River's Escape

River's End #2

by Leanne Davis

She only wants to escape her small-town life... and he simply wants her.

Ian is the Rydell brother that no one knows what he is thinking, or next going to do, especially the woman he has quietly loved for years. But now he's ready to implement the plans and dreams he has for the future of the Rydell River Ranch, and himself. Plans which include Kailynn Hayes.

Kailynn has dreamed her entire life of escaping the small town she was born and raised in. Kailynn has no idea what Ian intends until one unexpected event changes everything between them.

She starts to realize that maybe there is more in River’s End for her, than she ever noticed or dared to dream about.
When she’s given the chance to pursue a new and different life, she must decide if she is going to turn her back on what she's found with the most unexpected of men.

But how could she ever give up the life she's always wanted, just to go back to the one place she had been so desperate to escape?

But then again, how can she not?

Binge read this contemporary, western romance series, full of hot cowboys and family entanglements that is based around the Rydell River Ranch brought to you by small-town romance author Leanne Davis…

Recommended Reading Order for River's End Series:
River's End
River's Escape
River's Return
River Road
River on Fire
River's Lost
River of Change
River's Destiny
River's Rescue
River's Winter

Continue with the next Generation in The Rydell River Ranch Series:
River in Darkness
River in Light
River in the Mountains
River at the Ranch
River to the Ocean
River from the City
River Through the Valley

Each book is a standalone with a happily-ever after but the journey getting there? Never easy and always epic! You’ll get to check in with beloved characters in this interconnected standalone series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2015

About the author

Get a free book exclusive to my newsletter subscribers ➜➜ http://bit.ly/2usYsb6.

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

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You often see in reviews most people complain about the romance not being original that its just a recycled version of the same thing from book to book. Well in this series the romances are anything but typical. They are unconventional in both the story and the characters. If you a fan of this author this series isn’t as gut-wrenching as some of her others but the characters are certainly flawed. I will not forget in the first book her having a heroine who was illiterate and expected to be treated unkindly. In this book the heroine hates her life. After her mother left she was left to take care of her disabled father and her two lazy brothers who do nothing but party. She wants nothing more than to get out of River’s End but doesn’t see how that is ever going to happen.

Kailynn’s abandonment by her mother at an early age messed with her self-esteem and worth. With her self esteem so low she tends to date men that are no good even though she is still clinging to her virginity. Her whole life she has wanted one man - Shane Rydell. Even though he has never seen her as anything but a younger sister type figure. Shane also doesn’t do a whole lot more than drink and sleep with women himself (his story is next in the series and he certainly needs to get his life together). What Kailynn doesn’t realize is its Ian Rydell who is pining for her but she is so caught up in her woe is me life she doesn’t really even see him and the impression she does have of him couldn’t be more wrong.

Ian and his older brother Jack were thrust into responsibility at an early age when their parents died and they in turn had to raise their two younger brothers along with Jack’s two sons. Along with that responsibility they also had the family ranch to run. Ian is not described as being very attractive by Kailynn but its not long before you realize that is because she has tunnel vision when it comes to the good guys. Ian was the strong silent type that didn’t believe in talking about his conquest or getting drunk and acting stupid. He takes his family responsibilities seriously and I think was also the most affected by the loss of his parents. I have to say I felt sorry for Ian for most of this book. You just knew Kailynn was going to break his heart and there was nothing you could do.

There is a HEA so no worries there but there is plenty of heartbreak and growing that has to be done before we got that.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally did not enjoy this one as much as the first in the series. I guess I just didn't care much for the heroine. I didn't really see why the hero liked her. She was a surly whinny bitch. I felt like she just used her home situation where she was enabling her father and brothers to take advantage of her as an excuse not to take a chance and move on. The hero was quiet and came across as much less of an alpha male than the author tried to convince me he was. I guess it had a couple of things that I appreciated. The heroine stopped crushing on the hero's brother once she had slept with the hero. And it was different in that the hero was the one to move to make the heroine happy and that doesn't happen often in romances. Wasn't horrible hence the 2 stars but I didn't enjoy the journey.

[D. E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An LD. Romantic Modern Western Adventure (RES. - 2)/A Woman Stuck on a Ranch

LD. has. penned the second novel about River' s End, where a young woman who has dreams of her own has to constantly wait on her brothers, who could care less about her personal problems because they have trouble getting to work and they are constantly causing problems. She finds a way to freedom and a way to discover, find and solve solutions potential of female situations. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS

[Shirley Wine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

This is an interesting story about a part of the world new to me. The author has a great grasp of her characters and a way of making the setting an integral part of the story.

[WhyChoose Book Boyfriend Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book. After reading the first book in this series I was ready to dive into this book. But now, now I'm not sure if I liked it or not.

Look I really liked Ian in the first book. I really warmed up to him and I thought he would be awesome in this book. Unfortunately his character just kind of fell flat and unemotional in this book for me. I know he keeps his emotions all locked up after the loss of his parents and then his brothers wife. But he just flat during the whole book. Like seriously we're supposed to believe that he's had this huge crush on Kailynn for 3 years, even though he knows she has a huge crush on his brother Shane. I mean I guess it could happen but it was just really weird. Though there was one, One moment towards the end of the end of the book where he really opened up to Kailynn and I had hoped it would stick and he would open up to his brothers about his feelings. But Nope, never happened, he just closed off again.

Now Kailynn, or Lynnie as all the Rydell brothers call her. I don't know.... I just don't know... I found her to be a bit weird in Erin and Jack's book, she came off as a b*tch at first with Erin, but then warmed up to Erin. But I still just found her to be weird. I was hoping I would warm up to her more in this story but Nope, unfortunately my attitude towards her never warmed.

Even though this was Only book 2 in this series, it wasn't my favorite. Again the characters just didn't do it for me. I had such high hopes for Ian in this book and they just fell flat. I don't know if I just didn't think Ian and Kailynn weren't right for each other or what. But yeah I was a bit disappointed in this book.

I'm giving this book 3 Stars out of 5 and off to read book 3 next!!!

[Izzybear · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I enjoyed Kailynn and Ian’s story. It was a good addition to the series.

Kailynn is a twenty-three year old girl that grew up feeling like she wasn’t worth anything. She has never felt loved. Her mother left her father, two brothers and Kailynn when she was a little girl. With her father’s health failing Kailynn finds herself taking on the responsibilities of a parent. She dreams of one day leaving the town of Rivers End to go to school and start a new life. The problem is she doesn’t have that kind of money and she can’t get over the guilt of possibly abandoning her family to follow her dreams.

Ian has loved Kailynn for years but she has never noticed him. An unexpected opportunity presents itself and Ian will finally get the chance to show Kailynn that he’s the one for her. Just when it seems he might get the love of his life Ian is faced with a difficult decision to make. Will he hold on to the woman he loves at the possible expense of her happiness or will he let her go to follow her dreams?

With Kailynn’s dreams are finally within reach will she choose to follow them or stay in River’s End for love?

[Kitty Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

While you could certainly read this as a standalone, this is the second book in the River’s End series. I recommend reading the first book River’s End. Leanne Davis has created a poignant series of a family, the Rydells. In this second installment River’s Escape, Kailynn Hayes is feeling trapped by her family responsibilities and the lack of money. She’s sure she will be stuck in River’s End forever never going anywhere, stuck as the Rydells housekeeper and a waitress at a diner in town. She’s harboring a long-standing crush for one of the Rydell brothers but another brother will open her eyes to new possibilities. All of a sudden things have changed and she’s off to chase her dreams. A whole new world has opened up for her. But at what cost will this new adventure cost her? Her heart is torn between her love for Ian and her new life abroad. Now that she has escaped, does she really want to be free of River’s End away from Ian?

[Robyn Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the author makes the characters real with features that are down to earth like people really are--hurt, flaws, shortcomings, and real life circumstances that happen. Kailynn gets abandoned by her mother at a young age and has low self esteem, which is a hard subject to write about and Shane is your typical male sleeping and drinking with so many women today like other men. The way Kailynn has no sense of what a good man is, and then you can feel the let down coming for Ian, even though he is a good guy and you just want her to like him, and I rooted for him, but I feel the letdown he is headed for. Such a good guy and having grown up so quickly to face responsibilities in life.
What makes me like the book is making you feel the emotions of the character. The author certainly did make me root, almost cry and wish for Ian and the Kailynn's abandonment. Overall, a five, good book, and I recommend you to read it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing Kailynn has ever dreamed of is escaping the small, backwoods town of River's End. Well, that and getting Shane Rydell to reciprocate her hopeless crush. Sick of being a lowly diner waitress, the Rydell's housekeeper, and her family's caretaker she starts to plan for a future of adventure and self-discovery far from all these men in their cowboy boots. Until her first real attempt at adventure and getting Shane to see her lands her square in the path of the last man she ever expected. Ian Rydell loves his family and their ranch, but he may just love Kailynn more. Which is why he can't subject her to a life stuck in the one place she hates the most. Even if he has to break both their hearts in the process he is determined to give her the life she has always imagined for herself. But when you exert all your effort escaping you stop realizing exactly what you're leaving behind.

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I was gonna go is or not. Kailynn naivety drove me crazy at times. There was so many times I wanted to stop reading, I swear. Her made crush on Shane was understandable.. I mean I think most girls had a crush on him. She never even looked at Ian, didn't even find him attractive at all. The more she's with him and learns why he does what he does, she falls for him even more. Kailynn does grow up in the book. She learns so much in this book.
Ian is misunderstood. He's quiet but has a mastermind. He's the heart of the family(in my head he is). Looking out for everyone in his own way. He has to make some decisions in this book as well. He pushes Kailynn out of her comfort zone so many times but seriously makes her stronger. Makes her realize what's important and where her heart truly is. I ended up liking both characters by the end, I didn't know if I would. I'm super excited to read Shane's book next, he intrigues me.

[Rebecca C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

River’s Escape continues Leanne Davis’s signature blend of emotional depth, rugged setting, and characters carrying more scars than they admit. This installment shifts focus to another member of the Rydell world, delivering a story that’s equal parts painful, tender, and quietly hopeful.

The novel follows a character trying to outrun a past filled with trauma and bad choices, only to find unexpected refuge on the Rydell ranch. Davis excels at writing people who feel bruised but real—individuals learning to trust themselves before they can trust anyone else. The romance grows slowly, shaped by hesitation, rough edges, and small moments of grace that feel earned rather than rushed.

The tone remains heavy at times, grounded in themes of survival, personal healing, and the complicated road toward emotional stability. But the author balances this weight with the steady comfort of the ranch setting and the sense that love, even when fragile, can be a lifeline.

A heartfelt, gritty continuation of the Rydell series—ideal for readers who want romance rooted in resilience, redemption, and deeply human connection.

[Claire M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Rydell brothers

Ian Rydell has liked Kailynn from afar for years but she has always had one boyfriend or another and he won't step on anybody's toes!
Kailynn has always attracted the arrogant men in her local town but she just can't get the attention of the one she wants Shane Rydell!
When a group of friends decide to go on a trek up the mountain Kailynn persuades the boys to let her come, but after Shane and her brothers get too drunk to come she ends up going with Ian! After things happen between them Kailynn is distraught because he isnt Shane! Can she over come her crush on Shane and developed her feelings for Ian?
Can Ian show Kailynn it's him she should be with? Who will she choose when he gives her an ultimatum?

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kailynn is a 23 year Old who works two jobs to take care of her family. Being a waitress at the town diner and a house Keeper for the Rydell family no one noticed. Lynnie tried to be invisible and not raise attention to herself. Ian Rydell was 30 years old and knew what he wanted and who he wanted tho she did not feel the same way. Lynnie wanted Shane not Ian but Ian wanted her and tried to make her know that but she wanted a different life. She wanted to be not like her mom but the only way she knew to do this was to get out of the small town River’s edge. Will Ian ever say that he wants Lynnie and have the life he always wanted? Will Lynnie ever leave and be more than a house keeper. Loved this book. Sad to see it over tho.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivers Escape follows Ian and Kailynn. Ian whose one on the Rydell family and Kailynn, a family friend, but who can’t wait to leave Rivers End. Kailynn lives with her 2 brothers and invalid dad in a tailor, cooks and cleans for them as well as for the Rydells. Ian is quiet, keeps to himself but has had feelings for Kailynn for years. He can see who she is and knows she wants to leave. So after the 2 get together he selflessly let’s her go, so she can escape Rivers End and fulfil her dreams even if it means his dreams of a life with her are ruined. But things don’t always go according to plan. Enjoying this series.

[Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second in the series this is Kailynn’s story. She is struggling with her self worth after her mother leaves her to care for her father and brothers, crushing on the one guy that doesn't notice her, she wants nothing more than to leave River's End but can't see away out. Ian Rydell has always been a responsible guy, helping to care for his younger brothers, his brothers kids and run the family ranch, Kailynn never noticed him but once she does he might just be the right guy after all and the best reason to not leave River's End. I really enjoyed the character development and slow blossoming romance between these two. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Gina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

River’s Escape is the second book in the series and is Kailynn and Ian’s story. I really loved Ian’s character, his patience, his generosity, his steadfast love for Kailynn shines through his silence from the beginning. I didn’t really understand Kailynn’s obsession with Shane, it’s obvious that he is just a prettier version of her brothers and just a little bit more responsible but not much, what’s the attraction? Especially she the only thing on her mind is getting out of town. But I’m very happy that Ian got the HEA he was looking for with Kailynn, and even happier that she was the one to reconcile with him.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kailynn Hayes and Ian Rydell have got to be my favorite Leanne Davis couple so far. I absolutely adored Ian, he is your typical strong and silent type. But sexy as hell! And when he finally puts it all on the line in front of Kailynn, he has no idea that she is as innocent and untouched as the lake he has taken her to visit.

While their relationship is full of angst and heartache, Ian reserves his undying love for Kailynn and only her until she matures enough to know she only wants him as well.

There are funny scenes, and embarrassing scenes, and definitely sexy, and sex filled scenes; but overall there is also a plot and story that pull you in and keep your attention.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian is a surprise. The little we see of him in book 1 does little to show his true nature. Everything we learn about him in this book is a surprise. He’s like an onion being peeled, later after layer is revealed.

Kailynn is kind of a bitch. We saw her cruel treatment in book 1 when Erin tries to befriend her and we see it again with how she treats Ian. She’s a bitch, but a bitch I became fond of. Her family definitely play a role in her hardened exterior.

As in the last book, these characters come across as real people. Warts and all.

I love that Ian helped Kailynn find her way to college and that after their reconciliation he moved to the college town to be with her.

[Karie Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. I really enjoyed that it wasn't a lot of drama. Kailynn wanted out of her home town all her life only to discover the man she left behind was what she truly yearned for. Ian was a man after my own heart. He put everyone else before himself and his own happiness. He knew he wanted Kailynn silently loving her from afar. when he finally got what he wanted he did what he always does and puts her needs first. He has a heart bigger than Texas and you'll instantly love this quite serious man.
This was my first bit not my last read from this author.

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

The characters had depth and were fascinating. I planned to read a chapter or two but ended up finishing the book. That is how much this story captured me. Ian is the tall, good looking, quiet brother. She was the housekeeper. One loved the place, one wanted to escape it. It was a bumpy road with many misunderstandings along the way to their HEA. This is going to be on by re-read list. It’s difficult to say goodbye to these characters. No Cheating, no cliffhanger. Now onto book 3.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read book one and immediately started book 2 because I enjoyed the first book so much. I wasn't disappointed in book 2 because I thought it was even better than book 1. If you like characters who are believable and not perfect, then books by Leanne Davis are what you're looking for, and this book doesn't disappoint. I'm definitely planning to read the rest of the series, especially if they continue to improve!

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Book 2 in the series. Kailynn so shy, bad home life. Hated where she lived. Wanted some day to just get away, but with no mom around & dad in poor health, two lazy brothers, never thought it could happen. Worked two jobs to help pay bills. Infatuated with one of the brothers she worked for taking care of their home, she trust get him to notice her. He ignored her, but his brother Ian was watching her. Love blossoms. Can't wait for book 3.

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first one and this one is just as good. Being stuck in a life style that you cant seem to break free from can put a lot of stress on a person. Dreaming of another life and trying to follow through with all the situations and problems keeping you from that goal. This is one of those books. The author has a way of sucking you in and you will be in the book till the end, and most likely looking for more.

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the River Ends series. This is a standalone. This is the story if Kailynn and Ian. Kailynn has always had a crush on Shane, but he never thought of her that way. Ian has always been the quiet one waiting in the background. He has had feeling for Kailynn but just waits for her to notice him. I loved reading this story. The author does a great job with the characters. So descriptive. Can't wait to read book 3. 

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. I think Ian is my type of book boyfriend. He's the strong, silent type. He's a good match for Kailynn, who is strong and not so silent. I wanted to know more about Kailynn after reading a little about her in the first book. I enjoyed her character. She knew what she wanted out of life and she was a hard worker. Their coming together was at a nice pace, sweet and a little salty at times.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I'm not hung up on it and am kind of "over" the weak heroines that are becoming a theme through these books but they do feel real.

As a reader, I want the characters to be just believable enough to understand them but unbelievable enough to be entertaining and to pull me from my own reality. In this case I feel like I'm not being drawn in enough.

I am not raving about this series but if you like this author it is a fun departure from her usual work.

[Lisa Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series I've read. I really liked Kailynn and Ian is a dream guy to have. I enjoy books that are kind of like real life issues. They don't seem so fictional. I'm glad Shane never thought of Kaitlynn like Ian did. I am a sucker for wanting things to go my way but sometimes it doesn't. Anyways I didn't read this as fast as the first one. It did take me longer to connect but once I did I liked it.

[Carrie Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story I really liked. It deals with real world issues. And she presents them without apology. Kailyn has felt unwanted, unappreciated and ignored for most of her life. She hates her life, she hates her body , she hates her boobs. She wants to go places and be something besides care taker to her brothers and sick father.
She finds love where she never expected to find it. And then she goes out to find herself.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kailynn is desperate to leave River’s End, the small town where she grew up with her father and two brothers. Ian Rydell has had feelings for her for a long time but, she works for his family as their housekeeper. He found excuses to spend time with her, until she fell for him too. She was torn between her love for Ian and his dreams to pursue her education. Readers will love Ian’s quiet yet steady ways.

[Jami Kehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

Okay.. sooo I’m just gonna tell ya now to save some money.. just buy the whole damn set. I thought I’d just read the first, then I fell in love with the characters and bought the second... I should have just bought the set because I ended up buying all eight books separately. Not that they aren’t worth it.. totally worth it. Buy the books!
This series is amazing.
Have kleenex ready because the author makes all the feels spill off the pages.