Caleb Hayes avoids two things in life: change and work. Of late, neither is going well.
Josephina Ruiz watches her beloved little brother marry his long–time boyfriend, Jordan Hayes, forcing her to tolerate in their union, Caleb Hayes, as now being a part of her life. After an off–putting come on she realizes the extent of the rumors she’s heard about Caleb are most likely true. From womanizing, to petty crimes to all around laziness, he’s the last man she ever intends to give a chance to… until he almost loses his brother, and begs her to help him change.
When forced by circumstances to face his own shortcomings, Caleb starts to see himself from a new light. A not so positive light. He begins to understand not only his brother, but the woman who begins to show him an entirely different way of living than he’s ever embraced. In Josephina, Caleb is challenged from every belief he has to every action he does. And he finally begins to see the damage his life does to others, but by then, has the harm he’s caused others, be too late to change? Can his ultimate redemption bring about healing with the one person he now knows is the best kind of change of all?
Binge read this contemporary, western romance series, full of hot cowboys and family entanglements that is based around the Rydell River Ranch brought to you by small-town romance author Leanne Davis…
Recommended Reading Order for River's End Series: River's End River's Escape River's Return River Road River on Fire River's Lost River of Change River's Destiny River's Rescue River's Winter
Continue reading with the next generation in The Rydell River Ranch Series: River in Darkness River in Light River in the Mountains River at the Ranch River to the Ocean River from the City River Through the Valley
Each book is a standalone with a happily-ever after but the journey getting there? Never easy and always epic! You’ll get to check in with beloved characters in this interconnected standalone series.
Raw. Real. Emotional Romance. Writing provocative and darker themed romance that always finds its happily ever after!
With 50 plus, full length books there is a story for everyone! Cowboy romance? Got it! Small town... yep. Big city rock star? Covered! You like a little suspense? Yep, got a few of those too.
Most of my books are standalone stories in connected series. Whether it's the setting, theme or family connections, my series are often multi-generational and span decades. While each book is a complete story, beloved characters will pop in and out of these sagas. I stick to new adult, contemporary and western romances, with tons of emotion and all the feels tucked into them.
I live in the rainy area of Western Washington, and spend as much time as I can traveling to destinations all across the state, where I do all things outdoors. Many of these locations become the settings for my books. I earned my business degree from Western Washington University, and worked for several years in the construction management field before turning to writing full time.
Really enjoyed this one. I love when a hero has been not such a hero before and grows and changes into another better man. Bonus if as in this case you are familiar with the hero in previous books so you can really understand that he was a wastrel and needs to change. Here the author didn't suddenly make him all better and let us know that he had just been misunderstood before. He really did grow and change and it was great to watch him. The heroine wasn't quite as interesting but I liked her and I liked them together and I liked how she figured his crap out at the end and called him on it. There was some angst here if you like that sort of thing.
Caleb Hayes is not known for his good work ethic or attitude but things get more intense with him when his brother, Jordan, declares his love for Pedro and the two get married. Now his sister, Kailynn Rydell is making him change his attitude or get off the ranch.
Josefina Ruiz is Pedro's sister and has worked hard at making something for herself. She knows all about Caleb and the pain he has caused Jordan but slowly begins to see another side of him.
But when an event happens that makes Caleb see things completely different will everyone see the change in him and allow him to begin again?
This was a good book and I enjoyed it.
Caleb was an easy man to hate at the beginning of the book but you knew there had to be a shot at redemption. At the same time no one had seemed to really challenge Caleb before on his views or work ethic so he was allowed to continue the way he had been for so long. When Jordan got married everything blew up for Caleb and he had to figure out which path he wanted to take.
Josefina was a great character and I loved what she had accomplished for herself. She knew how much Pedro and Jordan loved each other and knew they were up against a lot of prejudice and it was sad that it came from within Jordan's family as well.
I loved seeing another side to Caleb that Josefina brought out but they had their own obstacles to get over and Caleb did not have a great reputation or past. I hated what Caleb did to Josefina after camping!
I really liked the end and how Caleb understood that he needed to change and was ready for it and also that he was worthy!!
I really wish there had at least been a novella for Jordan & Pedro…I think that would have helped bridge the other books and this one.
This book runs somewhat concurrently with book 6. While technically Caleb has been around since book 2 - he was was an underdeveloped background character and it was harder to care about him or Josephina. I also found a lot of the conversations to be awkward and unrealistic/unsupported by the characters that were described as having them. There was quite a bit of repetition as well. In the dialogue, inner monologue, & conversations between various characters.
This was the most challenging one to read for me. There's a lot of topics to tackle in this one. If you've followed this series then you know Caleb is one of the workers on Rydell farm. He's Kailynn's brother but there's more to him then you think. He's the one who's more concerned with drinking and having fun. He's never really had anything to worry about until now. His whole world is rocked when his brother and best friend, comes out and says he's marrying Pedro(another work hand). Caleb has to come to term with this or he's gonna lose his best friend. He has a lot of growing up to do. Josefina makes him think and challenges him to make himself better. Josefina is character that I loved. She had hard times growing up but made the best out of them. She took what she knew and made a career out of it. She supports her brother and stands by his side. She helps Caleb see what others always have but never said anything about it. Caleb stands up and does the right thing finally but soon his insecurities get in his way and hold him back. It takes a strong woman to stand up for him to see the error of his way. She loves him and wants him to love himself and then her. She wants equal partnership between them. I absolutely loved seeing Caleb mature and make amends with his family. He stands up for them and supports them in the way that is needed. He may not be 100% complete but I think he'll be fine with Josefina and the rest of the family by his side. So many times I wanted to smack him upside the head in this book. He and Josefina are a great characters. They mesh very well together.
I didn’t know if I was going to like this book. Caleb is definitely...difficult. But Josie is also difficult in her own way. Very know it all, self righteous but so rude about it too. She literally says (after changes are already underway with Caleb) she would only bide her time with him, she would never seriously settle for him. She thinks it to herself a lot, even saying she has goals she’s going to get while he is going to settle for whomever wants him. WTF. Then gets upset when he treats her like she deserves better.
I feel like people were a bit too hard on Caleb. He does a complete 180 with his entire life and attitude, but an issue with his romantic relationship (not his job or family or himself) and everyone turns their backs on him again. That really bothered me, especially when Ben’s storyline has some similar elements that people react completely different to.
It was good to see Ian and Kailynn again. This storyline runs concurrently with Ben’s and it’s mentioned in passing, but I would have liked to see more.
I loved this book, I loved the characters and I’ve never complained about this series... until today. I love that Caleb and Josie got a book, their story needed to be told. My complaint is that Jordan and Pedro did not get their story told. I feel like I got a third hand look at them and that really bums me out. I don’t know if it’s because maybe the author has a certain group of readers and it would have been a hard sell but it boils down to a huge miss for the series. I feel like their love story would have been the one I looked forward to the most. I feel like the trials they had to go through would have been just as heartbreaking and book worthy as all the other characters.
Now that said.. this was a great book. Caleb and Josie were the complete opposite attracts story. Caleb insecurities are so deep and profound. Josie’s strength and commitment to everything she goes after is intense and full force. She brings out the best in thought around her.
When I first started reading this book I could not decide if I liked Caleb. He appeared to be everything I disliked in a man however as the story progressed I was drawn into his thoughts and feelings in a way I had not expected. Leanne Davis has a way with her writing to make the reader feel a part of the story with all it's ongoing emotions and drama.
I personally live within her words sensing the surroundings, feeling the wind rustling in the trees, laughing and sometimes crying with her characters etc. Her descriptions are alive and also thought provoking.
She has written yet another beautiful episode in the River's End series and one which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
River of Change was an amazing story that followed the journey of Caleb, Kailynn's brother. Caleb hated change and never understood why things had to change. It started with the changes in his family when his best friend and brother Jordan revealing that he is gay and then married Pedro. Caleb is trying to handle the changes in his life, and isn't doing the best job. When Jordan gives Caleb an ultimatum to either change and accept him as he is or he will never be apart of his life. Caleb soon finds that changing isn't so bad wants to change for is brother as well as Pedro's sister Josie. He wants to prove to them as well as himself that he's not the same man he once was.
I absolutely loved this book! I can't get enough of River's End!
I adored this story. It starts a little rough because well, life isn’t always easy. The writer captured my attention with Caleb and the way he perceives certain situations. Just like in life, we have to see the ugly of Caleb before we get to the diamond he is. Josephina is a strong woman and the protective side of her shines throughout. There are some situations that had me crying out loud, but it is all worth it at the end. River of Change is the first book by this author that I have read. I easily read it as a standalone but will going on with the future books. I also can’t wait to go back and read the entire series. River of Change shows how people can change for themselves and those they love.
Caleb didn't like change. But his world was going through drastic transformations beginning with the change in his family's dynamics. His closest best friend, his brother Jordan, marries another man Pedro. Caleb is beside himself trying to make sense of all the changes he hadn't seen coming. Especially when Pedro's beautiful sister Josefina erupts in his life and changes all his ways of thinking and living and loving. I liked this story. It wasn't my favorite of the River's End series but it was a great read. I felt their emotions all through the story. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
This story of Caleb & Josefina was so emotional and true to life. How Caleb had no self-esteem, met Josefina through odd circumstance in their lives that brought them together. He fell in love with her, but felt he wasn't good enough for her. The story of how they grew together through ups & downs, self doubt & insecurity. Finally realizing they both deserved their love for each other. I've loved reading all the books in this series. So glad I found this Author & can't wait to start reading the next book.
River of Change follows Caleb Hayes and Josephina Ruiz. Caleb’s brother Jordan has just married Pedro, Josephine’s brother. Caleb is having a hard time getting over the fact his brother is gay. Originally I was slightly reluctant to read this book as I didn’t particularly like Caleb’s character. But the book is all about the change in character that Caleb goes through as he willingly wants to be change and become a better version of himself. We also see his relationship with Josephina develop and how Caleb doubts he’s good enough for her. As I continued reading the book I was wondering over.
This is book 7 in the River ends series. We have meet Caleb Hayes before but only here and there in the previous books. Caleb doesn't like change. His world gets turned upside down when a huge fire comes threw and burns down his home. He moves in with his sister and husband with his brother and father. Then bam another change. His brother Jordan comes out and is getting married to their friend Pedro. He has already meet Pedro sister Josephina but didn't leave to good of an impression. When things go bad Josie is there to kick him in the butt and make him look at what he is doing. Great read.
Caleb Hayes was introduced in previous books as Kailynn’s foolish brother. He seldom had a job and was frequently drunk. He has grown up some and is working full time at the Rydell ranch. His brother marries Josephina’s brother and she catches Caleb’s eye. He works through his homophobia and must prove it to her. Caleb makes significant changes to better himself and Josephina starts to believe that he is more than she originally thought. This book redeems and brings a side character into light.
I liked this redemption story. Caleb was far from perfect and someone you really want to hate. But through the story his layers peel away like an onion. My only wonder is if his changes came too easy. He didn't seem to falter much, at least I'd expect him to stumble a little more in changing himself. Sometimes, though, meeting someone and wanting to be better for that person may be all you need. I liked how Josefina tried to keep Caleb honest and called him out when he wasn't. I love how their relationship started slow and blossomed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this series and I have loved every book in this series so far. However this book about Caleb was just so not believable. For one, there is no way that a redneck hick is going to talk or think with such big vocabulary words. Just no. At times I enjoyed the storyline so I completely read the entire novel. And I do recommend it because you still get a glimpse of into the lives of those we have already fallen in love with. But Caleb & Josie was not my favorite and I think the story itself needed more work with more believable communication.
I am blown away by how drastically Caleb grows in this book! It's not just some kind words or actions. It's not just when he is around certain people. His entire lifestyle changes and he becomes a person people want to be around.
When he pulls the stunt with Laura, I too couldn't believe he did that. I kept going over everything as I continued to read hoping I misunderstood what I read.
The depth of pain and insecurity equals PTSD and it teaches us to look deeper~
I was surprised by the way this book went. I have read many of Leanne Davis’ books. I have to say she really pushed herself to the limit with this book. Davis took what could be seen as a controversial topic and was able to shine a light on it. Caleb and Josephina’s relationship become stronger and they find love at the end through the brothers. Well done!
I've loved every book in this series so far and was looking forwarding to reading this book. However, I just could not connect with the characters in this installment. Josie just came across as a snob and Caleb was confusing, he could be insightful enough to plan the perfect date/trip in one chapter then be an ignorant red neck in the next. The huge shift in his way of thinking was predictable, but felt forced.
Ive read a lot of this Authors books and she never disappoints. This story it one of her tougher books I'm sure with the story line and the deep story outline. Caleb Is a character that your not sure if you will like him. Starts off like someone you should stay far away. Josie seems stuck up and one who says it how it is. This story has ups and downs but this book will keep you reading, this author did a great job you wont be let down picking this book to read
This was a difficult read in some ways, the characters both jerks at first, in my interpretation. She is a righteous, superior, being, bertha better than thou. He is a shallow, red neck, troubled man, self esteem not existent. The growth and development into better people is a measure of this authors true talent, and the storyline unfolds with angsty, prickly overtones. The characters develop instep with each other, I recommend this book without reservation.
Gah!!! Once again, Leanne Davis has stopped me in my tracks and made me think, believe and feel. Caleb....wow...flawed, but not without hope. Josephina, what girl doesn't picture herself as this strong, this determined, and this worthy of love. As far as his brother being gay, it's basically a blip, but so needed to flesh out the flaws. If you can't read this book because of that, shame on you. You'll never pass the real test.
This book was hard to read. The main character, Caleb, is homophobic, racist, male chauvinist, drunk, and just an unlikable character. With major changes in his life, he has to change or lose everything. Then he meets Josefina, and she’s another reason to change. His attitude is just hard to read and may be offensive to many readers. Thankfully, he wants to change and by the end of the story, he’s a much more like able character.
I really enjoyed Caleb and Josefina story. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to slap some sense into Caleb but as I read I fully understood why he felt like he did towards himself. Josefina, what a woman. Her love for her family and how protective she was towards her brother brought tears to my eyes. She saw what Caleb couldn't see in himself, and thats rare these days. I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a great love story.
Wow this book is #7 in the series and very fun to read I have read all them since up to this book this is Caleb’s book his brother is getting married to a guy he’s a little angry but he meets Josie at the wedding this book is def a little twisted! Will these two get it together? Def a surprise on every page!!
Another amazing heart wrenching beautiful Leanne Davis GREAT!!!! Such a beautiful love story, pain, suspense, hatred, homosexuality,etc. I LOVED it all!!! Everytime I read one of the books in this series i swear its my favorite!!! I think honestly the whole series is my favorite!!! Another 10star read!!!
the story between Caleb and Josephina is very good and touching..Caleb is having rougth time accepting his brother wedding. His first meeting with Josephina doesnt go best .. but after that Josephina make him wanna change his life around ...will he be able to ..it a must read ..hurry and get this book it so worth it
It’s easy to love the Rydell’s, but I think Caleb Hayes might be even more lovable. I’ve enjoyed all the River’s End books, but there was something so damn sweet about this particular love story. I highly recommend reading the previous six books in this series before reading this one as it will deepen your enjoyment of this book.
he is drunk n hitting on what ever he gets a reality check when he realized that he has changed and he fell in love with Pedro sister. You gotta read this and you won't be disappointed
It's amazing what bluster and bravado can cover of a person's real feelings. Caleb Hayes was forced to change his life and, luckily, Josefina Ruiz gave him the opportunity and a reason to do so.