Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

River Valley #5

Riverstorm

Rate this book
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

Two hard-headed attorneys will retrace the steps of their shared past and learn to embrace forgiveness and second chances in this small-town romance from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
Los Angeles attorneys Grant Perry and Liz Teeny were once in love, until youth and circumstance tore them apart. Ten years later, they’re reunited while working on an important trial. He’s successful and handsome, but childhood demons haunt him. Liz, lonely and driven, has devoted her life to work.
When unexpected personal events bring them to River Valley, they learn of family secrets that could change their lives forever. How will what they learn impact their lives? Will these secrets bring healing or more heartbreak? Is it too late for a second chance?
The fifth installment in Tess Thompson’s beloved River Valley Series explores themes of family, home, and the way childhood trauma can follow you into adulthood. Witty banter, lovable characters and a sprinkle of mystery makes this an emotional page-turner.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2017

605 people are currently reading
502 people want to read

About the author

Tess Thompson

119 books1,734 followers
Tess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.

Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.

She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.

Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.

She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.

She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.

Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites

Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
710 (64%)
4 stars
298 (27%)
3 stars
68 (6%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
May 14, 2019
In Riverstorm Grant Perry and Liz Teeny figure out what is important after lightning strikes and starts a fire at her cousin Lola's farm. It has taken them twelve years to get it right.

Grant and Liz are both lawyers in Los Angeles. They were together for two years in law school until Grant messed up and broke Lizzie's heart. Now they are talking again and both are drawn to family mysteries in River Valley, Oregon. They go looking for answers to their family mysteries and find a place to call home with family close and a much slower pace of life to begin finding their happy ever after. The twists and turns and the sweet romance plus the family mysteries gave the romance a touch of mystery and a bit of danger too.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
September 3, 2020
Mysteries, a murder and a second chance love. A GREAT addition to the series. I certainly hope Peggy and Todd's story is on the horizon. ;)
103 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Does Tess Thompson have a bestseller on her hands with Riverstorm? Yes, a thousand times yes!

Riverstorm by Tess Thompson is the fifth installment in the River Valley series. It is the story of attorneys, Grant & Lizzie. 10 years ago they were very much in love until one of them makes a mistake that tears them apart. In the present day, they are thrown together on a big case and realize that their love never faded away. They must overcome their own past, family secrets, & other obstacles in order to be together.

Ms. Thompson has written another wonderful tale. This is a little different from her other books, but just as great. This tale is very well written and draws the reader in from the very beginning. Riverstorm is a fun and exciting addition to the River Valley series!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
March 15, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/15/2018)!💝
42 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2017
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms Thompson adds to her River Valley Saga with a beautifully written story of this second chance at romance of Grant and Lizzie. This reader believes this maybe the best of the series so far, but thinks she may have felt that with each of Ms Thompson's books in this series. There is something about going to this river community that brings a sense of peace. The stories, the characters, the town that is growing with enthusiasm each time we visit. I won't go into the story feeling that is shown in the synopsis above - I will just say this is a book not to be missed. With all the turmoil in the recent news the book brings an escape from the drama.....with a bit of family history, couple history and a touch of mystery thrown in to keep the pages turning. Grab the book - and settle in for an amazing read.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,962 reviews172 followers
December 19, 2017
Grant and Liz are just like you and me. Hardworking, opinionated and on the verge of destiny. In order to build a solid future, a person must learn to face past mistakes. Tess Thompson takes a stroll down memory lane with moments of heartache and enlightenment that are relatable, debatable and unforgettable. Riverstorm is the path we all must walk in order to find the place we were meant to be.
Profile Image for Malinda Wilson.
49 reviews7 followers
August 28, 2017
I received an ARC for Tess Thompson's 5th River Valley series Riverstorm. I absolutely love this series and book 5! Once again we have a page turner that I could not put it down! Tess makes you not only fall in love with this small Oregon town, but all of the characters as well. I can't wat for book 6! As long as Tess keeps writing this series, I will definitely keep reading it. I just have to know what's next for these people and this town.
Profile Image for J.C. Wing.
Author 30 books220 followers
August 21, 2017
Ten years ago, lawyers Grant Perry and Liz Teeny were very much in love, but their romance was halted after one of them made a regrettable mistake. After a big case throws them together again, they both realize they still have feelings for one another. When events in each of their lives bring them to River Valley, the small town works its magic, and Grant and Liz learn things about their pasts, their families— and what things each one of them wants for their futures.

Riverstorm is the fifth book in Tess Thompson’s River Valley Series. The author is true to form, and this book lives up to the high expectations set by the rest of the series. It is lovingly crafted with the warm mix of romance, heartbreak, mystery and family drama that has Thompson’s readers eager for each new installment.
69 reviews
August 25, 2017
I received an ARC copy of Riverstorm by Tess Thompson. This is the 5th book in the River Valley series. Ms. Thompson is an author that improves with time. She lets you know the characters, their hopes and dreams. In Riverstorm, Grant and Lizzie have fought through the storms, only to become stronger after a trip to River Valley. I highly recommend this series to all readers. Actually, I recommend any book written by Tess Thompson!
60 reviews
September 19, 2017
Riverstorm is a wonderful read with lots of mystery and suspense! I really like how she combined past characters and events to fit in this one with new characters and twist and adventures! Excellent blend!
Profile Image for E-Reader Addict.
1,327 reviews46 followers
March 23, 2018
3.5 Stars

I am a complete sucker for second-chance romances. I have no idea why, except maybe I really, really like the part when the man says, “I’m sorry, I screwed up, please forgive me.”

And Grant Perry really screwed up. After promising his eternal love to Liz Teeny, Grant went and made a bad choice and hurt Liz terribly. Now, ten years later he and Liz, who are both successful lawyers, are back in each other’s orbit, and Grant isn’t about to let her get away again.

I actually loved the first part of this book where Grant and Liz are getting back together. Grant apologizes, tells Lizzie he is planning to win her back, and Lizzie agrees to let him. No angst, no drama. Just a couple of heartfelt conversations and they moved on. Yes, it was a little simplistic. But their interactions were also refreshing. I like when a character is able to forgive the one who hurt them if a sincere apology is given.

Where things started to slide sideways for me was when Grant and Liz are both called back home to Oregon. Both are dealing with major secrets from the past, and while Grant is able to find some peace and closure - and a new plan for his life, Liz gets all melodramatic and totally doesn’t act like herself (she forgives him for the really big wrong from ten years ago but then flies off the handle about what he’d like for the future?). Not to mention that the drama with her family was completely soap opera-ish! Add in Grant’s disappearing sisters (they were present when he first went to Oregon, but then aren’t in the rest of the book), a cliched “life-in-peril, re-evaluate your life” event, and my warm fuzzies from the first half of the book cooled considerably.

Overall, this was a good story. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, and I liked the characters. The plot was a bit predictable (I totally knew why Grant's dad was so horrible to him...I read WAY too much), but moved quickly so I wasn't ever bored. While I’m not really interested in reading the first four books in this series, I’m definitely interested in reading a story about Liz’s sister. Something was hinted about in the last pages of this book, so hopefully Peggy’s story is next!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,393 reviews273 followers
September 21, 2017
Grant Perry is a 34 and a lawyer who has just been offered a position as a partner in the firm he works at when his mentor, Raymond, retires. Raymond's wife being terminally ill puts things in perspective for Grant and with his divorce now being final he vows to try and find the woman who claimed his heart many years ago.

Liz Teeny is a lawyer and involved in a very high profile case where she is defending a single mother who got rape against a rich boy with parents that can buy off anyone. Liz receives a letter from her Aunt Lola who believes that Liz's grandma was murdered many years ago due to some letters she found in River Valley.

After Grant and Liz reconnect they talk and both end up heading to River Valley on their own and come together. Can they make a relationship last with the mistakes that were made in the past and from what they learn in the present?

This was a good story about 2nd chances and past mysteries.

It was interesting hearing from Grant and learning why he cheated on Liz in the past. Yet after his father dies and he finds the pictures everything begins to make sense. He loved Liz but truly felt like he was no good for her after growing up believing that he wasn't any good. He had a lot to do to make everything up to Liz for past mistakes but he was willing to do whatever it took.

Liz's story was very interesting as she was very close to her sister, Peggy, and her niece Beth but not as close with either of her parents but they were still involved in her life. She still loved Grant but was very hurt by what he had done but agrees to give him a second chance.

I loved the mystery with Liz's grandma and the relationship that developed between Liz and Lola. I was surprised with what was revealed when Liz met with Rosemary Bingham and then what Liz and her mom learned when they visited her grandpa.

I also really did enjoy what Grant learned about his own past and that the future looked really good for him in River Valley!

Great story!
Profile Image for Kate_mrs539.
377 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2017
With new authors I like to do as little prep work as possible when picking up their books.  It gives me a clear mind and I am able to take the book at face value rather than the build up or let down from other readers.

When I finished Riverstorm I thought to myself this would make a great series and I had all kinds of people I was hoping would be next in the series.  Only to find out that Riverstorm is actually book 5 in The River Valley Series!  Where have I been!?!?!?

And now I will be busy going back to read the previous 4 books!

Riverstorm was a great read for me.  I love a second chance romance and even more than that I love suspense!  I was met with both in this book and it kept me turning pages from beginning to end.  

Reading time for me was a little over 4 hours.  I read the whole thing in one sitting...because I could and because I don't think I could have put it down anyhow.  Between the mystery and the anticipation of Liz and Grant possibly getting back together...I didn't stand a chance.

The sex in Riverstorm wasn't over the top, so if you don't really care for an over abundance of it, this book would be right up your alley.  It is part of a series, but I was able to read without any problems.  I didn't feel lost or confused with any of the other characters.  

I am truly hoping Tess Thompson has at least one more in her for this series.  I'd love a story between Peggy and Todd!  Please and Thank you.

Great read for me.  I am giving it 5 stars.

Review by Corrie H for Lamplight Review and Promotion

***I was given an ARC for an honest review
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
September 19, 2017
Whilst this is most definitely part of a series, that didn’t mean that it wasn’t perfectly well equipped to stand alone and it read beautifully as singular body of work.
The trials and tribulations of Grant and Liz spanned a decade, the love they had experienced previously having dissipated when the pressure of real life flexed its muscle and tore them apart but with an opportunity to work together on a trial that will take both of their skillsets, do they have what it takes to leave the past behind them?
I wondered if they would be able to find a happy medium and for much of the book I thought that Grant was holding on a little too hard to his demons, he was suffering so much under the weight of what he continued to force himself to carry.
But would seeing Liz add fuel to that fire or would she be the balm that soothed his soul, I for one was hoping that it would be the latter.
As for Liz, well she is a resourceful woman, but she had little in her life other than her career which she has thrown everything into. So, would River Valley work its magic and allow them to wind back the clock, and find a happiness that they both so sorely needed or would they find it all too much.
With a plethora of characters from previous books, this was a story that brought a lot to the table, it was both entertaining and engaging. The characters didn’t take long to become ingratiated, they and their plight resonated and that meant the books found its way under my skin.
A great read, one that has me itching to read the rest of the series
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,885 reviews47 followers
March 20, 2018
This was my first time reading author Tess Thompson, but it will NOT be my last!! I loved this book, the characters, the author's writing style and most of all the locations that the author describes in this book! This is #5 in the series, but this is the first one that I have read and was able to jump right into it. I am always worried about books that are in a series, but this can truly be read as a stand alone and the reader will have no trouble at all starting here. Now that I know how good the books are, I will be going back and starting at 1!

This book gives us Liz and Grant - both overachievers with something to prove (mainly to themselves). They were together once and in love beyond anything that they have ever felt, but circumstances broke them apart. They are both in a place now that they want to try to make it work, but can trust be re-built? Will life choices and secrets allow them to be together? Can they make a change that will keep them both happy?

This book has it all - mystery, romance, second chances, loss and celebration. The reader will laugh, cry, ugly cry, yell, curse and at times even want to email the author to ask her wtfudge?!? The reader will try to figure out what is going to happen next, but the author does a good job of keeping them guessing. The twists and turns keep the readers on the edge of their seats and doesn't really let them fully relax until the end.

A great read and a really amazing find in this author. I am looking forward to reading more by her and reading it soon!

Profile Image for Gerda.
775 reviews
March 25, 2018
This book needs a good editor. My pet peeve are loose ends at the end and a faulty timeline. In this book a coherent timeline is crucial for the plot:
Apart from the above mentioned nuisances it was an easy read, a lot of action taking place, HEA, and hints to the romance unfolding in the sequel.
Profile Image for Julianna Shields.
48 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2017
5 Stars for Riverstorm
I was given an advanced copy of Riverstorm by Tess Thompson in exchange for an honest review. This is the 5th book in the River Valley series. I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the story of a small Oregon town with the some new characters and some familiar ones.
Grant is a high powered attorney in LA. Although he is a highly successful attorney, he suffers from low self esteem stemming from his relationship with his father while he was growing up.
Lizzie is also a successful attorney in LA. She has high expectations for herself and takes better care of her clients then she does herself.
Like all of the River series books, Healing and mystery, and of course, romance are found in River Valley.
I enjoyed the different plot lines of an old family mystery, healing from childhood wounds and romance. Having lived both in big cities and in a small town in southern Oregon, I could totally relate to the hectic city life and the slower paced, family centered life of a small town. Ms Thompson is a master of descriptive words to make you feel like you are in the small town of River Valley amongst old friends.
If you are new to the River Valley stories, each of the books are written so you can enjoy them on their own, but there are characters that appear in all of the books, so you might want to pick up a set of the whole series to enjoy.Riverstorm
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,150 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2017
This was a good story about 2nd chances and past mysteries.

It was interesting hearing from Grant and learning why he cheated on Liz in the past. Yet after his father dies and he finds the pictures everything begins to make sense. He loved Liz but truly felt like he was no good for her after growing up believing that he wasn't any good. He had a lot to do to make everything up to Liz for past mistakes but he was willing to do whatever it took.

Liz's story was very interesting as she was very close to her sister, Peggy, and her niece Beth but not as close with either of her parents but they were still involved in her life. She still loved Grant but was very hurt by what he had done but agrees to give him a second chance.

I loved the mystery with Liz's grandma and the relationship that developed between Liz and Lola. I was surprised with what was revealed when Liz met with Rosemary Bingham and then what Liz and her mom learned when they visited her grandpa.

I also really did enjoy what Grant learned about his own past and that the future looked really good for him in River Valley!

Great story!

Profile Image for Amy Stephens.
Author 120 books551 followers
December 19, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by Riverstorm, the fifth book in the River Valley series by Tess Thompson. The author and this series is new to me, and I have to say that I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. I'll be completely honest, the cover did not attract me at all, and I really don't feel that it does this book justice. Again, it's my honest opinion, and had I not taken the chance and read the blurb, I would have completely passed this one by.

The author did a fantastic job with the characters of Grant and Liz. I was drawn to the fact that he was going through a divorce and was offered the opportunity to make partner in the law firm he was at. Whereas most attorneys see dollar signs, Grant actually had a conscious and it showed in his character.

Liz is one of the those characters that you couldn't help but like. She was hard working and honest, a lot like Grant. I loved that the two of them had history together and that they were drawn together again.

The story is really, really good and I found myself reading just one more chapter, just so I could find out what happened. The author's writing is easy to follow as well and made for an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Melissa.
942 reviews
September 24, 2017
This is Book #5 in the River Valley series.  I have not read the other books in this series, but I want to.   This was about second chances.  If you were hurt by an ex, who did something awful, would you forgive him and give him a second chance?  I am not sure if I could, but there were some personal events that led to that awful thing.

Both Grant and Liz are dealing with their lives being overwhelmed so they go away, but not together.  They end up in the same town and both are dealing with family secrets.  Is it fate that they are both in the same town?

I loved this book.  I hope their is a book about Liz's sister, Peggy.  I also want to go read the other books in this series.

Goodreads is giving away 2 copies of this book.  Go check it out!!


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,720 reviews22 followers
December 15, 2017
It wasn’t a bad story I was just confused and think that this second chance happened to quickly and it seemed a bit desperate but it was still a nice story. It had some emotional moments and very sad and angst past memories.

Liz and Grant dated for two years and hadn’t seen each other for 10 years until they started working together on a case. They were both successful attorneys and had moved on with their lives but they were only fooling themselves. They never stopped loving each other. Grant was fresh off a divorce and Liz had just broken up with a douche. Grant was there when she needed saving and things took off from there.

As they reconnected secrets were being revealed and unexpected events happened and were revealed which answered many questions especially about Grant’s childhood. But Liz and Grant together were good.
Profile Image for Kathy.
136 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2017
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Riverstorm is the fifth installment in the River Valley series, and is the story of attorneys Grant and Lizzie. Ten years ago, they were very much in love, but one of them made a regrettable mistake. It is present day and they are thrown together on a big case and discover that those feelings from the past are resurfacing. When they find themselves both in River Valley, the little Oregon town begins to work its magic once again.

I want to move to River Valley every time I read one of the books in this series. It is a quaint little town that draws me in! I loved this book! I can’t wait for the next in the series. I highly recommend it! This book as well as all the others in this series can be read as a stand-alone book.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,395 reviews67 followers
September 9, 2017
Riverstorm by Tess Thompson is the fifth installment in The River Valley Series.
Riverstorm can easily be read as a standalone.
The LA attorneys Grant Perry and Liz Teeny were in love, years ago. But fate tore them apart.
Now, 10 years later, they work together on a important trial.
Grant has demons that haunt him.
Liz is lonely, she devoted her life to her work. Now, both are back in River Valley and learn how to be happy again.

Meet old friends from previous books, read about great feelings, old ghosts that haunt him still and about a beautiful HEA.
I really liked the writing, the story and the characters.
I give 4,5 stars. Thank you Tess Thompson !
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews98 followers
September 26, 2017
5 Star Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review

I loved this story. I loved the characters and all the events that lead Grant and Liz apart and the ones that brought them together. I just loved this story. We all have a time when we make a bad life choice, but it's what we make of those choices in the end that get us back on track. This is what happened for Grant and Liz.

Tess Thompson did an amazing job with the story. I'm honored I had the chance to read and review it. She did a great job making you feel everything that Grant and Liz felt. She also did a fantastic job telling an amazing story. I hope you will check it out.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,840 reviews52 followers
December 4, 2017
I love the River Valley series. I fell in love from book one and can't put these down. Riverstorm follows true to previous books with the focus on family and a little added twist. I love the pull that this small town has to everyone. They all seem to heal and find their true place. Grant and Liz have a past. Both seeking something they didn't realize was missing. A beautiful second chance at love begins to unfold and everything seems clearer. When past meets future and a pull to River Valley a wonder new adventure of Grant and Liz is born. I adored this book. If you haven't picked up this series do so because you wont be disappointed in these beautiful love stories.
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
1,087 reviews12 followers
December 7, 2017
There's nothing like a second chance with the one person you've always loved. Liz and Grant had that once in a life love 10 years ago. Then Grant's world got turned upside down and he made a choice that he has regretted this whole time. Now is his chance to get Liz back for good and he's not going to let anything get in his way. This was a lovely book to read. There was a little mystery and a little suspense. The love wasn't over dramatized so if you enjoy a heartfelt love without all the erotic this is the perfect story for you. The secondary characters were great and the author left us with enough to hope there is another book in this series to come.
Profile Image for Kay.
1,406 reviews
September 23, 2017
This one, the 5th in the series, has it all: suspense (was it murder?), romance (ah, the exquisite tension of tantalizing romance), emotion (the characters feel things and we feel them doing it, family plots (gotta have secrets), and a couple of terrific twists. We see France from a distance and touch down in San Francisco for those Big World touches to the River Valley small town. The last 30% of the book sees the pace pick up to deep-breath levels, and the pages whiz fast. Good read … have tissues handy.
Profile Image for Pauline.
981 reviews
December 28, 2017
Although this was the first book by Tess Thompson that I have read, and some of the characters were unfamiliar to me, it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story. Grant and Liz are college sweethearts, who went their separate ways after one of them makes a mistake. After going through a divorce, Grant wants to find the love he lost ten years previously. Now they are working on a big case together and realize that there is still a spark there. Grant wants to find the I loved this book and will definitely be visiting River Valley again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.