Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Category: Excerpt

    • Snippet Saturday: Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord

      Posted at 4:11 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 12, 2022
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      For today’s post, I’m posting a snippet with my Army Ranger, a soldier-cowboy from the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight – Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord.

      Dane Carlson gave up ranching to serve his country. He swore he’d never get involved with a woman until he retired from the military. Then he met Gracelyn Clark while waiting for his flight back to Ft. Benning. From there he’d be deployed for nine months. Gracelyn’s flight had been delayed too. We’ll say they had an enjoyable night together. This snippet picks up two weeks later. Gracelyn is arriving for his deployment.

      Snippet

      Slightly modified.

      Dane gulped, still not sure how it happened. If the weekend worked out, he’d mention her to his mom. He hoped his mom wouldn’t break a leg dancing on the dining room table. Everything about this woman said forever…if she was real. He shuddered.

      Then, her picture appeared on the screen when the phone vibrated, telling him the shudder was for the right reason. She was real. He put it into gear and drove to her gate. There she stood. “Criminy almighty.” Hotness times ten or fifty. Gracelyn wore a body-hugging, blush colored dress with piping in a darker shade that ran across the front and above the waist. Holy… High heels made her at least three inches taller. “Whoa-oh, baby.”

      Her hair waved down her back with a few locks falling over her shoulder. His heart raced at first sight. He wanted to run his hands over the smooth material of her dress and over her curves. Three privates stood to the side, and he had a good idea of their thoughts. He’d be thinking the same thing. Hell, he already was. They’d think differently as soon as he stepped out of the vehicle. His new rank of Master Sergeant garnered even more respect than he previously had as Sergeant First Class.

      He opened the door and hopped out, taking a minute to salute the guys back. With her arms held open, he went into them like a little boy seeking comfort. “Gracelyn,” he murmured. “You’re real. Thank the gods I didn’t imagine you.” The little boy rapidly turned into a man. Holding her this way, he felt protective. Her supple, petite body fit nicely into his arms. He leaned his cheek against the top of her head, his arms tightening so his body could sink into her.

      “I’m real, baby.” She held him close. “You feel fantabulous in my arms. ACUs look great on you.”

      “Fantabulous, eh. That’s a big deal.” Dane gave an extra tight squeeze. His fingers moved up and down her back, taking note of the zipper. The dress held the smoothness he imagined. He held her an arm’s length away. Her eyes were as striking as he remembered. “You look great. Wow, as stunning and sexy as you were in my dreams.”

      She smelled heavenly—feminine and floral but with enough spice to make it sexy. Pushing her hair back, he stared at her eye-catching features. “You’re so beautiful.” His lips parted to kiss hers. “Mmm,” he mumbled before their mouths connected.

      She rested her palms against his chest, her gaze following as she clenched the material. “Your muscles are bigger.”

      “They’re the same, honey. I’ve been working day and night for two weeks. Got to.” He took one hand from his chest. “Come on.”

      Dane opened the passenger side door, and she took his arm. “I’m glad I came. I have an apartment lined up to look at in Phoenix when I fly back. Timing is perfect.”

      “Check out the other areas closer to work. Avoid that Phoenix traffic.”

      “All right.” She peered up at him. “Thank you for asking me to come.”

      “My pleasure. Get on in there. I got you a room close to the base.” It was one of the best in the area and a lot of families stayed there when there was a reason to come.

      She slid inside but caught the door. “Room for me? What about you? No leave time?”

      “Let me get in.” He closed the door. What about me? He couldn’t assume she’d want him staying with her, so to be safe, he hadn’t planned it. It wasn’t far from the base, so it wouldn’t take anything to run back and forth.

      Inside before shifting, she reached over for his hand. “Aren’t you staying with me?”

      Dane pulled out and headed down the highway. Yes, he wanted to stay with her. He wanted to learn what he hadn’t known yet. Touch her. Feel her in his heart. Dammit, what happened to me? This would be a difficult weekend. He should’ve said good-bye over the phone. Everything he didn’t want had happened. But he hadn’t known he’d want her.

      UNIVERSAL BUY LINK: books2read.com/u/3Lkqeb

      END

      Believe it or not, it took me most of the day to post this. It was fun looking for a snippet, though. Again, I might as well show my old stuff since I have nothing new to show. Unfortunately, this holds true for the rest of the year.

      I’ve been “under the weather” all week. It could be from my booster shot, or I picked something up before or after. I did get to see my youngest son for a short visit when he and my DIL were in town. He worked virtually while my daughter in law worked at another of her company buildings here. It’s sad when they leave, but they’re happy where they are. I want them to be happy.

      I hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend. Thanks for visiting.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord | 9 Comments | Tagged #Romance Writer, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, soldier-cowboy, western romance
    • Inspiration Strikes Again #2

      Posted at 12:09 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 6, 2022

      Howdy, folks. Here is the follow-up excerpt I mentioned in the previous post. For those who missed it, I had intended to start book six in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight in 2023. The excerpt I’m posting is to give you a look at Rob, who stars in the sixth book in the series. He appears in almost every book in the series and the spin off series.

      The setting for this series is my fictitious town of Canyon Junction in Arizona with the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountains as a backdrop. Check the link HERE if you want to know more about the series. Books are rated between a PG-13 and R rating by movie standards. Going forward, I intend to update all of my books to a PG-13 rating and below. My newest books are already there. Rob’s book will reflect the change too.

      The image in the graphic isn’t part of the book cover for Rob’s book.

      Set up: Nora and Tristan had a major argument, and she needed a ride home. Who better to call than a longtime friend.

      Like Rob’s long hair, so is this excerpt.

      Excerpt:

      This would kill her, but she’d have to ask for a ride. Who could she call? She took out her phone and called her old friend Rob Adams who recently opened Rob’s Place, a local sports bar in town. What choice did she have?

      He answered, “Rob’s Place.”

      “Rob? This is Nora Trinity.”

      “Nora, hey, hi. How’s it going, girl? Grab Tristan and come up for a drink on the house. We’re kind of slow tonight.”

      Nora dropped to the bed. The bar was noisy and didn’t sound slow at all. Glasses clinked and TVs blared in the background. “Can I ask a big favor?”

      “Huh? What’s wrong? Are you all right?”

      His voice held concern. They’d been good friends in school, but that was a long time ago. They’d run into each other in town a few times since she’d been back, and she and Tristan visited the last place he worked before opening his own bar, and the Grand Opening, but she had to ask. “I need a ride home. Please don’t ask me any questions.”

      “All right. Where are you?”

      Don’t cry now. Oh, should she be doing this? Maybe Tristan would have a change of heart when he returned… That didn’t matter. He needed time to think. She did, too. “I’m at the Double Dutch. Tristan’s section of the ranch.”

      “Is everything all right there?”

      “Not for me.”

      He must’ve been behind the bar because it sounded like he juggled beer glasses to patrons. “I’ll be right there.”

      “I’ll be waiting at the office. Thank you so much, Rob.”

      She looked up after disconnecting. Tristan waited at the door with his hands gripping the jamb. “I’m leaving. I had to call for a ride.”

      “I know. I came back to give you a lift.”

      He had removed his flannel shirt and looked so good standing there in a black t-shirt and black jeans. That shock of hair on his forehead needed to be brushed back. Would she ever be able to do it again? “I have a ride.”

      Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

      “I brought you here, I’ll take you home. Cancel your ride.”

      “No. I had to embarrass myself by asking, and I’m going through with it.” She stood and picked up her bag. He didn’t move out of the way. She peered at him eye to eye. “Let me pass.” Tristan turned enough to let her slip by. “You know where I live if you change your mind.” She strode down the hall and ran into Destiny at the top of the stairs. That was the last thing she’d wanted. Hold it together a little longer. “Hi, sweetheart. I’m going home now. I’ll see you later.”

      Destiny stomped. “No, Nora-Mom. You have to stay.” She looked up at Nora with wide eyes. “Why are you going? Can I go with you?”

      Tristan came over to take her hand. “You’re not going with her.”

      Nora knelt to hug her tightly. “I love you, Destiny.”

      “Nora, don’t go with your suitcase.” She cried. “Don’t go!”

      Nora rushed down the stairs. Destiny broke from her dad’s hand and ran down after her. “Nora, don’t go.” She took Nora’s hand.

      “Destiny, you can’t go with me, honey. I’m sorry.”

      Tristan came down the stairs to take her hand again, but she pulled away from him. “No, Daddy!” She ran upstairs and slammed her door.

      Nora peered at Tristan. As much as she tried not to cry, she couldn’t hold it back. Oh, God, oh, God. She rushed past Judy who no doubt came to see what was wrong with Destiny. No, she couldn’t face her. She hurried toward the office, closed the door, and locked it behind her so no one followed her in.

      Headlights shone through the front window. She rushed out and Rob pushed the door open in his truck, so she stuffed her bag and purse in ahead of her. Nora glanced toward the office door when she reached for her seat belt. Come on, Tristan, don’t let me go.

      “Where to, Red? Don’t you live out on the golf course?”

      “That’s right. Drive please.” Rob didn’t look clean-cut like he had during their high school days. Now, he had long hair and tattoos. It fit him though, and he was even more handsome all grown up.

      “Tristan’s a crazy asshole if he let you go that easily. Wanna go back to the bar for a drink?”

      Her stomach reminded her she hadn’t eaten, but she wasn’t sure if she could. There wasn’t much at home to eat, either. “Sure, I can’t promise to be good company right now. What’s your special tonight?”

      “I’ll make you one of my special burgers.”

      “I’d like that. Fries, too?”

      “The best in town.”

      “Thank you for giving me a ride.” She broke down and cried again to think of the future without Tristan and Destiny. “I can’t have a drink.”

      Rob put his hand on her shoulder as a friendly gesture. “Oh, I see. That’s okay. I have soda…and milk.”

      “Don’t mention it to anyone. No one but Tristan and I know.”

      “I won’t, but now that makes Tristan look like an even bigger asshole.”

      “He’s not to blame. It’s my fault for not trusting him.”

      End of excerpt.

      Oh, the joy of writing romance! ❤


      If you read this far, thank you so much.

      Happy Belated Labor Day to my fellow Americans.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt | 6 Comments | Tagged #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Inspiration Strikes Again #2, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Romance, small towns and cowboys, western romance
    • Inspiration Strikes Again #1

      Posted at 8:37 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 4, 2022

      And a new book begins…

      Oh YAY. I love when I surprise myself. Ha-ha.

      I never planned on writing book six in my Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight this year, 2022.

      Never say never.

      My cover designer had a promotion for some of her premade covers. I saw one and emailed her, saying it fit a future book. Future book. She wrote back to say she’d hold it for me. However, I told her I hadn’t even started the book yet. Well, a few days later I opened a document, typed Chapter 1, and I kept writing. I told her the cover inspired me to start the book. The cover became mine when she began working on it. UPDATE: We ditched the premade cover because I found a different image of the hero, so my cover artist started the cover new, using the same background as the premade. In other happy words, I have a completed cover for this book that won’t be written until 2023.

      Even without the tweaks, the cover was more than enough to kick inspiration into gear. The cover is different from my other books. So is the hero. This means, it gave me new ideas. It’s fun writing this book because of the new ideas. He appears in nearly every book in the above mentioned series and the spin off series. I’m talking about my upcoming hero—Rob Adams. Hey, how about that. I mentioned my hero’s name, which isn’t something I do this soon. However, it isn’t his full name.

      This book has been in my head since early on when I introduced Rob. He grew up in town and went to school with some of the stars in the series.

      As the years flew by, I had more time to develop him. He’s evolved since book one. I knew he’d get a book one day. I already had the opening clear in my head.

      Because of the cover, I’m now over 17,900K words and loving the story thus far. I’m amazed and thrilled.

      The image in the graphic isn’t part of the cover.

      At least I have a jump on it now. However, I’m writing two other books with a fourth on the back burner.

      Funny the way things work. In book five, a new character popped into the story—a female named Scarlett—who I thought would be Rob’s heroine when he got a book. In a stern voice, my muse blurted out, “Uh-uh! Not so fast. Scarlett is still healing. We’ll set her aside for now.” News to me because, heck, I’m the author, and I didn’t know about Scarlett’s cousin, who is a perfect match for Rob. So, I say to my muse, “You go, girl. Thanks!”

      Well, I had a lengthy excerpt to introduce Rob in this post, but I’m adding it to its own post to make this one shorter and more to the point of the title. The except is one where Rob appears in the first book in the series. So, with this post divided into two posts–Inspiration Strikes Again #1 and #2–it’s your choice to read the excerpt which will follow in the next post today or Tuesday.

      Photo by Patrick Boyer on Pexels.com

      Book Six featuring Rob Adams is coming in 2023. The series and spin off takes place in my fictitious town of Canyon Junction in Arizona. I set the series in and around the spectacular Sonoran Desert with the Superstition Mountains as a backdrop.

      I’m excited and had to share! Enjoy your weekend.

      It’s a holiday weekend here in the U.S. for what we call Labor Day weekend. The actual day falls on the first Monday in September.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Excerpt | 3 Comments | Tagged cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Inspiration Strikes Again, kick-butt muse, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New book idea, Romance, series romance, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Karis Returns (Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart)

      Posted at 12:19 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 5, 2019

      Pay no mind to the word short in Short Snippet Saturday today. I’m presenting to you the end part of Chapter One in one of my new releases this week. I love this story so much. I’m having withdrawals or I’m homesick for not being on the ranch, or in Wills Bend, and Sedona. This includes being with Tanyon and Karis and the whole crew of characters. Does that happen to you?


      Set-up: Karis had arrived at the ranch tonight a year after suffering a tremendous loss. Grief had destroyed her and during that time, she’d let Tanyon slip away. Now, she’s back seeking a second chance. They came in contact earlier at the campfire. It didn’t go well. Later in the evening, she learned that the cabin she and two of her friends usually stayed in, was no longer available. She also learned some devastating news about Tanyon’s ranch. This excerpt is later that evening…

      Two Five Ranch Outlaws, Book #1

      Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart

      Excerpt from the end of Chapter One

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Coming toward her, he barely stopped before exiting the barn. “I’ll be right back.”

      Should she stay or go? Go where? She couldn’t walk into his house and upstairs until she knew for sure where she’d stay. Karis sighed.

      Upon his return, he continued his chores. “I’ll have to get your key. Like I said, I didn’t know for sure if you were coming.” He continued mixing the horse’s feed and nutrients. “If I’d seen your application before Carmen, I’d a torn it up. Did you not have dinner?”

      Go ahead, let his words beat her up. She deserved his harshness from walking away from the best man she’d ever find. “I ate on the way. Is there anywhere else I can stay on the ranch?”

      “I don’t think so.”

      “I’ll get a room near Williams.” She took out her phone to search for a number and attempted to leave the barn.

      He caught her arm and placed his hand over hers holding the phone. “You don’t need to stay at a hotel for crissakes.”

      She broke her hand free, continuing to search. “I’ll try the motel I stayed at a few years ago. They have great mountain views there.”

      He shook his head. “Look around, dammit. You have forested mountain views here. Don’t be silly. Stay at the ranch.”

      Karis glanced around at the updated interior. The barn had been organized since he’d returned and had order now. Hay nets hung above short stacks of hay bales. Feed bags had their own place at the rear of the good-sized room. Windows had been cleaned. He took better care of this barn than he had himself lately. “All right. At least for tonight. Need any help out here?”

      “Nope. I hire people to do this when I can’t.”

      She had to get away. The urge to be close to him became too much, and now she longed to feel his touch again. “I’ll wait on the porch.”

      Tanyon called, “Karis? I’ll be over when I’m done here.”

      Her name on his lips was more than she could bear. She shouldn’t have come. This would be hard, and she didn’t need hard right now, at least not that way. Karis picked up the handle of her suitcase, grabbed her backpack, and trudged through the sand over to his moderately sized house with newly painted steps and new shutters on the second-floor windows. In fact, the whole house had been painted.

      She sat on the third step up out of eight. A white railing enclosed the wrap-a-round porch, separated by four white, wood pillars. The house sat high in the front and atop a two-car garage beneath it with an extended storage area. The rear of the home had a slight slope and a fancy patio his mom had designed.

      How dare he assign her to the room next to his. Tiredness settled in, and she leaned back on her elbows to relax. Tomorrow she’d deal with this situation. She glimpsed the star-studded sky, forgetting how black it got up here, and already missed her niece and nephew. Karis moved from the steps and took a seat in a dark-stained Adirondack chair facing away from the lighted porch. Her clothes and hair had captured the smell of the campfire.

      Thinking of her family now, and according to everything she’d learned, and would advise her grieving patients, they shouldn’t have gone through her brother’s belongings yet. Albeit, his house had to be emptied and there’d been no choice but to go through his beloved items—paintings and writings—photographs from around the world, the kid’s toys, their clothes, and bedroom furniture they’d need at their new home with Aunt Karis.

      Later, she jerked when a foot tapped hers. She lifted her sleepy eyes to his. Oh, how she wanted to bring his face down to kiss his lips. Hers had been so needy these days.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, imprisoned in a cowboy's heart, new release excerpt

      “You ready?”

      His voice held no compassion. She’d lost him. Omigod. He stood there looking so ruggedly handsome with that damn old hat, nice-fitting jeans though looser now, a t-shirt that clung to his strong upper physique, and his worn western boots. Karis stood. Tanyon’s released breath couldn’t be unheard. Had it come from frustration or something else? They grasped her luggage handle at the same time.

      “I got this.” He yanked it away.

      She slung her backpack over her shoulder and strode in beside him. His familiar all-male scent and sweat wafted through the air straight to her heart. “Give me a chance to explain what happened.”

      “Out of sight out of mind is the way I see it. A fling that meant nothing.”

      “So untrue! You know better. You certainly were not out of my mind, nor were you a fling. There hasn’t been anyone else. It was my mom and… My brother—the grief.” The word murdered remained unsaid. What had it mattered now whether he believed grief had destroyed her? Because it does.

      At the bottom of the wide polished stairway with a carpeted runner up the middle, he removed a key from the antique table in the foyer, took the backpack from her shoulder, and nodded up the stairs, then right at the top, and down a long open walkway, past her two friend’s rooms and to her door. Tanyon’s suite encompassed the whole end of the upstairs on this end.

      She’d known where it was but had never been in it on a personal basis. However, she and Tanyon had attempted to go in there one night until they were interrupted by two of his brothers dragging each other’s drunk asses up the stairs. All three of their rooms were to the left of the stairway, and Cade had the largest on that end. Ronni had a master suite downstairs next to an office since she had divorced and moved back home.

      She paused outside the door, wishing to see a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Karis spoke softly. “Why did you give me this room?”

      “I don’t answer work-related questions this late.” He unlocked the door and dropped the key into her hand. “Breakfast is at the usual time.”

      He entered his room yet he’d glanced back at her with a frown before closing the door. Good thing she’d slept a half hour in the chair because lying in bed a wall away from him would drive her mad.

      End of excerpt.


      You can always use the Look Inside feature on Amazon or order a free sample. Or, you know, buy the book.  ❤

      Enjoy your weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Common Elements Romance Project, Excerpt, New Release, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 7 Comments | Tagged #CommonElementsRomance, Common Elements Romance Project, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, New Release, Northern Arizona, Romance, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
    • Featured Book ~ Lassoing the Last Dance: A Man Like Randy

      Posted at 10:11 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 19, 2019
      fresh fruit in wicker basket, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, image used for excerpt on website, featured image,

      Lassoing the Last Dance is my featured book this month. Enjoy a rather long excerpt.

      Terms of Use


      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight™ #4

      To set it up for you:

      Previously, Randy and Roxanne shared a long-distance relationship. Roxanne had cut it off after a year with no explanation, and their mutual friends, Nora and Tristan remained tight-lipped. Now, Roxanne has moved back to Canyon Junction™ without telling Randy. His heart has never healed from losing her, but when he finds out she moved back, he can’t stay away.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance, book cover, cowboy, barn, two horses

      He slowed down a bit when he neared her house. Indeed, her pickup sat in the driveway. A decal of sparkly red cowboy boots had remained in the rear window. He got out and went to the other side for the basket, but now the idea seemed silly again. He left it. Albeit, he trudged up the steps, knocked on the door. Hoped for the best. Sighed. To his surprise, a guy opened. Well, hell, this is uncomfortable.

      “Yeah?” was all the stern-faced, square-jawed guy said when he pushed open the outside door.

      “Is Roxanne around tonight?” He held eye contact with the man, having no clue who he was. Of all people, it better not be her ex-husband. If so, Randy might deck him right there just for the reason of all the things he had done to Roxanne in the past. Then he’d be disappointed in her for having him here. Was this guy her so-called story?

      “I’ll get her. Hold on.”

      All he did was yell for her, not go get her. Asshole.

      She emerged with widened eyes and a gasp. “R-Randy.”

      He tapped his heel against the porch and his breath caught when she appeared. He was right about her hair. It was darker blonde than it used to be. Straight now, not wavy like before. Her eyes remained fixed on him as she stood there. Spectacular light blue eyes. A long skirt with vertical stripes looked great on her, making her appear taller than he’d remembered.

      Finding his voice, he began, “I stopped by to welcome you back to Canyon Junction.”

      She turned to whoever was inside, “I’ll be right in.” Roxanne stepped out the door, waited a moment, then strode to the glider to take a seat. “I’m rather shocked to see you here, Randy.”

      Had she limped? “I bet. You didn’t tell me you were coming back. Hard to hide things in a small town.” Gulping, he nodded toward the door. “It’s not like you had to let me know. I’ll take off. I didn’t know you had company.” He stepped down two steps and removed keys from his pocket. “You take care, Roxanne. Nice to see you again.”

      “Randy? Wait.”

      He peered at her while trying to get his heart back in its place. A painful look appeared on her face—something between a scowl and shooting daggers. He gripped the handrail and didn’t make an attempt to move. Was she about to lambaste him? Well, he had a few things to throw right back.

      In a soft voice, she asked, “Will you come back and have a seat?”

      Randy nodded toward the door again. “Maybe another time if you don’t mind.”

      “That’s my cousin inside. He’s always been like a brother to me, and he drove my vehicle here from Broken Arrow while I flew to arrive early. He was here when I got back from Nora’s tonight. I mentioned Brett to you before.”

      Yeah, so long ago that he’d forgotten. He went up the steps and took a seat beside her. Her subtle yet sensual fragrance brought back the memory of her in his arms. So much so that he wouldn’t mind taking her into his arms and closer to her perfume. “Where’s your cousin live?”

      “Near my dad’s new condo outside of town, but he was kind enough to help me out by doing the driving himself. Tonight, he’ll be staying and helping out tomorrow here at the house. There’s so much work to do to make it mine.” She glanced down at clasped hands in her lap.

      Tension lay thick between them. Something was different about her. Roxanne looked frail, downtrodden. He wanted to hold her, or at least pick up those clasped hands. “My place too. It is how it is, and I don’t know what would make it mine. I see it as my parent’s home.”

      “The Circle D Ranch was theirs a long time ago.” Her hands wrung, then she clenched them together again. He must’ve made her nervous, or angry. “Well, Nora’s mom, Sandy, was nice enough to sell this house to me once she realized she wasn’t able to move back home from her son, Brody’s. She was happy it was me who bought it. Everything worked out.”

      She stared at him straight on, a slight tilt to her head. It made his heart race even faster because she was in the right position to be kissed. “It’ll be a good place for you.” He shifted sideways and used his foot to make the glider move in a slow glide. He lowered his hand over hers in her lap. Her soft skin felt nice next to his, but her hands were cold. “I better go. It was great to see you again. Maybe I’ll see you around town, huh?”

      Her throat tightened then her lips parted. Had she wanted to say more? His own words didn’t come out right away. He stood. “Have a nice night.” She took his hand, pulling on it quite hard to stand. “You okay, Roxanne?”

      A car driving past grabbed her attention for a moment. “Yeah, sure.” She clenched his hand tighter and made eye contact, their gazes holding beneath a muted sky. “Nice seeing you again, too. I suspect we’ll see each other around. Small town living, you know.”

      “Yup. Rox?” He hesitated and couldn’t, shouldn’t ask why she seemed so different. “Night.” Randy rushed off the porch and got in his truck. He breathed like he had run a mile down the road. She stood there with both hands on the railing. Was it that simple for her to just say good-bye without as much as a reason? Shit. He opened the door, grabbed the fruit basket from the seat, and took it up the steps. He set it on the glider since she didn’t seem prepared to take it herself. “Night.”

      Down the steps and back at his truck, he shifted into gear and pulled out of the driveway feeling more like an idiot than anything else. On the way home, he observed the mountain standing in the glow of the moon, which had slipped out from an opening in the clouds. Maybe love wasn’t meant for a man like him.

      End of Excerpt.

      Thank you for reading.

      Available:

      Apple, Nook, Amazon, Kobo

      Universal Buy Link if interested: https://books2read.com/u/4N1BlY

      graphic with cowboy in corner of squar graphic, girl with red dress dancing pose, book cover cowboy two horses barn, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, image to accompany blog post snippet

      Now, the business stuff…
      First Digital Edition, April 2017 United States of America
      Lassoing the Last Dance © 2017 by Mary J. Dressel

      EXCERPT / Website Information:
      Copyright © Mary J. Dressel Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and owner Mary J. Dressel, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel is strictly prohibited.


      Fruit Basket Credit: diapicard at Pixabay

      Book Cover Copyright Dawné Dominque

      Posted in #AmWriting, Excerpt | 6 Comments | Tagged amazon, Apple, Arizona, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, eBook, full-length novel, Kobo, Lassoing the Last Dance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Nook, sensual contemporary western romance, small town romance
    • #AmWriting Book Excerpt~ Heartbreak’s Reward: The Short Way Home

      Posted at 2:09 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 15, 2018

      *Waving* I popped in to post an excerpt today. I finished my huge project, and it’s ready to go to the editor. Yay! Guess what? It has a new cover. The newly revised story deserves a new cover. I can’t wait to show it off.

      Before we get to the excerpt, I’ll explain why I chose one from this particular book–Heartbreak’s Reward Book #2. A couple posts back I mentioned pulling Cowboy Boss and his Destiny and Tristan’s Destiny from publication. I did do this, but WOW did it ever break my heart. It didn’t take long for the dread to fall from my shoulders. In the meantime, I’m telling readers who want to start my Double Dutch Ranch Series in the interim, but can’t find book one, to start with Heartbreak’s Reward Book #2 or Whispers of Forever Book #1 in the Spin Off, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series.

      Another reason I chose this excerpt today is because of  a post I wrote for the 52-Week Blog Challenge tomorrow. A small part of the post pertains to a close-knit family and my relationship with my own sons. I never played matchmaker like my ranch mom.


      Set up: Jase had come to the rescue of a sexy blonde,  a stranger to Canyon Junction, but he had to call his mom to bring gasoline. Once she met Brenna, her matchmaking skills kicked into play.  Jase stopped by his mom’s house later to return the gas can. The three beers at his moms wasn’t the only beer he’d had this night. Slightly modified from the original.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, heartbreak's reward

       

      Judy nodded to the third beer in his hand tonight. “You stay off the highway going home. By the way…when are you coming back to church with us?”

      What the hell? “As long as you’re praying for me, I’m good.”

      She put the ice cream away and turned her attention back to Jase. “You never answered me. Are you seeing Brenna again?” She handed the bowl to Destiny and told her she’d be right along to the great room with her.

      Destiny took her snack and left. “Night, Uncle Jase.”

      “Night, sweetie.” He peered at his mom. “I said I don’t know. Leave it at that.” Jase set his hat atop his head. “Please don’t ever do that to me again.” He got his boots from the doorway and pulled them on.

      Judy fanned her hand at him. “You hush, I was trying to help.”

      Jase tossed his hat to the table and wrapped his mom in a big hug. “I know you were. I’m not sure if I’m ready…” He dropped his hands and his mom shoved a lock of hair off his forehead. “Well, Mom. I…I don’t know. One woman ruined my life, and I’m not sure I should chance it again.”

      “Now, Jase, please don’t give up on love.” Judy rested her hand on his shoulder. “You’re too good of a man and never deserved what happened. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t want to hold those babies in my arms. I worry about them, too. When Destiny asks about Jaelle and Joey, it about breaks my heart.”

      Jase picked up his hat. “Well, I’m heading home. Tomorrow I have to start breaking that last horse I bought.” He gave a woeful sigh. “You know, I’m not sure what to do with the kids’ horses. If I get rid of them, it’s like I’m giving up on ever finding them again. But keeping them…is one more reminder they’re…gone.” The beer had made him emotional and weakened his senses. Not what he wanted to show his mother.

      “One day, somehow, we’ll find those kids.”

      Her words choked him up. “I promised the last night they were home, I’d never get rid of our family horses.”

      Judy hugged him and ran her hand over his back. “Then you answered your own question.”

      He appreciated his mom’s comfort, but it’d be better if he hadn’t had so much to drink. “It’s expensive keeping the horses.” He dropped his gaze to the floor but glanced back at his mom. “But…when they come back home, they’ll be wanting them.” His throat constricted and he forced down a swallow.

      “Absolutely.” Judy picked up her cup and made tea. “Well, I best get in there with Destiny now, unless you want to talk some more, honey.” He shook his head. Judy kissed him on the cheek. “Ah, Jase, honey… Brenna seems like a nice woman. Maybe you should think again about starting over, or at least getting out and having fun with someone. That doesn’t mean you can’t still look for Jaelle and Joey. It wouldn’t be giving up by letting another person inside. You deserve more than you’re allowing yourself.”

      He pictured Brenna’s face and remembered her soft body when he’d touched her. How his had responded at touching her. “Mom, I… Maybe you’re right.” Jase gave a short nod. “We’ll see.”

      Judy gave his arm a pat. “Good night, son. You best take the short way home.”

       

      Heartbreak's Reward Book 2 Double Dutch Ranch Series, Mary J McCoy Dressel

       

      Featured Image credited to Pixabay.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Excerpt, Heartbreak's Reward | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Arizona, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Heartbreak's Reward, Horse rancher, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Matchmaker, Matriarch, romance series, western romance, Whispers of Forever
    • (Not) Short Snippet Saturday: No Need to Call Me Ma’am

      Posted at 12:31 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 6, 2017

      Waving hello! I hope you aren’t sick of me posting excerpts of late because I’m including one here for Finding Kimber. Earlier this year I had backed away from posting many Short Snippet Saturday posts. I haven’t scheduled promo for this new release like I have in the past other than social media and a sidebar cover promotion here and there. I guess we’ll consider this a promo post.  🙂  Sorry if I bore you to death.

      Note: Last week I participated in the Second Change Romance Promo and Book Cover Poll at Storyfinds. My book cover for Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas, won. Thanks to those of you who voted.

      For newcomers, Whispers of Forever is the first book in the Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series. (A Double Dutch Ranch Spin Off Series.) The following excerpt is from the second book in the series. Three is now available too.

      All right, that’s enough blabbing for now. Let’s get to the excerpt.


      In the release announcement, you met Tressa Garnett in the opening scene of Finding Kimber.  Let’s see how she deals with life on a ranch, and Zach, in her new identity:

      —

      “Canyon Junction?”

      “Ah, yeah. This is Canyon Junction. Arizona?” His eyes questioned for a moment, but he nodded toward the road again. “The store will be on your left off the highway. You’ll eventually find other places to shop.” He glanced at her vehicle. “Use GPS. Give me your phone. I’m fairly new here by the standards of this town. I was forced to find my way around.”

      “I’m a city girl. I’ll make my way.” She pulled her phone from her jeans pocket and handed it to her bossy foreman. No one told her she lived in Canyon Junction. She reflected on the name of the newspaper—Canyon Junction Gazette. Oh, boy.

      “I’m entering my phone number along with the name of the store. You’ll find it.” He handed it back. Glistening white teeth gave way to an inviting smile.

      “Thank you.” She read what he had written. “Assuming my vehicle has GPS.”

      “You don’t know if your vehicle has GPS?” Now he looked at her as if she were an idiot, which frustrated her.

      She rubbed at her arms. “It was delivered this morning. I haven’t looked inside yet.”

      “Lucky girl.”

      She left his side and hurried down the drive ahead of him. I’m a woman not a girl. And she didn’t feel lucky to have lost everything she ever owned and loved. Her new beginning brought a mouthy ranch hottie with an attitude. She glanced back, and he still stared at her. It made her want to growl out a few four-letter words at him. In fact, she might before the day ended.

      Back inside the house she got her keys, but when she came out, he was nowhere to be seen. Good. Kimber started the SUV and perused the dash, taking in the new car smell. Indeed, the vehicle had everything—more than her vehicle at home had. She’d set it before leaving, and she’d also check maps for the Double Dutch Ranch. Nothing would keep her away from the Equine Camp taking place there.

      Zach strutted up to her when she got out, his demeanor full of confidence. “Could I ask you something, ma’am?”

      “Certainly, but you don’t have to call me ma’am.”

      He tapped the brim of his hat. “Sorry, I’ll try to remember, Ms. Sinclair.”

      Kimber scratched at her arms, a habit she had when frustrated. She hadn’t wanted to be. Too much had happened in a short time, and her fuse shortened by the moment. “What did you want to ask?”

      His chest rose in a sigh, which she took for frustration of his own. “What do you plan on doing with this place? You have two horses. That’s barely enough to keep a foreman around. I want something steady.”

      “Well—”

      “And by the way. If I’m a foreman, who the hell am I a foreman to? There’s nobody here but you and me.”

      “I don’t have an answer to either of your questions.” She knew nothing that was going on here and didn’t like being out of control like this. “Maybe I’ll start a rescue, but I haven’t given it much thought. I need time here. I know I have only two horses.”

      “A rescue ranch has already been done. A rancher at the Double Dutch started a horse rescue some years ago. Does good for him from what I hear. Hard to believe how many horses need rescuing so they don’t get slaughtered.”

      “Ooh, that’s awful. Well, can’t we have two in this town?”

      “Do you know how big this town is? No, probably not since you don’t even know what town you live in.”

      Son of a bitching smart ass. Kimber fisted her hands at her sides. His rock-solid chest in that blue t-shirt looked like something good to pound. She peered into his blazing green eyes, then nodded toward the barn. “I’ll be back when I finish shopping. I’m sure something around here needs worked on. The barn needs fresh paint. The interior could use some repair, including the inside of my house. I’ll let you know when lunch is ready.” She tromped back toward the house.

      “Don’t bother.”

      So, this is how it’ll be? Damn hardheaded Idaho cowboy.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance


      Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful Wednesday. See you on Friday with a new 52-Week Blog Challenge theme. It’s already written.  ❤  I’m ahead of the game this week.

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Excerpt | 3 Comments | Tagged #WritersLife, Book Cover Poll, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, cowboy, cowpuncher, Double Dutch Ranch: Love at First Sight, Finding Kimber, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Second Chance Romance, StoryFinds, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • A Second Chance Romance ~Theme Week

      Posted at 9:23 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 29, 2017

      Howdy Hump Day!

      I love watching movies or reading about a second chance romance! Maybe that’s why I wrote a book about a couple who met again after thirteen years of being apart. Did their love ever die? Was it meant to be? The townspeople in my small town of Canyon Junction think so, and everyone is rooting for Jake and Beth.


      First, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty:

      This week Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas is over at StoryFinds for their Second Chance Romance Theme Week. Along with the book promotion, Whispers is also in a cover contest. I know, I know, I said I wouldn’t do these cover polls anymore when I had to ask for reader votes, and I haven’t for a few years. The pages are slow-loading, so be patient.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel western romance

      At StoryFinds, the site owner does a lot of promo for the cover poll. With a new release in this series, I wanted to do a bit of promo for the first book too. If you’re up to visiting the Theme Week Cover Poll, here is the link.   🙂 I’ve also included an excerpt from Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas. There is also an excerpt to go with the promo on StoryFinds.


      Moving On

      Set-up:

      The following excerpt comes from Chapter Five. Oh, boy, a lot has already happened since Jake and Beth ran into each other unexpectedly a few chapters ago. They’ve met for coffee, with his son along, on occasion, and Jake visited her home once. Now, weeks later, Jake Lawton and Beth Marconi are about to go on their first date in thirteen years.  They aren’t teenagers anymore. ❤

      What can get in their way this time?

      She brought out a part of him no one else could. No matter what it was, or what bothered him, she had found ways to dig it out. She should’ve been a damn psychologist. Well, he was about to cave again. “The first night at the restaurant when you walked out the door, I told myself you wouldn’t get away this time. Now, you’re talking about leaving.”

      A softness lingered on her face, and her lips slightly parted as she peered at him. “I’m home, Jake. I’m not going anywhere. I’ve wanted this since my divorce. San Antonio wasn’t for me if I had to be there alone. All I wanted was to have my own place here.”

      “Well, darlin’, there are a lot of condos in Canyon Junction. If you think that’s the old Jake being pushy, I guess you’re right.” When the radio went off, he put his arm around her shoulder and strolled to his truck to turn it back on. “This song and you in my arms is like old times.”

      Beth removed his arm from her shoulder and leaned against his truck. “A lot of things have changed. We’ve changed. But it didn’t take long to know a part of us hasn’t.” She smiled and his heart skipped a beat, for she said what he had been thinking.

      “I’ve noticed.” Jake gave her a cocky grin.

      Beth folded her arms over her chest and crossed her legs at the ankle while leaning against the truck. “Are you coming to my house? We can always get Italian to go. Tonight I’d like to kick back and relax.”

      “Nah, I’m not in the mood for Italian anymore. You got a grill at your house?”

      She shook her head. “My parents stopped grilling years ago. They turned into the frozen-dinners-at-3:00 p.m., crowd. Yes, it’s true, my Italian mother heated frozen dinners on occasion.”

      “No way. Wasting all the good cooking she used to do? You still like steak, Macaroni? Because I got a grill.” So much for being unsure of spending time alone together, because now it was all he could think about. The magnetism began to sizzle in a heartbeat, or it had never left.

      “Sometimes. Let’s do this.”

      The way her gaze ran over him as she spoke, caused a shudder. What had she seen in him? Jake placed his palms against the truck bed, one on each side of her and leaned close. “Let’s drop your car off, and you ride to my ranch with me. I’ll take you back home later on the way to pick up Trace, or you can go with me to get him.”

      Beth set her hands on his shoulders. Her eyes sparkled. “I made cheesecake last night.”

      Jake licked his lips, moving in closer. He wanted to kiss her so damn badly. “All right. I’ll follow you to your house.” For a moment, their gazes held, and it took all he had to pull away. If he didn’t know himself better, he’d swear he was shaking. Being close to her, smelling her, caused a rousing he wanted to let loose.

      On the way back to her car, she wrapped her arm around his waist. “Do you think we went through a time warp or worm hole? It almost seems like thirteen years hasn’t passed.”

      Jake slipped his arm around her shoulder, and he had a hard time swallowing. He opened her car door. When she got in and glanced up at him with those shamrock green eyes, his heart ached. Not a heartache, but an ache in his heart because that quick, he wanted her in his future. Enough time had been wasted between them, when it should’ve been them, all along.

      “Want to know a secret?” Beth held the door from closing.

      Jake blinked a couple times. “Oh, yeah, baby, I like secrets.”

      “If I’d had a son, his name would’ve been Trace, just like you and I had joked about. Named after the country singer you used to like. I loved the name, but not so much the music.”

      “Our kids with the same name would’ve been fantastic in such a freaky way.” He nodded and went back to his truck. Jake drove behind her all the way, and as they drove down her road, that big old Superstition Mountain to his left reminded him of the many nights he drove that same road to pick her up for a date, and then the last time, to run away with her—to marry her. What would’ve happened if that night had taken place?

      Western Romance, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, Series RomanceY’all have a great week.

      Heart Image: Pixabay

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Excerpt | 13 Comments | Tagged Cover Poll, cowboys, Dating, first love, Mary J McCoy-Dresel, Second Chance Romance, small town, StoryFinds, Theme Week, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • Short Snippet Saturday on Wednesday…And Then Some

      Posted at 12:46 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 28, 2017

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-DresselNope, this isn’t Saturday, but it’s a snippet. Read down far enough you’ll find it after a bit of whining. I’ve attempted to write a post all week, but I’ve been living in pain since last Friday, and each day seems worse than the one before. Due to my own stupidity, I injured my back and hip by doing something, well, stupid. The worse part is I knew better than to lift the two extremely heavy blue shopping bags at the same time. I knew better than to try to move a huge, filled ceramic planter on my patio. I rolled, not lifted it, but the bending over position while moving it did me in, I guess.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romanceIt feels like it did when I ruptured two disks in my back and suffered from Sciatica some years ago and missed six months of work. It wasn’t until I had a steroid shot in my back, that I found relief and life began again. At this point, I can’t stand and/or walk for even five minutes without pain, and I have to sit down, which means I can’t walk into my doctor’s office, which is a long walk from the parking lot.

      I’ve tried ice and heat. Aleve and Tylenol. I don’t know what to do at this point other than moan and complain to avoid crying and cursing. My doggie is suffering from pain in her hips, legs, and now it seems, a foot. Sometimes she can’t get up. Now, I can relate to what she must go through 24/7. And tomorrow, the 29th, is my birthday. It’s okay, I stopped counting them a while ago. Unfortunately, friends and family haven’t. It’s better than the alternative, and I appreciate their thoughts and wishes.


      UPDATE: What’s happening with Finding Kimber, #2 in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series? Remember the challenge I had with this book? I changed the genre when it was about 3/4 finished? Well, I also had to change part of the plot because I drove myself crazy while trying to work with something that wouldn’t have worked. Once I changed it, I sailed to the end. It’s been through three revisions with thousands of words cut, and now I’m trying to let letting it sit for a while. I hate to plan too far in advance these days, but it looks like this book is on track for a 2017 release. Lord willing…


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romanceToday I decided to post a snippet from Lassoing the Last Dance. I’m proud of this fourth book in the series–my newest release.

      Set Up: This evening, Roxanne is headed to the Double Dutch Ranch to help her best friend Nora set up for an important dinner the next day. She’s feeling on-top-of-the-world, if you’ll excuse the cliché. But…

      Modified to avoid spoilers. Enjoy…

      He rammed her again. She gripped the steering wheel even tighter. Fear she had lived with until last month returned to the forefront. Enough of this. She stomped on the gas pedal and took the speed up to sixty, and she wasn’t comfortable driving like this on rutted Rocky Road.

      Another glance into her mirror as she increased her speed, showed the car continuing close behind. She peered back at the road in front of her with barely enough time to avoid hitting a dog, or some animal of the night. Roxanne swerved and ran off the road. She hit the brakes and her front tires settled into a dip. She took a deep breath then lifted her eyes to the rear view mirror.

      Was this going to be where she died?

      She slammed one palm against the wheel and pressed on the accelerator. Nothing. Roxanne searched for her phone. The car behind stopped. A man got out and raised a rifle to his shoulder and just stood there. Without a doubt—her nightmare began all over again. No. No. This can’t be happening. A cold fear swept over her. This only happens in freaking movies! She dialed Randy.

      Glass shattered as he busted the window with the butt of the rifle. Glass covered her. Her cheek stung. “Get your ass out of there, Roxanne.”

      No way! Fear choked her. Leaning forward to block his view, she attempted to stick her phone into her pocket, but he yanked her out. She wiped at the blood on her face. “What is going on? I t-thought you didn’t have anything to do with w-what h-happened to m-me.”

      He slammed the door then shoved her against it and held her there with his hand against her throat. God, help me! Please. Not this again. As quickly as he held her, he released her. How far would she get if she ran? “Leave me alone, you jackass. What’s this about?”

      He leaned the rifle against his shoulder. His knee pressed into her thigh. “I’m not done. You’re still breathing.”

      “What? You were involved after all.” She damned herself for letting her guard down. Any minute her stomach would heave. Where could she go? Her thoughts of escaping were out of control. She didn’t know if the call to Randy went through.

      “I had nothing to do with what happened to you. I sat back and let the other ordeal play out. How lucky can one man get to have someone else take the blame?” A low and demonic snicker snarled from his throat.

      If she had learned anything about survival, this time she wasn’t going down without a fight. She had the flat heeled shoe today. “You’ll have to shoot me in the back,” she said, as she kneed him with all her might and took off running.

      End of Excerpt. Thanks for reading.

      Universal Buy Link

      Savvy horse trainer Randy Drake never loved a woman like he loved Roxanne, but after more than a year of a long-distance relationship, she cut off communication without explanation and broke his heart. Now she’s moved back to Canyon Junction without telling him, proof she’s not interested. But his stubborn heart can’t seem to let go.

      Professional dancer Roxanne Connor has a good reason for not letting Randy know she’s back. An accident nearly destroyed her, and she’s not the same person Randy knew. Avoiding him, she chooses to live in a self-appointed exile, if she can ignore the craving for his touch and the memory of his kisses.

      But secrets in a small town are never truly safe. When Randy learns the reason Roxanne cold-shouldered him, he’s willing to give their love another try, but someone else is determined to keep them apart. Will their rekindled love be strong enough to withstand the obstacles mounting against them, or will the embers that glowed in their past grow cold under the pressure?


      © Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Author Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books 2007 – 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Mary J. McCoy-Dressel is strictly prohibited.

      Photo Credits: Road: Pixabay. Window: © Khajornkiat | Dreamstime.com

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Arizona, Back pain, contemporary romance, cowboy, full length novel series, hip pain, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, romance series, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday on Wednesday, western romance
    • Get Hooked Wednesday~ Nothing is the Same ~ #MFRWHooks

      Posted at 7:14 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 3, 2017

      Short Snippet from my new Release!

      Well, hello I haven’t done Book Hooks for a long time.

      Join me and the other authors at Marketing For Romance Writers Blog who would like to hook you on their book with only a few lines… Since I have a brand NEW RELEASE, I’m posting more than a few lines from:

       

       

      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight #4

      Lassoing the Last Dance

       

      She’s too proud to ask him to change his life for her. He’s too stubborn to let her give up.


       

      Set Up: Roxanne recently returned to Canyon Junction. She and her best friend, Nora, are having a discussion before getting out of Nora’s truck. Nora is planning a get-together. Modified from the original.

      “While you’re at it, drop the hint we don’t want Randy there.”

      “No, Roxy, you’re the one who doesn’t want Randy there. We all like him. He’s a nice guy. How soon you forget how you lost your mind the day you met him.”

      It was true, and she’d lose her senses upon seeing him again if she allowed it. His longer ebony hair, those damn eyes. Roxanne chuckled to herself. Upon meeting him, she had visualized his eyes as blue, but they couldn’t be further from blue. How did she make such a mistake—missing those sexy brown, long-lashed orbs? She had been blinded to his handsome face, that’s how. “I admit he’s a nice guy. I never said he wasn’t. You aren’t making it any easier.”

      “I don’t intend to, either. I saw the way you two were with each other, and how content you looked around him.”

      “The past.” Roxanne held Nora’s sleeve, and her eyes misted. “I mean it. The past. Nothing is the same. Please let it go. I’m destined to be alone now.”

      End

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance

      About

      Savvy horse trainer Randy Drake never loved a woman like he loved Roxanne, but after more than a year of a long-distance relationship, she cut off communication without explanation and broke his heart. Now she’s moved back to Canyon Junction without telling him, proof she’s not interested. But his stubborn heart can’t seem to let go.

      Professional dancer Roxanne Connor has a good reason for not letting Randy know she’s back. An accident nearly destroyed her, and she’s not the same person Randy knew. Avoiding him, she chooses to live in a self-appointed exile, if she can ignore the craving for his touch and the memory of his kisses.

      But secrets in a small town are never truly safe. When Randy learns the reason Roxanne cold-shouldered him, he’s willing to give their love another try, but someone else is determined to keep them apart. Will their rekindled love be strong enough to withstand the obstacles mounting against them, or will the embers that glowed in their past grow cold under the pressure?

      UNIVERSAL Buy Link: books2read.com/u/4N1BlY


      First Amazon Customer Review:

      5.0 out of 5 starsLoved it!!

      By Amazon Customer on May 2, 2017
      Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
      Love this book and all the ones before it!!! Can’t wait for more from you Mary!!!

      Thanks for visiting today. Enjoy your week!

      Remember this is a blog hop so please pop over to the Marketing for Romance Writers blog to read more.

      1.
      Daryl Devore
      2.
      Get Hooked Wednesday~ Nothing is the Same
      3.
      Rebecca’s Lair
      4.
      Iris Blobel
      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, excerpt, Full Length Novel, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, New Release, romance series, Snippet, western romance
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