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Rush

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He’s a stranger.
An unexpected surprise.
A risk I have no choice but to take, thanks to this blizzard.

I shouldn’t want him.
But his touch and his kisses…
They’re the perfect distraction.
Until this passes, anyway.

My instincts said I’d be fine, but I should have listened to my head.
Things that are so easy…so comfortable…so perfect…
Are usually too good to be true.

No matter how potent the rush.

**Rush is a standalone novella.**

ebook

Published January 23, 2018

69 people are currently reading
334 people want to read

About the author

Molly McLain

43 books1,245 followers
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.

Check me out on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mollymclaina...

My reader group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/Autho...

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5 stars
146 (46%)
4 stars
113 (35%)
3 stars
38 (12%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
January 27, 2018
New to me author 3.5 stars

This was my first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Sweet and safe with just a smidge of angst (perfect amount for me). Two strangers, two nights and a perfect dog who couldn't bark... more steam and a better epilogue would have skyrocketed my rating!

HERO~ RJ was a good hero that I wanted to throttle a time or two. He was caring when he helped Julianna after she wrecked her car during a blizzard, but he ran cold a couple of times. I was pretty much sure where the story was going early on so I could understand where his actions were coming from- guilt.

HEROINE~ I liked Julianna. She was smart, funny and really sweet. While there some things I wished she would have done differently, I think all in all, she really showed strength when it came to RJ.

SEXUAL HISTORY~ Sexual history was not dwelled on. RJ was not portrayed as a manwhore and neither were virgins

OM/OW DRAMA ~ None whatsoever

STEAM Not excessively steamy. Definitely could have used more.

VIOLENCE No violence

SAFETY Safe- neither are with others after meeting

ENDING~ The epilogue wasn't far enough out. It needed more which dropped my rating. Definitely a HFN ending
Profile Image for Tracy.
684 reviews20 followers
January 29, 2018
Rush is a quick, sexy, read that packs a lot of emotion into the pages. Juliana meets RJ, a sexy stranger and the two are snowbound together.

A whirlwind romance sparks between the two, and I could just feel the chemistry. I had so much fun getting stuck in the snow with RJ and Juliana. It’s quickly paced, well written, perfect for the reader looking for a steamy treat.
Profile Image for Jae Mod.
1,719 reviews220 followers
February 13, 2018
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **

Two strangers and a snowstorm make for the perfect escape from reality in Molly McLain’s novella Rush.

Julianna is heading back to her hometown for the biggest interview of her career with the reclusive Rushton Cole. When a snowstorm puts her in a ditch, she ends up the guest at the nearest inhabited cabin.

RJ Scott is trying to have a quiet getaway at his cabin in the woods, but when Julianna shows up on his doorstep his plans quickly change.

These two had instantaneous chemistry and it was off the charts. Their equally quick wit and the banter they engage in was highly entertaining. I figured out the plot pretty quick, but that did not take away anything from my reading. Besides there was still a bit of a surprise with the reasoning behind it, that was not something I figured out.

A quick, steamy and fun read. I would say this is one of those relaxing by the fire reads, or a beach depending on the weather. The perfect little escape from the mayhem of reality. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Ana.
260 reviews
October 12, 2023
This started off so strong despite the plot twist being so obvious, but then it fell right off when he refused to have sex because he thinks that because her two boyfriends cheated on her that she can't have sex without a relationship? Where is the correlation??

And then turns around and has sex with her the next day because they're in love? and she's crying because she's in love? listen I can accept instalove 99% of the time but this was like whiplash

Plus he still spoke to her like shit for literally no reason

In summary the first 1/3 was great and the last 2/3 were anger-inducing levels of stupid
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews).
945 reviews35 followers
February 4, 2018
I received a copy and voluntarily left an honest review

Molly McLain has impressed me with her storytelling skills from the moment I picked up Fly and met her gorgeous “Country Boy” and my admiration has grew with every book I have read. So I was more than willing to throw caution to the wind and meet up with her two newest characters on a snowy stranded night and experience the uncontrollable heat that sparks between these two strangers in the middle of nowhere. It wasn't long into Rush that Molly had me holding my breath and hanging by a thread emotionally waiting to see the blinding fireworks that RJ and Juliana would create together.

RJ is a stranger that looks dangerous enough to be an axe murderer..or maybe just a hot as hell man that can a rock a woman's world and turn it upside down which is exactly what he does to Julianna. I was mesmerized by everything about RJ from his rough exterior, the mystery surrounding him, and his words could scorch any woman on the spot! Every time he called her gorgeous or affectionately referred to Julianna as “Crash” I fell a little harder!

Julianna is a journalist that is willing to do anything to advance her career, even go out in the middle of winter to interview a “reclusive” author. What she doesn't bargain on is ending up stranded and at the mercy of a sexy stranger and his dog. I couldn't help but feel every emotion and thought that ran through Julianna's mind and feel myself falling for the mysteriously handsome RJ and wanting to unearth all of his secrets right along with her.

Molly McLain delivers a scorching wintery tale that will leave you wrapped in the arms of two strangers and succumbing to all of their wicked desires and angsty feelings. I highly recommend Rush for a tumultuous winter escape that leaves libidos and emotions running high! I adore Molly McLain's writing and can't wait to jump back into another of her fictional worlds!
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,999 reviews61 followers
January 25, 2018
As a huge fan of Molly McLain, Rush was a must read for me. From the moment I opened this book my mind devoured the words on the page. RJ and Julianna’s story will have you captivated and intrigued right to the very end. This book is about life sometimes causing you to take a detour literally on the road less travelled to bring you crashing into the one person’s path you were meant to cross. Rush is full of so much emotion and passion that you will at times find yourself holding your breath. These characters will draw you in as they bare their souls to each other and try to understand that you have to find yourself before your heart is available to love freely and unconditionally with no burdens holding you back. RJ and Julianna’s story was full of secrets and drama that will have you guessing as to why RJ runs hot and cold after meeting her. These two are drawn to each other like moths to a flame and the chemistry between these two is electric. I fell in love with these characters and their beautiful story.
298 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2021
It was ok. I liked the characters, but it went from 0 to 100 in a matter of pages. There really wasn't any character development both individually and as a couple.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
January 30, 2018
Molly has done it again. Amazing story. You won't wanna put this book down
484 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2018
OMG, MOLLY MCLAIN HAS DONE IT YET AGAIN!!!!
The first book I ever read by Molly McLain was Can’t Walk Away, the 3rd book in her River Bend Series back in February of 2015. I have been a fan of Molly McLain ever since and have grown to love her writing more and more by every book I have read since. She has grown brighter and stronger as an author in my opinion. The River Bend series is “small town” romance, her Vegas Heat series is “big town” romance, and in her latest book, Rush, is a combination of both. Whether “small town” or “big town” romance, Molly McLain knows how to drawl the reader into a book so far that they never want to come out!!! And RUSH, Ms McLain’s latest, is ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTION!!!
I LOVED RJ and Julianna, the hero and heroine in Rush. Julianna is journalist on her way to do an interview with an author that had finally decided to come out of hiding. While driving to the interview she wrecks her car during a snowstorm and is stranded in the middle of nowhere and of course, being in the middle of NOwhere, there is NO cell reception. Julianna has no choice but to try to walk out and find help. Help comes from a stranger, RJ, when she finds his cabin. Stranded with RJ for several days, a deep attraction starts to develop, and then feelings… O! M! G! When Julianna gets to the hotel and meets the authors agent…. Oops, sorry folks, I do not give any spoilers away.
Rush certainly met, and by far bypassed any expectations I have when I pick up a book by Molly McLain. The “feels”, the emotions were certainly there, as well as the angst I have come to love between the lead characters of a Molly McLain book.
Molly McLain, you have a winner in my opinion. Thank you for all of the reading pleasure you provide for your readers. I will forever be a fan.
Thank you for reading my review.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,781 reviews41 followers
January 30, 2018
She made me cry…again.

I love a good forced proximity love story and Rush is a great one. Julianna is on her way to interview famous, but reclusive, author Rushton Cole. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and could really launch her career. She gets stranded in a snowstorm and has to accept the hospitality of a handsome stranger, RJ Scott.

Rush is a novella length standalone story and was a pretty quick read for me. I've been a fan of Molly McLain's writing since her very first book. She is branching out a bit with her writing and trying new things. Rush really grabbed me from the beginning and I didn't put it down until I finished it.

While it's no surprise who RJ turns out to be it wasn't material that I figured out his true identity right away. What's important is to keep reading Rush to find out how RJ and Julianna resolve all of the misunderstandings and the hurt that she feels when she finds out who he really is.

Molly has written a story that kept my attention right from the get-go. It may be a trope that has been done many times before, maybe even in a similar fashion, but that doesn't take away from the fact that her take on the trope is fresh and compelling reading.

Way to go Molly!
Profile Image for Fran (fransbookstagram).
597 reviews59 followers
August 4, 2025
4.5⭐

This cute and fast-paced book was perfect for my mood. If you love insta-love, getting stranded in the snow and need a sexy stranger to help you out, then this story is for you.

Julianna is on her way to get THE interview that could help her career. It's also near where she grew up, so getting there was easy, right? Wrong. Mr Snowstorm put a wrench in her plan, and she finds herself at the mercy of a sexy stranger. Not only is he delicious, big and not an axe murderer, he is a sweet man with a cute dog, kind eyes and a good cook.

RJ likes what he sees when Julianna stumbles on his front lawn in need of help, which he eagerly provides. He is hot, big and smells divine. With the help of his cute furry friend and a warm cottage, it was an offer she couldn't refuse. Two nights together and this couple knows it's only the beginning.

As far as novellas go, this was pretty well done. Yes, the spice did start strong (which isn't uncommon in short books), but then it simmered down to a level I was comfortable with. 80/20 split POV, cute story and ends in a sweet and sexy epilogue.

A cute one to add to your tbr.
220 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2018
Julianna has been sent to interview an author from the same town she was raised in Minnesota at the request of the author. Finding herself in the midst of a snowbank is the icing on the cake.


RJ finds himself hosting a stranded motorist while on vacation in his isolated cabin. He can't help himself where she's concerned.


This story is a little different for this author though no less intriguing. She spins the story very well. Though I was disappointed in its length, I felt like she wrapped it up nicely (I always want more of her words).


The story is mostly told from the heroine's POV however there are a few times when we get to appreciate the story from his viewpoint. I liked that the heroine was aware of herself and her shortcomings and was resilient. I admired the hero's ability to pull her out of her comfort zone. A bit moody, he was very aware of himself even if he was reluctant to pursue due to his past.


This was a quick read. I would happily recommend this to a friend and I'm anxiously looking forward to the author's next story.
Profile Image for Philipa Loxley.
134 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2022
Crashing into Love

Rush: Stranded With a Stranger is a quick and cute winter read.
Juliana and Rush meet after she crashes near his home on her way to an interview.
Rush shows her some Midwest hospitality, allowing her to stay at his cabin while a snowstorm passes. He’s a bit of a mystery. And she’s a bit of an open book.
But their chemistry is instant. The emotional entanglement happens pretty quickly too. But I was here for it. It intensified the MCs connection, causing intrigue that kept me wanting more.
Both Rush and Juliana have drama in their pasts, but one of them is keeping secret. A big part of the storyline involves self reflection and taking responsibility for your own actions despite the things that have happened to you.
The best parts of the book include the juicy bits as well as the non-sexual moments of intimacy. I truly enjoyed the relationship between the MCs.
And the HEA is pretty sweet too.
Read if you’re down with:
*Instalove
*Quick Reads
*Grumpy Hero
*Strong Heroine
Profile Image for Meg.
197 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2018
I give Rush by Molly McLain five Stars. This book was very well written and a quick read. I absolutely loved the main characters and had a very hard time putting the book down. Julianna is from a small town in Minnesota who has made her life as a writer/interviewer for a company in Chicago. Her boss finds out that she is from the same small town as the famous book author Rushton Cole and is then specifically asked to interview him from his publicist she can not say no. Next she finds herself driving through a Blizzard in Minnesota which leads her to an unexpected surprise.

RJ has decided to take a vacation in a cabin in the middle of Minnesota and is in the process of getting wood for his fire with his Dog when an unexpected visitor shows up on his front lawn. What happens when he has to take this visitor in for a night? The Rush will be amazing!

This is a must read! RJ is my new favorite Alpha man, I highly recommend this book!



Profile Image for Meg.
197 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2018
I give Rush by Molly McLain five Stars. This book was very well written and a quick read. I absolutely loved the main characters and had a very hard time putting the book down. Julianna is from a small town in Minnesota who has made her life as a writer/interviewer for a company in Chicago. Her boss finds out that she is from the same small town as the famous book author Rushton Cole and is then specifically asked to interview him from his publicist she can not say no. Next she finds herself driving through a Blizzard in Minnesota which leads her to an unexpected surprise.

RJ has decided to take a vacation in a cabin in the middle of Minnesota and is in the process of getting wood for his fire with his Dog when an unexpected visitor shows up on his front lawn. What happens when he has to take this visitor in for a night? The Rush will be amazing!

This is a must read! RJ is my new favorite Alpha man, I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Becca Stanfield Vernon.
1,834 reviews23 followers
February 14, 2018
Hot, sexy, steamy & oh that cover made me fall in love!!! I loved RJ & was him as my own!!! Juliana is a wonderful character, she is written as a strong sassy & very independent young woman. I fell in love with her heart & mouth. RJ is a strong, alpha & needs an equally strong if not stronger companion. Molly writes her so perfectly sassy that she is a great h to the H. It was a quicker read, but the story was not lacking at all. It was a full fall in love with the characters, connect & never want it to end that Molly delivers in every book she writes. I wasn’t ready for the story to end, but it truly was a full story with an hea. Molly is such a wonderful writer to make u love her characters & never want their story to end. The chemistry between RJ & Juliana was hot, hot, hot!!!

Told I dual POV. Highly recommend this book!!!
Profile Image for Becca.
2,003 reviews27 followers
May 12, 2023
being snowed in has never been this fun

Oh RJ and Jules. This force proximity romance is a quick read full or fun and heart.

When a blizzard find Jules stuck in a ditch on her way to an interview of a lifetime - she never expects to find a handsome guy wielding an ax at a cabin out in the middle of no where. and she never expected to have this instant connection with him with!

RJ’s not made when the beautiful stranger shows up at his getaway. But then he finds out there’s a lot more to her just being stranded and he doesn’t know if he should come clean or let it all go and hope for the best.

I LOVE RJ and Julianna . Their chemistry is red HOT and their connection was out of this world. a cute and steamy quick read you’ll fall in love with.
Profile Image for litljen.
1,235 reviews41 followers
January 30, 2018
Rush is a sexy, insta-love story that will suck you in from the start. RJ and Juliana have immediate chemistry from the moment she shows up at his door during a snowstorm. Stranded because her car ran into a ditch, Juliana is forced to spend time with the brooding, mysterious stranger. The two embark on a steamy affair but RJ is keeping a big secret that, when it comes out blows up their budding relationship. Have no fear though, there's a happy ending that is satisfying and sweet. Molly McLain delivers a quick and enjoyable read that's perfect for when you need something light and fun after reading a heavier book. 4 Stars
Profile Image for Kaitie.
1,133 reviews35 followers
February 19, 2018
I live in Ohio and I hate snow! As much as Julianna hates the snow and driving in it. I dread mornings where I know it’s going to be a long drive to work because of snow. And snowstorms? Yes no thank you!! But wait...... after reading Rush I might just reconsider that!! Holy crap!!!

I could not put this book down! I just got the chance to pick this up and now I’m thinking why the heck did you not make the time?!? I adore Julianna and RJ!! So much! They’re electrical, fire, sweet, sassy, and just everything wrapped into one amazing package! Just gah!!! If this can happen in a snowstorm sign me up for the next one!! Ms. McLain, think you can hook me up with a man and a snowstorm?!?
Profile Image for Angie.
2,453 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2025
Juliana is driving to Minneapolis for an interview with an elusive author when she goes into a ditch during a blizzard. When Juliana knocks on RJ's door during a blizzard he is surprised. Once they get to talking they realize they both grew up in the same town, but he was older. They are stuck together for two days. RJ has a secret that he doesn't tell Juliana. When they are finally able to get out he offers to drive her to Minneapolis. When they meet again Juliana is shocked and hurt. RJ tells her everything and waits to see what she will do. This was a good book and a lot happened between these two while in his cabin. The ending was really good!
Profile Image for Heather Nobbs.
380 reviews
January 24, 2018
Oh RJ how I love you! From the minute you meet RJ you fall in love with him just like Julianna does. Julianna crashes her car in a ditch while driving through a snowstorm in Minnesota on her way to interview a reclusive author. Even though Julianna is only in RJ’s cabin for 2 days that is all the time needed to fall for him. After you meet RJ you will understand why it was so easy. From the way he talks, acts and flirts how could she not fall for him. This book was fabulous from page one to the end. I loved the ending and it was perfect for Julianna (Crash) and RJ.
Profile Image for Kristin ~ Book Lovers Obsession.
994 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2018
This novella was freaking amazing. It was a complete surprise release by Molly McLain - unknown characters, unknown story line - AMAZING!

Julianna is on her way to Minneapolis to do an interview with an author that has totally shut himself away from the world. Life happens and chaos ensues thanks to a mid-western winter.

It was a fast read but I didn't feel as though this book lacked anything. Of course I wanted more, but who doesn't want more of a good book??

One click now - you won't be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Ellie.
513 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2021
Well, this sure was a nice little treat.

Jules is on her way to Minneapolis to interview a popular, yet reclusive author. On her way she's trapped in a sexy stranger's cabin due to a snow storm. (Yeah, those Minnesota snow storms are no jokes - trust me, I lived a year in western Minnesota and got the full experience, so I know).
RJ is a man with secrets and when Jules shows up on his door step (or in the ditch near his cabin), sparks instantly fly.

I really liked this book, I just kind of wish it had been longer, but you can't have it all right?
905 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2022
I think there needs to be anew trope created for this type of story. I am calling it the Cabin Isolation Romance. Juliana is on her way to interview a successful author from her hometown, but on her way to him she is sidelined by a blizzard. In walks RJ, he saves her and gives her a place to stay until the roads are cleared. See a recipe made for romance. Coming together is the easy part. The hard part is getting RJ to keep the relationship going. It is a sweet, grumpy and sexy story. It's also a quick read that is very engaging.
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
January 25, 2018
Crash!

Wow, what a book. This was a fast read, as Molly's books usually are for me. So hard to put down!. I love the spin to the normal 'Christmas Cottage' theme. This had nothing to do with the holidays but we still got the horrible Winter weather and being stranded. The only reason this isn't a 5 star is due to editing. Maybe I catch too much but there were missing words. Easy enough to know what it was supposed to say though. Doesn't take away from the story at all.
41 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2018
I Loved this story!! I was a little hesitant at first because the connection was hot and fast....but Molly made it work So Well!! I loved the connection between the characters. Loved how RJ called Jules "Crash"! Loved the sass of RJ's mom!
Molly McClain books are so easy to read..they just wrap you up into the story!!!!... Once you begin reading, you need to just Read, Enjoy, and Love it!!
This is Molly's first book in a while.........Welcome Back Molly...It's One of Your Best!!
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,394 reviews41 followers
January 26, 2018
5 RUSH STARS!! This story was addicting I could not get enough of RJ and Julianna, I needed more, more and more. The story hit all the emotion buttons and the bantering was perfect. Molly McLain has her own style of storytelling and it is perfection to keep you devouring every word. This is one book you will want to read it is quick and perfect for evening to unwind.
Profile Image for Jessica Cox.
697 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2018
Crash

Perfect short and sweet read with enough steam to keep you warmed up on a snowy day. RJ and his lumber jack looks was a hunky hunk of a man's man, I loved him and his instant feelings for Julianne, Crash, made me all mushy inside. It had just enough of a twist to keep me turning the pages.
Profile Image for Merari Martinez.
44 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2020
Okay but I’m Mad

The only thing I’m truly mad about was that I finished this WAYYYYY too fast! I was so into the story and the characters! They were in my opinion well rounded and super cute and sexy. I really enjoyed this book and want to get my hands on more of this authors books if this one was any indication. Now I need to find myself an RJ 😉
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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