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River Rain #7
Finding the One
Their parents being family friends, American/English aristocrat, Blake Sharp, and Scottish playboy Alasdair Wallace were thrust together all through their childhoods.
Blake thought Dair was a filthy, obnoxious, little boy bully.
Dair thought Blake was a spoiled, prissy wee miss.
Then Blake grew up to be a beautiful, loving woman who took care of everyone and made amazing pistachio muffins. And Dair grew up to be a protective, fun-loving, hard-living professional rugby player.
In the meantime, they’d both been deeply betrayed by lovers.
When their paths cross again, Blake is still reeling from her fiancé’s treachery and what she learned about herself during it.
Dair thinks he’s recovered from a marriage to a woman who was not at all what she seemed, and now he’s smitten by the woman Blake has become.
So smitten, he has every intention of exploring what they can grow to be together.
But their combined family history is filled with secrets and lies. Secrets and lies that explode in their faces.
And while they deal with that, ghosts from the past rise up and threaten to haunt their future.
Is what they built together strong enough to hold true?
Or will their personal demons tear them apart?
Blake thought Dair was a filthy, obnoxious, little boy bully.
Dair thought Blake was a spoiled, prissy wee miss.
Then Blake grew up to be a beautiful, loving woman who took care of everyone and made amazing pistachio muffins. And Dair grew up to be a protective, fun-loving, hard-living professional rugby player.
In the meantime, they’d both been deeply betrayed by lovers.
When their paths cross again, Blake is still reeling from her fiancé’s treachery and what she learned about herself during it.
Dair thinks he’s recovered from a marriage to a woman who was not at all what she seemed, and now he’s smitten by the woman Blake has become.
So smitten, he has every intention of exploring what they can grow to be together.
But their combined family history is filled with secrets and lies. Secrets and lies that explode in their faces.
And while they deal with that, ghosts from the past rise up and threaten to haunt their future.
Is what they built together strong enough to hold true?
Or will their personal demons tear them apart?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2025
330 people are currently reading
4350 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
136 books39.5k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
October 20, 2025
3.5 stars
I’ve enjoyed Kristen Ashley’s ‘River Rain’ series as a whole, and after reading Alex and Rix’s book, I was excited to get Blake’s. I love a good redemption arc. Blake was my favorite part of this book. Though I liked Dair as well, I was frustrated with him through parts of the book. I enjoyed this romance overall.
I’ve enjoyed Kristen Ashley’s ‘River Rain’ series as a whole, and after reading Alex and Rix’s book, I was excited to get Blake’s. I love a good redemption arc. Blake was my favorite part of this book. Though I liked Dair as well, I was frustrated with him through parts of the book. I enjoyed this romance overall.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Tillie Hooper & Alexander Dunham-Wood
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 11h 50m
September 10, 2025
I'm convinced Kristen Ashley has found a way to lace her words with addictive something or other's. There's no other explanation for the speed I read these books or the raw joy I get from them every. single. time. I love them all. And it's that time of year again--strap in with me and hear about this latest installment in the River Rain series!
Finding the One is the 7th book in the River Rain series, which starts with After the Climb. If you care about order and starting from the top, I recommend you check out that first one!
But, if you're a heathen like me who likes to jump into the middle of the fray, feel free to start right here with me at book 7. (I've read the last few River Rains, it's true, but I started with book 5 and I'm doing just fine 😉)
Blake Sharp is a woman trying to move on from her past. Raised under the thumb of her mean socialite mother and in the limelight of the wealthy, Blake spent most of her life trying to be her mother and then, recently, trying to change that fact and find her own way. It's been a rough journey. And it wasn't helped by her dramatic--and mean spirited--shunning of her fiance at their altar in reaction to his cheating. Her overnight social media viral fame from that incident also didn't help.
So, suffice to say, Blake's been THROUGH IT. And she's convinced that soft things, good things, romantic things, are not for her. Her previous mean-girl, messy-rich persona doesn't help.
But then there's Alisdair "Dair" Wallace, her childhood friend-slash-occasional nemesis.
Dair's been in Blake's orbit since they were in single digits. He's Scottish, he's a former rugby sports star, and he's always seen Blake for more than what she presents.
In traditional Kristen Ashley style, Dair's the kind of man who's going to move in on that action plan because there's no time like the present. Add in a heavy dash of KA's drama and flair, and we're in for a gooooood time.
I feel like a broken record when I write these Kristen Ashley reviews, but it's worth repeating each time: I just love her stories. I love them all, even when they're not for me and/or not the same level as other ones.
I'm pleased to report that Finding the One is, predictably, just as good as my other KAs. In fact, it had some unique, mature romance themes to it that I really appreciated! To call out one element of this River Rain series in particular--I love this blended family of blood relatives, friends, and found family. They might be richer than God (and with that aristocratic lifestyle to match) but wow do they love and support each other in a way that I just adore every time.
Come for the feels, stay for the feels. And pick up another KA the minute to you finish this one because it'll give you that bug like they all do...
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Finding the One is the 7th book in the River Rain series, which starts with After the Climb. If you care about order and starting from the top, I recommend you check out that first one!
But, if you're a heathen like me who likes to jump into the middle of the fray, feel free to start right here with me at book 7. (I've read the last few River Rains, it's true, but I started with book 5 and I'm doing just fine 😉)
Blake Sharp is a woman trying to move on from her past. Raised under the thumb of her mean socialite mother and in the limelight of the wealthy, Blake spent most of her life trying to be her mother and then, recently, trying to change that fact and find her own way. It's been a rough journey. And it wasn't helped by her dramatic--and mean spirited--shunning of her fiance at their altar in reaction to his cheating. Her overnight social media viral fame from that incident also didn't help.
So, suffice to say, Blake's been THROUGH IT. And she's convinced that soft things, good things, romantic things, are not for her. Her previous mean-girl, messy-rich persona doesn't help.
But then there's Alisdair "Dair" Wallace, her childhood friend-slash-occasional nemesis.
Dair's been in Blake's orbit since they were in single digits. He's Scottish, he's a former rugby sports star, and he's always seen Blake for more than what she presents.
In traditional Kristen Ashley style, Dair's the kind of man who's going to move in on that action plan because there's no time like the present. Add in a heavy dash of KA's drama and flair, and we're in for a gooooood time.
I feel like a broken record when I write these Kristen Ashley reviews, but it's worth repeating each time: I just love her stories. I love them all, even when they're not for me and/or not the same level as other ones.
I'm pleased to report that Finding the One is, predictably, just as good as my other KAs. In fact, it had some unique, mature romance themes to it that I really appreciated! To call out one element of this River Rain series in particular--I love this blended family of blood relatives, friends, and found family. They might be richer than God (and with that aristocratic lifestyle to match) but wow do they love and support each other in a way that I just adore every time.
Come for the feels, stay for the feels. And pick up another KA the minute to you finish this one because it'll give you that bug like they all do...
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
It's been a while since I've read a new Kristen Ashley book. I love her early books and re-read them from time to time. Her early books are full of action and spunky heroines and the ultra masculine heroes who try to keep up with them.
But somewhere down the line, the author developed a different style. The action got less and less, the heroines got less spunky, and the heroes became more controlling.
I took a chance on this book, because I love the older books and I was hoping that this one would be more reminiscent of her original style or at least something other than the style I mentioned above.
Sadly, that was not the case. Very little actually happens in this book. The couple get together in the first couple of chapters (because the hero says so) and after that, not much else happens. Just a bunch of internal drama. It's like watching other people go to therapy.
Also, even with the Scottish-isms peppered in, the characters all still talk exactly like her other characters. Maybe it's a midwest dialect, but they all have a certain way of phrasing things that I can't properly describe, but isn't something I hear anywhere else.
Recommended for those who love Kristen Ashley's current books, as for me, I'll stick to the Rock Chicks.
But somewhere down the line, the author developed a different style. The action got less and less, the heroines got less spunky, and the heroes became more controlling.
I took a chance on this book, because I love the older books and I was hoping that this one would be more reminiscent of her original style or at least something other than the style I mentioned above.
Sadly, that was not the case. Very little actually happens in this book. The couple get together in the first couple of chapters (because the hero says so) and after that, not much else happens. Just a bunch of internal drama. It's like watching other people go to therapy.
Also, even with the Scottish-isms peppered in, the characters all still talk exactly like her other characters. Maybe it's a midwest dialect, but they all have a certain way of phrasing things that I can't properly describe, but isn't something I hear anywhere else.
Recommended for those who love Kristen Ashley's current books, as for me, I'll stick to the Rock Chicks.
September 9, 2025
This might be my favorite one yet! I love a good comeback story. Blake was not a nice person but there was so much to unpack to explain her past and how she was shaped. The author did a fantastic job of doing this. I loved her despite not liking her at all in
. And Dair, oh Dair. You got me at the Scottish brogue, but you got me even more with how he took care of and pursued Blake. I totally fell in love with this couple. Even more, and I'll try not to spoil too much, the conflict that happened? It was gut wrenching, but also kind of satisfying. I loved how they came out of the fire stronger. I loved everything about this book!
. And Dair, oh Dair. You got me at the Scottish brogue, but you got me even more with how he took care of and pursued Blake. I totally fell in love with this couple. Even more, and I'll try not to spoil too much, the conflict that happened? It was gut wrenching, but also kind of satisfying. I loved how they came out of the fire stronger. I loved everything about this book!
August 23, 2025
I do love a great redemption story and who better to tell one than this author! Another redemption done well. I felt so much for Blake.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy. All opinions are my own and given freely.
Finding the One tells Dair and Blake's story. They've always been in each other's circles growing up- their parent's being friends. But they never really liked each another. All grown up and seeing a different side to one another at Blake's sister's wedding- they explore this change in feelings. But family secrets and lies threaten to risk it all before anything's even begun.
I enjoyed this one. It pulled me in from the start with the charming, no nonsense, Scotsman. He sees her. Finally sees her, and is all in from there. I loved that he has this confidence and zest for life. He helps bring her out of her shell in ways. She's lived through trauma growing up. Despite that, she's quite headstrong, 'cheeky' even. But she has much buried deep inside. She doesn't have the best reputation and it eventually causes ripples between them.
But my gosh they sure could tear the sheets up-the spice gets intense. Maybe a little too much for me at times. But there is also emotion, via grief and in healing past trauma and relationships. The author throws a twist in which you get to really experience the River Rain found family do it's thing. And it brought many heartwarming moments. I KNEW I loved Hale, just to say. While I thought the plot line fell a little flat for me in it's focus more on parental drama/trauma, I still enjoyed the steady even change of pace. And I am definitely really looking forward to more in this great series!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy. All opinions are my own and given freely.
Finding the One tells Dair and Blake's story. They've always been in each other's circles growing up- their parent's being friends. But they never really liked each another. All grown up and seeing a different side to one another at Blake's sister's wedding- they explore this change in feelings. But family secrets and lies threaten to risk it all before anything's even begun.
I enjoyed this one. It pulled me in from the start with the charming, no nonsense, Scotsman. He sees her. Finally sees her, and is all in from there. I loved that he has this confidence and zest for life. He helps bring her out of her shell in ways. She's lived through trauma growing up. Despite that, she's quite headstrong, 'cheeky' even. But she has much buried deep inside. She doesn't have the best reputation and it eventually causes ripples between them.
But my gosh they sure could tear the sheets up-the spice gets intense. Maybe a little too much for me at times. But there is also emotion, via grief and in healing past trauma and relationships. The author throws a twist in which you get to really experience the River Rain found family do it's thing. And it brought many heartwarming moments. I KNEW I loved Hale, just to say. While I thought the plot line fell a little flat for me in it's focus more on parental drama/trauma, I still enjoyed the steady even change of pace. And I am definitely really looking forward to more in this great series!
September 26, 2025
3.75 Stars
September 9, 2025
*Probably like 3.75ish stars*
Everyone loves a good redemption story and I feel like KA is particularly good at them because she always dives deep into the why’s of a characters behaviour. Most of the time this involves a “come to Jesus” moment and Blake’s was not pretty as we all know. But it was a wake up call for her to realize that she had been acting out to get attention. Something that I felt was addressed but also sort of skated around was the harsh truth that she had been emotionally abused her whole life and it caused her to have very low self esteem. It was honestly a miracle that she was able to turn her life around and mend the relationships with the people around her. I related to Blair a lot and honestly liked her character more than I thought I would. I shed some tears for all the emotional headache she went through. Dair was Scottish, which is kind of where his personality starts and ends. Yes he was a rugby player, and of course KA’s typical alpha male, who has a dog and his own family problems but it still felt like we didn’t get much from him. Expect for the spicy scenes, where he really shined for me because those were very hot. I’m not sure what more I wanted from him, but I needed something. It could be that the rushed nature of the book just made it hard to connect to him to be honest. I think if we hadn’t previously known Blake, it would have made it hard to connect to her too. I also felt like I needed a lot more grovel at the end from him, if someone accused me, or even just implied like he did, of that, I’m not sure I could even look at them the same way. Overall I would say while I enjoyed the book, it’s probably not being added to the favourites list.
ARC Provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Everyone loves a good redemption story and I feel like KA is particularly good at them because she always dives deep into the why’s of a characters behaviour. Most of the time this involves a “come to Jesus” moment and Blake’s was not pretty as we all know. But it was a wake up call for her to realize that she had been acting out to get attention. Something that I felt was addressed but also sort of skated around was the harsh truth that she had been emotionally abused her whole life and it caused her to have very low self esteem. It was honestly a miracle that she was able to turn her life around and mend the relationships with the people around her. I related to Blair a lot and honestly liked her character more than I thought I would. I shed some tears for all the emotional headache she went through. Dair was Scottish, which is kind of where his personality starts and ends. Yes he was a rugby player, and of course KA’s typical alpha male, who has a dog and his own family problems but it still felt like we didn’t get much from him. Expect for the spicy scenes, where he really shined for me because those were very hot. I’m not sure what more I wanted from him, but I needed something. It could be that the rushed nature of the book just made it hard to connect to him to be honest. I think if we hadn’t previously known Blake, it would have made it hard to connect to her too. I also felt like I needed a lot more grovel at the end from him, if someone accused me, or even just implied like he did, of that, I’m not sure I could even look at them the same way. Overall I would say while I enjoyed the book, it’s probably not being added to the favourites list.
ARC Provided by NetGalley for an honest review
August 28, 2025
Kristen Ashley has this magical way of taking characters you weren’t so sure about before and completely flipping the script. Suddenly you’re rooting for them, aching for them, and totally invested in their journey. That’s exactly what happened with Finding The One. Blake and Dair’s story is layered with history, heartbreak, and the kind of family secrets that keep you flipping pages. Their chemistry is playful and emotional all at once, and I loved watching them grow from childhood enemies into something real and worth fighting for. Classic KA with heart, humor, and just the right amount of angst.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
September 9, 2025
4 stars. Another enjoyable romance by KA. Blake and Dair have known one another since they were kids, and as adults, they both don't have the greatest opinion of one another. Blair is a spoiled brat and Dair's a bully, at least that's what they both think. But just because they don't think highly of one another doesn't mean they can't be attracted to each other. And boy is that attraction palpable from the get go. Finding the One is a bit of a redemption story for Blair, who we met in the previous books. She had a bit of a mean girl persona, but Finding the One proves that there's more than meets the eye. I REALLY loved Blair as a character, and I kept rooting for her. She's my favorite type of heroine- one that's underestimated by others and also kind of hates themself. Because the glow up is so rewarding and emotional. Dair also had a lot to love... he's a KA alpha male with an accent, which means that you'll definitely want to SWOON. There is a bit of a 3rd act drama, which if I'm honest, I LOVED. Because that also means we get a bit of a mea culpa moment, and their reunion was pretty hysterical.
You don't have to read the previous books in this series; Finding the One can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. But if you have read the previous books, you'll find a ton of cameos from favorite characters and lots of found family vibes. Finding the One, as with the other books in the series, really focuses on the characters and the relationship and their day to day lives, with any sort of other plot taking the back burner. In this case, given the amount of growth that Blair showed, that totally worked for me. Thanks so much to Kristen, Get Red Pr, and Kristen’s team for the ARC.
You don't have to read the previous books in this series; Finding the One can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. But if you have read the previous books, you'll find a ton of cameos from favorite characters and lots of found family vibes. Finding the One, as with the other books in the series, really focuses on the characters and the relationship and their day to day lives, with any sort of other plot taking the back burner. In this case, given the amount of growth that Blair showed, that totally worked for me. Thanks so much to Kristen, Get Red Pr, and Kristen’s team for the ARC.
September 12, 2025
I genuinely enjoy KA and I’ve read almost all of her books (a majority 4 stars and up for me). I was really vibing with this book until exactly 68%. I HATED this 3rd act breakup and I absolutely LOATHED Dair’s reasoning.
You’re mad because she used to be mean to …*checks notes*…..other people????
She’s been nothing but kind, loving, generous, thoughtful to YOU and your family, but you hear a couple of stories of her being bitchy (which she already told you she was in the past) and you decide to ghost her….and then…confront her….and end the relationship?????
ALSO ALSO ALSO
He decides that this soul crushing conversation (that starts as a breakup conversation but pivots as soon as discovers use of more than 1% of his brain) is the perfect time to say I LOVE YOU for the first time???
Unfathomable.
I’m sorry. I cannot fathom it. I was D-O-N-E with him from that moment on and I hated that they ended up together. I could personally never be with someone who thought so little of me. How are you gonna be pick up an offense that everyone else already dropped before you seriously came into the picture?
Tackling her in the woods 🙃 covering her mouth 🙃 He did not grovel enough, and yet she was the one trying to make him feel better about it and “move on”.
I was willing to overlook the dead mom of it all (although foreshadowed by the family tree so thanks for that spoiler?) and I know “tension” needed to be added to this story, but I did not like this plot device and it really ruined a story that I was having a good time with.
You’re mad because she used to be mean to …*checks notes*…..other people????
She’s been nothing but kind, loving, generous, thoughtful to YOU and your family, but you hear a couple of stories of her being bitchy (which she already told you she was in the past) and you decide to ghost her….and then…confront her….and end the relationship?????
ALSO ALSO ALSO
He decides that this soul crushing conversation (that starts as a breakup conversation but pivots as soon as discovers use of more than 1% of his brain) is the perfect time to say I LOVE YOU for the first time???
Unfathomable.
I’m sorry. I cannot fathom it. I was D-O-N-E with him from that moment on and I hated that they ended up together. I could personally never be with someone who thought so little of me. How are you gonna be pick up an offense that everyone else already dropped before you seriously came into the picture?
Tackling her in the woods 🙃 covering her mouth 🙃 He did not grovel enough, and yet she was the one trying to make him feel better about it and “move on”.
I was willing to overlook the dead mom of it all (although foreshadowed by the family tree so thanks for that spoiler?) and I know “tension” needed to be added to this story, but I did not like this plot device and it really ruined a story that I was having a good time with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
It's okay.
Lots of messy family stuff.
Hero is divorced.
Heroine is the mean girl from book 2 or 3 in this series. Issue is I couldn't remember her and loads of things relate to events from that book.
Ex drama for both of them.
No interest in anyone else from the start of the book, they grew up in the same circles so childhood friends of sorts.
HEA
Epilogue.
Lots of messy family stuff.
Hero is divorced.
Heroine is the mean girl from book 2 or 3 in this series. Issue is I couldn't remember her and loads of things relate to events from that book.
Ex drama for both of them.
No interest in anyone else from the start of the book, they grew up in the same circles so childhood friends of sorts.
HEA
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
I wasn’t sure Blake could be redeemed after being such a twat in Alex’s book. But it’s been 4 years, a good amount of time to work on herself and her relationship with her sister and Dad.
There’s a long cast of characters and couples from previous books in the series. It does help if you’ve read some of the series to understand Blake’s arc.
We start this one at her sister’s wedding, which Blake has planned to ensure Alex has the day she wants. Blake is upset her mom invited her affair partner and his family (messy). They all grew up together, and Dair was the older boy, rough house of the bunch that teased Blake. She is still kinda snotty to him, but Dair sees through to her stress about the wedding day and helps her out. After a big scene with their parents, Blake and Dair are pretty much together. Kristen Ashley has been doing this more with her books lately, putting the couple together pretty quickly and then they deal with adversity together.
There is family drama, ex drama and Blakes past comes back to haunt her. I was actually crying in parts of this book, thank you KA for making me feel feelings.
I really enjoyed this one and seeing a former villain get an HEA. Note, Dair and his family are Scottish. Ashley included a note about his accent and how she wrote it. I LOVE an accent so I had zero issue with the dialogue, but others might make a fuss.
Also CW death of a parent on page, but that parent is a see you next Tuesday.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
There’s a long cast of characters and couples from previous books in the series. It does help if you’ve read some of the series to understand Blake’s arc.
We start this one at her sister’s wedding, which Blake has planned to ensure Alex has the day she wants. Blake is upset her mom invited her affair partner and his family (messy). They all grew up together, and Dair was the older boy, rough house of the bunch that teased Blake. She is still kinda snotty to him, but Dair sees through to her stress about the wedding day and helps her out. After a big scene with their parents, Blake and Dair are pretty much together. Kristen Ashley has been doing this more with her books lately, putting the couple together pretty quickly and then they deal with adversity together.
There is family drama, ex drama and Blakes past comes back to haunt her. I was actually crying in parts of this book, thank you KA for making me feel feelings.
I really enjoyed this one and seeing a former villain get an HEA. Note, Dair and his family are Scottish. Ashley included a note about his accent and how she wrote it. I LOVE an accent so I had zero issue with the dialogue, but others might make a fuss.
Also CW death of a parent on page, but that parent is a see you next Tuesday.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
August 31, 2025
Absolute favorite. Only Kristen Ashley has the skillset to take a past mean girl character and turn her into the strong sweet heroine we root for. Six stars.
October 17, 2025
you were (kind of) good, i was waiting for you to be great
December 4, 2025
Review: 4.5 stars
Thank you to @blueboxpress for the eARC via Netgalley and Kristen Ashley as part of her street team group.
I have been reading Kristen Ashley’s books for years. The River Rain series is such a comfort read with diverse characters, a complicated family tree and wonderful romance full of heart and emotions.
Finding the One is the 7th book in the River Rain series. The female lead is Blake Sharp and she was introduced in Taking the Leap where she was an unlikeable character to start off as she was an awful person. She has since redeemed herself over the course of the series and I was so very much looking forward to her HEA.
Blake has found herself but still has deep insecurities and trauma due to her relationship with her unloving mother. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to others but would rarely put herself first. We are introduced to Dair Wallace, a childhood “friend” who she has a thorny relationship with given that his family is a family friend of her mum’s. Given that they have history there, their relationship starts off at a very interesting note.
It is not lost on Dair that Blake has changed and he is more attracted to her than ever. Their relationship is sweet where Dair made it clear that he wants to be with her. Given Blake’s insecurities, it took her a while! When they finally got together, their relationship was sweet, cute and lovely. Dair is exactly the perfect male lead to ground Blake’s nature and give her the stability that she needs and he is willing to listen and support her in every way. Their relationship is one of mature adults where they understand each other's vulnerabilities and take pains to care for each other.
I love that they got together early in the book with minimal drama and fuss. But as this is a classic Kristen Ashley book, things come into light where the later half of the plot focuses more on Blake’s growth as she is forced to come to terms with some things as unexpected circumstances happen, leaving her to deal with the afteraffects. This leads to a 3rd act break-up which was so painful to read but so worth it when they got back together and overcame the issues they faced.
I also love that we got peeks into the previous characters lives we know and love such as Alex and Rix. It’s always a joy to read about how the characters are doing after their HEA.
I would always be a fan of Kristen Ashley’s books - she knows how to bring the emotions, the feels and humanize her characters to make them so relatable and this book absolutely does this and more. Can’t wait for the next one and am super excited to see who she will feature next.
Thank you to @blueboxpress for the eARC via Netgalley and Kristen Ashley as part of her street team group.
I have been reading Kristen Ashley’s books for years. The River Rain series is such a comfort read with diverse characters, a complicated family tree and wonderful romance full of heart and emotions.
Finding the One is the 7th book in the River Rain series. The female lead is Blake Sharp and she was introduced in Taking the Leap where she was an unlikeable character to start off as she was an awful person. She has since redeemed herself over the course of the series and I was so very much looking forward to her HEA.
Blake has found herself but still has deep insecurities and trauma due to her relationship with her unloving mother. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to others but would rarely put herself first. We are introduced to Dair Wallace, a childhood “friend” who she has a thorny relationship with given that his family is a family friend of her mum’s. Given that they have history there, their relationship starts off at a very interesting note.
It is not lost on Dair that Blake has changed and he is more attracted to her than ever. Their relationship is sweet where Dair made it clear that he wants to be with her. Given Blake’s insecurities, it took her a while! When they finally got together, their relationship was sweet, cute and lovely. Dair is exactly the perfect male lead to ground Blake’s nature and give her the stability that she needs and he is willing to listen and support her in every way. Their relationship is one of mature adults where they understand each other's vulnerabilities and take pains to care for each other.
I love that they got together early in the book with minimal drama and fuss. But as this is a classic Kristen Ashley book, things come into light where the later half of the plot focuses more on Blake’s growth as she is forced to come to terms with some things as unexpected circumstances happen, leaving her to deal with the afteraffects. This leads to a 3rd act break-up which was so painful to read but so worth it when they got back together and overcame the issues they faced.
I also love that we got peeks into the previous characters lives we know and love such as Alex and Rix. It’s always a joy to read about how the characters are doing after their HEA.
I would always be a fan of Kristen Ashley’s books - she knows how to bring the emotions, the feels and humanize her characters to make them so relatable and this book absolutely does this and more. Can’t wait for the next one and am super excited to see who she will feature next.
September 13, 2025
Enjoyable enough. Basically this series is a ton of interconnected rich and privileged people and their fairly insignificant privileged problems. Kind of like a long-running soap opera, but with less melodrama?
At least this time they weren't taking the yacht for a very long cruise in order to force 2 people talk to each other! (Was kind of disgusted by the sheer waste and entitlement of that plot).
Some thoughts: So FMC in this one has done a complete personality flip-flop from mean girl who's always causing trouble and flaunting herself to the world, to miss quiet introvert who lives only to serve the ones she loves. Suddenly, How does this incredibly wealthy and privileged 1%er have this incredibly meek and downtrodden personality? How is she going to make it in the future? We do see she still comes on very strong to people she sees as beneath her though.
In re the romance, she has all the power in the relationship and yet she is so meek and apologetic. She completely cedes that power to him and is very submissive. Why, since she's nobility and has been all along does she have so little self esteem?
Another question: Why doesn't she have to actually do anything as a marchioness, besides maybe represent a few charities? Does she not need to be involved in politics somehow? (I'm an American, so this is a genuine question.) All that money, but no related duties?
Also noticed that both MCs acted like they were in their 40's, rather than 30's as indicated.
Not the first or last KA book I notice this in, but why does she slut shame the villains and their partner/s, yet the MC's have very graphic kinky sex and it's all celebrated. How hypocritical. Why is it okay for them and not for the villains?
Oh, and here's another KA heroine who only wears beige or black.
...just some weird thoughts that came to mind for me.
At least this time they weren't taking the yacht for a very long cruise in order to force 2 people talk to each other! (Was kind of disgusted by the sheer waste and entitlement of that plot).
Some thoughts: So FMC in this one has done a complete personality flip-flop from mean girl who's always causing trouble and flaunting herself to the world, to miss quiet introvert who lives only to serve the ones she loves. Suddenly, How does this incredibly wealthy and privileged 1%er have this incredibly meek and downtrodden personality? How is she going to make it in the future? We do see she still comes on very strong to people she sees as beneath her though.
In re the romance, she has all the power in the relationship and yet she is so meek and apologetic. She completely cedes that power to him and is very submissive. Why, since she's nobility and has been all along does she have so little self esteem?
Another question: Why doesn't she have to actually do anything as a marchioness, besides maybe represent a few charities? Does she not need to be involved in politics somehow? (I'm an American, so this is a genuine question.) All that money, but no related duties?
Also noticed that both MCs acted like they were in their 40's, rather than 30's as indicated.
Not the first or last KA book I notice this in, but why does she slut shame the villains and their partner/s, yet the MC's have very graphic kinky sex and it's all celebrated. How hypocritical. Why is it okay for them and not for the villains?
Oh, and here's another KA heroine who only wears beige or black.
...just some weird thoughts that came to mind for me.
September 15, 2025
This was the perfect birthday read!!
I love this series, yes it's totally over the top and the wealth these people have is ostentatious but in this context I enjoy it. I've likened this series to The Bold and the Beautiful and I think that still stands. I know there is no such thing as an ethical billionaire in real life but in the KA world I think there is. I also have a lot of thoughts about the British peerage, but again, I see KA's world as a fantasy world and I can overlook it.
After 'Taking the Leap' I wasn't sure that Blake could be redeemed but she is good at redemption arcs and Blake was no exception. I ended up adoring her and sympathising with her as the story went on. I was livid with Rix for rehashing something that everyone had moved on from. Why on earth would he tell Dair about the person Blake used to be? All the work she had done to improve herself and her relationships with those around her and Rix is sitting down with her boyfriend explaining in detail what she used to be like? With friends like that...
I did find the third act conflict to be a little forced, Blake had been kind of up front with her past behaviour and then Dair has a conversation with two men and hears similar stories but this is enough to spook him? I get that once bitten and all but it just didn't fit where I felt they were in their relationship at that point. Had this all happened before Helena I think I would have accepted it but the fact that all this happened after really made me question Dair.
Again with a KA MCC being an asshole and not groveling as much as he should.
This was the only part of the book that really annoyed me though, everything else was enjoyable and we had the perfect amount of cameos as well, most were mentioned but we didn't have to endure being introduced to the entire cast of characters from the previous books.
Looking forward to the next book in this series. I can't wait to find out who it's going to be!!
I love this series, yes it's totally over the top and the wealth these people have is ostentatious but in this context I enjoy it. I've likened this series to The Bold and the Beautiful and I think that still stands. I know there is no such thing as an ethical billionaire in real life but in the KA world I think there is. I also have a lot of thoughts about the British peerage, but again, I see KA's world as a fantasy world and I can overlook it.
After 'Taking the Leap' I wasn't sure that Blake could be redeemed but she is good at redemption arcs and Blake was no exception. I ended up adoring her and sympathising with her as the story went on. I was livid with Rix for rehashing something that everyone had moved on from. Why on earth would he tell Dair about the person Blake used to be? All the work she had done to improve herself and her relationships with those around her and Rix is sitting down with her boyfriend explaining in detail what she used to be like? With friends like that...
I did find the third act conflict to be a little forced, Blake had been kind of up front with her past behaviour and then Dair has a conversation with two men and hears similar stories but this is enough to spook him? I get that once bitten and all but it just didn't fit where I felt they were in their relationship at that point. Had this all happened before Helena I think I would have accepted it but the fact that all this happened after really made me question Dair.
Again with a KA MCC being an asshole and not groveling as much as he should.
This was the only part of the book that really annoyed me though, everything else was enjoyable and we had the perfect amount of cameos as well, most were mentioned but we didn't have to endure being introduced to the entire cast of characters from the previous books.
Looking forward to the next book in this series. I can't wait to find out who it's going to be!!
September 10, 2025
I’m not sure HOW Kristen Ashley manages to break my heart and put it back together with every River Rain novel. To be fair, she does with most but for some reason each RR book brings a new edition of heartbreak I didn’t know I could experience. As our elegant world of RR expands, we get the redemption story of Blake (book 3’s FMC’s sister). A former celebrity mean girl, Blake now focuses her life on repairing the relationship that remains with her sister. When a longtime family of friends “crashes” as guests to the rehearsal dinner, secrets come to light that put both families on a crash course of change. One of which is Dair, a blunt and cocky Scottish rugby player and longtime pain of Blake’s. Once playground nemesis’ the two have now grown and changed. Where Blake saw a rude and over-bearing frat boy, now stands a man who speaks with clarity and charm. Whereas Dair saw a snobbish party girl now lies a woman with grace and humility. In typical KA fashion they jump quickly and fall fast but as Blake’s own fears diminish in the light of Dair’s attentions, Dair’s own fears surface and threaten the tenuous relationship they’ve built.
This isn’t just a love story between the two however; with most KA’s contemporary romances we have an underlying plot of emotion. This time it’s a journey of self-worth and trust. Blake spends a heavy amount of this book doing what she deems as atonement for her behavior in her earlier years. Blake’s own self-assigned penance is achieved by providing for her sister and her family, including those that may not treat her with care. Stuck under the thumb of her controlling mother, Blake’s own decisions have led her to believe that nothing good will ever happen for her so she must do all she can for those she cares about. And finally, when Dair fears the generous woman he’s come to care for is just a façade, his own mistrust in his feelings arise and form a new wall Blake must choose to climb or turn away from. Prepare for warm characters, shocking changes, hopeful chances, and above all heart from this latest River Rain.
Thank you to Kristen Ashley and Blue Box Press for providing a review copy.
This isn’t just a love story between the two however; with most KA’s contemporary romances we have an underlying plot of emotion. This time it’s a journey of self-worth and trust. Blake spends a heavy amount of this book doing what she deems as atonement for her behavior in her earlier years. Blake’s own self-assigned penance is achieved by providing for her sister and her family, including those that may not treat her with care. Stuck under the thumb of her controlling mother, Blake’s own decisions have led her to believe that nothing good will ever happen for her so she must do all she can for those she cares about. And finally, when Dair fears the generous woman he’s come to care for is just a façade, his own mistrust in his feelings arise and form a new wall Blake must choose to climb or turn away from. Prepare for warm characters, shocking changes, hopeful chances, and above all heart from this latest River Rain.
Thank you to Kristen Ashley and Blue Box Press for providing a review copy.
September 8, 2025
Finding the One was such a wonderful story! I adored Dair and Blake. From their rich history to their bickering, I loved watching them reconnect and fall in love. I liked the emotion, drama, and passion. There were excellent details and a great build that had me hooked from beginning to end. #teamblairforever
I loved Blake. She's a former mean girl, so I really liked her growth and watching her embrace her true worth. I liked learning her history, appreciated how she owned her bad behavior, and changed her ways. She had such a big heart and was the absolute sweetest! Dair was fantastic! A hot Scot with just the right amount of alpha mixed in. He was incredibly charming, and I couldn’t get enough of him. I enjoyed learning about their pasts together and the verbal sparring that was happening while Blake still had her guard up. I loved Dair’s pursuit of her, all the sweet moments and knowing looks, and how the chemistry between them was sizzling. It was filled with so many scenes that made me swoon.
This story was emotion-filled and had just the right amount of light drama. Dair and Blake had their ups and downs with outside stressors that created mild conflict. They also had family issues happening that were tied together, and I could feel all the tension, pain, and anguish as it played out. I also enjoyed that there were a few smaller stories woven in, they were sweet and heartfelt. I adore this world and all the different connections, friendships, and bonds that are involved. It's familiar and comforting.
I thought this was a great addition to the River Rain series. This friends-to-lovers romance was entertaining and captivating, drama-filled and emotional, and it had just the right amount of spice. I’m already excited to find out who the next book will be about.
Complimentary copy received.
I loved Blake. She's a former mean girl, so I really liked her growth and watching her embrace her true worth. I liked learning her history, appreciated how she owned her bad behavior, and changed her ways. She had such a big heart and was the absolute sweetest! Dair was fantastic! A hot Scot with just the right amount of alpha mixed in. He was incredibly charming, and I couldn’t get enough of him. I enjoyed learning about their pasts together and the verbal sparring that was happening while Blake still had her guard up. I loved Dair’s pursuit of her, all the sweet moments and knowing looks, and how the chemistry between them was sizzling. It was filled with so many scenes that made me swoon.
This story was emotion-filled and had just the right amount of light drama. Dair and Blake had their ups and downs with outside stressors that created mild conflict. They also had family issues happening that were tied together, and I could feel all the tension, pain, and anguish as it played out. I also enjoyed that there were a few smaller stories woven in, they were sweet and heartfelt. I adore this world and all the different connections, friendships, and bonds that are involved. It's familiar and comforting.
I thought this was a great addition to the River Rain series. This friends-to-lovers romance was entertaining and captivating, drama-filled and emotional, and it had just the right amount of spice. I’m already excited to find out who the next book will be about.
Complimentary copy received.
September 12, 2025
What I loved:
::How well-written Dair’s Scottish voice is. It’s strong but not a caricature. In Ashley’s foreword it’s clear that a lot of thought went into his dialog.
::His lusty dirtytalk is SO good. You are in no doubt that he wants to do deliciously nasty things with her.
::Sense of place! When they were in Prescott, it really was accurate Prescott. I live in Arizona and it truly is gorgeous country. Arizona always gets stereotyped as cactus. Then, later when they were in Edinburgh and at Blake’s ancestral estate, Ashley totally nails it. Ashley doesn’t need to go into excruciating detail to paint a picture of the posh interiors. I’ve read romances where all they mention are the “crown moldings” of a room that’s supposed to be elegant, and nothing else. It’s so weird, like that matters.
::The “give them hell” scenes are so satisfying.
::Blake is a British peer and beyond wealthy, but it’s not flung in our faces, in fact it’s something they joke about. Blake’s amazing wardrobe is lovingly described, but I don’t think a single Maserati, Rolex, or Brioni suit is ever mentioned.
What I didn’t:
Not much, obviously!
::Alisdair is almost too perfect.
::At the end of each MC’s POV piece, they report how they’re feeling. This is great in the beginning when we don’t know Dair and Blake well, but it isn’t needed later — we don’t need to be told how crazy they are for each other because it’s SO obvious.
::How well-written Dair’s Scottish voice is. It’s strong but not a caricature. In Ashley’s foreword it’s clear that a lot of thought went into his dialog.
::His lusty dirtytalk is SO good. You are in no doubt that he wants to do deliciously nasty things with her.
::Sense of place! When they were in Prescott, it really was accurate Prescott. I live in Arizona and it truly is gorgeous country. Arizona always gets stereotyped as cactus. Then, later when they were in Edinburgh and at Blake’s ancestral estate, Ashley totally nails it. Ashley doesn’t need to go into excruciating detail to paint a picture of the posh interiors. I’ve read romances where all they mention are the “crown moldings” of a room that’s supposed to be elegant, and nothing else. It’s so weird, like that matters.
::The “give them hell” scenes are so satisfying.
::Blake is a British peer and beyond wealthy, but it’s not flung in our faces, in fact it’s something they joke about. Blake’s amazing wardrobe is lovingly described, but I don’t think a single Maserati, Rolex, or Brioni suit is ever mentioned.
What I didn’t:
Not much, obviously!
::Alisdair is almost too perfect.
::At the end of each MC’s POV piece, they report how they’re feeling. This is great in the beginning when we don’t know Dair and Blake well, but it isn’t needed later — we don’t need to be told how crazy they are for each other because it’s SO obvious.
September 11, 2025
Soyons clairs, j'adore la série de Kristen Ashley "River Rain" et chaque année, j'attends le nouveau tome avec impatience. Cette année, il s'agit de l'histoire de Blake, que l'on a rencontrée lors du tome 3 puisque sa soeur, Alex, se rendait à son mariage mais... celui-ci n'a pas eu lieu puisque le futur marié la trompait avec qui voulait. Mais Blake n'est pas n'importe qui! Elle est l'héritière de deux familles illustres et même d'un titre de noblesse en Angleterre et pourtant, elle n'est pas heureuse. Ses noces avortées devant les caméras du monde entier et son passé de peste à l'image de sa mère la desserve depuis des années, même si elle a changé. Elle est redevenue proche de son père avec lequel elle vit partiellement, le reste du temps elle vit dans l'appartement de sa mère. Lorsque commence ce nouveau tome, c'est elle qui est chargé d'organiser le mariage de sa soeur avec Rix et elle prend son rôle très au sérieux. Or sa mère qui est une garce finie a décidé d'inviter des amis à elle et qu'elle connaît depuis l'enfance. Pourtant, elle ne s'entend pas avec Dair, un rugbyman devenu consultant et issu aussi d'une riche famille. Mais les choses vont changer : le jeune homme qui ne l'a pas revue depuis longtemps va se montrer tout autre et réaliser que la jeune femme n'est plus la même, mieux qu'elle est aimante, attentive aux autres et lorsqu'un événement se déroule pendant le mariage, il va alors la soutenir et cet Ecossais respectueux, sexy et qui protège les siens, compte bien tenter de convaincre que tous deux pourraient explorer l'attirance qu'il y a entre eux. Mais Dair vit en Ecosse, Blake la plupart du temps aux USA bien que sa mère (et donc elle) ait un domaine en Angleterre... Il est proche de sa mère et sa soeur et elle ne veut pas quitter son père avec qui elle s'est réconciliée.
Alors comment faire? Des événements inattendus, des secrets, des douleurs... bref, une magnifique romance et une résilience parfaitement bien écrit. Moi qui avais eu beaucoup de mal avec le personnage lorsqu'on l'avait rencontrée ait souffert pour elle et je trouve qu'elle mérite plus que jamais son happy-end avec cet homme qui, certes n'est pas parfait et fait des erreurs, mais qui est un vrai bookboyfriend sur lequel on peut s'appuyer et exulte de virilité.
On découvre donc de nouveaux personnages avec cette famille, tout en recroisant certains autres et j'aimerais déjà me projeter en septembre prochain pour lire et dévorer le prochain tome. Bref, une magnifique romance et une superbe histoire : bravo.
chronique complète ici : https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/...
Alors comment faire? Des événements inattendus, des secrets, des douleurs... bref, une magnifique romance et une résilience parfaitement bien écrit. Moi qui avais eu beaucoup de mal avec le personnage lorsqu'on l'avait rencontrée ait souffert pour elle et je trouve qu'elle mérite plus que jamais son happy-end avec cet homme qui, certes n'est pas parfait et fait des erreurs, mais qui est un vrai bookboyfriend sur lequel on peut s'appuyer et exulte de virilité.
On découvre donc de nouveaux personnages avec cette famille, tout en recroisant certains autres et j'aimerais déjà me projeter en septembre prochain pour lire et dévorer le prochain tome. Bref, une magnifique romance et une superbe histoire : bravo.
chronique complète ici : https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/...
September 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#gifted
This book had snarky, funny parts and sweet, spicy parts and heartbreaking, sad parts and WOW did I enjoy my first Kristen Ashley book!!
THOUGHTS 💭
❤️ I read this as a stand-alone and absolutely adored this world and these characters; I’ll have to try to go back to the other books in this series!
❤️ A hulking Scottish man with a brogue is one of my favorite things in books. Throw in the fact that Dair is a caring and thoughtful gentleman? I fell as hard for him as Blair did.
❤️ Blair is “high society” to a T. She is always dressed and made up to perfection and has homemaking skills to rival the best of them. From what I can tell, she’s had an incredible redemption arc, but she still has her moments of self-doubt and self-loathing.
❤️ Dair and Blair kept each other on their toes! They argued and laughed and talked and loved and I couldn’t get enough of them.
❤️ I love reading books with characters who want for nothing; who have nice cars and clothes and houses and anything their hearts could desire. Billionaire romances for the win.
❤️ Both of our MCs past traumas cause them to make emotionally harmful decisions. My heart went out to them; the mark of a great book is when it can truly make me feel and this one did just that!
Thanks so much to Get Red PR, 1001 Dark Nights / Blue Box Press, and Kristen Ashley for the ARC of this book!
#gifted
This book had snarky, funny parts and sweet, spicy parts and heartbreaking, sad parts and WOW did I enjoy my first Kristen Ashley book!!
THOUGHTS 💭
❤️ I read this as a stand-alone and absolutely adored this world and these characters; I’ll have to try to go back to the other books in this series!
❤️ A hulking Scottish man with a brogue is one of my favorite things in books. Throw in the fact that Dair is a caring and thoughtful gentleman? I fell as hard for him as Blair did.
❤️ Blair is “high society” to a T. She is always dressed and made up to perfection and has homemaking skills to rival the best of them. From what I can tell, she’s had an incredible redemption arc, but she still has her moments of self-doubt and self-loathing.
❤️ Dair and Blair kept each other on their toes! They argued and laughed and talked and loved and I couldn’t get enough of them.
❤️ I love reading books with characters who want for nothing; who have nice cars and clothes and houses and anything their hearts could desire. Billionaire romances for the win.
❤️ Both of our MCs past traumas cause them to make emotionally harmful decisions. My heart went out to them; the mark of a great book is when it can truly make me feel and this one did just that!
Thanks so much to Get Red PR, 1001 Dark Nights / Blue Box Press, and Kristen Ashley for the ARC of this book!
August 18, 2025
Kristen Ashley has yet again written a book redeeming a character who we all hated in the beginning, and has made us fall in love with them. At least I fell in love with Blake in this one. KA is a queen with writing redemption stories for her characters. I am always so surprised to enjoy them after their initial introductions are so full of hate.
Blake and Dair were such a fun pair in this one. Childhood friends who both come from prominent families. He's grown up to be a famous rugby player. She's grown to be such a helpful hand to those she loves and has turned her character around completely. I wasn't sure how KA would turn her character into a lovable one, but she did just that and it brought me to tears multiple times seeing Blake's transformation.
I really enjoyed the incorporation of Scottish terms in this one to add to Dair's character so I could picture him and his family talking. He was no nonsense and knew what he wanted with Blake and wasn't afraid to go for it. Of course it took her some time but when she came around, they were explosive. She's fierce and independent but was willing to let him be her protector when needed. He was the perfect fit for her, not taking her crap and doing what he knew she needed to make things easier on her. I loved getting to see the previous characters come in to this one as well and I was so happy this family all got their happily ever afters in their own way. We got lots of dramas in this one, quick whips between everyone that had me giggling, and many heartwarming moments.
This series has really been such a joy and I can't wait to see where we go next with all of these characters.
Thank you so much 1001 Dark Knights, Kristen Ashley, and team for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Blake and Dair were such a fun pair in this one. Childhood friends who both come from prominent families. He's grown up to be a famous rugby player. She's grown to be such a helpful hand to those she loves and has turned her character around completely. I wasn't sure how KA would turn her character into a lovable one, but she did just that and it brought me to tears multiple times seeing Blake's transformation.
I really enjoyed the incorporation of Scottish terms in this one to add to Dair's character so I could picture him and his family talking. He was no nonsense and knew what he wanted with Blake and wasn't afraid to go for it. Of course it took her some time but when she came around, they were explosive. She's fierce and independent but was willing to let him be her protector when needed. He was the perfect fit for her, not taking her crap and doing what he knew she needed to make things easier on her. I loved getting to see the previous characters come in to this one as well and I was so happy this family all got their happily ever afters in their own way. We got lots of dramas in this one, quick whips between everyone that had me giggling, and many heartwarming moments.
This series has really been such a joy and I can't wait to see where we go next with all of these characters.
Thank you so much 1001 Dark Knights, Kristen Ashley, and team for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
September 11, 2025
With this book Blake is settling into the new her after making changes in her life and is good about it. What she doesn't realize is that people are seeing these changes and really like the new person and enjoy spending time with her. It's so fun to see when Blake realizes this and how much it means to her.
There is lots of family drama in this, often with Blake at the center or dealing with the fall out. From the wedding, which is kinda delicious, as long as it's something you observe and are not a party to, to how a death hits and the fallout from that.
There is a bit of drama between Blake and Dair, as they start a relationship. I hated how Dair let his father and others get in his head and make him question Blake. It was ugly for a bit between them, but luckily things were resolved fairly quick, letting them focus back on all the good things. I also thought the two of them dealt with Dair's ex in a great way, it really shut her up in a grand way!
There is lots of family drama in this, often with Blake at the center or dealing with the fall out. From the wedding, which is kinda delicious, as long as it's something you observe and are not a party to, to how a death hits and the fallout from that.
There is a bit of drama between Blake and Dair, as they start a relationship. I hated how Dair let his father and others get in his head and make him question Blake. It was ugly for a bit between them, but luckily things were resolved fairly quick, letting them focus back on all the good things. I also thought the two of them dealt with Dair's ex in a great way, it really shut her up in a grand way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
Finding the One is the newest release from the River Rain series.
We've met Brooke previously, and I think it'd be fair to say she was not a likeable character in any shape or form.
However, it shows how skilled Kristen Ashley's writing is that she can redeem a character that was actively disliked and that redemption is sooo good!
Blake shows a side of herself that differs greatly from what our previous experience of her has been, and I dare anyone not to fall in love with this, formerly broken but trying to be better, woman.
Alasdair or Dair has known the prissy wee miss since childhood but very quickly steps up to the plate to have Blake's back when called for.
Their relationship is formed quickly, and its strength leaps off the page. Blake's 'mean girl' is not completely lost, however, and she uses her wisely and effectively when the need arises.
Blake and Dair are dynamic and interesting, and their extended family and friends, many of whom we already know, are in the wings cheering them on.
As a Scottish lass, I appreciate the lengths that have been employed to properly portray the Wallace family and although not perfect, I can't imagine how hard this has been to write (I look forward to the audio and sincerely hope there are Scottish voice actors)!
The story in the background of this amazing romance is perfect in so many ways, supplying so much information and heartbreaking scenes, making Finding the One my favourite book in this series.
We've met Brooke previously, and I think it'd be fair to say she was not a likeable character in any shape or form.
However, it shows how skilled Kristen Ashley's writing is that she can redeem a character that was actively disliked and that redemption is sooo good!
Blake shows a side of herself that differs greatly from what our previous experience of her has been, and I dare anyone not to fall in love with this, formerly broken but trying to be better, woman.
Alasdair or Dair has known the prissy wee miss since childhood but very quickly steps up to the plate to have Blake's back when called for.
Their relationship is formed quickly, and its strength leaps off the page. Blake's 'mean girl' is not completely lost, however, and she uses her wisely and effectively when the need arises.
Blake and Dair are dynamic and interesting, and their extended family and friends, many of whom we already know, are in the wings cheering them on.
As a Scottish lass, I appreciate the lengths that have been employed to properly portray the Wallace family and although not perfect, I can't imagine how hard this has been to write (I look forward to the audio and sincerely hope there are Scottish voice actors)!
The story in the background of this amazing romance is perfect in so many ways, supplying so much information and heartbreaking scenes, making Finding the One my favourite book in this series.
September 28, 2025
AY ÇOK GÜZELDİİİ!!
blake onu alex'in kitabında ilk gördüğüm saniyeden beri hikayesini deli gibi merak ettiğim bi karakterdi zaten. kocasıyla da çok güzel oldular mmhh maşallah slay. ayrıca seri devam ediyor, duncan'ın bebelerini okuyalım istirem inş en kısa zamanda çıkar. serinin altıncı kitabından sonra acaba dursa mı kristen ablam demiştim çünkü çok sıkıcıydı ama slaylemiş bu kitapta.
bi de blake bana bir tık rose calloway enerjisi verdi, bir tık çokkk iyiydi
blake onu alex'in kitabında ilk gördüğüm saniyeden beri hikayesini deli gibi merak ettiğim bi karakterdi zaten. kocasıyla da çok güzel oldular mmhh maşallah slay. ayrıca seri devam ediyor, duncan'ın bebelerini okuyalım istirem inş en kısa zamanda çıkar. serinin altıncı kitabından sonra acaba dursa mı kristen ablam demiştim çünkü çok sıkıcıydı ama slaylemiş bu kitapta.
bi de blake bana bir tık rose calloway enerjisi verdi, bir tık çokkk iyiydi
September 6, 2025
I love Kristen Ashley and this series so much. It’s absolutely wild how invested I am in these rich people’s lives. This romance was really, really sweet. It did have a third act break up that made me sad, he was so wrong for that. But they were everything. I love a Scottish hero. CW death of a parent, toxic parent, parents cheating.
September 10, 2025
Blake Sharp and Scottish Alasdair Wallace's parents were friends (and her mother and his father were intimate) their entire lives. They meet up again at her sister's wedding when Dair "sees" her and the attraction is there. But she has a history of being a "mean" girl.
September 26, 2025
3.5 Dair x Blair stars
I read this a few weeks ago and i can't even remember what it's about lol
That's how not memorable either of the main characters are 😅
But i love KA so i'll read anything she releases!
I read this a few weeks ago and i can't even remember what it's about lol
That's how not memorable either of the main characters are 😅
But i love KA so i'll read anything she releases!
September 21, 2025
The 7th book in the River Rain series. This features Alex's sister, Blake, who coordinated Alex's wedding. And Dair, the son of family friends. Blake and Dair grew up together and hated each other. But Dair sees a new side of Blake and wants to get to know Blake better.
Blake wasn't really likable at times but the story explains how she became who she is. Dair was swoon-worthy. A Scots by birth, he also had a career playing rugby.
I like most of Ms. Ashley's works. Some more than others. While this wasn't a favorite, I did liked it.
Blake wasn't really likable at times but the story explains how she became who she is. Dair was swoon-worthy. A Scots by birth, he also had a career playing rugby.
I like most of Ms. Ashley's works. Some more than others. While this wasn't a favorite, I did liked it.
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