book was a delightful twist on the typical tropes of woman from big city returns to small town that she grew up in where he’s the one that left.
There was a wide array of characters which builds towards a continuation in the series. It was a refreshing change to find that not all the important characters were likeable.
That said, the narration was probably the best part of the book. While the premise was novel, the story itself was just okay.
I enjoyed reading it while I was but afterwards I don’t remember much and I don’t think I’ll read the rest.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC
There was a wide array of characters which builds towards a continuation in the series. It was a refreshing change to find that not all the important characters were likeable.
That said, the narration was probably the best part of the book. While the premise was novel, the story itself was just okay.
I enjoyed reading it while I was but afterwards I don’t remember much and I don’t think I’ll read the rest.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC
June 21, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️(0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥☄️ (0-5) I bump up for public places/outdoor spaces
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over
🤩 Gorgeous narrator voices and performance from Michelle Sparks & Troy Duran.
🤩 Both lost a loved one & are unsure what will happen with the ranch and brewery.
🤩 Enemies-to-lovers.
🤩 Forced proximity.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy
💫 Not quid pro quo. 🙄
💫 The mystery plot was slow and now to be continued.
💫 I did not feel emotionally connected to the characters, the couple, or the brewery.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥☄️ (0-5) I bump up for public places/outdoor spaces
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over
🤩 Gorgeous narrator voices and performance from Michelle Sparks & Troy Duran.
🤩 Both lost a loved one & are unsure what will happen with the ranch and brewery.
🤩 Enemies-to-lovers.
🤩 Forced proximity.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy
💫 Not quid pro quo. 🙄
💫 The mystery plot was slow and now to be continued.
💫 I did not feel emotionally connected to the characters, the couple, or the brewery.
September 8, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV
HEA; Interconnected standalone - Book 1 of the Crossroads Ranch series
Thank you Walker Rose and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ALC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV
HEA; Interconnected standalone - Book 1 of the Crossroads Ranch series
Thank you Walker Rose and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ALC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2026
3⭐, 3🌶️
Okay, so I was excited and ready for a cowboy/ country/ taboo romance when I picked this up, and at times I had a good time…but many times, I was getting a bit frustrated with the couple dynamics. The nemesis to lovers was too rollercoaster for me. At one point, I even thought this must be a debut release for how iffy I was feeling about the story. It was not. This was just an odd enemies to lovers romance and one I would not recommend…and idk if I’ll continue on in the series.
I for one LOVE a taboo romance. And the premise of our FMC’s sister’s husband, who was hella old, and had sons the same age as the FMC was so exciting. Too bad ALLLL the hate directed towards Meredith was just too extra and made me annoyed. If I was her, I would have dick punched Calder AT LEAST five times, especially when they were intimate and he still allowed her to be disrespected. He was a man babbby and I was not a fan. He redeemed himself a little…but just a little.
- Enemies to Lovers
- Family Business
- Small Town Romance
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Okay, so I was excited and ready for a cowboy/ country/ taboo romance when I picked this up, and at times I had a good time…but many times, I was getting a bit frustrated with the couple dynamics. The nemesis to lovers was too rollercoaster for me. At one point, I even thought this must be a debut release for how iffy I was feeling about the story. It was not. This was just an odd enemies to lovers romance and one I would not recommend…and idk if I’ll continue on in the series.
I for one LOVE a taboo romance. And the premise of our FMC’s sister’s husband, who was hella old, and had sons the same age as the FMC was so exciting. Too bad ALLLL the hate directed towards Meredith was just too extra and made me annoyed. If I was her, I would have dick punched Calder AT LEAST five times, especially when they were intimate and he still allowed her to be disrespected. He was a man babbby and I was not a fan. He redeemed himself a little…but just a little.
- Enemies to Lovers
- Family Business
- Small Town Romance
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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