River in Darkness

River's End #11

by Leanne Davis

Iris Rydell has her dream job working at Rydell Rides. Her life and future are exactly as she wants them. She’s tough, respected by her co-workers, accepted by her family, and adores being a mechanic. There’s nothing she’s searching for.Until Quinn Larkin, billionaire and city-transplant, shows up in River’s End with his broken-down car that Iris starts to fix. Quinn is immediately intrigued by Iris. She grabs his attention when nothing and no one else does.Bored out of his mind by his job, his friends, his staff and his money… she’s the first person that’s held his attention for more than a conversation. It’s going to be a quick, fun weekend. They both get this. They both count on that. The problem is… no one’s ever not wanted Quinn before. And for the first time ever… he wants someone and something for far more than a weekend. He has to convince Iris that she wants them to be an “us.” And there is no greater challenge in Quinn’s life than that.And for a while he succeeds.But then one day something changes with Iris. She has a secret she’s hiding. A secret no one will ever be ready for.A secret that will change everything, for everyone... forever.****TRIGGER This book contains violence, profanity, sex and mature content matter. Mature audiences ONLY.***Recommended Reading Order For The River's End EndRiver's EscapeRiver's ReturnRiver RoadRiver on FireRiver's LostRiver of ChangeRiver's DestinyRiver's RescueRiver's WinterRiver in DarknessRiver in Light

342 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2019

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

[Susan Homan]

River in Darkness

River in Darkness (River's End Series Book 11)
Leanne Davis

This book will have you feeling so many things - sad, mad, angry, glad, happy, First I should say this was the first book I've read in this series. I know that I need to at some point read the first 10. I feel like I was fine with this book, but I'm sure I would have more insight into supporting cast of characters had I read the others first. With that said, I loved Iris and Quinn. Iris is a spunky, comfortable in her own skin woman who works in a male dominated field, as she is a mechanic. She meets Quinn when his car breaks down and she takes him to listen to it. He is dumbstruck when she is the one to two it for him. This is the start of their friendship. Quinn is very drawn to Iris, and she treats him different than he ever has been treated before. Quinn is a rich guy, and cocky and almost rude in how he treats people. Iris quickly calls him out on this. The more you read, the more you understand how Quinn is this way. He may have won the lottery in coming from money, but he lost out in his parents. Will the fun interlude they started while he was in River's Edge become something more once he's back in Seattle? Could Iris fit in in his life? Could he fit in hers? Iris being her, called Quinn out on things and taught him how he should treat people and how he should value people think of you as a person. She opened his eyes to many things. When tragedy strikes Iris, will Quinn come through for her? Will he stand by her? You need to read to find out as I really don't want to give too much away. However, I will say that I believe most women would love to have a Quinn in their life. Not because he is rich, but in the way he treats and cares for Iris throughout this book. I love how this author always touches on a subject and brings it to life and how her characters deal with said event. Another great book by Ms. Davis.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson]

True Love Will Get You Through

***May cause PTSD triggers***

Iris and Quinn are from opposite sides of the track but the pull they have towards each other is undeniable.

Even as I was reading I couldn't believe the words. I cried and cried. So much so I had to put it down and have a good cry. I can usually pull it together, remind myself it's a story but I just fell apart. I had to explain to my husband what was happening. The story is well written, the facts are spot on but the author actually got all the feelings right too.
~

[Lisa Michelle Pichner]

Phenomenal must must read

I thoroughly loved Quinn and Iris story.
I laughed and cried on this read. Between Quinns parents and what happened to Iris I cried.
Quinn and Iris couldn't be more different but are so perfect together.
Once again the Rydells come together for each other in love. Gotta love this family.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a great love story.

[Carol Darling]

Love concurs pain

Iris Riddell found a man lost on the ranch, car broken on side of road. While waiting for parts they start a flirtation, getting to know each other. Then it all changes when someone attacked Iris. This story made me cry and rejoice in equal amounts. A hard subject done well. Good adult read.

[Jeanne]

This is #11 in the series and I have read them all. This is the story of tomboy/mechanic Iris Rydell and super wealthy business magnate Quinn Larkin - an unlikely match that somehow works. Be prepared for violence and trauma, but also redemption and love.

[KIMBERLY Bell]

Tear jerker

This was a great but hard read for me. The title is so fitting for the story. This story was heavy with emotions. I cried, laughed and repeated throughout the book but I loved the way it ended.

[Deanna Wilson]

Updated

[Amy Crull]

Okay my thoughts with this series has been up and down.. Some books I have truly been so involved in and couldn't put down..Some I didn't get into at all and wanted to stop reading. This book destroyed me..I mean I had to put my kindle down a lot just to wipe tears and compose myself to keep reading. I was perfectly good for the first 47% of this book and then it takes a very dark and ugly turn. I mean my heart broke in half for Iris.. all the anger she felt and keeping it all to herself for it to explode in such an ugly way. I'm crying writing this right now. She is very strong yet weak woman. Let me explain.. She has a career that most people would turn their noses at and has lived with her family her whole life without really experiencing life outside of River's End.She has no issues in her life. In a moment where she has to fight, she encounters a moment where her body betrayals her, she is lost and hurt. She acts out in a way that her family and Quinn isn't used to. There comes a time where she has come clean and admit what happened to them. In that moment she realizes how privileged she is. She has the love and support of her family along with Quinn. They rally with her and help her heal. This is seriously when most of the tears came into the picture.
Quinn comes from a life of money and privilege. He's never had to want for anything and has acted like a spoiled brat for most of his life. Treating the staff like they were beneath him and having them all scared of him. Meeting Iris and getting to know her better, opens his eyes to how the world really is. He gets to see how a real family acts. He sees the love between Shane and Allison and how they treat their kids. Iris opens his eyes on so much. He sees how the life he once lived and how he treated people didn't help his company at all. He starts being nicer and asking for what they see to happen. He treats them with compassion and listens to them. He also realizes how he doesn't need his parents anymore. With how he handled things with Iris, I fell even more in love with her. He was so patient, supportive and loving with her. He showed Shane and the family that his best interest wasn't his money, it was Iris.
This book touches on delicate situations that handled with so much care. Yes there's acting out and hurting from the aftermath but it's handled in a way you'd expect it to be. I cried so much in this book and fell in love with both Iris and Quinn. They have redeemed my faith in this series once again.

[Rebecca Austin]

When Quinn Larkin's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere he ends up at Rydell River Ranch. There he finds himself attracted to his mechanic, Iris Rydell, who proves to challenge Quinn every step of the way. Quinn has grown up privileged and he is shocked at the dynamics of Rydell Ranch but finds himself enjoying the ranch more and more.

Iris Rydell has never ventured far from the family ranch and has never cared to. She loves taking after her father, Shane, and working on cars. Quinn is everything unknown to Iris and she is intrigued by him but knows they are only going to be "together" while his car is getting fixed.

Yet Quinn wants more from Iris but with the two of them from two different worlds can they meet in the middle?

When tragedy hits will Quinn be able to reach Iris when she needs him the most?

This series is such an amazing series and every time you think you have read the most emotional book the author surprises you with the next one tugging at your heart strings even more.

Quinn was a good character as he was a rich boy who surprisingly finds some happiness at Rydell Ranch when he isn't looking for it. He is shocked at the family working together and supporting each other as he had grown up with nanny's and absentee parents. He really enjoys his time there but knows he also has to get back to his job and his responsibilities.

Iris was such an amazing character and I loved her from start to finish! I loved that she didn't have a typical job yet at the same time it was perfect for her and that she followed in her dad's footsteps. She had so much grit and personality and so many times I was laughing and then I was wrecked.

I liked that Quinn wanted to give a long distant relationship with Iris a try but I felt bad at how out of place Iris felt when she was in Bellevue/Seattle. This is one of my favorite places but I can imagine how overwhelming it can be when you haven't been in a big city before. It broke my heart a little at how uncomfortable Iris was dressing up and how she was judged for her outfit.

My heart shattered at a certain point and I was just falling apart while reading. The stuff that happens after broke me even more as I knew how much pain Iris was in and how everything was completely falling apart. The tattoo definitely shocked me but the after with Quinn was heartbreaking as well.

I was so proud of Iris for having the courage to talk to Quinn who helped her through everything that followed. I felt terrible for Quinn with having to make the decision he did and I was definitely unimpressed with his parents.

I loved how the family rallied together and improved the safety on the ranch and moved forward with the changes that they did.

I truly hope we get more from this series!!

[Andrzejewski Amy]

River in Darkness
(Rivers End Series Book 11)
Leanne Davis

This was another wonderful novel in the River End Series. Once I got started reading Iris and Quinn's love story, I was quickly sucked in. I love how this author always finds a serious topic or topics and weaves it into her books. Iris and Quinn meet at the start of the book, after Quinns car breaks down in Rivers End while passing through. While Iris makes the repairs to his car. He stay at the Rydells Resort. Iris and Quinn end up hooking up while he is in town. What started off as something simple turned into a real relationship between the two. One night while Iris is working late, she is sexually assaulted and fears sharing the trauma with her family and Quinn. She doesn't want them to think less of her over it.
Iris doesn't know how to go about handling the trauma she experienced. Quinn finally corners Iris after she almost sabatoged their relationship. Quinn was loving, caring, understanding and supportive. As much as she needed him to have her back at that point. She helped make him be a better person overall and taught him to learn how to love and respect others. These two complete opposites find their HEA together.
I'm looking forward to reading River in Light, Rose and Matteo's Love Story.

[Lisa Gallant]

I need to start that I love this series so much book after get better and better .. I love Iris she more of a tomboy then being a girly girl ... Quinn him has a different attitude at first meeting with her . Will her ask her doesn’t expect she the one going to help him fix his car. You can feel the love hate relationship they. Are building but the chemistry is so hot between them how long will it take to give in to it. There up and. Down thru book but love how you can feel characters thru book,,hurry and get this book you won’t regret

[Nicole Studioso]

There are so many things I want to say about this book. First, this is my new favorite of the River's End book. I thought Jack and Erin's story, and Ben and Jocelyn's were heartbreaking and beautiful, but after reading Iris' story, I truly get the meaning of the book's title, River in Darkness. To see the tragedy and horror befall a child of one of the Rydell men just broke my heart! I had to stop reading this book several times, becoming simpy overcome with tears and sadness. To see that same child come back to life, with the support of someone who loves and adores her simply for being her, Little Iris? Wow, just renewed my faith in love and humanity.
Ms. Davis has the most amazing ability to hit all the hard subjects, make you question your own reality, and yet bring light and happiness into her world and for her characters. Nothing is sacred, nothing is taboo...it just is, as real life is..
Iris and Quinn are the most unlikely couple, very much like her father, Shane and his wife, Allison. I loved the comparison between the two, especially when you realize that their places are flipped in the new generation; Iris is the bad---ss tatted up mechanic, and Quinn is the educated city slicker. Their relationship works here because they both must work - to overcome prejudicies and beliefs that will negatively impact their lives and their future. To see Quinn go from a hardened, slick, emotionless, stupid-rich bast---rd to a man who wants to become the man for Iris was simply beautiful. He made tough choices and hard changes to better himself, not to become a molded version of what Iris wanted. Instead, he became the man she needed. Iris does the same here, but on a much smaller scale; needless to say, Quinn needed the work more than she!
Again, it was a pleasure to read this book and continue to visit with previous characters and meet up with the newer generations of Rydells. Here's to many more!

[Cat Kelley]

More than a HEA

Whew!!! I cannot begin to say how much this story affected me. Each and every time Iris' story was told, I cried. If anyone deserved to be found, it was that piece of garbage. At some point, I would like to see an end to that story.....maybe a whole book about the family finding him would be good for this series.

Good job, Is Davis

[Rebecca Goss]

Iris Rydell , the daughter of Allison and Shane, finds Quinn walking on a dusty road seeking assistance when his sports car broke down. She, a mechanic, tows the car to the shop and helps him get lodging at the resort. Quinn is fascinated with Iris, a small self-sufficient woman with many tattoos. She is intrigued by a well-dressed, fit and attractive business man. Their attraction blossoms during his stay and both expect the relationship to end when his car is repaired and he returns to the city. He is unable to forget her and let it go. Their relationship continues to grow as they try to fit into each other’s lives but not without growing pains. The unthinkable happens and both are forced to deal with tragedy that has potential to rip their lives and relationship apart. I’ve never read a River’s End book, and I’ve read them all, that didn’t make me gasp, ugly cry and grin with joy. This book is not an exception to those reactions. I especially love how Shane and Allison are a significant part of this story and are there to support Iris and foster the growth of her relationship with Quinn. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Pierson]

Leanne Davis is a new to me author, and HOLY HELL! I was certainly missing out for real. River in Darkness is the story of Iris, a very strong, independent woman who marches to beat of her own drummer, and Quinn, her polar opposite. He's a little rich boy, too selfish & entitled, who has some real pieces of work for parents, as they never gave a damn about him. They meet when he & his car show up in River's End, and Iris needs to fix said car for him. He's totally enamored of her, since his life and/or friends have gotten old, and while I liked the thought of them together, I sure as hell didn't see how they could actually make anything work. I believe that's why I so loved this story, because anything I thought I knew, was totally wrong. As their journey starts moving forward, out of the blue, a twist so big & so brutal seriously punched me in the gut, and when I could breathe again, I dropped an f-bomb or two. This is when the angst factor takes off to next levels, and my heart hurt big time. I can't tell you what happened, but it did start derailing Iris & Quinn. Now, if you want to know what happened, and if they were able to get past it together, you'll have to one click! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Curly Bibliophagist]

I read about 600 books per year and I've found a few that go on my absolute top best books. River in Darkness, along with the rest of the River's End series are on that list.

This book put me through the wringer with my emotions. An unlikely couple, Iris and Quinn meet when Quinn is out for a drive and his fancy car breaks down. Iris comes across Quinn walking down a road and comes to his rescue. Iris is a top rate mechanic and Quinn runs an investment arm of one of his family's businesses. Iris has Quinn's car towed back to her dad's shop so she can fix it. While waiting for a part to come in, Quinn and Iris strike up a relationship. Despite their different backgrounds, the two develop a relationship that is good for both of them. But when something evil strikes, everything Iris always thought she knew about herself is in jeapordy. Their relationship is tested further when Quinn faces deceit from his own family.

Will their relationship be strong enough to survive and can Quinn give Iris what she needs to find herself again? You'll need your crying towel for parts of this book but it has plenty of high points too.

[Susan Jordens]

What an emotional roller coaster of a journey I have been on in this stunning and incredible new Rivers End book. Words almost fail me as I think back on all the events and action in this story. I loved Quinn, such an interesting character who showed such determination to change and support Iris who was his complete opposite. How would their relationship develop if indeed it could survive as the odds were so against them.

Set against the background that is Rivers End this is a beautifully written story, so full of content and emotion. I was drawn in from start to finish. There are certain scenes which have been written with such skill and empathy that I cried whilst others made me smile. I could feel Iris’ anguish and pain as well as Quinn’s struggle to know love.

This story affected me deeply which to me is a sign of a very talented author and I cannot recommend it too highly. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Norma]

I loved this book even more than the first 10 in this series, if that is even possible. The characters in this book are amazing. Iris is a strong willed, independent, woman with a loving family that backs her and her individualism spirit. She meets Quinn who is a rich, selfish, entitled man who grew up with parents that didn't really care. They let the help and the nannies raise him and never showed him any love and it shows in his character. All was going good & they got close until disaster struck down Iris. She blamed herself for what happened to her. How could she cope with this feeling of weakness and blame. Quinn stayed by her side & became part of her family, with her own father treating him like a son. A father figure he never had. This is a must read. I'm so glad that I was introduced to Author Leanne Davis. This series is so true to life and emotionally charged. Do yourself a favor and start with this series, you won't regret it. I sure didn't.

[Tammy Deighan]

I really enjoyed this book a strong woman and a mechanic to boot. Iris has everything she really wants in life. Then Quinn Larkin shows up at the shop she is working at. His car has broken down and she begins to work on it.
Quinn really isn't happy with his life even though he has money and a good job and friends. He finds it hard to keep a conversation with anyone anymore. Iris was different she was a breath of fresh air and he enjoyed her company. They both weren't looking for anything but a fun week end and that it. Well famous last words. This is a great story from a great author you wont be sorry you read it.

[Srila]

Leanne Davis is my all time favorite author. I love her very raw, very real style of telling stories. Quinn and Iris - their backgrounds and everything about them was different. They cannot be more poles apart. And yet, their romance seemed easy and half-way through the book I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. And boy, I did not see that coming. I cannot imagine what that experience is like for a rape victim. Never ever thought there's another aspect to it. Iris being the bad-ass that she was, would not have let the rape alone break her but for that other detail involved in there. I am in awe of Leanne for writing about things that are real and often brushed aside amid a torrent of other seemingly weighty things.

[Jami Kehr]

Welcome back to the Rydell Ranch.

Just when you thought the Rydell's storyline was finished Davis pulls you right back in.

Iris is the second daughter to Shane and Allison. She's all tomboy, she loves tinkering and fixing anything mechanical.

Quinn is the sexy as sin stranger that wanders onto the Rydell Ranch. Turns out he has a lot of zeros behind his name.

This is a heavy hitter. It tackles subjects that hurt to read. Not that Davis didn't do an amazing job telling these two characters journey, it just was a really rocky one.

Make sure you grab this one and catch up with some old favorites while finding some new ones.

[Loralie]

I enjoy reading this series because it tends to have couples that may not stereotypically match. I love that Iris is a "female mechanic" and that Quinn is a bazillionaire. Iris has no interest in his money or the fancy things that rich people do. She also helps Quinn get his head out of his own...cockiness. These stories always have a crisis, and that's when the Rydell family really shine. I liked now real Iris was, the love that Quinn showed, and the love that was shown to Quinn.

[LLS]

This was another solid offering from this series! Iris meets Quinn when his car breaks down and he needs a mechanic. He can't believe that Iris is the mechanic. Both are attracted to each other and expect their relationship to end when his car is fixed. Both, however, want more. Then the worst thing happens to Iris. Can he figure out how to help her and still get their happy ending? This was a very emotional book. I can't wait for the next one.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done ❤️

[Candy]

Leanne Davis is the bomb... and I will read anything she writes! She is definitely on my 1-Click list! River in Darkness is the 11th book in the River's End series, and I believe it to be her BEST book to date.

Davis always has strong characters, but Quinn and Iris are about as opposite as they come. Yet, Davis brings balance to their lives while reflecting every other emotion to mankind. This book like the rest of the series are MUST READ in my opinion. And you can find it on Kindle Unlimited... can't get better than that.

[Megan Jacob]

Did this story good

Iris and Quinn are oppisites, however Ms. Davis made it work yet again. She has a way to write strong characters with real vulnerability. Making these characters be the strength for their partners and vulnerable at gne same time is remarkable. I won't say to much because her stories are full of so much and I am risking spoil anything. Just that she once again takes real life situations and makes them seem realistic. Even with money, she shows it can't always make it all better you need family

[Brandy Roberts]

I thought River in the darkness was a good book with interesting characters and plot that just kept my attention from start to finish . This would be the first book that I've read by Leanne Davis and I can't wait to read the previous stories and what's to come . There were so many emotions going on in my head during this story some things I didn't see coming and other stuff just blew my mind . I can't wait to read by her in the future .

[Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog]

This is my first book by this author. I hate to start a series in the middle or last. I am glad that I did for the first time. I really love how the heroin is not just some bimbo. I was feeling all my emotions reading this. I want to see what characters I missed. I love the journey this couple went on. I didn't want to stop reading it. I sure hate that I was late to dicovering this series. I am excited that there are 10 books that I can binge. I recommend this book highly.

[Tasha Talks Books Blog]

This being the first book that I have read by Ms. Davis and most definitely won't be my last. This book had my intention immediately. Iris is a bad *** chic! She is a mechanic and we know that a woman mechanic is going to get some judgement. Enters Quinn, whose car breaks down and it's Iris who is going to fix it. This is totally a small town story that is totally captivating. I loved it and can't wait to go back and read more.

[Gina Martin]

Leanne Davis has a way of ripping your heart out, naming it, healing it and putting it back in your chest, better than before.
Every time I read a new name of a character, I get so excited... gives me hope there’s to be more, much much more...
I love all the Rydell boys... their wives, their kids... and Iris... well, she’s incredible. Fearless, scared, hurt and healed..
I lived, loved, cried and celebrated during her journey...
Thank You Leanne, yet again for sharing your imagination ❤️

[Angela]

I never thought these books could possibly get any better but Leanne Davis has done it again!! Twists and turns you never see coming leave you on the edge of your seat...cannot put it down and please have a box of tissues handy as it is a serious tear jerker!!! I loved Iris and Quinn and their journey...catching up with the rest of the Rydell clan was a great bonus!!! 10 STARS!!! Thank you Leanne for sharing this beautiful adventure!!!