River in Light

River's End #12

by Leanne Davis

With his violent past, prison record and neck-tattoo… she’s more than unnerved by him but completely distrustful of what he thinks or might do.

Rose Rydell can’t figure out how to even talk to her sister’s best friend, Mateo Alverez. She is home in River’s End with her education and job training done to start working with her mom as a dyslexia specialist and tutor. She avoids the world her dad and sister inhabit as car mechanics. But most especially she avoids Mateo.

Mateo knew only darkness in his childhood and youth. He finally gets a break working at Rydell Rides because his boss, Shane Rydell, gives him the job opportunity, despite his prison record. But Shane also warns Mateo to go nowhere near his daughter, Iris. The problem is, that’s not the daughter that has caught Mateo’s eye. Rose has.

But Rose has no idea how he feels about her. Until one day… he changes everything between them. It shocks her and shifts all that she notices and thinks about him.

He finally has her attention but he has no idea what to do with it. She starts to see things he’s hidden from everyone his entire life. Things that aren’t dark or violent, but talents and interests far beyond what’s ever been noticed before.

But when violence touches River’s End… Mateo is the first suspect. The natural suspect in everyone’s eyes. The exact thing Mateo always expected to happen. As their relationship finally comes out to all of River’s End, they have to find a way to keep Mateo free and their love together…


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 reading 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

Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

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.

Follow me anywhere:
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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

[LLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the series! Mateo has a criminal past that he is trying to move away from. Rose is the daughter of his boss at the garage where he works. Initially Rose was afraid of him because of his past and the fact that he has tattoos. Slowly he chips away at her iciness. Their story was an emotional one. While it is a love story, the relationship that develops between them is everything. He challenges her to loosen up and enjoy life. She challenges him to be better than his upbringing and to set the bar high. I loved that she wouldn't back down to him. I am looking forward to reading the next offering from this author.

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

[Susan Homan · Rating 5 out of 5]

River in Light

River in Light (River's End Series Book 12)
Leanne Davis

If you have read Leanne Davis before, you know her books always have meaning and you learn a lot about something. This one I believe you learn that you should not judge others by how they look. This is Mateo and Rose's story. Rose is one of Shane Rydell's daughters, but she takes more after her mother than her dad. Mateo works for Shane in his auto repair shop alongside Iris. Mateo and Iris are besties. Mateo has always had the hots for Rose even though he knows he scares her. He starts hanging out at the beach he knows she frequents so he can spend time with her. Rose is not too happy about Mateo being there at first, but being the person she is, she goes rafting with him. When she realizes how terrified he is, she helps him, and before the next time, she buys him a life jacket and raft so she can pull him easier. No one has ever given Mateo anything, and it surprises him and he really doesn't know how to express it. This is the start of the two of them getting to know each other. Well it's the start of something or possibly the end, but Rose needs answers, so she confronts Mateo. This starts them hanging out, and learning so many things from each other. Rose teaches Mateo about love, trust and that he is so much more than a felon. But Mateo has some secrets of his own to divulge to Rose. Rose ends up being his biggest champion - she gets him to try things he loves but would never do on his own. She pushes him to be a better person, and he pushes her to live a little and be a little less judgemental and regimented. I absolutely loved the dynamic of the two of them, and honestly learning about Mateo's childhood was heartbreaking as well as eye opening. I thought the one about Iris and Quinn was pretty spectacular, but I believe Mateo and Rose surpasses that one (I do still need to go back and read the beginning of the series, so even though it is a series, you can read as a standalone, but you will get more out of it by reading more than one. I look forward to reading #13 and catching up. If you like an opposites attract and strong women and men, then this would be an excellent book for you to pick up and read.

[Andrzejewski Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

River in Light
(River End Series #12)
Leanne Davis

River in Light is book 12 in the River's End series written by Leanne Davis. This story was an easy read and hard to put down once I started reading it.
I absolutely loved reading Rose & Mateo's story. I loved how this pair of opposites met. Through out the story Rose showed Mateo what it meant to love and trust someone with all their heart and soul, no matter what. With a whole lot of support and guidance from Rose. Mateo was able to make something of himself and follow his dreams that he never knew existed. Not everything came easy for this pair, no matter what happened or stood Rose had Mateo's back. In the end Mateo got the family he always wanted. I loved seeing this couple get the happy ending they desired.

I enjoy reading Leanne Davis's books. She writes in such depth that the stories hook you in, making you feel like your there in the story. I have book 13 in this series. I am looking forward to reading it in the very near future.

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

Academics

Rose and Mateo are as different as night and day. Everything he has ever done, including working for Rydell Rides, has been to help his mother and older brother. When Rose finds out he went to jail for something he never did, she shakes her head in disgust at his mother for demanding he take the blame. The more she gets to know about him, the more she learns about how brilliant he really is. Can she teach him all he was neglected about his feelings and social cues, or completely frighten him away? ~

[Lisa Michelle Pichner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal must read

I thoroughly loved Mateo and Rose story.i loved Mateo in Iris and Quinns book.
Rose the oldest of Shane and Alison who I've loved throughout the series.
I cried, laughed and just thoroughly enjoyed this read. I couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a great love story.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

#12 in series. This is the story of Rose Rydell and Mateo Alvarez. Many females are attracted to bad boys. As the country song goes, Mateo is a bad boy but he’s a real good man. A good story about the power of love to change a life.

[KIMBERLY Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME

Leanne has done it again. She took an every day situations and told a wonderful story in this installment. I always enjoy when love wins.

[Lisa Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this series get better and better ..love Mateo and Rose .. I love to see Mateo soft side with rose . He know she scare but he care deeply of her and want to get to know her so much . Rose his scare of Mateo but she let him in by small way starting at the river then by showing him her fav spot at the family lac . Then come the kiss and holy chemistry.. then she tell him if he want more he need to get to knew her more it won’t just be sex ...Mateo never done that before ..will they be able to be get to know each other and built a relationship or will it destroy.. this is a most read book .. this was one of my fav couple in series .

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I've been looking forward to this story especially after reading book 11. I knew Mateo had a story to tell and boy was it a sad one. He's had a bad past, one he thought he'd never leave behind. He thought he was always going to be held back by his felony and with Rose's help he learned so much. Yes she was scared of him at first the more time she spent with him, she realized a)he was smart and b) he was afraid to open up. What started out as just a physical thing, turned into so much more with these two. Rose wasn't afraid to push him to leave the past behind, which included the toxic family he had, and to not be afraid of letting it define him. He had a love for reading and Shakespeare. He knew he was smart but he had nobody to push him to greatness. He had a life and it was all he knew until the Rydells took a chance on him. I liked that this story was about the Rose and Mateo and not surrounded with all the Rydells, like the other books were. You get a little of them but the focus is on the main characters. I would have loved to have Mateo's point of view in this especially during certain scenes. This was a great book and i was glad we got to know more about Mateo.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the series is one that I truly loved, right from the gegt go it grabbed me in and never let me go. I missed sleep and was cranky for this book. Mateo has a criminal background and is not keen on women to begin with steaming from his mothers hatred toward him. Rose is the bosses daughter who is fearful of Mateo. Mateo and Rose are going through an emotional whirlwind were Mateo has to knock down the bricks that keep Rose hidden but she has to do the same as well!!

[Natalie Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow,, just WOW!!! My heart broke so much reading this book! Mateo has been through so much in his life!! He has never felt love or been loved, untill Rose comes into his life. Mateo goes through Hell, but comes out on top. With the love of Rose by his side, she pushes him to go for his dreams!! There's no limit to what Mateo can do!
I absolutely loved this book!! By far my favorite in the series!!

[Robyn Washington]

As always, Leanne does not let you down. Mateo and Rose hook up and look for the best in each other. Mateo challenges Rose to loosen up and enjoy life, which is hard for her. With different backgrounds, the book challenges you to read the book all the way through. I don't want to divulge any info, but again I love her books. I have read the entire River set and give this book a five.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Rydell has followed more in her mother's footsteps than her father, Shane. She has decided that she wants to work with Allison and wants to teach kids with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Rose has generally been the girl who follows the rules and can't understand how her father could hire ex-con Mateo Alvarez to work in his shop as a mechanic.

Mateo Alvarez is a mechanic and best friends with Rose's sister, Iris. He was warned by Shane to stay away from Iris but for some reason Mateo finds himself attracted to Iris. Yet he can tell she is afraid of him and avoids him at all costs.

When Mateo and Rose slowly begin to get to know each other will Rose realize how much Mateo has to offer?

Then an incident occurs at River's Edge and Mateo is the first to be accused. Can Mateo and Rose survive the accusations and will anyone see the real Mateo before it's too late?

This is another great book in the series and I love how they are all unique yet tied together.

I thought Rose was a good character but she definitely had some prejudice against Mateo yet at the same time she was so kind and caring about kids who had learning disabilities. I found that kind of interesting as she really had no idea what situation Mateo was born into and judged him for what she perceived him to be like yet she wanted to work with kids who were born into their own learning difficulties. Yet when Rose slowly began to spend time with Mateo she realized the kind of guy he really was and was shocked.

We first met Mateo in the first book and you saw what a great friendship he had with Iris. Yet you also knew everything that went down and how he took the fall for something that he was not involved in and who was there for him. So that being said you knew that certain things were going to be explained in this book. I really loved getting to know him and realizing the guy he really was but wasn't given the chance to be.

I really enjoyed watching Mateo and Rose get to know each other and Rose discovering what Mateo had kept hidden from everyone. I loved learning about his passions and how Rose encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and try new things.

I was shocked about what I learned about the relationship between Mateo and his brother and it definitely made me mad and see things in a different light.

After the big situation I felt horrible for Mateo as I totally understood why he panicked. I was so glad that Chan and Jeff knew he wasn't responsible and were trying to make his work life as steady as possible.

I was happy when Rose opened up to her parents and then encouraged Mateo to take some tests! I was so happy when everyone really saw how much Mateo had to offer. I was incredibly proud of him for deciding which path to take and that he would have Rose by his side!

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this author's books. They are filled with great stories, chemistry and the characters have such depth. The chemistry was so good and the detail was great.

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great because it showed you how you should never judge a books by its cover, meaning because of the way it looks on the outside doesn't really mean what it is in the inside. The story line was truly second chances, but in life , yes the romance is there but it really digs deep into how growing up in different life situations can really change who you become. Whether its fears or just shutting down because you weren't taken seriously. I loved how the author unfolded all the story and how everything made sense with how things turned out. Please read it this author never fails to really make reading enjoyable.

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow book 12 in the River End series. We get to meet Mateo. He has been in another book but not to much is told about him. If you have read on eof the books you know he has a criminal background and Shane Rydell gives him a job at his shot. Rose is Shanes daughter. She is quiet and is afraid of Mateo and his past. Another great book for the series. I love how we get to see everyone how everyone turns out that is mentioned in the books. 

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series! I was so excited for Rose's story and I was not disappointed! I was so enamored by Mateo's past. I couldn't stop reading!

[Curly Bibliophagist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember how I first found Leanne Davis' books. I started with the first one in the River's End series and I binge read all of them. I read a lot of books. I've read some really great books but the number of books that can really grab me and run my emotions through the gamut is few and far between. 12 of those books are in the River's End series. Leanne Davis has this uncanny ability to make me feel as if I know the characters in her books and I'm right there with them.

In River In Light, we get to know Rose and Mateo.

Rose grew up in the shadow of her sister Iris. Her dad, Shane, is a big, tatted up biker who owns a mechanic business. He has customers that come from far and wide. Iris works with him and Rose has always felt kind of invisible. She is the antithesis of her sister. Long red hair, pale skin and a teacher.

Mateo got a job working with Shane when he got out of prison. Covered in tattos, including one on his neck, he is very reserved but uses his looks to intimidate people so they leave him alone. Mateo grew up with a gangster father and brother and a mean mother, who loved his brother more. Mateo was forced to steal for his father and wound up in prison for a botched robbery where a man was shot.

Rose and Mateo seemingly have nothing in common. Rose is a little scared of Mateo but can't seem to help feeling some connection. Mateo is hot for Rose but knows he could never be with someone like her. Besides, she's the bosses daughter. But sometimes things change.

I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It can definitely be read as a stand alone but the other books are so great and explain a lot of back story. You definitely should read them.

[Loralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that Rose & Mateo's relationship wasn't easy. They almost seemed like enemies. I liked that they had to give it a little work and time for there to be trust. I liked that there was more to them that was on the surface. I appreciated that Rose saw Mateo for not only who he was, but who he could be and helped give that to him to give him some of his happiness. It was sweet how she stood up for him when others turned their backs. It was sweet, but a hard road to travel. Sometimes a person just needs to be understood and just loved unconditionally. This was Rose to Mateo.

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose and Mateo are polar opposites. She is the uptight teacher of dyslexic children and adults and he is the heavily tattooed, ex-con, mechanic working for her father. When they start getting to know each other, they find their preconceived notions may not be accurate.

This series by Leann Davis does not disappoint. Even though this is the twelfth book in the series, each book has a completely different plot and cast of characters. I think reading all of the books is a great way to enjoy the series, it is not necessary; however, reading Shane's story (book three) and Iris' story (book eleven) will really add to the story. Plus starting with book one (River's End) will introduce the family and is still my favorite.

[Chasny Dove Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Srila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Leanne Davis' books. All of her books have a nice message or a topic that she deals with in a realistic approach way. Although 'River in Light' does not deal with a heavy subject like some of her other books do, it was a very good read. The theme of this book is - there's more to a person than meets the eye. At one point or another we all make this mistake of judging a person by their looks or outward appearances before we even get to know them. Mateo is an ex-con and Rose is intimidated of him. But once she gets to know him, she finds that he's not what she assumed him to be. I loved Rose's character - she's a beautiful person, both inside and out. What made her particularly endearing to me was that she he did not give up on Mateo easily. She pushes through the barriers of his hang-ups that he's not good enough for Rose and makes him want to be better than what his past life has shaped him up to be. Falling in love is easy but staying in love takes work and it's worth it to work through all the curve balls that life throws at you without giving up. Looking forward to reading Leanne Davis' future works.

[Tammy44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo is an ex-con who works for Rose's dad Shane Rydell. He grew up with a gangster father who forced him to steal and a mother who was mean and cared more for his brother than she did for him. Rose has always felt inferior to her sister Iris. She has noticed Mateo but is afraid of him because of his past. Mateo has feelings for Rose but feels he's not good enough for her. Will these two be able to overcome their feelings of doubt to get their HEA?
I really loved Mateo and Rose's story. It was well written with great characters and an interesting storyline that had plenty of emotions, chemistry, great interaction between the two main characters and love.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the River's End Series.
Prim and proper Rose meets Mateo, a tattooed up ex-con who works for her father. She's surprised she has feelings for him after avoiding him for so long because she was afraid of him because of his looks and demeanor.

She finds out what a bad child hood and life he had and realizes that he's really a genius. People only judged him because he was an ex-con with tattoos.

This is a heartwarming story about how a young woman falls for someone "not in her league" and makes him realize his true potential and what a great person he really is by pushing him and showing him fun and love along with caring and compassion.

There's a deep family secret of his that comes out as things progress. You must read this book.

[Jami Kehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionate

The Rivers End series just keeps getting better and better.
You met Rose and Mateo in River of Darkness.
Rose comes off as the know it all prissy, bossy older sister.
Mateo the ex-con best friend of Iris.

What could these two have in common?

When they say opposites attract that's putting it lightly. These two burn up the pages. This story surrounds the saying "Never judge a book by its cover". Which is something that everyone does to an extent even the people that are reading this review, shaking their heads have done it but when you take a few seconds and actually pay attention and look at the bigger picture it's breathtaking.

There really is so much more to people than just the exterior package.

[Susan Jordens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without a doubt one of the most amazingly beautiful and emotional stories I have ever read. The characters are just so appealing and you warm to them immediately. I wanted a happy ending for them and for Mateo to reach his full potential.

It made me think of how easy it is to see the outside of a person and immediately stereo type them. Just who are they inside? Mateo is a classic example of this thinking. So misunderstood. Only Rose sees him as he is.

Each page of this stunning and incredible book is perfectly written with incredible dialogue and intriguing storyline.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! As is all of Leanne’s books. Rose is pure perfection, educated, fair-skinned, sweet and beautiful. Everything Mateo is not, he’s an uneducated, ex-con, covered in tattoos. But the worse part, she’s his bosses daughter. And no one messes with Shane Rydell or his daughters. But Mateo can’t help himself, he’s drawn to Rose. And she see’s the real Mateo, not the one he, his tattoos or his past portrays.

[Lisa Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose and Mateo are an unlikely couple but that's what makes this story so engrossing. The old saying you shouldn't judge a book by its cover is literally true in this story. I started off liking Rose a lot in the beginning of this story, and Mateo not so much and had a hard time trying to see what Rose saw in him. By the end of the book, I completely understood what Rose saw in Mateo from the very beginning.

[Gen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanne Davis is a favourite author and she never disappoints in any of her books. Though this book is a ‘lighter’ read compared to most of her other books that deal with abuse, trauma or tragic events. This book was an easy read as it wasn’t as emotional. But like all her other books she has great character development and a realistic approach to life. Would almost recommend this book to be read first. Love her books.

[Linda Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mateo watched Rose from afar and dreamed what it would be like to be with her but being a convict and working for her father made it just that a dream.
Rose was terrified of Mateo with his neck tattooed and the scary stare he has but one day on the river changed that.
I loved how accepting Rose was of life around her and how she really tried to understand the scary guy with the neck tattoo to see the person inside even if he didn’t want her to.