River's Winter

River's End #10

by Leanne Davis

Terrible mistakes in Jacob Starr’s youth made him disappear far away from those he loved most, while leaving behind the only decent thing he'd ever created in his life, his son. He finally comes home, but to many, home is not a place he is welcome. He’s determined to stay, to get a job, start a new life... and most of all, finally claim the son who doesn't even know who he is.

Before that can happen, a tragic incident turns Jacob into a hero in a way he never intended, alongside a woman he’d never met before.

Arriving recently in River’s End, Luna Castellanos is looking for a new life and career but what she finds, is soon based on something she never intended: infamy. After she and Jacob unwillingly become heroes in a tragedy that has the nation's attention, she can't find the strength to be the hero everyone claims her to be. Instead, she feels frozen in her anxiety and lost to the person she once was. But the only one who understands this, and therefore her, is Jacob Starr. It creates a bond between them that is quick, strong, and honest, with a chemistry that is much more far reaching than the one tragic moment they share.

Jacob's new status as a hero confounds and confuses him. All the new and unwanted attention, threatens to drive him into old, dark habits. But someone finally needs him, and only him. Heady stuff for a man who no one has ever needed or wanted. Luna has become the only person in the world to see him as their friend, confident, protector, and yes, hero. A roll that he cherishes. But once Luna learns of his past, will she still be able to look at him as her hero, or will she finally see him like everyone else?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

First published November 15, 2018

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 4 out of 5]

Another hero who needed to grow and change so I liked that part. He had done most of his growing before the book started but he was still on his recovery journey so that was interesting. The heroine I didn't like as well. On the whole the story was interesting and there was a lot on tension in the story of the two of them recovering from the mass shooting and falling in love. I enjoyed it and am sorry to see the end of this series. I recommend this series though for readers who like a series of books about a large family who are looking for interesting different story lines and not concerned about lots of sexy times. These books are not all about the sex so I was happy with that. I don't mind it but I like my stories to have more meat than just page after page of tab A slot B. And these stories really fit the bill.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob Starr made a lot of wrong choices in his life but he has returned to River's End ready to make amends for past mistakes and hopefully start fresh. Yet his past mistakes have created an uneasy situation between him and his mother Hailey and her husband Joey Rydell.

Luna Castellanos is the new owner of River's End Cafe and is excited for what lay ahead when everything is ripped from her in an instant and everything changes.

Tragedy brings Luna and Jacob together but can it also tear them apart?

This is a heartbreaking book but also one where there is light and strength.

I was so mad at Jacob for past events and the life he got himself into. He made some terrible choices and had let his family pick up the pieces behind him. I was glad that he seemed to be dedicated to getting healthy and staying sober.

Luna was a great character and I felt so bad for what she went through and horrified she had so much guilt over it all. I was curious about her parents as she seemed reluctant to tell them what had happened.

I totally understood how and why Jacob and Luna were linked and I was super curious on how things would play out between them. I loved what Jacob decided to do on his own with the cafe and how it showed he was growing up!

I was sad when everything got revealed in the way it was. I knew it was coming but I still felt so bad! It made everything go sideways and I crossed my fingers everything would be good!

I was so beyond proud of Jacob for his decision at the end!! Made me so happy!

The end was great and I must admit I am sad that the series is over!

[Amy Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm honestly extremely happy that Jacob got his book and his chance for redemption. He's had it rough but to be honest, he did it to himself. He was a lost kid who got into the wrong thing that nearly destroyed him and his family. It took a lot for me to like Jacob in the other books but in this one, you see how much he's grown physically and mentally. He's like a whole new person now. He knows what he did was and why he did it was unacceptable. He has learned from his mistakes and has a second chance at life. I felt myself loving him.
So this book starts off with a bang, I mean literally a bang. It was madness and craziness all into one. Jacob coming home was emotional but that was only the tip of the iceberg in this book. Him and Luna are brought together in a horrific way. They survived a horrible tragedy and suffer the aftermath. They are deemed heroes but they don't at all feel like it. Luna especially is feeling remorse at its worse. She is suffering from PTSD. Jacob does his best to help her as himself during this book. She doesn't feel like she deserved to live. This book will break your heart over and over again. I cried so much over this book and had to take so many breaks during reading it. This book will gut you to the core. This isn't your typical boy meets girl, they fall madly in love and live happily ever after. A town is rocked. Two characters are overcoming their past along with the present and trying to make adult decisions. I absolutely loved Jacob and Luna. This book was beautiful and heartbreaking but it does have a happy ending.

[Andrzejewski Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivers Winter is the final book in Rivers End series. It was a quick, easy read that I found hard to put down. It was the perfect story to end the series with. I enjoyed reading Jacob Starr and Luna's story. It was beautifully written. Jacob and Luna's relationship started from tragedy and blood shed. But something beautiful came from it. They leaned on each other equally to get through the trauma of the mass shooting. With Jacob and the rest of the Rydell families help Luna was able to reopen her beloved cafe.
When Luna originally came to River's End, the towns cafe hadn't saw the likes of Lester Zandisky. Jacob was hitting rock bottom in his addiction to heroin. Luna was starting life over in a new town with a new career, alone. Jacob moves home and is sober. He's working on making amends with his loved ones. As tragedy strikes the small town of Rivers End. A tragedy that brings both Jacob and Luna together in a way one would of never imagined.
I'm hoping the next person enjoys this story as much as I did.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob has struggled with substance abuse, which resulted in the death of his girlfriend and his abandonment of his son. His mother and step-father are raising his son as their own. With significant treatment, Jacob finally is able to come home and is welcomed, reluctantly by some, back into the fold. Purely by bad luck, Jacob happens to be a customer at the River Café when a gunman randomly shoots up the restaurant and kills eight people. Jacob and Luna, the café owner disarm the man and are deemed heroes by the media and survivors. The tragedy brings the couple, who were strangers, together as they attempt to handle all the emotions that have emerged from the tragedy. This story is relevant and looks beyond what happens after the headlines.This book is a part of the River’s End series. It can certainly be read alone but will be enriched by reading the previous books, which should not be a hardship as they are all great reads.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good!

Jacob finally gets his act together, comes back and ends up as a co-hero during a mass shooting at the local cafe. He and Luna, the cafe owner, stop the lunatic and have to deal with being a hero and the horrors of being a witness and survivor. The two become friends Jacob finally gets his act together and come back and ends up as a co-hero during a mass shooting at the local cafe. He and Luna, the cafe owner, stop the lunatic and have to deal with being a hero and the horrors of being a witness and survivor. The two become friends because they understand what each other is feeling and going through. As the press gets hungrier for stories Jacob is afraid of how Luna will feel about him when it comes out about his past.

This is an emotional read. It had me ugly crying a time or two. It has action, suspense, drama, some hot steamy scenes and redemption. This is a must read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 10 th book in the Rivers end series and all are stand alones. Jacob left Rivers End after his substance abuse left a lot of damage and a bad reputation. He returns now sober and is hoping to get involved in his sons life. His son is being raised by his mom and step dad. Jacob is struggling with his return.
Luna is new to Town and has her River Cafe. When a gun man comes into her establishment she and Jacob are able to unarm him and are thrust into the limelight as heros. Both struggle with the label
And attention.
They turn to each other and develop a solid relationship which is tested when Jacobs past come to her knowledge.
The author did an amazing job on making these characters and senerios so believable.
Great story with tragedy, angst and redemption.
I am volunteering to leave a review for this book.

[Kitty Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob and Luna were two unlikely people to be together but under the unfortunate circumstances that brought them together, they will become allies amidst the rubble of the tragedy that redefined their lives. As their town becomes the focus of a media circus, their celebrity status brings on the fear that their turbulent pasts could threaten everything they have built. The two must decide whose sins are a bigger deal breaker. Both are fighting separate demons. In the end they will have to decide whether this thing between them is real and strong enough to heal and conquer their demons. The story wasn't just Jacob and Luna's love story, but also a story about Jacob's struggle to rebuild his life of recovery from his addiction to heroin. It was both moving and an emotional read for me.

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

Real Recovery

It's very tough to write a story that tackles addiction. What is even more challenging, is actually writing about recovery. In this story we learn so much more about Jacob and his heroin addiction and recovery. Every single minute of every day and night tempt and taunt a recovering addict. We learn how every thought ever imaginable becomes a challenge. Add in someone who speaks to your heart and soul and then you have another person you might let down.

Recovery includes your mind, heart, head and soul. If you leave anything out the chance of relapsing increases ~

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanne Davis has written an emotional story about addiction and what it does to the whole family. It is also a sweet romance between Jacob and Luna. Tragedy struck the town and Jacob and Luna were hailed as heroes. The spotlight being constantly on them and the carnage they witnessed cause them untold hours of suffering trying to cope with everything. They grew close sharing their grief and being the only ones that really knew how they felt, brought them closer. I urge you to read Jacob and Luna's story. It will open your eyes. Highly recommend.

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob Starr has been gone from his family for 4 years. When he comes back nothing is easy but he tries to show everyone he’s there to stay and going to be healthy. Luna is new to the area and has no one. Luna and her parents aren’t always talking and can’t really turn to them for help. When a shooter comes into the restaurant that Luna owns things take a turn. Jacob and Luna has a bond that can either help them both or destroy them trying. Things about the past will come back to them and shock them about how strong they can be.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a gunman goes on a killing spree at a local diner, owned by Luna, Jacob makes a split second decision to take down the gunman and becomes a town hero. Luna and Jacob form a fast bond. Meanwhile, Jacob is trying to make amends for past mistakes. Will Luna and Jacob be able to move out of the past and into the future together?

This story was well written and gripping from the prologue. While it can be read as a stand alone, characters from the previous books in the series do make appearances, so it might be beneficial to read the entire series.

[Tracy Trixy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Luna and Jacob. This book is actually number 10 in a series but it can be read as a stand-alone.

Luna has moved to this small town, and is opening up a cafe to start a new life away from her past.
Jacob is returning home after a long battle with addiction.... the path isn’t smooth for these two characters, and both are involved in a devastating tragedy, and the writing for this is great. I have no idea or experience with this tragedy, but reading through the eyes of these characters.. I felt there, in the story with them.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can relate to watching someone you love to through addiction issues, although I'm not sure I was always as loving as Hailey and Brianna. It was nice to read a redemption story when it came to Jacob, but difficult to read of his pain of reliving his mistakes and coming to terms with a heartbreaking truth. Luna's struggles through PTSD while trying to start over once again was brutal, but it was a sweet love story as Jacob and Luna met in tragedy and slowly helped each other face each other's struggles as they weather the storm together.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad Jacob got his book. He finally grew up & started taking responsibility for his actions. Getting clean from his addiction and becoming an overnight Hero in this story was a lot to shoulder while recovering.
I’ve loved this series, it was different but good. I like that there wasn’t insta love in any of the books. The women were strong willed and had their own lives and struggle before & during the relationships.
I’d love to see a novella down the road with everyone wrapped up in the future years.

[Jami Kehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy Hitting

This author has a way of writing that puts you in the others shoes. When you're on the side with the green grass and judging the neighbors lawn it's so easy to overlook how it may have gotten to that state of disarray.

Davis makes you step back and take a look at yourself. She doesn't just write about flowers and hearts. She writes about things that hit close to home. It's refreshing and much needed.

Rivers Winter tackled several different heavy hitting topics. This is a story that everyone should stop and read.

[Lisa Michelle Pichner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal must read

I thoroughly loved Jacob and Luna story.
I have loved every book I have read from this series even though I started with AJ and Kates story I'm reading them all.
This series is full of real life incidents from being left behind by parents due to drugs, addicts from a loving family, deaf to loving a hearing period, to other learning disabilities.
All have insecurities, fears and learn to overcome with lots of love.
I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys steamy romance.

[Susan Jordens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series and was eagerly waiting for Jacob's story. I was not disappointed as it had everything a good story should have.

Jacob and Luna experienced something no one ever should have to. How they reacted and coped with this is told in a wonderfully caring and compassionate way.

I felt every emotion, every drama and every heartache as well as the loving moments of Jacob and Luna's relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book and highly recommend it to you.

[Gina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never, not once been disappointed in anything that Leanne Davis has written.
River's Winter is no exception. With every book in this series, the bar gets raised...I'm sad that this ends the series.
Jacob was my friend. I cheered for him, yelled at him, cried with him a d hoped for him.
The way Leanne describes events give you a front row seat at life.
I'm hoping for a Rivers Reunion one day.

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love theses books when I think there is no way to better the last one she does it. This one is about Jacob. He has so much to fix and he isn't really welcomed back home with open arms. The road he has to take comes with being in the right place and this helps him get on the right path to fixing the mess he left. Throw some Action, drama and some hot steamy scene you have one heck of a story..

[Melanie Melancon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of the entire series. I would recommend that readers begin with the first book, River's End. The series tells a story of the Rydel family, with each book about a different family member. Spanning several decades, we watch the family as they grow up and watch them tackle the problems most modern families experience. A reader beginning the books out of order will miss a lot of context needed to follow the story. That said, I would highly recommend this series.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 10th book but the characters still have a mass amount of depth and the story line is phenomenal. This book is that of Jacob and Luna's story. What brought them together could quite possible tear them apart. This story takes you through unconditional love it gives you what happens after the headlines stop and the news reporters go away. It also shows you that even with taking the wrong turn on you path of life you can try to take a new path.

[Brandi Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the Rivers End Series

I truely enjoyed this book. Again I love the way this author writes her characters and their reactions. They feel so real. Life is messy and not perfect and sometimes we have to fight to get through it especially in extremely traumatic situations. I cried with Jacob and Luna and truely enjoyed their characters in this book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning!!!! Major tear jerker!!! This was intense, scary, romantic, harsh, suspenseful,etc. I loved each and every one of the books in this series but this one was just wow...I cried for Jacob and Luna and I cried for this being the last book in the Rivers End series. Leanne Davis is a true artist with her books. I highly recommend all her work but definitely this series. 10 STARS!!!!!

[Neikel Exeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading a book about a drug addict from their perspective. It was different and interesting. The stigma that Jacob went through and still goes through, not to go back to that addiction is amazing. Then in comes Luna and this terrible shooting. A very heart breaking and emotional story. A wonderful book.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every single book in the River's End Series and they were all great, but River's Winter is by far my favorite! Jacob Starr has been through a lot in his adult life. Luna Castellanos came to River's End for a fresh start. One horrific and terrifying event will bring them together and they both find the happiness they didn't know they wanted.

[Lizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in this series. It was a quick and easy read. This story starts with a tragedy that brings two lost souls together. Jacob and Luna's was beautifully written and made this romance even more special. I loved that we had tidbits from the characters in the previous stories as well!!

[Sue Mehlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!!!!

I have just finished reading the entire River's End series, and have to say that it was absolutely brilliantly written. There was a mixture of happiness and heartbreaking times and always held you in anticipation of what was coming next. Can't wait for any more of the yet to be written book's, I certainly hope that there will be more. Loved each and every one💙💜💙💜💙

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great end to a wonderful series. So many true life situations. Small town guy and his story of addiction & recovery. Luna helps him when his past is brought up. They do love each other, but real life makes it scary to commit. Family support means so much.

[Jennifer Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow talk about emotions and some real tears when Jacob Comes back after so many years he doesn’t realize he could be a hero to a new girl Luna but why? And why is she so timid? His family will they forgive him for all his transgressions and will our Jacob finally get his happy ever after?