Category Archives: Uncategorized

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #authorinterview – C.J. Baty

C.J. Baty

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m C.J. Baty and a person who loves reading a good mystery and writing them too. I live in Southwest Ohio with a heart that lives in the mountains of Tennessee. I have 2 wonderful adult children who encourage me in my writing. In September of 2025, I will be married to my high school sweetheart for 50 years.

How did you hear about this event?

Gosh, it’s been so long I forget how I first heard about it. I just know that I was so excited to be accepted that first year I attended.

How many years have you attended?

2025 will be my 9th year of attending. It’s wonderful to be a part of this event.

What genres do you write?

C.J. writes Gay Romance/Mysteries some historic and some contemporary. Under a second pen name, Catherine Marcum, I write Seasoned Romance with Mature Herions. 2025 will see my first books from this pen name.

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Coal Dust is one of the Legend of the Ghost Train Trilogy. It’s a story about the coal mines of Harlan County Kentucky in the 1930’s. My father’s family were coal miners. It’s a story close to my heart.

What is one fun fact about you?

I was 55 when I published my first book. Talk about new life goals!

What are your social links?

www.cjbaty.com
https://www.facebook.com/cj.baty.3/

What are you buy links?

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-j-batyhttps://books2read.com/ap/nkNz6R/CJ-Baty

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00K2ISIQI?ingress=0&visitId=07ff7ecd-c30c-4b36-82ea-a53e1c64d6ec&ref_=ap_rdr

Writersonriver.com

#Review – Dollface by R.J. Powell/Ryan J. Powell

Papa has his victims, but Dollface holds his heart. His perfect little Dolly. Now, she’s awake and ready to seek revenge for all she was forced to witness and endure. *TW: Contains SA

***
Other works by the Author include Madness in Tandem and Eight Cases of Jane.

I came across a TikTok video about this book and without even listening to the whole thing, I instantly added this book to my KU library and read it in one sitting.

This little story is short, disgusting and so much fun.

We meet Papa who is a monster. Literally. From the things he does to his victims, the ages of said victims, and how he treats them, his final outcome was far too soft for him if you ask me.

Papa has a doll, Dollface, and she is his everything. Until she isn’t.

With the help of Dollface, Rebecca is able to seek her revenge. But what lengths do these two actually go through to avenge all of Papa’s victims?

If you like extreme horror, I suggest picking this one up! There are possibly triggers in this, so please read with caution.

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/3ZtZbDg

#attendingauthor #authorinterview #EventSponsor – J.R. Thorn

 

J.R. Thorn

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Jen and I left my life as a Toyota automotive design engineer to write full-time. Call it a midlife crises or my calling, whatever you prefer. I’m approaching 2 years as a full-time author. Although, I’ve been published since 2016. I write steamy why choose paranormal romance on J.R. Thorn and fantasy (with dragons) on A.J. Flowers. No regrets living in worlds of my own making!

How did you hear about this event?

Another author recommended it.

How many years have you attended?

This will be my 2nd year.

What genres do you write?

I write steamy why choose paranormal romance on J.R. Thorn and fantasy (with dragons) on A.J. Flowers. Those are my main pen names, but I also write post-apoc on Eva Storm and LitRPG on Aurora Weiss.

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

I absolutely recommend “Their Blood Queen by J.R. Thorn” as an introduction to my work. It’s a Bridgerton meets Hunger Games with a why choose dystopian spin… and monsters.

What is one fun fact about you?

I am allergic to dairy so the bonus recipes you find at the end of “Their Blood Queen” are deliciously dairy-free.

What are your social links?

https://poplme.co/hash/JcNDJSLW/1/s

What are you buy links?

https://linktr.ee/bloodstoneseries_jrthorn

Writersonriver.com

#WOTR25 #attendingAuthor #authorinterview – Jessica Grayson

Jessica Grayson

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jessica Grayson

How did you hear about this event?

Through my author friend, Jade Waltz 🙂

How many years have you attended?

I’ve never attended

What genres do you write?

Fantasy Romance, Monster Romance, Scifi Romance

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Claimed by Hades

What is one fun fact about you?

I bake things when I’m stressed. Cookies, cakes, pies, etc. My husband can always tell when I’m stressed about a book deadline because of this lol

What are your social links?

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaGraysonBooks

IG: https://www.instagram.com/author.jessica.grayson/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicagrayson07

What are you buy links?

Writersonriver.com

#WOTR25 #AttendingAuthor #AuthorInterview – Dorothy Ewels

Dorothy Ewels

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Dorothy Ewels is my name and writing romance is my game. I still live in the city of my birth, Cape Town, South Africa, with my husband, two crazy rescue dogs and a cat with plenty of cattitude. A lifelong love affair with reading got me writing at a young age, but it wasn’t until I was retrenched from a soul-destroying job that I finally found the courage to write my first book, leading to its publication in 2018. I’m addicted to coffee, books and finding humor in life, not to mention happy endings against all odds. As well as being a proud and active member of the Romance Writer’s Organization of South Africa (ROSA), I’m also thrilled to be a contributing author in Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Hero Club and Susan Stoker’s Special Forces.

How did you hear about this event?

From the friend, and fellow South African author, I’ll be attending WOTR with.

How many years have you attended?

This is my first ever signing, as well as my first trip to the USA.

What genres do you write?

I write Military Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Contemporary Romance.

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

If I had to narrow it down to one book, I’d have to say Gator’s Gambit.

What is one fun fact about you?

My very first job was drawing maps. (Bonus fact: I suffer from Ophidiophobia – a fear of snakes. More like paralyzing terror. )

What are your social links?

Website : www.dorothyewels.co.za
Newsletter sign up : https://bit.ly/DEwelsNewsletter
Facebook : www.facebook.com/dorothyewelsauthor
Facebook Readers Group : www.facebook.com/groups/dsjewels
Instagram : www.instagram.com/dorothyewelswrites
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dorothyewelswrites
Bookbub : www.bookbub.com/authors/dorothy-ewels
Goodreads : www.goodreads.com/author/show/18573939.Dorothy_Ewels

What are you buy links?

Writersonriver.com

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #AuthorInterview – Julie Navickas

Julie Navickas

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Julie Navickas, and I write contemporary romance. I started my author journey writing the Trading Heartbeats trilogy and am just about ready to wrap up the Clumsy Little Hearts trilogy (the final book, Chasing Love, releases this November!). I am a mom of three, work at COUNTRY Financial in corporate communications, and teach writing coursework in the School of Communication at Illinois State University and at Heartland Community College.

How did you hear about this event?

I was an attending author for the first time this past year!

How many years have you attended?

1 year

What genres do you write?

Contemporary Romance

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

I Loved You Yesterday, book one in the Trading Heartbeats trilogy

What is one fun fact about you?

I’m ambidextrous and can do most things either righty or lefty without difficulty

What are your social links?

Instagram, X & TikTok: @julienavickas

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieNavickas

What are you buy links?

Writersonriver.com

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #authorinterview – J Lawson

Visit J. Lawson Store on Amazon

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jackie Lawson. I was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. I moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 2008, live in Bartonville, Illinois, with my husband, son, and two dogs, Bailey and Ember. I graduated from Western Illinois University with a Master’s in English Literature. Originally, I wanted to teach postsecondary English, but fell into a workforce development position for a local youth-based non-profit organization and absolutely love it. Book one in The Amulets Trilogy was my debut novel. I enjoys reading almost every kind of fiction out there, but fantasy is my favorite. I also have a craft business where my partner and I take donations of damaged books and turn their pages into flowers in arrangements, wreathes, bouquets, etc.

How did you hear about this event?

This will be my third year participating! I heard about it long ago through other book enthusiasts and never felt confident I could cut it in such a large, established event. I’m so glad I eventually took the chance to apply as I absolutely love everyone I’ve met through the process from organizers, to other authors, and especially the readers!

How many years have you attended?

This will be my third year!

What genres do you write?

Modern and paranormal fantasy, LGBTQ+, and humor memoir

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Peculiar Lessons: Semester One

What is one fun fact about you?

I can say the alphabet backwards just as fast as I can forward

What are your social links?

Website: www.authorjlawson.com

Facebook:AuthorJ.Lawson

Instagram: authorjlawson

What are you buy links?

https://www.amazon.com/author/j.lawson

Writersonriver.com

#WOTR25 #AttendingAuthor #AuthorInterview – Deanna L. Rowley

Visit Deanna L. Rowley Store on Amazon

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Deanna L. Rowley I started writing in 2014 but didn’t know what to do, so I would copy the book, put it in an envelope, then put it on a shelf. By the time I started publishing in 2020, I had 68 books written. In the last 4 years, I’ve published roughly 40 of those 68 books. I am a widow, and have 1 adult child, and 2 grandchildren.

How did you hear about this event?

I was at an event and Rochelle Bradley told me about this event and how to apply.

How many years have you attended?

2025 will be by 4th year in attendance.

What genres do you write?

Contemporary, Military, MC, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

The Love Found Trilogy. Book 1 is Love Doesn’t Exist. It’s the first book I ever wrote, and I broke it into a trilogy.

What is one fun fact about you?

I rode my own motorcycle for a few years.

What are your social links?

E-mail: deannalrowley@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Deanna-L-Rowley-106623544172360
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Deanna+L.+Rowley&qid=1KYE0zxcp5
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deanna-l-rowley

What are you buy links?

amazon.com/author/deannal.rowley

Writersonriver.com

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #authorinterview #eventsponsor – Molly McLain

Molly McLain

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Molly McLain, and I write steamy small-town romance with those sexy blue collar heroes we love so much. I live in northern Wisconsin with my husband of 23 years, and as of this fall, we are officially empty nesters! Aside from the fur-babies, that is. 🙂

How did you hear about this event?

Oh gosh… I don’t remember! I heard about it years ago!

How many years have you attended?

2023 & 2024, 2025 to come!

What genres do you write?

Contemporary romance, mostly small town

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Oh boy, this is hard! I think We’re Made of Moments is my best book, so let’s go with that!

What is one fun fact about you?

Thursdays, November, 4 pm, and the color brown are the same to me. Saturdays, the number 7, and summer are also the same. Tuesday are blue, Wednesdays are orange, and Mondays are red. I said what I said. 🙂

What are your social links?

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/mollymclainbooks;

IG: @mollymclainbooks

What are you buy links?

Writersonriver.com

#review #mmromance #twinsietenise #topfavorite Galaxies and Oceans by: N.R. Walker

Seizing his one chance to escape, Ethan Hosking leaves his violent ex-boyfriend, leaves his entire life, and walks into the path of a raging bushfire. Desperate to start over, a new man named Aubrey Hobbs walks out of the fire-ravaged forest, alive and alone. With no ID and no money, nothing but his grandfather’s telescope, he goes where the Southern Cross leads him.Patrick Carney is the resident lighthouse keeper in Hadley Cove, a small town on the remote Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia. After the tragic death of his lover four years ago, he lives a solitary life; just him, a tabby cat, the Indian and Southern Oceans, and a whole lot of loneliness. He’s content with his life until a stranger shows up in town and turns Patrick’s head.Patrick never expected to be interested in anyone else. Aubrey never expected to be happy. Between Aubrey’s love of the stars and Patrick’s love of the ocean, these two fragile hearts must navigate new waters. If they can weather the storm of their pasts, they could very well have a love that eclipses everything.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Tenise

Because I cannot give it all of the stars in the galaxy I guess we will go with the max allowed– 5 STARS!!!

This was not an easy read. I happened upon it in a book rec group. A person was asking for something emotional. I grabbed it because I love a book that makes me FEEL although I was a bit skeptical because most emotional book recs fall flat for me in the feels department.

Ethan is trying to start over after narrowly escaping his abusive ex with his life. The last beating he gave him was the worst yet and Ethan was done being a punching bag. With a raging bush fire causing residence all around him to be forced to evacuate, Ethan did something pretty dumb but completely necessary if he wanted to live another day. Ethan walked towards instead of away from the fire and when he emerged on the other side, Ethan no longer existed. Aubrey Hobbs was now his name and it was time to try and start over.

Patrick is just trying to get trough each day. He lives a life of solitude as the lighthouse keeper and local handyman in a tiny coastal town in Australia that borders 2 oceans. There is a sadness inside of him that will never go away. It almost seemed as if he couldn’t allow himself any sort of happiness as it would be a betrayal to his partner who died at sea several years prior.

Both of these men are broken in their own way and both believe they do not deserve happiness. When the mystery man in town keeps catching the eye of single lighthouse keeper, Patrick is determined to spend more time getting to know Aubrey Hobbs. And the more time the 2 spend with one another, the harder it becomes to resist the obvious attraction. However they are both scared of the outcome should they decide to act on their emotions. Aubrey is damaged goods. No one will ever want him. And Patrick just isn’t ready to give his heart to another after what happened the last time. Little did either of them know in the beginning but they will need one another in order to heal.

My eyes were puffy by the time I finished this book. I cannot count the times I either teared up or flat out bawled. My heart physically hurt. I know what you are thinking- it was only a book. Well you can zip it because this wasn’t just any old book. This book made me feel all the things and I loved it so much. Book #44 of 2024 earned a spot on my yearly top 10 that is for sure.
Now I’m off to investigate. As if my TBR pile isnt already overflowing, I need to know if one of the side characters from this book ever got his own story.

 

N.R. Walker is an Australian author who loves her genre of LGBTQIA+ romance. First published in 2012, she now has over 70 books, many which are also audiobooks, and numerous translations done in nine different languages.

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it but wouldn’t have it any other way.

~

N.R. Walker was voted 2019 Goodreads M/M Romance Members’ Choice Awards All-Time Favorite Author and 2020 Goodreads M/M Romance Members’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame

Read more on nrwalker.net