Molly McLain. I write steamy small-town romance with blue collar book boyfriends. I also live in a little town in Wisconsin with my husband of 22 years. Our three kiddos are all adults now, but I’m still in denial about that.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The ones that come after! I like to change things up, so sticking in the same series, town, family, etc. is sometimes a struggle for my ever-bouncing brain!
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to incorporate tropes or situations that I haven’t written before.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Just keep writing. Stay off social media and make writing the words your number one priority ALWAYS. Do I do this myself? No. But I should, and not doing so is my biggest regret as an author.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
An hour or so. I have a day job, too, so writing isn’t always my number one priority.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
Right now, no. I love them all, especially as I’m writing them, but I can’t say that I favor one over the others at the moment. They’re all special in their own ways.
What is your definition of success?
For me, it’s living a simple, comfortable life with peace of mind and a full heart. I want to know I’ve accomplished my goals and that I’ve done a good job as a mom, a wife, a friend, and an author.
What are your social links?
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mollymclainbooks
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mollymclainbooks/
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*
$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.
Brought to you by 20(ish) of your 2024 attending authors, Love on the River is a MASSIVE book with one thing in mind…LOVE. And money for Thistle Farms, of course.
Our author line up is subject to change, but currently includes stories from: A.D. Ellis, AJ Renee, Amanda Zook, Brandy Slaven, C.A. Harms, Danielle Keil, Darie McCoy, H.D’Agostino, J.M. Walker, Jade Waltz, Jamie K. Schmidt, Jen Talty, Joel Shoemaker, Kate Hawthorne, M.J. Haag, Mellanie Szereto, Miranda Lynn, Molly McLain, Nikki Landis, and Vinni George.
Love on the River will ONLY be available to purchase from April 1 – July 31, 2024 (ebook and paperback). Don’t miss out on this one of a kind collection of stories and be part of Writers on the River history! Thank you to all of our contributing authors for their time and work, to Eric McKinney for donating a GORGEOUS photo for the cover. But most of all, thank YOU for reserving your copies and helping us raise money to donate to Thistle Farms in 2024.
2024 is YEAR 9 for Writers on The River and that feels like a great time to break some donation records. Healing With Words is only $22,000 away from donating over $100,000 dollars to Thistle Farms and we’re hoping this anthology can help get them not just over the $100k hump, but also over HWW’s personal goal of a $25,000 donation. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this anthology will go to the charity.
🕯️About Healing with Words:
Healing With Words is a 501(c)(3) not for profit established for healing survivors of abuse, addiction, trafficking and prostitution. We feel the best way to spread love is to share the love of reading. Through the written word, persons can find an escape and a form of entertainment. Our mission is to bring together readers, authors, and survivors in a positive manner that affects change and relief from negative influences.
🕯️About Thistle Farms:
Thistle Farms is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. We do this by providing a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a lifelong sisterhood of support.
She’s forbidden fruit, and he’s everything she’s looking for, no matter what her brother says.
Tessa McMurray is hellbent on proving that her brothers don’t control her. Setting her sights on her family’s ranch foreman is risky. But she knows what she wants.
Dean Langston loves his job, and he refuses to do anything to jeopardize his position. After all, the McMurray brothers are not only his bosses, they’re his friends. When their outgoing and breathtakingly beautiful little sister starts charming her way into his life, he does everything he can to resist her.
But one weekend in Vegas changes everything…
Suddenly, Tessa and Dean are hiding more than their attraction to each other from the McMurray family. Can they afford to gamble with the truth or will their secret force them to lose it all?
i was given this book by the author for an honest review
when Dean finally leaves the ranch for his cousin’s wedding in Vegas, he figured a few drinks a tipsy bridesmaid on the dance floor and then he’d be back on the ranch back to his daily routine. Little did he know that Tessa was going to also be at that wedding as a bridesmaid, he’s had his eyes locked on her since he meet her at Christmas on the ranch but, the only problem that is stopping him from hooking up with Tessa is that she just happened to be his boss’s little sister and they treated him that she is off limits. But Tessa also wants Dean, and she isn’t about to let her brothers get in the way of that, drunk and in Vegas. Tessa finds herself waking up in Dean’s bed and on the table a marriage license, and she doesn’t remember a thing that happened the night before, Dean fills her in on a bit that he remembers. But apparently not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas when u come home with a husband. will these 2 be able to keep their scandal in Vegas to themselves and end it or will it blow up in their faces and everyone will know about it? OMG this was a great story loved the bantering and the teasing between Dean and Tessa love love love…. I wish Mason Creek would never end.
Author of sexy, small town romance. Lover of banana Laffy Taffy, 80’s ballads, 90’s rock, and road trips. Location: Wisconsin. Sign: Sagittarius. Religion: Coffee and naps.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The books that follow, for sure. You can do anything you want with book one, but you have to be careful not to mess up details in the following books. You’ve set a precedence with that first book that can make writing the next books intimidating.
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
By changing up the tropes and creating unique characters. Maybe book one has a serious, rule-following heroine, but book two’s heroine is a witty, risk-taker.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Books are written word by word. Some days, you’ll only get a few down. Others, you’ll get a couple of chapters. But every day you write, you’re making progress. One word at a time.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
Writing? Ha. An hour? Doing “admin work” and “networking” on social media? Um… no comment.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
Jesse Enders. That man has a heart of gold and he is my ideal book boyfriend in all the ways.
What are your social links?
IG: @mollywritesromance
Tiktok: @authormollymclain
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MollyMcLainBooks
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review
Olivia had her life turned upside down after her husband was killed by the mob and left her in a dangerous spot o much so she was handed a picture with a target on it. So now shes under 24 hour surveillance, and they want to put her with a bodyguard/fake boyfriend who else is she gonna trust with her life but the first guy she ever loved. Aiden will never forget what Liv did and how she broke his heart. So when he finds out he’s picked to be her fake boyfriend he puts the brakes on as fast as he can. Will Aiden put his feelings aside to keep Liv safe or will he say your on your own and let her deal with this issue without him. Secrets from their past will come to the surface rather they are ready or not.
Author of sexy, small town romance. Lover of banana Laffy Taffy, 80’s ballads, 90’s rock, and road trips. Location: Wisconsin. Sign: Sagittarius. Religion: Coffee and naps.
When Joey decides to stay in Mason Creek a little longer than planned, Cole Jackson comes to the rescue and volunteers a room at his place—and his unsolicited advice on how to land the perfect cowboy.
Cole quickly realizes Joey is perfect for him in every way, and he’d much rather be lovers than friends. There is only one way out of this. The perfect plan? Sabotage.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review
Cole Jackson Mason Creeks biggest playboy around loves to joke and push everyone’s buttons. But he will protect, and give you the shit off his back if you needed it. Joey flew from Georgia to help her sister Charlee when she gave birth to her daughter, being there to pick up all the pieces back home after Charlee’s failed wedding but it lol worked out in the end she got her happily ever after and now it was Joey’s turn. Having a bad day Joey found herself in the bar drinking her dream apartment just fell through, she’s tired of making sure she don’t walk in on her sister loving on her husband again, Cole was there and offered her to move in with him. Thinking it was going to be easy to have a super cute roommate and nothing was going to happen, but it turned out to be a lot harder then either one of them thought. Will these two let their feelings get to them and give into temptation or will it seriously just be a friends living together no strings attached situation. OMG not only do i love Mason Creek and want too live there I’m in love with Cole Jackson, this is an amazing story and i just ugh love it words can’t decide how hilarious it is.
Cyrus Butcher wasn’t like any man I had ever met before. He took his time with me. Opened up new feelings and made me realize that not all men were monsters.
Ripped from my life at a young age, I spent years in a hell I wasn’t sure I would ever survive. But I did. Only to become a shell of the woman I once was.
With him, the dark and handsome stranger who saved me, he helped me find my voice again. While he was gentle, I knew that there was a dominant man in him I needed.
As I opened up to him and gave him my truths, he showed me a passionate side to myself I thought was lost forever.
I was the pet he needed.
He was the Sir I craved.
-Cyrus-
She was quiet.
Withdrawn.
A good girl.
Ainsley Cloet was the submissive I had spent years looking for. She was passionate and fierce. The strongest woman I had ever met. But she kept those parts of herself hidden after spending years locked up at the hands of vile human beings.
While we became closer, my brother became moodier. Spending our lives trying to mask the pain of losing our parents at a young age, neither of us thought we could find the happiness we both deserved.
After earning Ainsley’s trust, falling in love, and making promises about our future, someone who had been lurking in the shadows the whole time finally let himself be known.
But no matter the damage that had been caused, I would be there.
At her side.
As her protector.
And as her Dom.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review
Ainsley went through a ton in her life she was taken and held against her will in a brothel that did the unimaginable to her and causing her to quit talking completely to her it was her safe home and helped her survive. She was now working at the center and was offered to teach American Sign Language, to others since that was her form of speaking, and Ainsley loved it, but she still had to look behind her back and watch out because some of the men that took her escaped and would want to come after her. Cyrus wasn’t one to fall for a women he was just helping the club, fighting when he needed to release some tension and going to the bar with his brother. That was until he saw sweet Ainsley and she as gonna make this biker fall to his knees and he wouldn’t even knew what hit him. Will these two help each other face their demons of their past and help each other trust someone or will the demons get their way and send them into a pit that they will never get out of. Oh this story grabbed my heart and held on i loved these characters and their story is just what you would need.
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Into the Deep by Aspen Winters (Author, Publisher), Krys Janae (Narrator)
The Ocean hides many secrets, and my family has uncovered one of them.
My name is Coralee Eldimire and I was dragged into the secrets my family has been keeping from me. The Eldimire Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary, was more than that. It was a testing site.
A testing site for shifters. The place I thought was made by hard work and passion was actually made by torture and the deaths of creatures I never knew existed.
I found this out the hard way that these shifters are more than they seem. They aren’t mindless or monsters…they were something more. The shark shifters that I had gotten to know only want one thing: freedom and I was their way out. Though it seemed they wanted me for more than an escape route.
These shifters wanted to keep me, and I was starting to have a hard time saying no. With my family trying to keep the shifters or kill them, I have my work cut out for me…and I may learn to be a stronger person on the way
I was given this audiobook by the author for an honest review
Coralee was working in her family business, in the local aquarium. Her mom was a scientist and working on different species of marine life. Her brother helped and Cora was mostly in charge of filing papers and small task to help her mom. But little did Cora know that behind the walls where she worked was a huge family secret that she didn’t know about, that there were shark coming into the aquarium and Cora was terrified of sharks, but that wasn’t all she didn’t know, those sharks where actually shifters. So will Cora ever find out that secret her family is keeping from her or will she be forever in the depths of their secrets. So this was my first shark shifters book and it didn’t disappoint it was soooo good 4 sexy shark shifters how much better can that get.
They spent one night together, and then chance brought them back together again.
Carly
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve lived a privileged life. But I’ve worked hard not to let my good fortune go to my head. I’ve kept myself grounded, and much to the dismay of my mother and my NFL star ex-boyfriend, I want to do something meaningful with my life. Something I can call my own.
Hooking up with the cute guy at the bar who seemed to figure me out with a single glance? Not exactly that kind of purposeful adventure I had in mind, but I’m living for me now, so what could one night of fun hurt?
Kaden
I met the girl of my dreams in a Denver bar. The only problem is I’m not the kind of a guy a lady like Carly thinks about when the night is over. And when she walked out of my hotel room, I thought I’d never see her again.
Until she showed up on Mason Creek on a mission.
She didn’t know she’d find me here, and I’ll be damned if I believe our running into each other again is anything less than fate. Chance brought us together once, and I’ve gotta believe there’s a reason it’s brought us back together again, too.
Turns out that reason isn’t what either of us had planned for our lives, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove I’m up to the challenge.
Only problem is…
I’m not the only one vying for Carly’s heart.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review
Carly was born with a sliver spoon in her mouth but she wanted more for herself she didn’t want to depend on her parents or a man for the things she wants in life so when her current boyfriend an NFL star pops the question she turn him down because he wants her to give up on her dreams. A while later Carly and her bestie end up at a bar in Denver to celebrate graduation and while her bestie goes. To flirt with some locals Carly has a handsome cowboy offering to buy her a drink and next thing she knows she was in his hotel room and had a wild night. Kaden cant stop thinking about that night after Carly left him alone in his room with out getting her number or even her last name. Things are about to get crazier for these two when chance and fate have something to do with it and with the possible chance her ex tries to get her back. This story was so good i couldn’t put it down, i was so invested into these characters so much.
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Till Death Do Us Part (Ariel Kimber 7) by Mary Martel
Ariel Kimber and her coven are under imminent threat from the Council. They are monsters, without fangs or horns, who hide behind their mantle of power, and they will do anything to get what they want.
The problem is, they want Ariel. They want her so badly that every other person around her is in danger just by being near her.
The Council forgot one very important fact though—Ariel Kimber is no victim. She’s a survivor, and the Council is stupid to think they can simply take her and destroy everything and everyone she loves.
She will do whatever it takes to keep her coven safe, even if she has to go through hell to do it. They are all more than willing to fight alongside her because she’s finally agreed to spend the rest of her life tied to them in every way possible.
They have a lot to fight for.
The goal is to make it to the other side without losing anyone along the way because they want their happily ever after.
And they want to be able to say till death do us part.
But life for Ariel Kimber is never that easy.
And it never will be
I was given this book by the author for an honest review
Once again we are back with my favorite coven of witches, Ariel and her coven have fought through a lot to keep their family save and even adding a few members to their family they weren’t expecting to. Well it was finally Ariel’s 18th birthday and the guys and her father were not going to let her not celebrate it after years of not being able to celebrate it. With things finally calming down Ariel couldn’t help but feel like something was going to happen but she just didn’t know when but something bad was coming. The Council was still leaking around ready to strike and when they did it was going to be big, but would they be able to pull it off. Would Ariel and the guys be able to protect their family from everything the Council was trying to take from them, will Quinton get Ariel down the isle, will the salt and pepper twins finally get some naked twister that they deserve there are so many answers that you just need to read to find. OMG Mary did not disappoint with this much awaited book I’m so glad to have this coven and world back I’ve had sooooo many fist pumps to the sky, its about times screamed, and are you serious while reading it. This makes my heart so happy and I’m ready for the next one.
Cover Design: Sommer Stein
Photo: Stacey Powel, SJ Photography
Release Date: June 23, 2022
BLURB
We were more than we pretended to be. Or maybe we were nothing at all.
-Olivia-
I loved him when I shouldn’t have. And I left him to save us both. Now my life is in danger and he’s the only one who can offer the protection I need.
I hate being so vulnerable, so weak… But if I’m going to bare my secrets to anyone, it’s him.
Even if he hates me for them.
-Aiden-
I would have risked it all for her, but she quit before she ever gave us a chance. She chose another man and another life, instead. And now his choices might cost her hers.
I don’t hate her like she thinks I do, but this is more than a job for me. This is my chance to prove that Olivia and I…
Molly McLain lives in a tiny Wisconsin town with her husband, three kiddos, and two adorable German Shorthaired Pointers. She’s addicted to 80’s ballads, 90’s rock, cheesecake, and office supplies, and she’s been scribbling down love stories in spiral notebooks since she was old enough to daydream about hunky boys and happily-ever-afters. Now, she turns those daydreams into steamy, small town romance novels.
They spent one night together, and then chance brought them back together again.
Carly
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve lived a privileged life. But I’ve worked hard not to let my good fortune go to my head. I’ve kept myself grounded, and much to the dismay of my mother and my NFL star ex-boyfriend, I want to do something meaningful with my life. Something I can call my own.
Hooking up with the cute guy at the bar who seemed to figure me out with a single glance? Not exactly that kind of purposeful adventure I had in mind, but I’m living for me now, so what could one night of fun hurt?
Kaden
I met the girl of my dreams in a Denver bar. The only problem is I’m not the kind of a guy a lady like Carly thinks about when the night is over. And when she walked out of my hotel room, I thought I’d never see her again.
Until she showed up on Mason Creek on a mission.
She didn’t know she’d find me here, and I’ll be damned if I believe our running into each other again is anything less than fate. Chance brought us together once, and I’ve gotta believe there’s a reason it’s brought us back together again, too.
Turns out that reason isn’t what either of us had planned for our lives, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove I’m up to the challenge.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review
Carly was born with a sliver spoon in her mouth but she wanted more for herself she didn’t want to depend on her parents or a man for the things she wants in life so when her current boyfriend an NFL star pops the question she turn him down because he wants her to give up on her dreams. A while later Carly and her bestie end up at a bar in Denver to celebrate graduation and while her bestie goes. To flirt with some locals Carly has a handsome cowboy offering to buy her a drink and next thing she knows she was in his hotel room and had a wild night. Kaden cant stop thinking about that night after Carly left him alone in his room with out getting her number or even her last name. Things are about to get crazier for these two when chance and fate have something to do with it and with the possible chance her ex tries to get her back. This story was so good i couldn’t put it down, i was so invested into these characters so much.
Molly McLain lives in a tiny Wisconsin town with her husband, three kiddos, and two adorable German Shorthaired Pointers. She’s addicted to 80’s ballads, 90’s rock, cheesecake, and office supplies, and she’s been scribbling down love stories in spiral notebooks since she was old enough to daydream about hunky boys and happily-ever-afters. Now she turns those daydreams into steamy, small town novels.
Molly McLain. I’m from Wisconsin, am married, and a mom to three kiddos. I write steamy small town romance with blue collar heroes and spunky heroines.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
They’re all hard! The first book has to be just right to grab readers’ attention. Then the next books have to be similar, but different, too. Personally, I think I like first books better, because they set the premise for a new world and everything is fresh and new, but it’s also really fun to write cameos of previous in characters in subsequent books, too!
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Don’t compare your author journey to others. Set goals that work for you and measure your success by those accomplishments, not what you see other authors doing.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
I spend about two hours a day writing romance. I also write for my day job, too, so some days it’s really hard to spend any more time in front of my laptop.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
This is like asking a mom to choose her favorite child! They’re all special for different reasons.
A fake relationship with a sexy cowboy in a small-town is never a good idea…
-Alana-
After high school, my plan was to leave the small town of Mason Creek and never look back. I thought I’d work my way through college while my long-time, bull rider boyfriend chased his rodeo dreams and took me along for the ride.
My own dreams of becoming his publicist and living the high life together on the PBR circuit were crushed when it became clear that my eight seconds was up. The buckle bunnies were suddenly more appealing than the girl with her nose buried in the books.
I’ve sworn off men, especially cowboys and bull riders.
That is, until I walk in on one in my shower, naked, wet, and built like he could break my heart… and my bed.
-Holden-
The rodeo has been my whole world, and all it took was one false accusation to bring it crumbling down. I cleared my name, but the organization I’ve given my life and my body to for the past seven years doesn’t give a damn. They don’t want the drama and right now they don’t want me.
That’s how I ended up in Mason Creek, hiding from the cameras while the dust settles and I can reclaim my reputation and my rank in the PBR. The last thing I need is to get messed up with a local girl, especially one who hates cowboys–bull riders in particular.
Our relationship may be just for show, but I see the opportunity for what it is…The chance to keep my secret a little longer and prove to Alana that maybe her problem with bull riders is simple…
Molly McLain lives in a tiny Wisconsin town with her husband, three kiddos, and two adorable German Shorthaired Pointers. She’s addicted to 80’s ballads, 90’s rock, cheesecake, and office supplies, and she’s been scribbling down love stories in spiral notebooks since she was old enough to daydream about hunky boys and happily-ever-afters. Now she turns those daydreams into steamy, small town novels.
We are THE TWINSIES… We love to read…We love to promote the authors we read… and we love to stir up TROUBLE… It's who we are and what we do
