Taking the Leap: A River Rain Novel

A fantastic slow burn, friends to lovers romance from one of my favourite authors where the hero just happens to have a disability. I loved the gradual build up of their relationship and how protective Rix was over Alex’s acute shyness especially with her overbearing family and one of the highlights for me with this book featured the wedding from hell which was a joy to read. Another high point was catching up with previous characters and seeing how things are going with them.I do have to be honest and admit to struggling with this book to begin with so much so I almost gave up after the first couple of chapters as I just couldn’t connect to the characters. Kristen Ashley has a habit of giving her readers heroes that you actively hate to begin with but eventually fall in love with but I just couldn’t see that happening with Rix. For me he was just such an unlikeable character and Alex just seemed so weak and ineffectual. Once they got over their misunderstandings and started “fake dating” this story came alive for me. Yes it is a slow burn romance with none of the usual heroine in danger/kidnapped scenarios. Just a beautiful love story between two friends who are the last to know they were perfect for each other.My one niggle with this book is Rix’s disability. He isn’t portrayed as a disabled man merely a man who just happens to have a disability which is how it should be. No one should be defined by an injury but nobody seemed to treat him any different whether they were friends or strangers except for maybe tiptoeing around his behaviour. Speaking as someone who had a close family member undergo something similar I know from experience that unfortunately this just isn’t true and if you have mobility issues then the majority of people will presume that your mental faculties are affected as well.

Great read as always , Kristen knows exactly what is needed out of her men and the women in their lives. Can wait for the next one. If got every book so far. Xx

I believe what started as a Pandemic lockdown project has grown into a lovely family series. Rix best bud to Judge lost both his lower legs while serving as a firefighter. The woman he was in love with couldn't cope and left him quite soon after the accident, which makes Rix quite bitter. Alex from River Rain has a huge crush on him but is very shy and quiet. Can she breakthrough and prove to Rix she is worth taking a chance on!Not quite feeling Rix in the beginning; however he did mellow towards the end. Would like to hear more from Alex and Rix about how their coping. Not one of my favourite books but it's KA so always enjoyable, and so many characters to work on.

I loved this I didn’t want to get to the end . I remember years ago reading Me Before You which was beautifully bitter sweet yet uplifting at the same time and for me this was exactly the same . In this story however the main characters got their happy ending. But what I really liked was how Kristen made me question how I look at people with life changing disabilities and what that means for themselves and their family and friends. So bravo to Kristen.

Loved reading g about Rix and Alex story just awesome.Rix finally got his head together with Alex, he does have relationship issues but will be get passed it.Alex loves Rix but will be notice her. She also has problems with her family.Characters great and great storyline.

Wow the feels, the drama, the crazy family and an awesome couple make this an instant hit with me. Total class with big heart meets alpha with baggage that she helps unpack and lighten the load. A fab read

Wow what an amazing story. I loved this book. Rix was amazing and so was Alex. I can’t wait to read the next book now

While reading it, I had the feeling this wasn't written by KA. Some of her usual style was there, but it felt like someone else tried to emulate her, badly,and maybe she put her input here and there. I pushed myself to finish it, but can t say I enjoyed it..unfortunately this has happened with a few of her last books and I think this is it for me reading her .This one was chaotic, it touched many themes but didn't get to the bottom of any of them. The characters were flat and predictable, annoying at times, and the drama non drama was exhausting.