Hi! I’m Kate Hawthorne and here is my official author bio: Kate Hawthorne (she/her) is an author of character-driven LGBT romance, known for crafting emotionally intense stories with high heat and a kinky twist. Creating worlds where passion and angst collide, Kate’s books bring you complex protagonists in fearless pursuit of self-exploration and happy—if not sometimes unconventional—endings for everyone.
The less official side of me would tell you my favorite color was green, I’ve been an avid reader since Kindergarten, I’m obsessed with rocks and the moon, and my favorite kind of karaoke is in the car.
How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?
I don’t even remember how I found out about WOTR but I’m so glad I did!! 2021 was supposed to be my first year, but that didn’t happen before of covid, so I’ve been in person since 2022!!
What genres do you write?
I write kinky and contemporary LGBT+ romance…primarily MM, almost always angsty and almost always kinky.
What is a book of yours you wish more people read?
Humbled! It’s the first book in my Trophy Doms Social Club series and it’s an age gap romance, which is one of my favorite tropes! It’s also a great place to start your journey with my backlist because it’s a jumping off point to go forward or backward!
What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….
Every Single Vow is a small town, childhood friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, cowboy romance.
I was ten years old when I met Cooper Mayson. Thirteen when he threw his first punch for me. Eighteen when my world crumbled beneath my feet and he promised he’d always take care of me. He was my constant. But with a last name like Sterling, and the tarnished reputation that came along with it, I’ve always kept him at arm’s length. He was the golden boy with a loving family, and a ranch with a polished legacy. I was the girl with an absent mother, a father in prison, and a destination for nowhere. But now I was staring at a stranger. One that looked just like me. A little sister I knew nothing about. A child who had nowhere to go. I couldn’t let her be another face lost in the system. But no judge in this town would give a child to me with my last name. It was hopeless. Until my best friend made me an offer. To give me his. Sounds simple enough. A temporary marriage so I can gain fully custody, then have an amicable divorce. Problem is, I’ve been in love with my best friend since I was ten years old. And after only two weeks of being a Mayson, I realize, this marriage might not be as fake as I thought. Behind closed doors the act doesn’t end. Every kiss pulls me deeper; every whisper heals my heart. It almost makes me believe I’m good enough for him. But if there’s once soul in this world that I refuse to taint, it’s Cooper Mayson’s.
Every Single Vow is book two of the Every Single Series. It can be read as a standalone. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was so ready for Cooper and Dakota’s story. I love seeing how a relationship starts and grows and wow did this one yank at my heart. Cooper was so patient, caring and protective when it came to Dakota from their first meeting at 10 years old to now.
Dakota had a tough life her mom left her with her dad that was not fit to be a dad. The things he put her through had my heart breaking. The day Cooper saw Dakota in the gas station and showed her kindness started to heal my broken heart. Knowing her dad is in prison and cannot hurt her anymore put my mind at ease.
Cooper has always been there to protect her. When a surprise little sister shows up on Dakota’s doorstep he sees his opportunity to make Dakota his. Now he just has to convince her it is just not pretend for him but has always been real.
I adore Dakota and Cooper they have been friends since they were little. We get to see them grow up and what they all been have been through. I loved seeing everything that Cooper did for Dakota. The secret that comes out is something I would have never expected that but heck yeah, I get it and I’m all for it. I’d be on the Mayson family team any day protecting their family and friends.
I absolutely loved Dakota and Cooper and getting their story. With the ending of this one I really want to know more about Laiken and Parker. Really what is going on there and why is Laiken so furious with Parker. I’m telling you I have a feeling this one is going to be one heck of a long 8 second ride with these two.
A few of my favorite quotes (ok maybe quite a few):
“I hate you sometimes,” I hiss as I push at his chest. He chuckles. “Lies. You love me.” More than anything.
“I hate you sometimes,” I hiss as I push at his chest. He chuckles. “Lies. You love me.” More than anything. “Dream on,” I scoff.
“It must be exhausting,” his voice is almost a whisper, his lips moving slow and steady. The bluest eyes I’ve seen to this day roam over my face, pausing to meet my gaze before he inches closer. His hard chest presses against mine, before he glides his thumb down the column of my throat. “Walking around every single day pretending you don’t love me just as much as I love you.”
“I love you, Kota. You’re my person. The first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think of when I go to bed. I’ve loved you for over half of my life and we both know what this is.”
Dakota wasn’t going to like what I had planned for her, but if she gave me any lip, I’d just kiss her until she agreed. End of story.
“You’ve always been my hero, Coop.” “And you’ve always been my queen of chaos.”
S.J. Chaynie is a small-town Texas girl who has found a love for writing. She enjoys writing romance, with a sprinkle of suspense, and a little humor. If she is not busy writing her newest ideas, she is spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She believes a good book and a lot of laughs is the best medicine. She brings suspense, love, angst, and sometimes the occasional heartbreak to her stories. Always a HEA, but every character and story she holds close to her heart and hopes they touch yours as well.
Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.
She’s found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?
I actually had a reader message me and ask if I would think about attending!
What genres do you write?
MM Romance
What is a book of yours you wish more people read?
My Spark of Hope Series
What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….
My name is Angie Wade, and I’ve been editing for the indie-pub community for ten years. I specialize in fantasy and modern romance but edit all fiction genres outside of poetry, working with both traditionally published authors as well as independently published authors. I got my start working with a small press based out of the UK and as an editor for a small editing company based out of Florida. I am a full member of ACES, the society for editing, earned my copyediting certificate from the University of San Diego, have hosted write-ins in my local community as well as online, particularly during the pandemic, and attend writing workshops and book signings both locally and across the country when I get the opportunity. My weakness is managing social media, though I love to connect.
My favorite genres to read are fantasy, dystopian, and mystery-thriller, and I live in Central Florida with my husband and two young daughters. In my free time, I also enjoy playing tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, going camping, and going on adventures with my family. I love learning how language has and will continue to evolve, both spoken and written, as well as what inspires us to write. Working with stories and helping writers with the delivery of their passion continues to inspire me, and I look forward to continuing my literary journey for years to come.
How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?
I heard about Writers on the River through my client and friend AJ Renee. I have physically attended 5 years, 2018 and 2022-2025, and participated online during 2020.
What is your favorite part of sponsoring?
My favorite part of sponsoring WOTR is the support of my brand and name among others in the indie community. Sponsoring and attending gives me the opportunity to connect with the professionals I enjoy working with, as well as giving my products visibility to a niche target market.
What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….
I decided 40 was the age I wanted to learn to skateboard, and though that year has come and gone, I’m still embracing the sport. After a year and a half, I’ve achieved as much skill as a 10-year-old who’s been learning for two weeks. Hey, progress is progress!
Victoria Danann. I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. I’ve been #1 on Amazon eighteen times. Have sold 3 1/2 million books. My first series was voted best paranormal romance series five years in a row. Three times Goodreads book of the month. Sixteen times Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK.
Seventh generation Texan. Born in Austin. Grew up in Fort Worth. Live in Houston now.
I have an MA in psychology but walked away after two sessions with clients. Hated it. I also studied comparative religion, myths, and medieval history at the graduate level.
My goal is to outsell Rebecca Yarros. LOL
How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?
Teresa Gabelman and I are good friends/collaborators who’ve been comrades in paranormal romance since 2013.
What genres do you write?
romantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, midlife paranormal, new adult
What is a book of yours you wish more people read?
The Witching Hours. It’s a big, juicy collection of short stories that are semi-autobiographical and would be closest aligned with women’s paranormal fantasy. It was a big risk to write and narrate this book because a collection of shorts is outside the ordinary. But people who take the plunge and read it, love it! KINDLE UNLIMITED https://www.amazon.com/Witching-Hours-Victoria-Danann-ebook/dp/B0D9C258KQ
What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….
I was an evening wear designer in the eighties and had a showroom in New York. You could find my dresses in Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, all over Europe and South America, and on the red carpet. I was flat out copied by very famous designers whose names you’d recognize.
My name is Polly Barreto. I am a mom to two beautiful adult children and grammy to three wonderful granddaughters, four grand puppies and two grand kitties! I was born and raised in Iowa and love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading, attending book signings and going to concerts.
How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?
I can’t remember how I found out about this event – probably through conversations with Angie. I “think” year 2026 will be my 6th year attending WOTR – could even be my 7th!
What is your favorite part of sponsoring?
I love to sponsor this event as I know exactly where my donation is going and WOTR is the best event around!!!
What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….
Okay…… I don’t eat pizza! Or veggies, or Chinese, or Mexican… I am really a plain Jane eater! Give me a cheeseburger and fries and I am a happy gal!
Lara London – I write short and steamy romances, usually meant to be read in about two hours or less about men who fall first and fall hard, frequently instantly. From small-town mountain men, to OTT possessive billionaires, I try to bring the heat and humor in equal measure.
How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?
Megan Kelly has talked about it for years, and then a bunch of people on social media were talking about what a great cause it is for, so I looked into it this year.
What genres do you write?
short read romances, steamy, billionaire, mountain man, christmas
What is a book of yours you wish more people read?
https://a.co/d/drE9QsI (Wham, Bam, Marry Me, Ma’am – Book 1 of the Billings Brothers Trilogy)
What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….
I have three kids and am married to my real-life book boyfriend husband who can’t understand why I love Supernatural and Vampire Diaries, but won’t watch a horror film. <shrug>
Nicole Craig. I’m a retired teacher after 25 years teaching English and theatre in high school. I’m married and have three furry children: Toulouse, Spirit (aka The Flerken), and Missandei. We adopt geriatric and special needs cats. I’m also a competitive bowler, and I volunteer at a local community theatre doing onstage and backstage work.
How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?
I first heard about WOTR in 2023 from Anna Blakely and her husband, Christian, on their weekly Talk Tuesday video chats. I couldn’t go that year, but I went as a reader in 2024 and had the best time. It became a goal to be invited in the future, but I never expected it to be the first year I applied.
What genres do you write?
Romantic Suspense, particularly Protector Romance, but I just started branching out into police procedurals with my books in Susan Stoker’s Police & Fire world. In 2025, I plan to have at least one science fiction (alien LGBTQ+ series) romance and at least one sports romance (baseball series) out.
What is a book of yours you wish more people read?
Never Enough is all about conflict precious gem mining in Africa. There was a lot of research that went into that book, so I would love more people to be aware that we’re still in an era of conflict product.
What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….
Last year I shared my rhinoceros story, so this time I’ll share that I was bitten by a monkey in Roatan. About 50% of my first novel takes place there, so I had one of my side characters get bitten by a snake there as a sort of Easter egg. I hide a lot of personal things in my novels.
