Crossroads, the second book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Ashford Creek series, delivers another engaging small-town romance. This is a story about two hurting souls—each surviving a painful past—who slowly discover the healing power of love.
Title: Crossroads
Author(s): Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Ashford Creek #2
Also in this series: Legacy
Published by Self-published on April 20, 2026
Pages: 334
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Format: eArc
Purchase: Amazon
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When Kiera West needs a place to hide from the media and her ex, she never thought Bodhi Ashford—the man the small town of Ashford Creek once thought a murderer—would be her salvation. The reclusive, bearded, mountain man has secrets of his own and with one growl, she knew she’d be safe. Sure, he might only talk to her to ask who hurt her, but at least the quiet will let her heal.When the elusive drummer from one of the biggest rock bands in the world shows up on Bodhi’s doorstep, he needs her to leave yesterday. As soon as he sees the bruises, he knows she needs to stay.A fire took everything from him once, and the town he thought he could trust turned on him before he could grieve. Falling for a woman in the spotlight is the last thing he needs.Yet it might be the one thing that could save them both when the darkness of their pasts finally catches up with them.**Crossroads is a rock star, widower, second chance, small town contemporary suspense in the Ashford Creek series featuring Bodhi and Kiera. Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**
Bodhi Ashford’s life was shattered when he tragically lost his wife and children. As if that wasn’t enough, many residents of Ashford Creek blamed him for their deaths, leaving him to live a reclusive and deeply isolated life. Everything begins to shift when Kiera West shows up on his doorstep, forcing him to confront the demons he has carried for far too long.
Kiera, the drummer for the popular band Wildfire, comes to Ashford Creek hoping to stay under the radar while dealing with her own issues. Bodhi isn’t thrilled about having her so close—until he notices the bruises. Instantly, his protective instincts kick in. From there, the story takes readers through a myriad of emotions, making it a compelling and heartfelt journey.
Watching Bodhi push past his grief, open his heart, and give love another chance is truly rewarding. The restoration of his friendship with the fire chief was another touching moment. His past, including patriarchal abuse, tested him but ultimately strengthened him.
Kiera is a talented musician who made a terrible choice in her previous relationship, and she carries both physical and emotional scars because of it. She and Bodhi complement each other perfectly. Their love story unfolds with patience and sincerity—they truly take the time to know each other before becoming intimate. And when they finally do, the chemistry is undeniable.
Their path is far from smooth. Threats from their pasts resurface, bringing danger right to their doorstep. But together, they face it all and earn the happy ending they deserve.
Overall, Crossroads is a moving and satisfying read—filled with heart, resilience, and a romance worth rooting for. A solid four-star story that leaves you eager to return to Ashford Creek.
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About Carrie Ann Ryan
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Wilder Brothers, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She’s the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over one hundred novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
