River on Fire

River's End #5

by Leanne Davis

Hailey Starr seeks refuge at the Rydell River Resort in the wake of her bitter divorce and from the ensuing hatred she receives from her daughter and her confused, hurt son. While her ex honeymoons with his new wife, Hailey decides not to care. She intends to recapture some of what she lost over the tumultuous years preceding the breakdown of their family. She chooses that place because it has no distractions except the sun and total relaxation. Then her daughter decides she’s going to sleep with a man. Hailey’s only true line of defense lies in her daughter’s quarry. Joey Rydell is a decent guy who emphatically rejects her daughter’s attention, but he doesn’t turn Hailey down. Flustered and shocked by his irrational interest, Hailey fears it will do nothing but inflame her already rebellious daughter.

Joey Rydell moved back to River’s End after years of being in the Army. Back for good now, he runs the Rydell River Resort, and consequently, deals directly with the guests. The woman who catches his eye, however, isn’t the one that anyone could have predicted, including Hailey.

But all of that drama ceases to matter when the entire valley bursts into an out of control brush fire. The hot, dry summer fuels a fire bigger than anything anyone has ever seen. Erratically roaring through the valley, it destroys everything in its path. Joey is again called to duty to extinguish much more than just the stark miles that are charred in its wake. Fire augments the end to the loves and lives of the Rydells. Their destiny is in turmoil after being nurtured and groomed unlike any other family. Can they survive the somber aftermath of the Armageddon-like destruction? What if there is nothing left of the ranch? Is it the lifeblood of the Rydells? Or are the Rydells the lifeblood of River’s End?


No Cliffhangers
Recommended Reading Order For The River's End Series:
River's End
River's Escape
River's Return
River Road
River on Fire

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

340 pages, ebook

First published December 13, 2016

About the author

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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.

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Email me➜➜ leanne@leannedavis.net

My Books:
River's End
Rydell River Ranch Series
The Sister Series
The Zenith Series
The Seaclusion Series
Diversions
At the Next Table

Reviews

[Jacqueline J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Darn it, I really wanted to like this. I've totally been enjoying this series but this one fell totally flat. I felt absolutely no heat between the hero and heroine and totally didn't see why they loved each other. The author certainly didn't show me any cool interesting scenes of them falling in love. The most interesting part of the book was the fire. It was pretty well described. Darn well here's hoping the next one will be back up to par.

[Rellim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this one in many respects - but unlike some of the others the ending felt very HFN instead of HEA. I’m assuming there will be some more info on the Joey & Hailey as the series goes on, but with the book timeline lasting mere weeks instead of months or more like the others it just didn’t solidify their relationship in any meaningful way for me.

The depictions of the fire were heartbreakingly real and brought a depth to the family beyond it just being Joey & Hailey’s story.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey Starr decides to take a vacation with her two kids, Brianna and Jacob, to Rydell River Ranch when her ex-husband, Brent, gets remarried. She is ready to start over and hopes this is the place to get them all ready for their new lives.

Joey Rydell has grown up a lot over the past few years and is ready to take his place at the ranch helping out and running his own programs for the visitors. When Joey sees Hailey he realizes he is interested but knows she had a lot to deal with at the moment.

Joey must convince Hailey that their age gap is not a big deal and they can enjoy each other on vacation. But when Hailey begins having trouble with Brianna will she reach out to Brent for help and will it cost her Joey?

When a large lightening storm hits the valley and fires begin will the ranch survive?

This was such a good book and I loved seeing a different Joey!

Hailey was great and I completely understood what she was going through with her children and caught between being a stable parent for them and moving on with her own life. It was obvious how much Brianna was hurting and needing attention by the way she threw herself at Joey.

Joey was awesome and I loved the change in him from the first book to this one. He was so much more responsible and not out partying every night.

I liked that Joey was able to convince Hailey to give him a chance and show her that he was good for her. I was so mad at Brent for accusing Joey of the things he did without even talking to Hailey first.

The fire was so sad and heartbreaking. I hated that Joey had to go off and fight it and I can't believe so much was destroyed. I know that the series can't end soon as I need them to fix everything!!

My heart broke for Ben and it really sounded like Marcy may have been cheating on him in my opinion.

I am hoping Joey and Hailey can keep it working as there really needs to be some positivity for the family but I am so happy they are all back together!

[Kitty Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing saga of the Rydells gets better and better. This episode focuses on Joey Rydell. After a stint with the Army, he's back on the homestead helping to manage the ranch resort the family has established. Hailey Starr checks in with her kids in the hopes of getting away from the turmoil of a bitter divorce and her ex's wedding to the girlfriend who was almost half his age. Hailey's under-aged daughter has it in her head to seduce Joey who tries to fend her off in favor of her mother. Hailey is battling her attraction to the much younger man while trying to preserve the already fragile relationship she has with her wayward daughter. Then wildfires break out and it becomes the worst disaster emotionally and economically in history for everyone in River's End.

This story deals with what happens to many families dealing with divorce. It's an emotional and in depth look into broken hearts and disillusionment of children's perceptions. Then the wildfires disaster is so spot on detailed it was frightening how much it brought me up close and personal to it. The attentions to details are so thorough. This author writes the most intensely real stories I feel I'm right in the middle of it all, experiencing every emotion, smelling the smoke, and crying along with them. I truly love reading this author. I really loved this book. Truly each story in this series is better than the last it seems.

[Missie Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartbroken & Sadly Disappointed

This is a hard review to wrire.
First I'd like to state that I love this series. Every single book. However I can not give this book 5 stars even though Leanne Davis's storyline ripped my heart out and I had to stop reading a few times because of all the tears. That part, that continues on with the families I have grown to love was excellent writing and does deserve 5 stars. What I did not enjoy was Joe's love story. Just no. This 25 year old young man is supposed to fall in love with a 38 year old woman Hailey. Maybe. But it happens so fast in only a few weeks, with her constantly being whiney about their ages....ugh. I so looked forward to when Joey finally grew up and found true love like all his brothers. I dont know what i wanted but it was not this. A few ideas were : A strong young lady to put him in his place and he falls in love. Or maybe for him to realize someone else he used before, is the one and he has to prove himself to make up for the bullcrap. Anything but what I got. I honestly skipped a lot of pages because of the insistant whining and the love scenes were not believable. I was not emotionally moved at all.
Soooo do I still recommend this? Yes I do. Why? Because of the rest of the family. What happens. Just be prepared with a box of tissues.
The grammar is 5 stars.
This is an adult read with detailed bedroom scenes.

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know i had every intentions to write a bad review because I really got tired of Hailey's issues. I realize that when you're almost 40, freshly divorced and haven't addressed the issues with your kids, things can be tense and even more issues including acting out like a slut can happen. Hailey has her hands full with her oldest daughter. This was some of issues i had in this book. Hailey was hooked on age difference, her husbands new wife who was close to Joey's age and the fact that her daughter hit on him. She constantly brought it up until it finally Joey had enough. I didn't feel like they had a good comnection. Their meetings were usually talking things that happened before like her failed marriage and her daughter. I felt like it was i don't know. While I felt like this, I stayed to see things come out in the open and hearts begin to heal. Things was all before the Rydells lost everything and my heart broke even more. I had so many tears, my heart felt their lost and heartache. It was devasting to say the least. That last part really opened my eyes to see how much Hailey and Joey love and respect each other. I can't wait to read the next book to see how they rebuild and start over.

[Robyn Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

River on Fire is an amazing story of loss, second chances, first loves, rebirth. The youngest Rydell brother has taken a long time to grow up and find his place in the family, such a true plot of so many in today's society. Then the triangle of Hailey arriving and the older woman syndrome and the daughter having a crush on the guy who likes her mom, which is a hard plot to write about. So many twists to the ory. My heroine is the mom, Haillie however bcause as a mom trying to win back the respect of her kids and the tragedy of the ranch ceated bonds that drew Hallie and Rydell together. Life happens like that, good book, but a little too many twists to deal with. Love her angles and love stories, the impossible to meet tthe possible. The only part that was troublesome to me was the daughter having a crush on the man that her mom ended up with, a bit too much in the book. i love how she described the fire, and it lets me know she can enter the unnknown and share with her readers. Good book. I gave it a 4.

[Ann Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My least favorite of the series. I would have liked Davis to have stuck to the relationship between Joey, the younger man and Healy, the older woman with kids and baggage. This could have been very interesting. We don't really question if the man is 38 and she's 26, but in reverse it seems scandalous in our society. What was she thinking, reaching down to the nursery pool? I'd really like to know. I have many friends, acquaintances and family in long, happy marriages in which she is much older. One was 20 years older, another 14. Their stories deserve to be told. What upset me in this book was that the author spent way too much time on documenting the Fire. I've been in a forest fire and evacuated. It's horrible and she got that right, but I bought a love story, not a documentation of a fire storm. Go ahead and read it if you've read this far to bring the saga round to its conclusion without a gap in information. But with the caveat it's divided between a fire storm and the fire of passion.

[Claire M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet with proper page turning suspense!

I was in so much suspense with this book, as the title and prologue suggest there is a life changing fire at the Rydell Ranch but I kept turning page after page with intrepidation thinking is it going to happen now!
Joey has always been the least responsible Rydell and nothing much was ever expected of him! His brothers had a new found respect for him when he returned more sensible mature,
Hailey is a mum of two who has recently been divorced and has taken her kids on vacation to the ranch while their dad is off getting remarried.
When they meet Joey knows it could be something more than what he has ever had but Hailey is quick to put their feelings aside for her hang ups about age difference!
Will they be able to put the difference behind them or will they break them?
Will the Rydells come out of the fire as one or will they not be able to pick up the peices?

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew you could find courage to start over at a ranch. Hailey needed an escape from the news and life of her ex husband getting remarried and the kids weren’t invited to see it. Hailey has her hands full with Brianna and Jacob. Brianna is a 15 year old who is acting out due to everything not being like it use to. Now her parents aren’t together and her dad is married to another. Joey Rydell was still hot looking and no one really thought he had it in him but one look at Hailey and he wanted her. The more they got to know each other the more he was ready for her. Hailey is still dealing with the life she once had and really always put her kids first, but she fell for Joey even tho age played a part of her not wanting to. When everything is falling apart a huge fire happens and you have to think differently about the out comes and what is there to lose and can you deal with it. It was a great book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

River of Fire follows the story of Joey Rydell, the youngest brother. It has taken Joey a long time to grow up and find his place in the family. He’s come back from the army and matured but had to find a way to interact with Jack, his brother, but more a father to Joey since he raised him as his own when their parents died. Also Joey has a reputation with the ladies, having a drop dead gorgeous face and never wanting more than a fling he hasn’t been taken seriously. That is until Hallie arrives at the resort, a recent divorcee with 2 teenage children. Over a decade older than Joey but the first woman Joey has had feelings for. Unfortunately Hallie’s daughter has a massive crush on Joey and is acting out and Hallie is struggling to come to terms with the age gap. Enjoyed this story and really felt for Hallie throughout and then tragedy strikes the ranch which affects the entire family.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa what a impressive storyline!

This one hit me hard, for one reason, I was the older half of a almost 29 year relationship which his addiction habits slowly broke what was left. The Sawtooth complex fire swept through what had been my grandparents homestead/ranch as well as hitting many others. My sister managed to get herself and her daughters out though her car had melted lights and paint damage. Her husband stayed behind to water down the house, the panic of her talking on the phone when contact was lost. The horrible sight of bare mountains that had once been covered in pinion pines, tall juniper was heartbreaking. All these years later I still stutter at the strange mountains which no longer feel right. Amazing story and writing!

[Amber Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashes wash away

This tale is full of struggle against self, perceptions, family, and nature. It is a pretty realistic depiction of real life struggles. The old adage 'don't judge a book by it's cover'goes a long way in this story. Here its learning not to judge someone based on looks or how others will feel about what you're doing. Sometimes things don't "look" normal but can be a perfect fit.
Some people come into your life at the opportune time. Here that couldn't be more true. Drowning in life change and past failures attracts this couple together like magnets.
It's both sweet and tragic.

[Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

An angsty, emotional read that pulls at the heart. Hailey is running from an ugly divorce that has left her and her kids reeling. Wanting a new start Rydell River Resort seems like just the place but nothing is ever easy. Struggling to reinvent herself Hailey captures the interest of Joey Rydell. Joey has returned after serving in the Army and it helping at the Rydell Resort. But to complicate matters Hailey's daughter shows an interest in Joey for herself. This book is packed full of family dynamic and second chances, another great book in the series.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a bit hard for me at first because I'm not really a fan of older women and younger men romances but Joey and Hailey's love story made up for it. There was so much in this book that I couldn't help but to keep reading and I couldn't stop. From Hailey and her daughter drama to her ex-husband and Joey coming a long way with his family. The fire was what made me keep reading the most because in a strange way you come to know these characters and care about what happens to them. I can't wait for Charlie's story!

[Gina Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite a HEA

This is a tough book to rate, Joey and Hailey have a rocky start, middle and even a bit of a rocky ending. Yes they fall in love, but they have so many obstacles to overcome and a long distance relationship doesn’t really equate happily ever after to me. The fire is heartbreaking and I enjoyed the way the family pulls together. However they have such a long way to go. I’m really hoping the next book is more uplifting and sees Joey and Hailey actually together, sharing a life together like they deserve.

[Lisa Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series more and more with each book.. Joey bac’ from army and run the ranch resort ..Haley at the ranch with her kids to try and bond after her divorce and with her ex getting married and not wanting the kids there ...they started on a rough side a bit...but you could feel the connection and chemistry between them. for Haley there a age gape that bother her a bit and there that her daughter has a crush on Joey ....will 5hey be to overcom everything or not ...hurry buy this book it a must read book. You won’t regret

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Changes

Upon her ex husband's second marriage, Hailey Starr travels to The Rydell Ranch Resort with her children to help them cope with their life changes. She isn't prepared for Joey Rydell. He's half her age, never been married and quite a pretty boy.

Joey is the youngest Rydell brother. He's served in the Army, runs the resort and is trained to fight the brush fires in and around River's End. He was not expecting to be pulled to Hailey. When a fire grows and takes out most of River's End, Joey and Hailey learn to acknowledge their love ~

[Nicole Studioso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So intense, emotional and heartbreaking!

River on Fire is an amazing story of loss, second chances, first loves, rebirth. There's so much going on in this book, I barely know where to start. Leanne Davis has written a saga within a series. The characters are complex, deep, and beautifully written. Each storyline is rich and realistic, weaving this family's triumphs and losses together into a gorgeous mosaic.

[Karie Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fire that destroyed and brought them together

This book was one of my favorites of the series. Joey was so much more than everyone have him credit for.
Hailey was newly divorced and dealing with her angry children. She didn't ever intend on finding love and definitely with someone so much younger.
The fire that threatens the Rydell's legacy will draw them all closer and form bonds like never before.

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can u not like this series. Book 1 pulls you in and makes you want the next book. This is book 5 in the River ends series. This story is about Joey. He just came back from the Army and is helping his family on the resort and farm. Hailey checks in with her kids to take some time to heal and figure things out after her divorce. I love how we can still find out how everyone else from the first books are doing.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional

As others has noted, this one starts slow and continues that way for half the book before it picks up in an emotionally wretching lightening fast pace. My biggest issue that I'm just noticing as a pattern since I am currently binge reading this series: every woman is tiny with big breasts. And their breasts are commented on a lot. Every book, every heroine. It's getting very old.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think Joey could redeem himself. I wasn't really a fan. However, I became a big fan of his in this story. He's grown up, gone away, apologized, and had seen the error of his previous childish ways. I'm impressed. Hailey was a surprise to me. I really liked her character. I liked how good Joey was to her, and for her. The newest events to happen to the Rydell family broke my heart, but it only made them stronger.

[Jami Kehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

Not gonna lie.. the age thing did bug me out at first. I’ve never been into the whole cougar relationships. Not that I’m against it but it’s just not my cup of tea.

I was bummed that Joeys story was this buuut it grew on me. Joeys maturity really made up for the age and Haileys background helped warm me up to her.

The ending had me sobbing. Once again I’m 100% going to recommend this book!

[Lisa Michelle Pichner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal must read

I thoroughly loved Joey and Haileys story.
I have loved Koey and Hailey in each book I've read. This explained a lot about Brianna and Jacob Haileys kids.
The Rydell family really went through a lot in this read.
I cried a lot and laughed.
This was well written and i couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a great love story.

[Jennifer Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

This is book 5 could be read as a stand-alone but this is joeys story he’s the youngest he just returned from the army and a divorced women that has 2 kids comes to the ranch might be what Joey needs to put him in his place! But will she not make her mind up because of their age difference I was emotional reading this such a great book! Can’t wait to read bens books!

[LidiasChoice De Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joey and Hailey

This was a very difficult book to read. I couldn't even imagine the devastation and sorrow described here. Joey and Hailey managed to overcome a lot of obstacles to be together. I really like the River series and to get to know the brothers and other family members. Well written and definitely a series I can recommend.

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book. Love how this author took every family member and creates these great stories for each one. This one is one you hear more and more in real life but the way the author tells it keeps you wanting to read and not put the book down because you want to see what is going to happen next. Love, hurt and family drama what more do you need in a book...

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

She is a newly divorced mom of two kids one tries to be older than she is. They go to the ranch for a vacation. The little boy is thrilled however the daughter is not she hits on Joey and he denies her. Every time. However Joey has his eyes set on the mom. It will tear your heart out towards the end. Omg tissues required

[Deborah Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this lovely book about a woman seeking to change her life's trajectory after a divorce , her daughter's attempt at trying to be more grown up, a new man in the picture. And a FIRE consuming all in its path, bringing everything to real, real quick. Authentic, well writtten storyline, characters who speak to me, like friends . Recommended.