Stray by DJ Krimmer is a contemporary romance centered on two people who must learn how to love and be loved. The story explores the complexities of falling in love and the equally difficult task of allowing oneself to be loved.
Ozzy, a former trauma nurse turned hospice caregiver, is hired to assist Morris Rowe at his ranch in rural Virginia. Haunted by a brutal past, she is guarded and emotionally closed off. Enter Jackson, one of Rowe’s sons, who becomes increasingly drawn to Ozzy. His growing affection is genuine, but he soon discovers that forming a relationship with someone carrying deep trauma comes with its own challenges.
The story is heavy. The depictions of Ozzy’s past trauma are harrowing, and certain scenes are a little hard to read. Krimmer’s writing is consistently compelling, striking a balance between emotional gravity and narrative momentum. The novel begins with a gripping prologue and maintains its pace through a series of well-calibrated emotional and plot-driven beats. While the story occasionally slows for introspective moments, each chapter propels the characters forward.
Though rooted in romance, Stray resists formulaic genre conventions. Familiar tropes such as the age gap and the cowboy setting are present but never dominate. Instead, Krimmer prioritizes character development, allowing Ozzy and Jackson’s connection to unfold with authenticity and nuance. Their relationship evolves gradually and organically, supported by realistic dialogue and emotionally resonant exchanges.
The strength of the audiobook lies not only in the writing but in its stellar narration. Sean Masters, known for lighter fare in Lauren Biel’s Slaycation series, proves equally capable in a serious role, embodying Jackson with warmth and emotional subtlety. Maxine Mitchell delivers a standout performance as Ozzy, capturing her pain, strength, and emotional complexity. Mitchell’s ability to give each character a distinct voice enhances the clarity and immersive quality of the listening experience.
With Stray, Krimmer delivers a mature, emotionally grounded romance that transcends surface-level tropes in favor of deeper psychological and emotional exploration. If this is the beginning of a series, it promises to be one worth following.