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series Reading Order

River Rain Books in Order

7 Books
2020 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

The River Rain Reading Order at a Glance

For the best experience, you should read the River Rain series in publication order. Because the characters are tightly interconnected through complex family and friendship dynamics, reading them out of order will reveal major spoilers about previous couples and make the family tree difficult to follow. Here is the recommended sequence:

  1. After the Climb (2020) — The story of Duncan Holloway and Imogen Swan
  2. Chasing Serenity (2021) — The story of Chloe Pierce and Judge Oakley
  3. Taking the Leap (2022) — The story of Alexandra "Alex" Sharp and John "Rix" Hendrix
  4. Making the Match (2022) — The story of Tom Pierce and Mika Stowe
  5. Fighting the Pull (2023) — The story of Hale Wheeler and Elsa Cohen
  6. Sharing the Miracle (2023) — A holiday novella following Hale Wheeler and Elsa Cohen
  7. Embracing the Change (2024) — The story of Nora Ellington and Jamie Oakley
  8. Finding the One (2025) — The story of Blake Sharp and Alasdair "Dair" Wallace

Understanding the River Rain Universe

Launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristen Ashley created the River Rain series as a collaborative project with her dedicated fan base, affectionately known as her "Chicklets." The first book, After the Climb, was originally distributed for free on her official website as a thank-you to readers for their support during a challenging global time. Since then, the series has grown into a sweeping family saga exploring themes of second chances, forgiveness, and the power of community.

Set against the contrasting backdrops of Arizona's rugged, beautiful outdoors, the high-stakes glamour of Hollywood, and the elite circles of New York, the series centers around the "Three Amigos"—Duncan Holloway, Imogen Swan, and Corey Szabo—who grew up together in difficult circumstances. The decisions they made, their subsequent fallout, and the lives of their children form the emotional backbone of the entire saga.

Detailed Guide to the Books

1. After the Climb (2020)

The series begins with the reunion of childhood sweethearts Duncan Holloway and Imogen "Genny" Swan. Decades after a devastating betrayal tore them apart, Duncan, now the rugged CEO of the successful River Rain outdoor store chain, and Imogen, an award-winning Hollywood actress, must confront their past to build a future together. This book sets the stage for the entire series by establishing the complex web of family connections and friendships.

2. Chasing Serenity (2021)

Focusing on the next generation, this installment features Chloe Pierce (Imogen's daughter with her ex-husband, Tom Pierce) and Judge Oakley (son of billionaire Jamie Oakley). When Chloe moves to the mountains of Arizona to escape the spotlight and find her own path, she clashes with—and is inevitably drawn to—rugged mountain man Judge. It is a classic opposites-attract romance loaded with emotional growth.

3. Taking the Leap (2022)

This book follows Alexandra "Alex" Sharp and John "Rix" Hendrix. When Alex finds herself in a tough spot, she enters into a fake relationship with Rix, an employee at the River Rain outfitters. As they navigate their fake partnership amidst real-world dangers and family pressure, the boundary between performance and reality begins to blur.

4. Making the Match (2022)

This novel pivots to Tom Pierce, Imogen's ex-husband and a former professional tennis star, and Mika Stowe, a professional matchmaker. Having spent years in the shadow of past mistakes, Tom is ready to find real love again. Mika is hired to help him find his perfect partner, but the chemistry between the matchmaker and her client quickly derails their professional boundaries.

5. Fighting the Pull (2023)

This emotional installment centers on Hale Wheeler (the estranged son of the deceased, ruthless tech billionaire Corey Szabo) and Elsa Cohen. Hale is fighting the legacy of his father's actions while trying to build his own life. When he meets the vibrant Elsa, he has to overcome his internal conflicts and the pull of the past to accept the love she offers.

6. Sharing the Miracle (2023)

A festive holiday novella that acts as Book 5.5, this story checks back in with Hale and Elsa as they celebrate their first holiday season together. It serves as a heartwarming bridge that deepens the family dynamics and resolves minor threads before the next major novel.

7. Embracing the Change (2024)

This book shifts the spotlight back to the older generation, focusing on Jamie Oakley (Judge's billionaire father) and Nora Ellington. Nora, a luxury resort builder, and Jamie navigate a romance of second chances, addressing the challenges of blending their lives, managing family dramas, and overcoming the vulnerabilities that come with loving again later in life.

8. Finding the One (2025)

The latest installment is a redemption story featuring Blake Sharp (Alex's sister, who was previously introduced as a antagonist in earlier books) and Alasdair "Dair" Wallace, a Scottish professional rugby player. After enduring a very public scandal, Blake is working hard to redefine herself. Her childhood friend Dair is there to support her, leading to a passionate connection that helps heal old wounds.

The "Original" vs. "Special Edition" of After the Climb

One common source of confusion for new readers is the existence of two versions of the first book, After the Climb. The Original Version was released in April 2020 and remains available for free on Kristen Ashley's official website as a PDF. The Special Edition, which is sold through major retailers, contains additional chapters that introduce a new character to the series. While the core romance remains identical, readers planning to finish the entire series are highly encouraged to read the Special Edition to ensure they do not miss crucial setups for future books.

Wider Universe Connections

While the River Rain series is a standalone contemporary family saga that does not require you to read Kristen Ashley's other extensive series, it does exist within the broader "Kristen Ashley Universe." Fans of her work will spot subtle cameos, Easter eggs, and minor references to characters from her other popular series. However, you can comfortably start your Kristen Ashley journey right here with River Rain without feeling lost.

Frequently Asked

QCan the River Rain books be read as standalones?

While each book focus on a different romantic couple, the characters are tightly interconnected. Reading them out of order will spoil major plot points of earlier books and make the large family dynamics very confusing. It is highly recommended to read them in order.

QWhat is the difference between the original and Special Edition of After the Climb?

The original version was a free pandemic release on the author's website. The Special Edition, sold in stores, contains additional chapters and introduces a new character crucial to the continuation of the series.

QWhere does the holiday novella, Sharing the Miracle, fit?

Sharing the Miracle is Book 5.5 and should be read directly after Fighting the Pull (Book 5) and before Embracing the Change (Book 6).

QWho are the "Three Amigos" in River Rain?

The Three Amigos are Duncan Holloway, Imogen Swan, and Corey Szabo. They grew up together in difficult circumstances, and their life choices and history form the background conflict for the entire series.

QIs Finding the One part of the River Rain series?

Yes. Released on September 9, 2025, Finding the One is the eighth entry (seventh full-length novel) in the series, focusing on Blake Sharp and Alasdair "Dair" Wallace.